After more than two decades, the cause of mass eagle deaths in the southeastern U.S. during the '90s was cracked last year. ScienceMagArchives
and shows that it harms not just birds, but fish and invertebrates, too."This research is a very, very impressive piece of scientific detective work," says microbiologist Susanna Wood of the Cawthron Institute. An unusual feature of the toxic molecule is the presence of bromine, which is scarce in lakes and rarely found in cyanobacteria. One possible explanation: the cyanobacteria produce the toxin from a bromide-containing herbicide that lake managers use to control the weed.
Wildlife biologists with U.S. Geological Survey and local institutions first detected the eagles' brain disease, now called vacuolar myelinopathy, at DeGray Lake in Arkansas in late 1994. They soon learned that coots and owls at the lake were dying with similar brain lesions. The researchers ruled out industrial pollutants and infectious disease, and they couldn't find any algal toxins in the water. Then funding ran out, and the scientists turned to other projects.
Niedermeyer's lab discovered the neurotoxin was fat-soluble, which is unusual for cyanobacterial toxins and suggests it can accumulate in tissues. Fish and birds are exposed when they eat hydrilla coated with the new species of cyanobacteria, and then the toxin may move through the food web as eagles and owls consume afflicted prey.
South Africa Latest News, South Africa Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
The Dream of the '90s Is Alive in Sun-Dried TomatoesRoll your eyes all you you want, but like clunky-soled boots, Christian Slater films, and ripped fishnets, these 'maters transcend the haters.
Read more »
Matthew Lawrence Attends 90s Con Without Wedding Ring After Cheryl Burke SplitBring on the nostalgia! Matthew Lawrence opened up about his BoyMeetsWorld and MrsDoubtfire filming experience at 90sCon amid his divorce from DWTS’ Cheryl Burke.
Read more »
Great Outfits in Fashion History: Pamela Anderson in a '90s Graphic Baby Tee and Mini SkirtPosing on a motorcycle, naturally:
Read more »
How to Recreate Kristen Stewart's '90s Runway-Inspired Hairstyle From the Critics Choice AwardsIris Goldsztajn is a London-based journalist, editor and author. She is the morning editor at Marie Claire, and her work has appeared in the likes of InStyle, Cosmopolitan, Bustle and Shape. Iris writes about everything from celebrity news and relationship advice to the pitfalls of diet culture and the joys of exercise. She has many opinions on Harry Styles, and can typically be found eating her body weight in cheap chocolate.
Read more »