Health & Science

Monday, September 16th 2013 - 22:02 UTC
Vigo starts bio-bank to store commercial fisheries marine parasite samples

The Marine Research Institute from Vigo, Spain has launched the first world bio-bank which collects, stores and will distribute samples of marine parasites and associated bio-molecules such as the anisakis, in the framework of the EU ‘Parasite’ project to assess their sanitary and commercial impact on the food chain and validation of tools to mitigate effects.
Monday, September 16th 2013 - 21:57 UTC
Spanish scientists discover new marine worm that feeds on whale bones

Spanish scientists from the University of Barcelona and the Oceanographic Institute have discovered in Antarctica a new species of worm, a marine invertebrate which feeds on whale bones. The discovery is in the framework of the Actiquim-II project and the new species was baptized “Osedax deceptionensis”.
Monday, September 9th 2013 - 01:54 UTC
Argentine border guards rescue Uruguayan lost during four months in the Andes

Authorities in Argentina say a 58-year-old man from Uruguay has been rescued in good health after spending four months lost in the Andes.The provincial emergency service says Raul Fernando Gomez was found Sunday. It says he had lost about 45 pounds and was dehydrated, and is being treated at a hospital.
Saturday, August 31st 2013 - 18:54 UTC
Major change in US drugs policy: allows recreational cannabis on a ‘trust but verify’ approach

President Barack Obama's administration ceded ground last week in the US war on drugs, saying it will not dispute the legalization of recreational marijuana in Colorado and Washington states. The decision was swiftly hailed by campaigners for the legalization of a substance that, under federal law, remains a Schedule One controlled substance on a par with heroin.
Thursday, August 29th 2013 - 02:13 UTC
Australia calls on sheep farmers to test rams for ovine brucellosis

Australia Livestock Health and Pest Authorities (LHPA) are encouraging all sheep producers to test their rams for ovine brucellosis, following recent positive tests that the disease might be spreading throughout the country.
Thursday, August 29th 2013 - 02:06 UTC
USDA confirms an outbreak of PEDV in the United States for the first time

The US Department of Agriculture has confirmed that porcine epidemic diarrhoea virus (PEDV) has been identified in the United States for the first time through testing at the National Veterinary Services Laboratory.
Wednesday, August 28th 2013 - 00:18 UTC
Cuba reports cholera outbreak with 163 cases, mostly in Havana

Cuba has reported a new cholera outbreak with 163 cases, 12 of whom are tourists, though no deaths were mentioned, according to a bulletin from the Pan American Health Organization, PAHO. The update from 23 August is based on information provided by epidemiological authorities on the island.
Monday, August 26th 2013 - 08:25 UTC
Rising sea temperature will reduce krill growth habitat in Antarctica

Antarctic krill are usually less than 6 cm in length, but their size belies the major role they play in sustaining much of the life in the Southern Ocean. They are the primary food source for many species of whales, seals, penguins and fish.
Thursday, August 22nd 2013 - 23:22 UTC
Leaker Manning reveals he is a female and should be addressed as Chelsea

Bradley Manning, sentenced to 35 years in military prison for the biggest breach of classified US documents in US history, said in a statement he is female and wants to live as a woman named Chelsea.
Thursday, August 22nd 2013 - 23:18 UTC
Brazil confirms contract of 4.000 Cuban doctors to work where local professionals don’t want to go

Brazil's foreign minister on Thursday denied that the government's plan to hire 4,000 Cuban doctors to work in isolated areas has any “ideological aspect.” The decision “was taken to improve public services and has no ideological motivation of any kind,” Antonio Patriota told a congressional committee.