Ten new amphibian species discovered in Colombia
Bogot, Colombia, February 2, 2009 -- Scientists today announced the discovery of 10 amphibians believed to be new to science, including a spiky-skinned, orange-legged rain frog, three poison dart frogs and three glass frogs, so called because their transparent skin can reveal internal organs. ...Golf Courses Could Serve as Wildlife Sanctuaries If Managed Properly
...ional, outlined recommendations that would improve golf course habitats for amphibian populations in a paper published in USGA Turfgrass and Environmental Resear...ely drying golf course ponds in the late summer or early fall would benefit amphibian populations and biodiversity. "It's a hard concept for people to u...Brain Tumor Drug in Frogs A New Report
...the cell where the RNA is needed for essential functions, ribonucleases are prevented from working by inhibitor molecules. But because Amphinase is an amphibian ribonuclease, it can evade the mammalian inhibitor molecules to attack the cancer cells. As a treatment, it is most likely to be injected into...Link between Fish and Mammal Immune Systems Revealed by Killer B cells
...gocytic cells only make up a small portion of the total number of immune cells in mammals. Further research also showed that a significant portion of amphibian B cells retained their digestive traits. "The immune systems of amphibians and fish are far less advanced than ours," Sunyer said. "When you onl...Frog Secretions Could Be Used To Ward Off Mosquitoes
... mosquitoes and is responsible for one million deaths a year. But they said: "The discovery highlights the potential of the unsung properties of amphibian skin." The research team also found two other Australian species - the desert tree frog and Mjoberg's Toadlet - released mosquito repellent odou...Spring fishing season arrives... and with it, amphibian diseases
Waterdogs, they're called, these larvae of tiger salamanders used as live bait for freshwater fishing. With tiger salamander larvae, anglers hope to catch largemouth bass, channel catfish and other freshwater fishes. They may be in for more than they bargained for: salamanders in bait shops ...10 new amphibian species discovered in Colombia
Bogot, Colombia, February 2, 2009 -- Scientists today announced the discovery of 10 amphibians believed to be new to science, including a spiky-skinned, orange-legged rain frog, three poison dart frogs and three glass frogs, so called because their transparent skin can reveal internal organs. ...Global warming link to amphibian declines in doubt
Evidence that global warming is causing the worldwide declines of amphibians may not be as conclusive as previously thought, according to biologists. The findings, which contradict two widely held views, could help reveal what is killing the frogs and toads and aid in their conservation. "We ar...Study rules out inbreeding as cause of amphibian deformities
WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. Although research has linked inbreeding with elevated rates of deformity in a wide variety of animals, a new study finds it plays no part in the high incidence of malformation among salamanders. Purdue University researchers recently examined 2,000 adult and juvenile salam...Early exposure to common weed killer impairs amphibian development
MEDFORD/SOMERVILLE, Mass. - Tadpoles develop deformed hearts and impaired kidneys and digestive systems when exposed to the widely used herbicide atrazine in their early stages of life, according to research by Tufts University biologists. The results present a more comprehensive picture of how...Parasites might spur evolution of strange amphibian breeding habits
Athens, Ga. Parasites can decimate amphibian populations, but one University of Georgia researcher believes they might also play a role in spurring the evolution of new and sometimes bizarre breeding strategies. Brian Todd, a researcher at the UGA Odum School of Ecology Savannah River Ecology ...Race to halt global amphibian crisis boosted by rediscovery of endangered Colombian frogs
The rediscovery of two frog species feared extinct has made a new Colombian protected area the focal point for efforts to save amphibians from a deadly fungus decimating their populations in Central and South America. Scientists recently found the two Critically Endangered frogs ?the Santa Marta ...Major initiative proposed to address amphibian crisis
Fifty of the leading amphibian researchers in the world have called for a new Amphibian Survival Alliance, a $400 million initiative to help reduce and prevent amphibian declines and extinctions, an ecological crisis of growing proportion that is continuing to get worse. In a policy statement to be...Climate change drives widespread amphibian extinctions
Results of a new study provide the first clear proof that global warming is causing outbreaks of an infectious disease that is wiping out entire frog populations and driving many species to extinction. Published in the Jan. 12 issue of the journal Nature, the study reveals how the warming may alt...New amphibian species result from exploration, not from rule changes
Researchers have discovered amphibian species at an accelerating rate in recent decades, with over 1,000 new ones recognized between 1992 and 2003. At the same time, amphibians are, for reasons not entirely clear, declining more rapidly than either mammals or birds, underscoring the importance of a...