Are Muddy Shoes Killing Frogs?
US – The old eco-cavet, “Take only photos and leave only footprints,” may have to be revised. On February 17, Arizona State University Biologist Elizabeth Davidson warned the American Association for the Advancement of Science that nature-lovers and well-meaning scientists have been carrying deadly pathogens into pristine environments – in the mud caked on their boots and shoes. Viruses and fungi in boot mud may be playing a part in the global decline of frogs, salamanders and other amphibians. The solution: Before trekking in the wild, wash you shoes in a 10 percent solution of household bleach. Frankenfish and the “Trojan Gene” US – Genetically engineered (GE) salmon fitted with the human growth hormone grow faster, become larger, reach sexual maturity faster and lay more eggs. Because of their bigger size, the New Scientist reports, these genetic mutants “attract four times as many mates as their smaller rivals.” But there is a chilling problem. Two Purdue University scientists, Wil
