Reptile

It’s hard to find fossil skin, but a rare discovery reveals clues about the evolution from water to land

Retrieved on: 
Martedì, Maggio 28, 2024

Fossilized skin and other soft tissues are exceedingly rare, and it is only under special conditions that these rarest of fossils are preserved.

Key Points: 
  • Fossilized skin and other soft tissues are exceedingly rare, and it is only under special conditions that these rarest of fossils are preserved.
  • Most skin is preserved as impressions in the rock, but under rare conditions and incalculable odds, a 3D fossil of the actual skin can form.

Fossilized skin

  • The fossilized skin is so well preserved that its internal structures can be identified and is the oldest such fossil currently known.
  • These early amniotes saw many evolutionary innovations that allowed them to adapt to the challenges of a fully terrestrial lifestyle, including several modifications to the epidermis, the outermost layer of skin.

Skin for living on land

  • One of the biggest hurdles to living on land is water retention.
  • The first tetrapods to lead largely terrestrial lives were amphibians whose skin was prone to drying out.
  • As such, they remained bound to an aquatic environment and lived a semi-aquatic lifestyle for at least part of their lives.
  • It was not until the evolution of reptiles, with their skin especially suited for water retention, that these pioneers were able to adopt fully terrestrial lifestyles.

A perfect cave system

  • These exceptional fossils were discovered in a cave system near Richards Spur, Oklahoma.
  • This cave system consists of expansive karst networks, which often appear as vertical fissures carved into surrounding limestone by water.
  • Cave conditions are known to promote preservation of animal remains through desiccation, permeation by mineral rich ground water and burial by fine sediments.

PodcastOne (Nasdaq: PODC) Launches "We (Almost) Made It with Bryan Greenberg and Victor Rasuk," HBO's "How to Make It in America" Duo

Retrieved on: 
Giovedì, Maggio 16, 2024

LOS ANGELES, May 16, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- PodcastOne (NASDAQ: PODC), a leading podcast platform and a subsidiary of LiveOne (NASDAQ: LVO), announced today its newest podcast, We (Almost) Made It with Bryan Greenberg and Victor Rasuk, which is set for a May 16, 2024 debut. PodcastOne will oversee the exclusive distribution, sales rights and production of the weekly TV & Film podcast, which aims to cover the scope of hard work and hustle, areas more than familiar to the two hosts.

Key Points: 
  • Whether it be in film, TV, music, pop culture, fashion, sports, entrepreneurial spirit, night life, or comedy, the hosting duo will talk about it.
  • “Bryan and Victor are the embodiment of making it happen.
  • We’re thrilled to have them on our network,” said Kit Gray, President and Co-Founder of PodcastOne.
  • We (Almost) Made It is available through PodcastOne , Apple Podcasts, Spotify, iHeart, Amazon and wherever podcasts are heard.

Embracing Diversity: Wildlife Madagascar Celebrates the Inaugural International Chameleon Day to Protect Nature's Masters of Disguise

Retrieved on: 
Venerdì, Maggio 10, 2024

Wildlife Madagascar proudly announces the inaugural International Chameleon Day, to be celebrated annually on May 9th.

Key Points: 
  • Wildlife Madagascar proudly announces the inaugural International Chameleon Day, to be celebrated annually on May 9th.
  • International Chameleon Day is a global initiative aimed at honoring and raising awareness about one of the planet's most unique and captivating reptiles—the chameleon.
  • “We are thrilled to launch International Chameleon Day as a platform to raise awareness about the conservation challenges facing chameleons,” said Tojo “Lytah” Razafimahefa, Country Director of Wildlife Madagascar.
  • Wildlife Madagascar encourages everyone to join in on International Chameleon Day and be a champion for reptile conservation worldwide.

Colossal Biosciences’ Thylacine Gene-Editing Technologies Provide Hope for Australia’s Endangered Northern Quoll

Retrieved on: 
Mercoledì, Maggio 8, 2024

Since the introduction of invasive cane toads (Rhinella marina) in Queensland in the 1930s, the northern quolls have seen their populations plummet by 75% .

Key Points: 
  • Since the introduction of invasive cane toads (Rhinella marina) in Queensland in the 1930s, the northern quolls have seen their populations plummet by 75% .
  • Cane toads have now become an attractive food source for the northern quoll, which is especially vulnerable to the toad’s neurotoxins.
  • “It’s thrilling to see our de-extinction work for the Thylacine providing technology solutions for living endangered marsupials,” said Sara Ord, Director of Species Restoration at Colossal.
  • Colossal creates innovative technologies for species restoration, critically endangered species protection and the repopulation of critical ecosystems that support the continuation of life on Earth.

Global Pet Accessories Market Forecast 2024-2030, by Product (Bowls, Clothing, Collars, Harnesses & Leashes), Pet Type (Cat, Dog, Horse) and Distribution Channel - ResearchAndMarkets.com

Retrieved on: 
Giovedì, Aprile 25, 2024

The "Global Pet Accessories Market by Product (Bowls, Clothing, Collars, Harnesses & Leashes), Pet Type (Cat, Dog, Horse), Distribution Channel - Forecast 2024-2030" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering.

Key Points: 
  • The "Global Pet Accessories Market by Product (Bowls, Clothing, Collars, Harnesses & Leashes), Pet Type (Cat, Dog, Horse), Distribution Channel - Forecast 2024-2030" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering.
  • Factors such as increased pet ownership and growing awareness of pet health and wellness contribute to the growth of the pet accessories market.
  • Furthermore, social trends, such as showcasing pet companions on social media, also drive demand for fashionable and unique pet accessories.
  • This research report categorizes the Pet Accessories Market to forecast the revenues and analyze trends in each of the following sub-markets:

Gone in a puff of smoke: 52,000 sq km of ‘long unburnt’ Australian habitat has vanished in 40 years

Retrieved on: 
Martedì, Aprile 23, 2024

The pattern of fire most commonly experienced within an ecosystem is known as the fire regime.

Key Points: 
  • The pattern of fire most commonly experienced within an ecosystem is known as the fire regime.
  • We wanted to find out how Australian fire regimes are changing and what this means for biodiversity.
  • Read more:
    Research reveals fire is pushing 88% of Australia's threatened land mammals closer to extinction

Uncovering long-term changes

  • However, evidence of how fire regimes are shifting within both threatened species’ ranges and protected areas is scarce, particularly at the national scale and over long periods.
  • To address this gap, we compiled maps of bushfires and prescribed burns in southern Australia from 1980 to 2021.

More fire putting wildlife at risk

  • Meanwhile, areas of recently burnt vegetation (5 years or less since the most recent fire) are growing.
  • On average, the percentage of long unburnt vegetation within reserves declined from 61% to 36% over the four decades we studied.
  • Going from about 42,000 sq km to about 64,000 sq km in total, which is an increase of 22,000 square kilometres.

Which areas have seen the biggest changes?

  • This pattern was most prominent in southeastern Australia, including the Kosciuszko and Alpine national parks.
  • Feral horses are finishing the job

    In these locations, dry years with low rainfall can make abundant vegetation more flammable.

  • These conditions contribute to high fire risk across very large areas, as observed in the 2019–20 fire season.

What does this mean for Australia’s wildlife?

  • Indigenous land management, including cultural burning, is one approach that holds promise in reducing the incidence of large fires while providing fire for those species that need it.
  • We can also help wildlife become more resilient to shifting fire regimes by reducing other pressures such as invasive predators.
  • Our findings underscore the increased need for management strategies that conserve threatened species in an increasingly fiery future.
  • William Geary is affiliated with the Victorian Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action.
  • Dale Nimmo receives funding from the Australian Research Council, the Department of Biodiversity Conservation and Attractions, and the Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action.

Could python farming offer hope for global food security impacted by climate change?

Retrieved on: 
Giovedì, Marzo 14, 2024

CAIRNS, Australia, March 14, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- New research suggests farming pythons could offer a viable alternative to conventional livestock in parts of the world where the challenges of the climate crisis, pandemics, and degradation of agricultural land are undermining global food production.

Key Points: 
  • CAIRNS, Australia, March 14, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- New research suggests farming pythons could offer a viable alternative to conventional livestock in parts of the world where the challenges of the climate crisis, pandemics, and degradation of agricultural land are undermining global food production.
  • Dr Natusch is the Chair of the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Snake Specialist Group, comprising the world’s foremost snake experts.
  • “Global food security is predicted to worsen with climate change, and the agricultural sector will also suffer increasing compound effects from infectious diseases and diminishing natural resources,” Dr Natusch said.
  • Video Interview with Dr Dan Natusch: https://we.tl/t-38IfrKHo1T
    Video Interview with Dr Pat Aust: https://we.tl/t-3ijoXec6a5
    Video Footage of python farms: https://we.tl/t-NMuLR0HnOT
    For more information or to schedule interviews with Dr Daniel Natusch please contact:

Pet Insurance Market Size, Share & Trends Analysis Report 2024 - Global Forecasts to 2030 - ResearchAndMarkets.com

Retrieved on: 
Martedì, Marzo 19, 2024

The "Pet Insurance Market Size, Share & Trends Analysis Report By Coverage Type (Accident-only, Accident & Illness), By Animal Type (Dogs, Cats), By Sales Channel (Agency, Broker, Direct), By Region, And Segment Forecasts, 2024 - 2030" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering.

Key Points: 
  • The "Pet Insurance Market Size, Share & Trends Analysis Report By Coverage Type (Accident-only, Accident & Illness), By Animal Type (Dogs, Cats), By Sales Channel (Agency, Broker, Direct), By Region, And Segment Forecasts, 2024 - 2030" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering.
  • Furthermore, pet insurance providers are offering a wider range of coverage options, including customizable plans that cater to different needs and budgets, making insurance more accessible and attractive to pet owners.
  • The National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) has developed a Pet Insurance Model Act to create regulatory guidance for states regarding pet health insurance.
  • In addition, there is a growing awareness and concern among pet owners about their pets' health, leading to an increased demand for pet insurance

Global Pet Insurance Market Trends Analysis Report 2024-2030: Rising Veterinary Care Costs Propel Growth, Direct Sales Channel Emerges as Key Driver

Retrieved on: 
Mercoledì, Marzo 20, 2024

This includes expenses, such as pet food, supplies, over-the-counter medications, veterinary care, and other services.

Key Points: 
  • This includes expenses, such as pet food, supplies, over-the-counter medications, veterinary care, and other services.
  • Furthermore, pet insurance providers are offering a wider range of coverage options, including customizable plans that cater to different needs and budgets, making insurance more accessible and attractive to pet owners.
  • The National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) has developed a Pet Insurance Model Act to create regulatory guidance for states regarding pet health insurance.
  • In addition, there is a growing awareness and concern among pet owners about their pets' health, leading to an increased demand for pet insurance

Public Health Notice: Outbreak of Salmonella infections linked to snakes and rodents

Retrieved on: 
Martedì, Marzo 19, 2024

You can get sick with Salmonella by touching reptiles and rodents, their food, and their environments and then touching your face, eyes, or mouth without washing your hands.

Key Points: 
  • You can get sick with Salmonella by touching reptiles and rodents, their food, and their environments and then touching your face, eyes, or mouth without washing your hands.
  • You can also get sick by touching contaminated surfaces or objects in a home or exhibit where snakes and feeder rodents are kept.
  • This can occur at birthday parties, school or daycare events, museums, science centres, zoos, or at a travelling reptile show.
  • To prevent the direct or indirect spread of Salmonella to others, follow the advice outlined in this section to help reduce your risk of becoming ill from contact with reptiles (including snakes), rodents, and their environments.