A New Species Of Spider Discovered In Angola

 

New species of arachnids are being discovered. The most recent addition known to scientists comes from Angola. The new  spider's habitat is located on the Lisima Plateau. The area is remote and could contain more unknown organism to zoology. The new arachnid has been called the crowned crab spider. An official scientific name has not be given to the organism.  The spider glows blue under ultraviolet light, but the reason is unknown. The adaptation could either be some type of defense mechanism or means of navigating dark areas. During this wildlife survey, more insects were found as well. Some of these insects could be the sustenance arachnids consume. The challenge of detecting new animals relates to geography and environment. Reaching certain areas can be difficult for wildlife expeditions. More interest has been generated in protecting the Lisima Plateau. The ecological diversity of Angola means that it can sustain various wildlife. Documenting  the organisms would be beneficial to biological knowledge. The Wilderness Project was involved in this expedition not just for taxonomy of new animals, but for the preservation of their habitats. The crown crab spider most likely is unique among other arachnids.   

Ebola Detected In The DRC and Uganda

 

Ebola has been detected in both the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Uganda. According to some sources 40 people have died since the new outbreak. The governments of both countries are working with a number of international aid organizations to contain the transmission. The challenge relates to security and maintaining a functional healthcare system. The DRC is fighting  the M23 rebels, which diverts resources for public health. The strain that has been detected is known as Bundibugyo virus. Doctors Without Borders is active in the DRC and has expressed difficulty with contact tracing. Uganda appears to be handling the outbreak better at the moment. The reason could relate to its internal stability. What makes the public, world leaders, and medical professionals nervous is the possibility of another pandemic. Memories of the COVID-19 pandemic remain in the public's mind. The difference now is that the emergency  response was faster. The Democratic Republic of the Congo has been through 17 outbreaks. Despite that number, each time the DRC has defeated each Ebola outbreak. The DRC was able to contain epidemics from becoming an international health crisis. The 2026 reveals the need of African nations to cooperate across the continent for public health protection. Discovering the origin of new strains can also help with the development of effective vaccines and treatments.    

The Discovery of A New Species of Spinosaurus

 

The Spinosaurus mirabilis is the newest dinosaur to be added to the growing fossil record. More is going to uncovered with advances in paleontology. The Spinosaurus mirabilis differs from other species with what appears to be a horn shaped bone  on its cranium. There is not enough information to state the anatomical purpose. Scientists have known about Spinosaurus' since 1915. The year 2026 was a significant development in the study of these extinct organisms. Questions remain about their behavior and what type of predators they were. Either they swam to acquire pay or stalked their food on shore. New species give insight into the evolution of dinosaurs. The bone on the head was either for fighting or a sexual signal. The bone is to small to be effective for fights. If this was a sexual symbol then this indicates sexual dimorphism in the species. Either it was a male or female trait. This is speculative seeing as it is not possible to do natural observation of extinct animals. The bones of Spinosaurus mirabilis were excavated in Niger. More fossils of dinosaurs could be in the Sahara Desert. What scientists know about dinosaurs is constantly changing. When more fossils are discovered a number of texts are going to be revised to include new information. Spinosaurus mirabilis was a formidable predator, which means it could have been attacking larger animals for food.   

Remembering Jane Goodall (1934-2025)

 

Jane Goodall was a pioneer in the fields of primatology. Here decades long career was spent studying chimpanzees. The study of primates allows for a greater understanding of anthropology. Chimpanzees have an intricate system of social behavior. Jane Goodall was able to direct observation of these primates in Gombe National Park. Jane Goodall first when to the park to do research in 1960. What she observed were animals that were capable of various emotions, but were also intelligent. Goodall thought that chimpanzees generally were peaceful. Although she did note troops would engage in violence. Chimpanzees also are capable of tool making. Chimpanzees Jane Goodall observed were also omnivores. They will eat a combination of insects and fruit. During the late 20th century, Goodall became more concerned about the environment and the protection of animal life. She became active in conservation and warned about the dangers of climate change. Chimpanzees are under threat from deforestation, poaching, and human inflicted damage to the environment. Conservation is needed to not only protect wildlife, but to ensure Earth's survival. Jane Goodall's research and activism provides a blueprint for zoological study and preserving species who are at risk for extinction.   

Tortoises Have Long Term Emotions

 

The University of Lincoln conducted a study on red-footed tortoises. Based on what was observed, tortoises can have long term emotions similar to mammals and birds. This is the latest step in understanding reptile behavior. The study used only 15 red-footed tortoises. These animals can be found in South America. Red-footed tortoises can also be found in Trinidad and Barbados.  Little information exists about the emotions  of other species of tortoises. What was used for the experiment was a cognitive bias test. When placed in enriched environments, the animals showed signs of positive emotion. When placed in unfamiliar environments, the red-footed tortoises appeared to develop anxiety. Beyond being data for zoologists, the findings can have applications elsewhere. Zoos can use it to make better environments for the tortoises they have. Seeing as tortoises are popular pets, owners can make better choices for creating habitats. Keeping certain species of tortoises in captivity can be a challenge. Diseases and habitats that do not meet their needs are concerns. This also opens more questions about the biology of tortoises. If they are capable of emotion, their cognition is probably more advanced than previously thought. Then a consideration must be made for the evolutionary circumstances for long term emotions. Conservation efforts are underway for vulnerable populations of tortoise species. Learning more about proper approaches to well being for the animals can prevent extinction. 

Psychologist Philip Zimbardo' s Perspective on Pornography (2019)

 

Philip Zimbardo (1933-2024) had a long career as a psychologist and educator. He was known for the Stanford prison experiment and being the author of various psychology textbooks for students. Some of his assertions could be debated.  Zimbardo appeared in a video in 2019 claiming pornography is a harmful influence. Philip Zimbardo stated that men are giving up on life and are retreating to a world of virtual reality. His concern is that pornography is warping the minds of men. Pornography has existed since ancient history and this argument is just as old. Normally, it would either be a religious fundamentalist or radical feminist that would be talking about the alleged danger of pornography. Zimbardo claims that pornography consumption makes physical intimacy less satisfying. Zimbardo never cites studies that support the claim men would be sexual failures if they watch pornography. Zimbardo never even questions why some men prefer a virtual world. It is harder for men to have sexual encounters. Establishing relationships has become more difficult. Women reject more men in comparison. If men are not having their sexual needs met then they look elsewhere. Philip Zimbardo also makes the error that sexual intercourse equates to love. Two people can copulate without loving one another.. Philip Zimbardo does not even consider people of different sexual orientations. Philip Zimbardo appears to be blaming pornography for challenges facing young men. Isolation and economic difficulties are making it harder for men to have interpersonal relationships. 

Richard Dawkins Answers A Question About Atheism At Randolph-Macon Women's College (2006)

 

Richard Dawkins presented a lecture on his book  The God Delusion  at Randolph-Macon Women's College. Dawkins is a major figure in evolutionary biology. His studies in zoology made him conclude that God cannot exist. The lecture afterwards had students come and ask questions. One student asked if Richard Dawkins could be wrong. Dawkins responds that your religious beliefs depend on the culture in which you were born. If a person was born in Europe, they most likely would be Christian. If a person was born in West Asia they would probably be Muslim. A combination of history, sociology, and culture explain these convictions. The theory of evolution is working off a fossil record. Religion operates on a person's faith. Religion does not require a system of verification. The scientific method has to be used to discover facts. God as theist state exists, but do not provide evidence. Science has to provide data, observations, and experiments that have to be replicated. Faith is not evidence of the existence of a God. When debating this topic, it favors evolutionary biology. God does not explain why there are so many life forms or why certain organisms go extinct. A God cannot be detected. Genetics, paleontology, and biological research demonstrate evolution explains life on Earth.   

The Appearance of MonkeyPox Virus

 

The World Health Organization has declared MPV a public health concern. This might be an overreaction considering COVID-19 has the ability to be more lethal. The pandemic has not ended and energy should be concentrated on that outbreak. MPV's fatality risk is estimated to about 3 % to 6%. The disease does not have the same potential for a massive public health crisis. The virus is classified as an orthopoxvirus genus and part of the poxviridae family. At the moment there are over 16, 500 cases reported from a total of 74 countries. The virus has a similarity to smallpox, but the degree of severity is lower. The  number of cases is lower than that of COVID-19 so declaring a public health emergency of international concern could be premature. The reasoning is to have proper precaution. However, this can only induce international panic among the world population . The virus can spread through body fluids, contaminated  items, or be respiratory based. The symptoms of the disease include lesions, headaches, fever,  swelling of the lymph nodes, muscle pain, sore throat, and coughing. Seeing as it is infectious enclosed spaces make it easier  to spread. It has been reported a significant number of cases have been reported in gay men who are very sexually active. The fear is that this will be similar to the failed public health response to AIDS. The origin of these outbreaks remains a mystery. The accidental release from gain of function research has been suggested. Other theories is that animals carrying multiple viruses came into contact too much contact with humans. The World Health Organization still has not confirmed origins of the MPV outbreak. 

Research Suggests Humans Could Live Up To 150 Years

 

The journal Nature Communications made the suggestion that human life span can go up to 150 years. This was determined by the number of step counts and examination of blood cells. What was seen is that blood cells gradually lose the ability to return to a stable condition. There might be a pace of aging and as people age the ability to recover from certain diseases or other events become more complicated. Overtime the body loses biological resilience.  The study however, should be subject to the scientific method. The question remains why has no one reached 150 so far. There are other organisms that outlive humans. Bowhead whales and Greenland sharks can live over 200 years. The oldest person documented is Kane Tanaka. She is currently 119 years old. Jeanne Calment  was 122 when she died in 1997. This would suggest that 150 years would not be attainable by natural means . There is a limitation to human life span. If it were to go any further, some form of life extension technology would have to be utilized.  Those who do live long are of interest to health science and gerontology . Certain habits, environments, and genetics could all be factors in longevity. The study analyzed blood cell counts and number of steps by the samples compiled by age groups. It did not take into account factors such as diet  or if  exercise was part of their daily routine. What can be said with certainty is that cell physiology might have a link to aging and life span. 

New Viruses Found In 15,000 Year Old Tibetan Glacier Ice

 

Viruses can survive in cold weather. Researchers and virologists discovered new viruses previously unknown in a Tibetan glacier ice . The samples were obtained from the Guliya Ice Cap. The discovery could explain the evolution of viruses. The ice is 15,000 years old, which provides a long history of biological information. Genetic codes were uncovered for 33 viruses. Only four were identified  and twenty eight were novel or unknown. Viruses appear to like cold environments according to the data collected. The origin of viruses might have been from plants and the soil not animals or humans. Scientists  used an ultra-clean method ( clean surface decontamination procedure)  to avoid contamination or being infected . The concern is what happens when global temperatures increase. Heat will cause glaciers to melt and could enable viruses to be exposed. A growing concern is over gain of function research and the hazards of manipulating viruses. Microbes have the ability to thrive in extreme environments. The ice samples provide details of the function of viruses over time. What is now confirmed is that climate can impact microbes as well. 

Locusts Populations Increase in East Africa and Asia

The dramatic rise in locusts populations has occurred in East Africa. Kenya, Somalia, and Ethiopia are experiencing a threat to the production of crops. Swarms have been detected in Pakistan and India. The growing concern is food security. Locusts are consuming and living on crops that feed numerous nations. Somalia in particular has been known to have limited food security. The potential human toll could be catastrophic, if not adequately addressed. Famine could happen in multiple countries at once. This also could cause economic damage in countries that are dependent on commercial agriculture. Framers risk having their businesses fail from the sudden increase in locusts. There could be an ecological shift occurring in the world. It could be the result in the change in climate or insect behavioral response. Asian hornets have been spotted in the US, which is suspicious . This is the first time such an insect has been detected in the country suggesting a change in migration pattern. Locusts could be following a new migration pattern in response to environmental changes. The locusts swarms in East Africa and Asia were not sudden. For months it was a gradual build up and became to large to ignore. African and Asian nations must assist one another to ensure protection of agriculture and food security.   

The Spread of Coronavirus

What started in China gradually is becoming a global outbreak of coronavirus. This virus has different types known as 229E, NL63, OC43, and HKU1. This is a new type of coronavirus.  The spread of the disease has become so dire that China has effectively done quarantines. Cases of infection have reached Australia, Europe, and the United States. The virus was first detected in Wuhan. France, Thailand, Japan, Nepal, Singapore, and Vietnam have also reported cases of  coronavirus. China may not be able to cope with such a large amount of sick people. Hospitals may get overcrowded and medical supplies drastically reduced. This sudden outbreak may reach the levels of the 2014 ebola virus outbreak. The fears of global pandemics are constant. Seeing as the virus can be carried through air borne  transmission China is rethinking its large public festivities. Africa and the Middle East have not seen cases of coronavirus so far. The only way to combat the spread of deadly diseases is to increase the level of healthcare around the world. If not the spread of an viral disease could be similar to the influenza pandemic of 1918. It is uncertain the total amount of  deaths caused by the outbreak. 

Ichthyostega

Ichthyostega was an early tetrapod that existed during the late Devonian. This was the first Devonian tetrapod to be discovered and added to the fossil record. This strange creature has been somewhat of a mystery. The examination of the remains show that it was able to hear better under water rather than land. The ear region seems to point to this claim, which may indicate ichthyostega spent most of its time in water. The vertebral column shows that it was capable of terrestrial locomotion. The evidence for land presence can also be seen in ribs, broad shoulders, and forearms. The hind limbs of this tetrapod were paddlelike in structure. The ichthyostega roamed the Earth 370 million years ago and fossils of this organism have only been found in eastern Greenland. Some paleontologists believe that ichthyostegids  could have been around  to the Carboniferous Period. Ichthyostega was only one meter long. The physical attributes of this Devonian organism contained traits from earlier aquatic vertebrates. It contained both a short snout and a preopercular bone, which can be found in fish. The preoperculer bone serves as a covering for the gills of fish. From this, it can deduced that Ichthyostega  had no trouble being in the water for long periods of time. 

It is believed that ichthyostega did not posses gills. If that is so another question emerges about this organism. There is debate to whether icthyostega was a land hunter or caught prey in water. There is a possibility that it could have done both. Hunting both on land and water would give it an advantage in terms of survival. The mixture of fish like and amphibian attributes makes ichthyostega one of the most fascinating animals of the Devonian. Scientists have attempted to seeing through computer models the transition from swimming to walking through computer modeling. Ichthyostega may not have walked like a salamander as previously thought. The quadrupedal concept for this type of tetrapod  according to scientists at the University of Cambridge, London University, and the Royal Veterinary College . This demonstrates there is still much to be learned about the transition from land to water. 

Further Reading 

The Editors of Encyclopædia Britannica. "Ichthyostega." Encyclopædia Britannica. Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc., 27 July 2006. Web. 01 Apr. 2017. <https://www.britannica.com/animal/Ichthyostega>.

Briggs, Helen. "Ancient Walking Mystery Deepens." BBC News. BBC, 23 May 2012. Web. 01 Apr. 2017. <http://www.bbc.com/news/science-environment-18177493>.

Richard Dawkins Conversation with Neil deGrasse Tyson at Hayden Planetarium

Neil deGrasse Tyson interviews Richard Dawkins in this video filmed in 2015. It is the first time Dawkins has visited Tyson in his office. The interview explores the ideas of science and discusses the nature of biology and astronomy. Tyson comes to the conclusion that the human brain is not wired for logic. This may explain why some have struggle with mathematics. It requires a methodology and reasoning. The problem with a lack of logic is that society may not know basic science. This becomes a problem when it enters an academic milieu. Intelligent design or denial of climate change are problems facing academic and educational areas. Beliefs are different from facts. Facts can be proven through research. Beliefs are the product of human thought alone. Homeopathy and astrology are subjects that lack factual basis. However, there are many followers. While there is limited evidence that these subjects, why is it so hard for people to believe in biological evolution? People still have the need to have a sense of wonder and mystery. The religious claim that seeing as we do not understand the totality of existence that is therefore proof of a higher power. This is not evidence, but just not wanting to know. Science does not destroy the mystery and marvel of the universe, it enhances it. Science communication is more important than ever. People must be knowledgeable about this subject to function in a modern society. Religion can have a place in society as long as it does not try to wage war on logic and facts. This is the problem today; science attempting to keep religious  fundamentalism out of academic settings.