11 Scientists Sacked Following Mishandling of Anthrax Samples
Amid the worst US bio-safety crisis in years, federal officials have dismissed 11 eminent scientists from a panel of 23 members that advises the government on whether and how research on dangerous pathogens should be conducted.
The members were informed that their service was no longer needed through an email on Sunday night from Mary Groesch who is the executive director of the National Science Advisory Board for Bio-security (NSABB).
Out of the dismissed members, two told Reuters that the notice came without any warning. The panel is overseen by the National Institutes of Health (NIH).
Pacu Fish Found in Michigan Dangerous for Humans in Some Cases
A 14-inch tropical Pacu fish was caught in the waters of Lake St. Clair in South America by a woman while fishing. The Pacu fish is a South American relative of Piranha, which is known for biting the testicles of fishermen. The fish can grow up to 55 pounds in the wild and can also become aggressive for home aquarium. The fish had its mouth like humans and powerful jaw muscles too.
In Michigan, Holley Luft knew she had caught a big fish but was surprised when she realised that it was square and had human-like teeth.
Novel Research Explains Why Domesticated Animals have So Many Similar Traits
If you give a look at different domesticated mammal species, you would notice some similarities between them. One of the biggest noticeable similarities is their droopy ears.
Other features that domesticated animals share are smaller brains, smaller teeth, shorter curly tails and lighter coats. This phenomenon is known as 'domestication syndrome'.
Now a paper has come up with a new reason as to why so many domesticated animals share such similar traits. Adam Wilkins, from South Africa's Stellenbosch Institute of Advanced Study along with his colleagues, carried out the study.
1,001 US Cities will Experience Much Warmer Summers by 2100: New Report
Climate Central, a non-profit group, has come up with a new climate report mentioning about at what level 1,001 US cities will experience heat in summer. As per the report, the cities will have much warmer summers by 2100 provided that current emission trends continue to take place.
There are many cities that will witness rise in temperature by seven to 10 degrees. Some cities will experience a rise of 12 degree by 2100. Every 10 years, the city temperatures are increasing by 0.4 degrees Fahrenheit.
Three iconic Tillamook buses stolen overnight in California
Three iconic Tillamook Cheese microbuses, worth nearly $100,000 each, were stolen from a parking lot of California overnight, local police confirmed.
Sgt. Rob Armosino of Manteca police reported that the three bright orange-colored Volkswagen buses were stolen along with a truck and trailer from a Hampton Inn parking lot between 12:30 a. m. and 6:30 a. m.
At the time of the stealing, the completely restored microbuses were inside the trailer that was attached to a Ford F350 truck.
Maine has highest number of older prisoners
According to a new report, the state of Maine has the highest percentage of prisoners in the country at the age of 55 years or older.
The higher number of older prisoners requires the state to bear the burden of increased prison health care, the report said. It also said that the states that are aiming to expand Medicaid coverage will benefit in opportunities for savings as against those who chose not to expand the programme.
Bangor teenager leads in Maine Amateur Golf Championship
A 16 year old golfer from Bangor is leading on the opening day of the ongoing Maine Amateur golf championship in Goliath Woodlands Club.
Drew Powell from Bangor is sharing the lead with 20 year old Joe Walp from Portland as both shot 2-under 70 on the opening day of the 95th Maine Amateur tournament. Portland's Matt Greenleaf is on the third position with 1-under 71. Joe Baker of Norway, Andrew Slattery of West Minot and Keith Patterson II of Saco are tied at 72. Defending champion Ricky Jones and past winner Eric Crouse each crafted a 75.
Somali residents concerned over sending money home
Experts have said that the Somali residents in Maine are concerned over sending money back home to support family as the banks that helped transmit the money are going out of business.
Many Somali immigrants in the US act as a lifeline for their family members in Somalia. They sent more than $200 million back home every year, according to OxFam America. There are concerns that this flow of funds might be affected as banks that wire the money to the African country are facing difficulties in continuing operations.
