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Researchers in Costa Rica have found that some bacteria on the skin of amphibians prevent growth of the fungus responsible for what has been dubbed the amphibian apocalypse .
Published in the journal
Microbiology, the research identified a number of bacteria which could growth of the fungus
Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis (Bd). One particularly dangerous strain of the fungus, called BdGPL-2, is responsible for mass amphibian die-offs around the world.
The fungus infects the skin of amphibians, breaking down the cells. As amphibians breathe and regulate water through their skin, infection is often deadly. It is believed that almost 700 species of amphibian are vulnerable to the fungus, and Bd has led to the extinction of 90 amphibian species.
Costa Rica’s coronavirus R value has dipped to its lowest level since April, according to analysis from the University of Costa Rica (UCR).
The UCR estimates the R value in Costa Rica at 0.810, the smallest figure since April 25. The R number describes how quickly a disease spreads, or how many people would get infected on average from one positive person.
An R number of less than one suggests the number of newly infected people will decrease.
Costa Rica’s test-positive rate has also decreased, though it remains high. According to criteria published by the World Health Organization in May, a positive rate of less than 5% is one indicator that the epidemic is under control in a country.
By Reena Shah 27 January 2021
I drove to Sarapiquí, a little-known region in Costa Rica, during a brief respite of dry weather between Hurricanes Eta and Iota in search of a miniature tropical bat. Here, conservation efforts big and small are fighting to preserve a lowland tropical rainforest with astonishing biodiversity, including one of the smallest and most adorable mammals:
Ectophylla alba, also known as the Honduran white bat or Caribbean tent-making bat. It was impossible not to coo
I d been warned that these bats aren t always easy to find. They live in selected lowland rainforest habitats from Honduras to eastern Panama. In Costa Rica, I tried my luck at Tirimbina Rainforest Center, a 345-hectare private reserve. At first glance, the neighbourhood seemed an unlikely locale for a rainforest. Pineapple plantations dominated on all sides and spiky green shrubs stretched to the horizon. But tucked away behind an unassuming green gate was an ecological oa
Costa Rican scientists develop saliva tests for quick COVID-19 detection
SAN JOSE, Costa Rica Scientists from the three principal public universities in Costa Rica, the University of Costa Rica, the Technologic University and the National University, completed the first prototype of saliva tests for a speedy diagnosis of COVID-19.
After almost a month of investigation and the support of more than 20 specialists, the scientists begin with the verification phase of the saliva tests they are developing for the fast diagnosis of COVID-19.
With the use of synthetic genes also designed by the scientists, the preliminary results obtained so far are successful, according to the scientists.
Giveaway dates: Jan 18 - Jan 25, 2021
Countries available: U.S.
Kelly s newest Amish romance series, Amish of Sky Country includes Mountains of Grace, followed by The Long Bridge Home, and Peace in the Valley. The series explores Amish communities in northwest Montana and how they are impacted by wildfires.
Her Every Move, her latest romantic suspense novel, debuted in March. Publishers Weekly called it gripping suspense and said, loving descriptions of San An Kelly s newest Amish romance series, Amish of Sky Country includes Mountains of Grace, followed by The Long Bridge Home, and Peace in the Valley. The series explores Amish communities in northwest Montana and how they are impacted by wildfires.