Memories made of this: USB stick found in frozen seal poo
SYNDEY: Scientists in New Zealand say they have found a USB memory stick containing holiday photos inside a frozen slab of seal poo. The scat, valuable for studying the health of leopard seals, had been stored in a freezer for a year before it was thawed out for analysis, the researchers said. “Concealed deep inside the scat was a USB stick,” the National Institute of Water and Atmospheric Research (NIWA) said on its website. The stick was in good condition, “considering where it had come from”, and the researchers let it dry out for a few weeks. It contained photos of sealions at Porpoise Bay, on New Zealand’s South Island, and a video of a mother sealion and her baby frolicking in shallow waters. “The only clue to who might have taken them is the nose of a blue kayak,” NIWA said, adding that the return of the USB stick comes with a price. “The leopard seal researchers would like some more leopard seal scat please.” (Reuters)
Giant Napoleon Wrasse fish draws huge response at exhibition
Kochi: Napoleon Wrasse, one of the world’s biggest reef fishes, was the cynosure of all eyes at the exhibition of marine life at the Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute (CMFRI), an official said on Wednesday. The fish (Cheilinus undulates), which can grow up to 3 metres, is listed as endangered on the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List and is known to live for around 50 years. The one on display weighs 35 kg. A collection of marine species such as sea hares, flying squid, horse shoe crab, sea snakes, sea birds, pearl oyster, sea cow, sharks, penguin, dolphins and others was also displayed. The sea hare is known for its high medicinal value, especially in the treatment of cancer. The CMFRI museum is the national designated registry of marine species which has around 3,000 marine specimens. The museum opened its doors to mark the 72nd foundation day of the institute on Tuesday. The visitors also displayed keen interest in understanding the functioning of the fish age laboratory of the CMFRI. The laboratory uses state-of-the-art equipment to estimate the age of the fish and the scientists explained to the visitors the various stages involved in the process. (IANS)
