Dr. Gordon Gunter
See: http://www.moc.noaa.gov/gu/gunter.html
In 1970 I visited the Mississippi Gulf coast to see Dr. Gordon Gunter, Director, Gulf Coast Research Laboratory, Ocean Springs, Mississippi. He took me to lunch at Trilby's (a very good restaurant that no longer exists). I remember eating a stuffed tomato salad, but do not remember the rest of the meal.
Dr. Gunter gave me a chance at higher science and research after my major professor neglected/forgot to send a letter in my behalf. I was one of the last people hired by Dr. Gunter while he was Director, and was brought in as a post-doctoral student for a two-year contract. After that ended the next Director hired me full-time. And I went on to become a co-founder of GCRL Toxicology Program, co-chairman of GCRL Toxicology Program, Head of Experimental Organism Culture, and helped design the Toxicology Building and build the internal facilities, and later, Aquarium Supervisor of the J L Scott Aquarium in Biloxi, doing design, building and remodeling of the Aquarium.
Dr. Gunter loved to tell stories to illustrate his point, and wrote excellent memos laced with humor. Now I wish I had somehow copied some of the memos he posted on the board for the staff to read (we had no copy machines on the grounds at that time). I remember one time he called some staff members as slow as a slow loris. Most of us had never heard of a slow loris and had to look it up. Dr. Gunter got a chuckle out of making us do extra "research."
As a post-doctoral student I was looking for interesting parasites so I was examining a lot of things caught. I found a sarcophagid fly larva in a lubber grasshopper (Lawler, 1977), and after some research found that Dr. Gunter had reported one from an anole. I asked him about it and he told me the story:
After work one day he was getting ready for bed, and sat on the bed with a drink. Shortly thereafter an anole that was crawling across the ceiling (not previously noticed) fell to the bed beside him. He looked at it, and inspected it. He could see a fly larva moving inside the now almost dead anole. He thought that odd, did some research later on, and later wrote a note on his observations. Serendipity from above .......
Dr. Gunter helped teach me several things (in no special order):
--- keep working
--- serendipity can advance science
--- be careful who you trust
--- do the best you can
--- enjoy your quest
--- seek the truth
--- keep fighting the bullies
--- keep asking questions
--- share your findings
--- seek science, not politics
--- always be observant
--- be open to new things
--- learn from those who came before
--- be fair to all
--- skin color does not make a scientist
--- protect the environment
--- make your own way; do not become a parasite
--- protect your records
--- look under every stone; always do your homework
--- and more .........
I will always remember Dr. Gordon Gunter as one of the founders of marine science in this country, a great scientist and great man, and how he gave a young graduate a chance. It was an honor to know him; he enabled me to have a career in marine biology. Thank you, Dr. Gunter!
Adrian R. Lawler, Ph.D., (C) 2012 --
Reference: Lawler, A. R. 1977. Notes on sarcophagids from the new host Romalea microptera, and from Terrapene carolina carolina. Gulf Research Repts. 6 (1): 69-70.
Wednesday, August 22, 2012
Tuesday, August 21, 2012
Bright Blindness in Sheep
Bright Blindness in Sheep
I have a wether sheep about 6 years old that apparently ate some bracken ferns ( Pteridium aquilinum [ Pteris aquilina ]) about 3 years ago and got "bright blindness" --- a condition where the pupils are permanently dilated (opened wide) and the sheep is blinded due to retinal degeneration and other eye problems from toxins in the brackens. One can recognize the condition by huge (open wide) pupils.
One on-line dictionary defines "bright-blindness" as a veterinary science term indicating blindness occuring in sheep after they have eaten bracken http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/bright-blindness .
A good summary of bright blindness can be found in the Merck Veterinary Manual. "Bright blindness in sheep is a progressive retinal atrophy that derives its name from the hyperreflectivity of the tapetum. Affected sheep are permanently blind and adopt a characteristic alert attitude. The pupils respond poorly to light, and ophthalmoscopic examination of sheep with advanced disease reveals narrowing of arteries and veins and a pale tapetum nigrum with fine cracks and spots of gray." http://www.merckvetmanual.com/mvm/index.jsp?cfile=htm/bc/210400.htm .
I had to barricade HDPE-lined pond boundaries because I got tired of pulling a very heavy wet sheep out of the lined ponds. Now it runs into the barricades and turns away before falling into the ponds.
The sheep can eat on its own, and gets around by following its mom, or sticking close to some of the other sheep.
I learned the hard way that I need to make noise when approaching the afflicted sheep in the field. I almost got run over by a scared blind sheep a couple of times.
Adrian R. Lawler, (C) 2012 --
I have a wether sheep about 6 years old that apparently ate some bracken ferns ( Pteridium aquilinum [ Pteris aquilina ]) about 3 years ago and got "bright blindness" --- a condition where the pupils are permanently dilated (opened wide) and the sheep is blinded due to retinal degeneration and other eye problems from toxins in the brackens. One can recognize the condition by huge (open wide) pupils.
One on-line dictionary defines "bright-blindness" as a veterinary science term indicating blindness occuring in sheep after they have eaten bracken http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/bright-blindness .
A good summary of bright blindness can be found in the Merck Veterinary Manual. "Bright blindness in sheep is a progressive retinal atrophy that derives its name from the hyperreflectivity of the tapetum. Affected sheep are permanently blind and adopt a characteristic alert attitude. The pupils respond poorly to light, and ophthalmoscopic examination of sheep with advanced disease reveals narrowing of arteries and veins and a pale tapetum nigrum with fine cracks and spots of gray." http://www.merckvetmanual.com/mvm/index.jsp?cfile=htm/bc/210400.htm .
I had to barricade HDPE-lined pond boundaries because I got tired of pulling a very heavy wet sheep out of the lined ponds. Now it runs into the barricades and turns away before falling into the ponds.
The sheep can eat on its own, and gets around by following its mom, or sticking close to some of the other sheep.
I learned the hard way that I need to make noise when approaching the afflicted sheep in the field. I almost got run over by a scared blind sheep a couple of times.
Adrian R. Lawler, (C) 2012 --
Monday, August 20, 2012
Thoughts on Release of Rescued Sea Turtle Hatchlings
Thoughts on Release of Rescued Sea Turtle Hatchlings
Recently people released several loggerhead sea turtle hatchlings in what appeared to be open water south of an island. They were rescued after being found inside a local marina.
I was involved in a similar happening in 1990; the article can be found at : http://www.seaturtle.org/mtn/archives/mtn52/mtn52p11.shtml . In this case the NMFS did the best thing, and released the hatchlings at floating Sargassum.
When one does a rescue of anything, in my opinion, they should not do a half-rescue, but a full-rescue. This means the hatchling sea turtles are returned to the environment at a safe haven (as much as can be for them = floating Sargassum weed) rather than being dumped in open waters with no cover where fish and birds can prey on them before they reach the safe haven. For example, when we rescue people from drowning we do not take them half way to shore and then let them swim the rest of the way by themselves, nor do we rescue people from mountains and drop them off half way down to let them struggle the rest of the way down by themselves. We take them to a safer place, out of danger.
It could be that in the instance above the people looked for Sargassum, but could not find any, and had to release the turtles where they were (due to fuel, weather, or time limitations). Such a release did save the turtles some energy and some swimming time to reach where they were headed, but they were put back into the environment exposed, and in potential danger.
Those that rescue hatchling sea turtles should complete the job and release them in a safer environment. This should be the policy for ALL future hatchling sea turtle rescues. Sea turtle hatchlings should be released into their normal habitat, Sargassum weed, or other suitable cover they utilize, so they have a greater chance of survival.
I worked with sea turtles for 15 years at the J L Scott Aquarium.
Adrian R. Lawler, Ph.D. , (C) 2012 --
Recently people released several loggerhead sea turtle hatchlings in what appeared to be open water south of an island. They were rescued after being found inside a local marina.
I was involved in a similar happening in 1990; the article can be found at : http://www.seaturtle.org/mtn/archives/mtn52/mtn52p11.shtml . In this case the NMFS did the best thing, and released the hatchlings at floating Sargassum.
When one does a rescue of anything, in my opinion, they should not do a half-rescue, but a full-rescue. This means the hatchling sea turtles are returned to the environment at a safe haven (as much as can be for them = floating Sargassum weed) rather than being dumped in open waters with no cover where fish and birds can prey on them before they reach the safe haven. For example, when we rescue people from drowning we do not take them half way to shore and then let them swim the rest of the way by themselves, nor do we rescue people from mountains and drop them off half way down to let them struggle the rest of the way down by themselves. We take them to a safer place, out of danger.
It could be that in the instance above the people looked for Sargassum, but could not find any, and had to release the turtles where they were (due to fuel, weather, or time limitations). Such a release did save the turtles some energy and some swimming time to reach where they were headed, but they were put back into the environment exposed, and in potential danger.
Those that rescue hatchling sea turtles should complete the job and release them in a safer environment. This should be the policy for ALL future hatchling sea turtle rescues. Sea turtle hatchlings should be released into their normal habitat, Sargassum weed, or other suitable cover they utilize, so they have a greater chance of survival.
I worked with sea turtles for 15 years at the J L Scott Aquarium.
Adrian R. Lawler, Ph.D. , (C) 2012 --
Sunday, August 19, 2012
Theory: Human West Nile Virus Infections Are Related to Bird Feeders
Theory: Human West Nile Virus Infections Are Related to Bird Feeders
On 18 Aug 2012 Steve L. Shepard happened to mention that birds were not as concentrated in his yard as when he was feeding them (they are now spread out more). His words, plus the ongoing West Nile crisis in Dallas, gave me the idea for this theory: Human West Nile Virus Infections Are Related to Bird Feeders.
We know/believe:
--- Mosquitoes get West Nile virus from infected birds, or give virus to uninfected birds.
--- Mosquitoes that get the virus from an infected bird can bite humans and infect them with the virus.
--- Birds are closer together (more concentrated) and present themselves as more targets near feeders (than in areas with no feeders) to nearby mosquitoes.
--- Birds, like most animals, will not travel far from their "free lunch," or bird feeders, so they will rest/roost/stay/nest near the feeders.
--- Infected birds, possibly not feeling too well, will hang around bird feeders because they do not have to expend much energy in getting food. Bird feeders will draw the sick birds into the area around feeders more.
---Really sick birds that are no longer feeding, or moving much, will likely be close to the place of their last meal, which could be a bird feeder, and present themselves as easy targets for mosquitoes.
--- With bird feeders nearby birds do not have to work/fly/forage much to get their food, and rest more than birds having to hunt for their food. When they rest more, probably near the feeders, they present themselves as targets for mosquitoes a higher percentage of the day than foraging birds, and I would thus expect there to be a higher percentage of birds around bird feeders to be infected than those birds out foraging (it is harder for a mosquito to bite a moving/flying bird).
--- The mosquitoes near the bird feeders will have a greater chance of picking up the virus from the nearby birds than those mosquitoes out in "the sticks" that must prey on the fewer numbers, and/or more widely separated, of the more active birds out foraging (except near a large roost).
--- Various bird diseases can be encountered at, or even caused by, birdfeeders
http://wildlife.utah.gov/diseases/songbird_diseases.php and http://www.nwhc.usgs.gov/publications/pamphlets/coping_with_birdfeeder_diseases_pamplet.pdf , so it is not unusual to expect to find more birds, and thus more sick birds, around feeders.
Thus, some possible conclusions to my theory for humans are:
--- Bird feeders attract birds, which then attract mosquitoes that prey on the birds, which then increase the chances of birds/humans nearby getting infected with West Nile virus.
--- People who have bird feeders (or a feeder nearby in another yard) are subjecting themselves to a greater risk of getting West Nile virus than people who do not have bird feeders (or feeders nearby).
--- People who live near areas where large numbers of birds roost, or feed (garbage dumps), are at greater risk for West Nile virus infections.
Studies needed:
It would be nice to see virus researchers study aspects of the above to prove, or not, if my theory is correct (I suspect it is correct.).
It would be interesting to see a map overlay of Dallas noting all houses where people lived that got West Nile virus infections in Dallas AND locations of active bird feeders (garbage dumps, and roosts) within a half mile (+ or -) of those houses.
It would also be interesting to see if fatter, lazier, less active birds near feeders are easier to infect with the virus, and have a greater incidence of infection, than leaner, more active foraging birds.
Comments:
My present theory is but one factor of several that determine the spread of the West Nile virus. Probably the most important factor is the various waters of the area in question in which the mosquitoes reproduce. One must totally control mosquito reproduction to totally control West Nile virus. To decrease the number of human West Nile infections one must decrease the mosquito population, decrease the bird population, decrease or eliminate "hot spots" where birds concentrate near feeders, garbage dumps, and roosts, and/or have the humans change their habits so they get less mosquito bites (stay inside near dawn and dusk, use repellant, wear long clothing, dump standing water, etc.). Also see my previous proposal on mosquito control at: http://www.aquarticles.com/articles/management/Lawler_Mosquitoes.html
and the CDC Fact Sheet: http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dvbid/westnile/wnv_factSheet.htm .
West Nile virus has been shown to also infect horses, cats, bats, chipmunks, skunks, squirrels,
domestic rabbits http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dvbid/westnile/qa/transmission.htm and dogs
http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dvbid/westnile/qa/wnv_dogs_cats.htm , so it may also be
possible that people having a large number of dogs, cats, or squirrels around them may
possibly be at a greater risk for getting the virus. But the CDC presently believes that dogs
and cats do not develop enough virus to infect mosquitoes biting them http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dvbid/westnile/qa/wnv_dogs_cats.htm . Every possible
means of control of the West Nile virus should be practiced to keep the infections down.
Theory: People with bird feeders should stop feeding birds during the West Nile infection season each year to lessen their chances of getting the virus disease.
Adrian R. Lawler, Ph.D., retired, Aquarium Supervisor, J L Scott Aquarium, Biloxi
(C) 2012 --
Some more references on diseases at bird feeders:
http://birding.about.com/od/birdconservation/a/spreadillness.htm
http://www.birdfeeding.org/best-backyard-bird-feeding-practices/bird-safety/prevent-disease-at-your-bird-feeders.html
http://www.nwhc.usgs.gov/publications/fact_sheets/coping_with_diseases_at_birdfeeders.jsp
http://www.birds.cornell.edu/pfw/AboutBirdsandFeeding/FAQsBirdFeeding.htm
http://www.birds.cornell.edu/pfw/AboutBirdsandFeeding/DiseasedBirds.htm
On 18 Aug 2012 Steve L. Shepard happened to mention that birds were not as concentrated in his yard as when he was feeding them (they are now spread out more). His words, plus the ongoing West Nile crisis in Dallas, gave me the idea for this theory: Human West Nile Virus Infections Are Related to Bird Feeders.
We know/believe:
--- Mosquitoes get West Nile virus from infected birds, or give virus to uninfected birds.
--- Mosquitoes that get the virus from an infected bird can bite humans and infect them with the virus.
--- Birds are closer together (more concentrated) and present themselves as more targets near feeders (than in areas with no feeders) to nearby mosquitoes.
--- Birds, like most animals, will not travel far from their "free lunch," or bird feeders, so they will rest/roost/stay/nest near the feeders.
--- Infected birds, possibly not feeling too well, will hang around bird feeders because they do not have to expend much energy in getting food. Bird feeders will draw the sick birds into the area around feeders more.
---Really sick birds that are no longer feeding, or moving much, will likely be close to the place of their last meal, which could be a bird feeder, and present themselves as easy targets for mosquitoes.
--- With bird feeders nearby birds do not have to work/fly/forage much to get their food, and rest more than birds having to hunt for their food. When they rest more, probably near the feeders, they present themselves as targets for mosquitoes a higher percentage of the day than foraging birds, and I would thus expect there to be a higher percentage of birds around bird feeders to be infected than those birds out foraging (it is harder for a mosquito to bite a moving/flying bird).
--- The mosquitoes near the bird feeders will have a greater chance of picking up the virus from the nearby birds than those mosquitoes out in "the sticks" that must prey on the fewer numbers, and/or more widely separated, of the more active birds out foraging (except near a large roost).
--- Various bird diseases can be encountered at, or even caused by, birdfeeders
http://wildlife.utah.gov/diseases/songbird_diseases.php and http://www.nwhc.usgs.gov/publications/pamphlets/coping_with_birdfeeder_diseases_pamplet.pdf , so it is not unusual to expect to find more birds, and thus more sick birds, around feeders.
Thus, some possible conclusions to my theory for humans are:
--- Bird feeders attract birds, which then attract mosquitoes that prey on the birds, which then increase the chances of birds/humans nearby getting infected with West Nile virus.
--- People who have bird feeders (or a feeder nearby in another yard) are subjecting themselves to a greater risk of getting West Nile virus than people who do not have bird feeders (or feeders nearby).
--- People who live near areas where large numbers of birds roost, or feed (garbage dumps), are at greater risk for West Nile virus infections.
Studies needed:
It would be nice to see virus researchers study aspects of the above to prove, or not, if my theory is correct (I suspect it is correct.).
It would be interesting to see a map overlay of Dallas noting all houses where people lived that got West Nile virus infections in Dallas AND locations of active bird feeders (garbage dumps, and roosts) within a half mile (+ or -) of those houses.
It would also be interesting to see if fatter, lazier, less active birds near feeders are easier to infect with the virus, and have a greater incidence of infection, than leaner, more active foraging birds.
Comments:
My present theory is but one factor of several that determine the spread of the West Nile virus. Probably the most important factor is the various waters of the area in question in which the mosquitoes reproduce. One must totally control mosquito reproduction to totally control West Nile virus. To decrease the number of human West Nile infections one must decrease the mosquito population, decrease the bird population, decrease or eliminate "hot spots" where birds concentrate near feeders, garbage dumps, and roosts, and/or have the humans change their habits so they get less mosquito bites (stay inside near dawn and dusk, use repellant, wear long clothing, dump standing water, etc.). Also see my previous proposal on mosquito control at: http://www.aquarticles.com/articles/management/Lawler_Mosquitoes.html
and the CDC Fact Sheet: http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dvbid/westnile/wnv_factSheet.htm .
West Nile virus has been shown to also infect horses, cats, bats, chipmunks, skunks, squirrels,
domestic rabbits http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dvbid/westnile/qa/transmission.htm and dogs
http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dvbid/westnile/qa/wnv_dogs_cats.htm , so it may also be
possible that people having a large number of dogs, cats, or squirrels around them may
possibly be at a greater risk for getting the virus. But the CDC presently believes that dogs
and cats do not develop enough virus to infect mosquitoes biting them http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dvbid/westnile/qa/wnv_dogs_cats.htm . Every possible
means of control of the West Nile virus should be practiced to keep the infections down.
Theory: People with bird feeders should stop feeding birds during the West Nile infection season each year to lessen their chances of getting the virus disease.
Adrian R. Lawler, Ph.D., retired, Aquarium Supervisor, J L Scott Aquarium, Biloxi
(C) 2012 --
Some more references on diseases at bird feeders:
http://birding.about.com/od/birdconservation/a/spreadillness.htm
http://www.birdfeeding.org/best-backyard-bird-feeding-practices/bird-safety/prevent-disease-at-your-bird-feeders.html
http://www.nwhc.usgs.gov/publications/fact_sheets/coping_with_diseases_at_birdfeeders.jsp
http://www.birds.cornell.edu/pfw/AboutBirdsandFeeding/FAQsBirdFeeding.htm
http://www.birds.cornell.edu/pfw/AboutBirdsandFeeding/DiseasedBirds.htm
Tuesday, August 14, 2012
Hawaiian Punch Attracts Bees
Hawaiian Punch Attracts Bees
I had bee hives on my farm. Several times after drinking Hawaiian Punch I walked outside and got one or more bees trying to get to my mouth/nose area. Apparently the bees were attracted to the juice drink smell.
If I rinsed my mouth thoroughly with water after drinking the juice drink and before I went outside, there were no bees attracted.
Hawaiian Punch apparently has a smell similar to nectar, or another food source of bees.
Those allergic to bee stings should not drink any drink, or wear anything applied to the skin, before going outside that might attract bees. Hitting at them may cause them to sting.
Adrian R. Lawler, (C) 2012 --
I had bee hives on my farm. Several times after drinking Hawaiian Punch I walked outside and got one or more bees trying to get to my mouth/nose area. Apparently the bees were attracted to the juice drink smell.
If I rinsed my mouth thoroughly with water after drinking the juice drink and before I went outside, there were no bees attracted.
Hawaiian Punch apparently has a smell similar to nectar, or another food source of bees.
Those allergic to bee stings should not drink any drink, or wear anything applied to the skin, before going outside that might attract bees. Hitting at them may cause them to sting.
Adrian R. Lawler, (C) 2012 --
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)