80. LOSING THEIR VOICE

A new study has found that the Albert’s lyrebird could be losing its song if more isn’t done to protect its precious habitat.

Bee vaccination approved to fight deadly disease

The US Department of Agriculture has approved a vaccine to protect honeybees from American foulbrood (AFB), and it has positive implications for the future of Australian bees. AFB is a fatal disease found all over Australia. Legally, all hives infected with AFB must be destroyed to prevent further spreading, making it a big problem for bees and beekeepers. AFB is often spread due to poor beekeeping habits, or by the bees themselves. It infects and kills baby bees, leaving spores that can continue to infect the hive for 40 to 80 years. Once it reaches a bee community, there’s not much that can be done.

The new vaccine was developed by the biotech company Dalan Animal Health, which uses dead cells from Paenibacillus larvae bacteria, the primary cause of AFB, to develop immunity. Expected to be released into the market later this year, the vaccine will be fed to worker bees, who will then transfer it to the jelly they feed to the queen. Once the queen is protected, she can pass on immunity to her young. This simple and effective vaccine is giving scientists hope for a solution against this deadly disease: a means of protecting bees and ensuring their long-term survival.

NEW METHOD FOR STOPPING “FISHY” SEAFOOD FRAUD

Scientists can now use fish ear bones to distinguish between fish species, and in turn, stop seafood fraud. The ear bones, known as otoliths, of every species of fish are unique in size and shape. Analysing trace elements found in otoliths, as well as water residue, can determine whether a fish is migratory or resident of different areas. By collecting samples from fish markets and looking at the fish provenance, experts can determine if the fish are really from where the merchants claim, or if they’re involved in seafood fraud.

This is possible thanks to the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development, that has compiled over 350,000 otoliths in a library after more than three decades of studying fish ear bones. While scientists previously used scales to determine the age and health of fish, otoliths offer a more accurate measurement. Through the study of these bones, fisheries can also determine the health of a fish species, and the spread of ages within a community. Ear bones found in the stomachs of other fish and birds can also lead to a greater understanding of the food chain.