I am returning to Ottawa this Friday. I don’t feel like my work here is ending since I’ve made so many friends, and will need their help in the future. I will miss being surrounded by people, and wearing the same thing every day. I will miss the trees and stars, and swimming naked in […]
“The gut microbiome is a vast ecosystem of organisms such as bacteria, yeasts, fungi, viruses and protozoans that live in our digestive pipes, which collectively weigh up to 2kg (heavier than the average brain). It is increasingly treated by scientists as an organ in its own right. Each gut contains about 100tn bacteria, many of which are vital, breaking down food and toxins, making vitamins and training our immune systems.” From The Guardian.
Elephants being captured in Zimbabwe for Chinese zoos: “First, a viable herd is identified. Then operatives in a helicopter pick off the younger elephants with a sedative fired from a rifle. As the elephant collapses, the pilot dive-bombs the immediate vicinity so the rest of the herd, attempting to come to the aid of the fallen animal, are kept at bay. When things quieten down, a ground-team approaches the sedated elephants on foot, bundles them up, and drags them on to trailers.”
