Scientists involved in the Quagga Project claim to have resurrected the extinct quagga, a zebra relative, through selective breeding rather than cloning. This effort has sparked debate among experts, with some viewing it as a superficial attempt akin to 'Jurassic Park,' while others see it as a hopeful symbol for conservation. The project, which began in 1987, aims to recreate the quagga by breeding zebras with similar genetic traits. Despite criticisms, the project could offer insights into restoring endangered species.
Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) is facing criticism from deer breeders over their plan to control Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) by ordering the depopulation of deer breeding facilities. Breeders argue that they are being unfairly targeted and that selective breeding could be a more effective solution. Renowned deer expert Dr. James Kroll questions the necessity of depopulation, stating that CWD does not devastate deer herds nor pose a risk to humans. A temporary restraining order has been granted to two deer breeders who are suing TPWD to prevent the killing of their deer stock.
Scientists from the University of Adelaide have found that larger dog breeds have shorter life expectancies because they are more susceptible to cancer at a younger age. This is due to the selective breeding of giant dogs, which has caused their natural cancer defenses to lag behind their size. The study analyzed the common causes of death in 164 dog breeds and found that larger dogs were more likely to die from cancer at a younger age when compared with smaller dogs. The researchers hope that their findings could eventually benefit human health as well as dogs.
Selective breeding for size has made larger dog breeds more susceptible to cancer, resulting in shorter lifespans. The study found that larger dogs were not aging faster than smaller breeds, but their cancer rates increased as their average body weight increased. The research suggests that the relationship between a dog's body size and lifespan may be due to an evolutionary lag in the body's cancer defenses. The results could also be useful when studying aging in humans. The researchers predict that larger breeds will evolve to develop better cancer fighting genes, but it may come at a cost to reproduction.
