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Tasmanian Devil

All articles tagged with #tasmanian devil

biology2 years ago•3 min saved

"Disease-Driven Decline of Tasmanian Devil Alters Genetics of Spotted-Tailed Quoll"

The declining population of Tasmanian devils, caused by a contagious tumour disease, is impacting the genetics of the spotted-tailed quoll, a smaller predator. The study found that as devil numbers decrease, quolls in affected regions become more genetically similar, with evidence of genetic selection in response to changes in devil numbers. This shift in genetic variation and reduced genetic exchange among quoll populations could lead to lower genetic diversity and potential evolutionary consequences.

via Nature.com|

#biology #evolutionary-consequences #genetics

astronomy2 years ago•3 min saved

"Tasmanian Devil" Event: Unleashing the Power of Billions of Suns

An LFBOT (Luminous Fast Blue Optical Transient) named AT2022tsd, also known as the "Tasmanian Devil," has been observed emitting intense bursts of light and energy, surpassing the power of hundreds of billions of stars like our Sun. Unlike other LFBOTs, AT2022tsd displayed a unique behavior by flaring repeatedly over several months. Scientists are still uncertain about the exact source of these outbursts, but possibilities include a stellar-mass black hole, intermediate-mass black hole, or neutron star involved in tidal disruption events. The extreme energy output and prolonged bursts challenge our understanding of physics and the nature of these phenomena.

via Ars Technica|

#astronomy #astrophysics #lfbot

astronomy2 years ago•2 min saved

"Scientists Detect Unprecedented Explosion in Nearby Galaxy, Radiating Energy of 100 Billion Suns"

Astronomers have observed a rare and strange cosmic explosion known as a luminous fast blue optical transient (LFBOT) for the first time. This specific LFBOT, named Tasmanian Devil, occurred in a nearby galaxy and has been repeatedly flaring with the "strength of 100 billion Suns." LFBOTs shine brightly in blue light, reaching peak brightness and fading within days, unlike supernovas. The underlying process behind these occurrences is still unknown, and the discovery of the Tasmanian Devil LFBOT has raised more questions for scientists. The findings were published in the journal Nature, and researchers used 15 telescopes around the globe to uncover the flaring.

via The Sun|

#astronomy #astrophysics #cosmic-explosion

astronomy2 years ago•3 min saved

Mysterious Repeated Explosions Baffle Scientists in Nearby Galaxy

The Tasmanian Devil (AT2022tsd), an explosion observed a billion light-years away, has been repeatedly flaring with the same power as the initial explosion for months, making it a rare and peculiar event. Luminous fast blue optical transients (LFBOTs) like the Tasmanian Devil are incredibly bright and hot, but brief, and their cause remains a mystery. The new analysis suggests that the Tasmanian Devil may be linked to the formation of a neutron star or black hole. The flares observed after the initial explosion were as bright as the Tasmanian Devil itself but lasted only a few minutes. This discovery provides insights into LFBOTs, black holes, and the life cycles of stars.

via ScienceAlert|

#astronomy #astrophysics #black-holes

astronomy2 years ago•4 min saved

Unprecedented Astronomical Discovery: 'Tasmanian Devil' Stellar Corpse Unveils Unseen Phenomenon

Astronomers have observed a rare and peculiar cosmic event dubbed the "Tasmanian devil," which involves a stellar corpse releasing energetic signs of life following its initial explosion. The explosion, known as a luminous fast blue optical transient (LFBOT), is a type of explosion that shines brightly in blue light and fades within days. However, the Tasmanian devil exhibited unexpected behavior by repeatedly exploding and briefly brightening again. The cause of these repetitive explosions remains unknown, and the phenomenon challenges current understanding of stellar remnants. Further observations and studies are needed to unravel the mysteries behind this cosmic event.

via AOL|

#astronomical-observations #astronomy #cosmic-phenomena

science-and-environment2 years ago•4 min saved

"Breakthrough: Tasmanian Devil Cancer Vaccine Greenlit for Trials"

Researchers in Australia are set to test a vaccine against devil facial tumour disease (DFTD), a contagious cancer that has decimated the Tasmanian devil population. The vaccine, inspired by COVID-19 vaccines, uses a genetically modified adenovirus to deliver proteins that train the immune system to recognize tumour cells. The trial will initially assess safety and immune response, followed by exposure to the disease to test protection. If successful, the vaccine could help protect the devils from extinction and be distributed using an AI-driven bait dispenser. Even partial protection could buy time for the devils to breed and increase their population.

via Nature.com|

#cancer-vaccine #contagious-disease #genetic-modification

environment2 years ago•4 min saved

Unlocking the Protective Potential of Tasmanian Devil Whiskers.

Tasmanian devils may be mostly eating foods inadvertently provided by humans, which can change their behavior and put them in harm's way. A study found that devil populations in highly disturbed landscapes fed on just one type of food, while those in old-growth rainforest habitats had a diverse diet. The presence of roadkill poses risks to devils, and a more diverse diet could reduce their risk of transmitting or catching the aggressive facial tumor disease that has caused their population to fall by 68%. Conserving wild landscapes is vital to protecting Tasmanian devils.

via Phys.org|

#conservation #diet-analysis #environment