Broken Compact Bulbs Harmful

The Connecticut Department of Public Health (DPH) has joined with the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) in educating the public about the benefits and proper handling of Compact Fluorescent Light Bulbs, or CFLs, to protect people and the environment.

CFLs have become a popular way to provide light, while reducing energy consumption. However, it is important that people are aware that CFLs contain small amounts of mercury and must be handled and disposed of properly to avoid an unnecessary mercury release.

"The proper disposal and clean-up of broken compact fluorescent light bulbs is important due to the mercury vapor that can be released by a broken bulb," stated DPH Commissioner J. Robert Galvin, M.D., M.P.H., M.B.A. "While the amount of mercury released by a broken bulb is very
small and may not affect most people, even small exposures can affect the developing brain and central nervous system in fetuses and young children. Pregnant women and young children should be sure to stay out of a room where a compact fluorescent light bulb has been broken until several days after it has been cleaned up."

For the fact sheet on how to clean up a broken bulb, see the fact sheet

Ciência

A mais velha mãe de que se tem notícia foi descoberta por um grupo de cientistas, em feito já considerado um dos mais importantes na história da paleontologia. O estudo, descreve um único embrião conectado à mãe pelo cordão umbilical.

Trata-se da mais antiga evidência de procriação de um vertebrado. O fóssil, com idade estimada de 380 milhões de anos, pertence a uma espécie até então desconhecida, de uma extinta classe de peixes com armadura que viveu no período Devoniano.

Placoderme

Mãe e filho eram placodermos, ou seja, pertenceram a um grande e diverso grupo de peixes que os cientistas estimam ter sido o mais primitivo entre os vertebrados com mandíbulas. Os placodermos, conhecidos como dinossauros dos mares, dominaram lagos e oceanos por cerca de 70 milhões de anos.
O fóssil foi encontrado na formação Gogo, no oeste da Austrália, em local que integrou um antigo recife de barreira entre 408 milhões e 355 milhões de anos atrás. A mãe tinha 25 centímetros de comprimento. O fóssil está em exibição no Museu Melbourne.
Os pesquisadores responsáveis pela descoberta deram à espécie o nome de Materpiscis attenboroughi, em homenagem ao renomado naturalista e documentarista inglês David Attenborough. Foi Attenborough quem, em 1979, primeiro chamou a atenção à formação Gogo.
No artigo, os cientistas destacam que a espécie apresentava “biologia reprodutiva notadamente avançada, comparável à dos modernos tubarões e raias”.

Grupo australiano descobre fóssil de vertebrado e filhote ligados por cordão umbilical, no mais antigo registro do tipo

Fósseis de vertebrados com o momento de procriar preservado são extremamente raros. O novo achado amplia o registro de tais casos em 200 milhões de anos. “É um dos fósseis mais extraordinários já descobertos. Trata-se não apenas da primeira vez que um embrião fossilizado é encontrado com uma corda umbilical, mas também do mais antigo exemplo conhecido de uma criatura dando à luz a outra”, disse John Long, do Museu Vitória, coordenador do estudo.
“A evidência de um espécime com cordão umbilical e embrião fornece à ciência o primeiro exemplo de fertilização interna, ou seja, de sexo. O que confirma que alguns placodermos apresentavam biologia reprodutiva avançada. Essa descoberta muda nossa compreensão sobre a evolução de vertebrados”, destacou.

O fóssil foi encontrado na região noroeste da Austrália

“Dizer que estou emocionado com a notícia é pouco. Estou extremamente lisonjeado que meu nome tenha sido dado a uma criatura tão surpreendente”, escreveu Attenborough em carta a Long.

Fonte: Agência FAPESP

Transitioning Your Cat To New Litter System

This was written by the makers of the new Breeze Litter System that I recently reviewed. Every cat is different, and the first tip can be applied to any type of change in litter.

FIRST:
Before setting up your new BREEZE Litter System, sprinkle 1-2 cups of the BREEZE Litter Pellets on top of your existing litter in your OLD box(es). This gradual introduction of the BREEZE Litter Pellets
mixing with the existing litter in the OLD box(es) helps ease the transition for your cat(s). Note: If you feel your cat(s) needs it, you can add up to a full bag of pellets to your existing litter to help her adjust.

SECOND:
Once your cat(s) is faithfully using the old box(es) with the mix of BREEZE Litter Pellets and the old litter, place the BREEZE Litter System next to the old litter box(es). Place a BREEZE Cat Pad in the
drawer of the BREEZE Litter System, soft side up, and slide the drawer into the base. Fill the top portion of the BREEZE Litter System with one package of BREEZE Litter Pellets. If the old litter box is NOT high-sided or hooded, remove the BREEZE™ sidewall piece. (Once your cat
has successfully adjusted to the new system, replace the sidewall.)

THIRD:
Stop cleaning the old litter box(es). Cats like to keep clean. This step will encourage them to use the new system by making it the only pleasant litter option. In the short-term, the old litter box may look
and smell gross, but this is an important step in helping your cat(s) switch to the new system. The long-term benefits of BREEZE™ definitely outweigh the short-term discomfort!
When your cat(s) starts using the new Litter System for both pee and poop, remove the old box(es) and continue using BREEZE™ as directed.
Remember, every cat is different, and these are only tips to help with a transfer to a new system.

New "Breeze" Litter System from Tidy Cats (Product Review)

I'm always a fan of new and unique items that can help your pets. Tidy Cats has introduced a new kitty litter system that separates the solids from the liquids. This makes clean-up a 'breeze' and helps reduce odors since the liquids and solids are both easily removed.

Since I don't have any cats, a relative of mine (with 3) did the testing for me. The initial reviews on the Breeze system are good - It works like the company describes.

The litter box is a relatively attractive looking system, and can be placed where ever you would normally put your litter box. It's easy to set-up and comes with its own scooper.

Here's how it works: The cat does "#1" - the dehydrating pellets passes the urine to the "pee-pad" that sits underneath the litter. When your cat does #2, the odor absorbing pellets help control the smell, and then you can scoop away the solid waste and flush it or dispose of it how you wish. And, for the most part, the breeze litter pellets stay in the box, and don't get tracked all over the carpet like many other litters do!

Based on our trial - The pellets dry out the waste fairly quick and make scooping extremely easy. In fact, the pellets usually don't stick to the waste.
And for the pee-pads - It really does work to keep the urine smell down. Plus, the pads are easy to remove and replace, and if you do it on a regular basis, you'll have no drips or leakage.

Although you do have to replace the pads at least every week (more often if you have more cats), the litter can last from 2 - 4 weeks, saving you some hassle and maybe even some cost in the long run.

Remember, introducing a new litter system takes time. Not all 3 cats took to it right away. One is more daring and went for it with out much issue, but the other two weren't so sure. Don't force your cats, and check out their website for more information on the product, transitioning, and a fun, descriptive video on how the system works, http://www.breezeforcats.com/demoVideo.html

Quick Tips for Healthy Feeding

Although feeding your dogs a healthy diet is important to overall health, there are many things other then dog food that are almost as equally important. The makers of the Dog Pause Bowl suggest the following:

-Feed your dog smaller portions, multiple times a day. Avoid the one time meal of a much larger portion.


-If your dog eats his food in less then 5 minutes, find a way to slow him down. Ensure he chews his food and doesn't inhale it, as fast eater could have problems such as gas, bloating, and vomiting.



-If your dog vomits with any frequency after feeding, speak to your vet. Try to find a way to slow down his eating.


-Adjust dinner portion size based on the quantity of treats you've provided your dog during the day. Treats have a lot of fat and calories and failure to adjust portion size can increase the risk of obesity.

-Always keep plenty of fresh water available for your dog.

-Wash your dog bowl frequently to avoid bacteria buildup, regardless of material.

Watering Your Dog

Your dog needs to drink plenty of water for the same reasons we do - simple biology. Sometimes he's just thirsty and needs hydration, but just as importantly, your dog needs water to properly digest his food.

Without proper water, your dog's digestive system will be stressed and he will be highly uncomfortable.

Water should be made available to your dog at all times of the day and should be kept fresh and not left out in the sun too long. Warm water does not help to cool down a dog who's essentially wearing a fur coat. Keep an eye on the water level and make sure there is plenty to drink, especially if you have an active dog who may need a little extra after a good run.

Dogs have a finely tuned sense of knowing when they need water and how much water to drink. Therefore, there is no reason to worry about your dog over drinking as this is extremely rare.

(information provided by Long Tail Pet Products, Marketer of the Dog Pause Bowl

Happy Memorial Day - Safe Pet Travel Tips

Hopefully everyone is enjoying their holiday weekend. Keep you and your pet safe. Below is my obligatory car travel safety tips that I tend to post from time to time. Here they are from petfinder.com.

Take your companion animal for a veterinary check-up and obtain a health certificate and documentation of inoculations.

If your pet has never been in a car, take him on short trips to condition him for the journey. Remember, traveling can be very stressful for a pet; you should try to eliminate as much stress as you can.

Animals should be secure during the trip and not allowed to jump around or hang out of the window. For this reason, a crate or carrier is recommended:
A strong, wire mesh crate, not permitted for air travel, is preferable for car trips because it allows ample ventilation.

The crate must be large enough for your pet to stand, turn around and lie down in.
Line the bottom with towels to absorb accidents. Attach bowls for food and water, to be given at intervals during the trip.

Accustom your pet to the crate prior to the journey.
Your pet should wear a flat-buckled ID collar with its name, your address and telephone number. For additional protection, consider tattooing him.

Try to avoid traveling in extreme weather conditions. If you must travel in hot weather, do it in the morning or evening.

Exercise and water should be given during rest stops. Do not allow your pet to run loose at rest areas. No matter how well trained an animal is, this is a new experience and an accident could happen.

Under no circumstances leave animal alone in a parked car. It takes only minutes for an animal to develop heatstroke in hot conditions or to freeze in cold.

If you are planning to stay in a hotel, make arrangements prior to starting your trip. Your pet should be a welcome guest.

When you arrive at your destination, keep your pet in a calm, quiet area and give him plenty of time to adjust to his new environment.

Tranquilization is not recommended.