#camelid

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1. Unique Antibody from Camels and Alpacas Could Be Used to Treat Alzheimer’s

“An antibody-like compound known on land to be exclusively to be found in camelids like alpacas, lamas, and dromedaries, could be used to treat human brain disorders such as Alzheimer’s disease, according to a new study. [...] In previous studies, the team has shown that nanobodies can restore behavioral deficits in mouse models of schizophrenia and other neurologic conditions. [... The team] has recently shown that conditions of treatment are compatible with chronic treatment.”

2. National Zoo reveals elephant is expecting a calf, first elephant to be born there in 25 years

“The zoo says 12-year-old Nhi Linh will welcome her first baby sometime this winter, [... which] marks a landmark moment for Asian elephants, an endangered species with an estimated number of fewer than 50,000 living in the wild. [Zoo staff] teach the elephants to voluntarily take part in the care they receive[, which] “allows us to do everything from skin care, tooth care, the ultrasounds[....]””

3. COP30 Recognized the Role of Forests and Nature in Addressing the Climate Crisis

“World leaders announced nearly $7 billion in support for the Tropical Forests Forever Facility[....] Fifteen governments announced support for the Intergovernmental Land Tenure Commitment to secure and strengthen land tenure rights of Indigenous Peoples and local communities[....] Outside the formal decisions, the Brazilian Presidency committed to delivering roadmaps on efforts to halt and reverse deforestation and to transition to clean energy[....]”

4. Connecticut’s pioneering model for publicly owned, small-scale solar

“The more than $100,000 in projected annual energy savings from the solar systems at seven municipal buildings, including six schools, helped [Manchester] gain confidence in moving forward with a subsequent project that has converted one of its elementary schools into the state’s first net-zero school by adding advanced insulation systems and on-site geothermal energy[....]”

5. How community custody empowered Ecuador’s crab catchers and revived its mangroves

“The fishers can catch crabs to sell, but are committed to the protection of this valuable ecosystem, imposing closed seasons twice a year and refraining from catching female and juvenile crabs. [...] Experts say this program is the reason that mangroves have remained almost intact during this century in Ecuador: putting these communities in charge of mangrove forests generates a sense of belonging and, therefore, a strong desire to protect them.”

Llama Effigy

Chancay (Peru, Central Coast), Late Intermediate Period, 1000-1470

earthenware, slip paint; H: 8 5/16 x W: 15 7/8 x D: 6 5/16 in. (21.11 x 40.39 x 16 cm)

The Walters Art Museum 2009.20.49

“The llama, a native camelid of the Americas, touched all aspects of Andean life. The llama- the only native American beast of burden-was used primarily to transport goods from the coastal deserts to the highest mountain plains. Well adapted to the extremes of the Andean environment, including climate, terrain, and altitude, the llama was at the heart of every Andean home. The llama and its camelid cousins (alpaca, guanaco, and vicuña) provided the all-important hairs that were spun into fibers to weave warm garments of considerable strength and durability. Such clothing was crucial for survival during cold Andean nights and in the altiplano highlands. Llamas also provided body heat for shepherds and other laborers who could not return to a warm home every night. Llama blood was an important ritual offering, and its meat was occasionally consumed for protein, although the high value of the living animal made these latter uses infrequent and of special significance.