#humanimalab

"Humans have intricately intertwined their existence with bees for millennia. Interestingly, bee keeping and honey hunting have been largely ignored in the archaeological or ethnographic records, and we have to be satisfied with minor glimpses into such activities. One of the earliest recorded instances of humans interacting with bee products comes from a modest spear point found in a Spanish cave, which was attached to its shaft with the aid of bee’s wax 40,000 years ago." More here.

Then, at 3pm, come see the Canadian premiere of Poacher’s Moon, a film by David Jaclin and Jérémie Brugidou that explores the intertwined worlds of wildlife, poaching and big-game hunting in Southern Africa. Screening is @ 3pm in the Gallery’s auditorium.https://www.gallery.ca/whats-on/calendar/poachers-moon

"Some species are so close to extinction, that every remaining member can fit on a New York subway carriage (if they squeeze)." Endangered species on a train by Mona Chalabi.

"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."

From a Guardian article on the impact of climate change on parasite species: "Tapeworms, roundworms, ticks, lice and fleas are feared for the diseases they cause or carry, but scientists warn that they also play a vital role in ecosystems. Major extinctions among parasites could lead to unpredictable invasions of surviving parasites into new areas, affecting wildlife and humans and making a “significant contribution” to the sixth mass extinction already under way on Earth."

"In Shanxi province, China, an enormous 50MW solar station, designed to resemble two panda bears, stands amid farms and fields. The solar station is intended to promote green energy to young people in China." More aerial pictures of planet earth captured during the month of July 2017, here. 

"A Metropolitan police officer who has been crawling the London Marathon in a gorilla costume since the race began on [April 23rd] has completed the 26-mile route. [...] He has slept at friends’ houses in the evenings after completing about 10 to 12 hours and 4.5 miles per day and has swapped between crawling on hands and knees and up on hands and feet to save his blistered knees. Harrison crossed the finish line on the Mall flanked by his two sons and beating his chest." Story here.