Fears of mass whale stranding as experts rush to remote Western Isles to treat injured mammals

By DAILY MAIL REPORTER

Cause for concern: Up to 100 whales have been spotted off the coast of South Uist, near Loch Carnan - and a large number appeared to have head injuries


Up to 100 whales have been spotted off the coast of South Uist

Many of the mammals have head injuries


Marine experts have been deployed to the Western Isles to try to prevent a mass stranding of pilot whales.

Up to 100 whales have been spotted off the coast of South Uist, near Loch Carnan - and a large number appeared to have head injuries.

A spokesman for animal welfare charity Scottish SPCA said the first estimate was that between 60 and 70 of the mammals were stranded, but it is believed the true figure may be nearer 100.


Head injuries: The unwell whales in the group could try to beach themselves and the others are likely to follow


The Scottish SPCA spokesman said: 'If they are sick they will try to beach themselves, and the healthy ones will follow.

'There is a worry that they could move on and turn up somewhere else. We are going to do all we can to make sure that doesn't happen.'

'We anticipate having trained medics and rescue equipment on the scene by mid morning. This is one of the largest events of this kind ever in the country.'

Mr Jack said arrangements are being made for other sets of specialised rescue equipment to be flown to the island to assist with the rescue attempt.


source: dailymail

Is it a unicycle? Is it a motorbike? Unveiled: The transforming 'dicycle' that can fit in a lift

By DAILY MAIL REPORTER

Transformers: The electric-powered Uno III Streetbike - or U3 - can convert itself with the push of a button from a conventional motorbike to unicycle-style machine


Dispatch riders and couriers know the fastest way to weave through heavy traffic is on a motorbike.

But for those jams even two wheels can't navigate, a new solution has been developed.

Just like a Transformer, the Uno III Streetbike - or U3 - can convert itself with the push of a button from a conventional motorbike to unicycle-style machine.


Robots in disguise: The Tron style motorcycle leathers are optional


The electric-powered machine balances on two parallel rear wheels, the front retracting between them to allow it to manoeuvre through spaces so tight it can be driven into a building - and even fit in the lift.

Then, when it's time to zoom off into the sunset, the front wheel slides forward as the rear pair move back, giving the vehicle the stability to pick up speeds of up to 30mph.

It can travel between 30 to 35 miles on a single three to four hour charge.


Through the evil eye: This diagram shows the mechanism which allows the U3's transformation


Now the remarkable vehicle is being produced by his own motor design company in Cambridge, Massachusetts, called BPG Motors.

Small enough to fit in indoors, but powerful enough to tackle the road, the makers hope the cutting edge $7,500 (£4,600) ride will revolutionise the morning commute.


BPG Motors: Transforming UNO Video


source: dailymail

Is it a unicycle? Is it a motorbike? Unveiled: The transforming 'dicycle' that can fit in a lift

By DAILY MAIL REPORTER

Transformers: The electric-powered Uno III Streetbike - or U3 - can convert itself with the push of a button from a conventional motorbike to unicycle-style machine


Dispatch riders and couriers know the fastest way to weave through heavy traffic is on a motorbike.

But for those jams even two wheels can't navigate, a new solution has been developed.

Just like a Transformer, the Uno III Streetbike - or U3 - can convert itself with the push of a button from a conventional motorbike to unicycle-style machine.


Robots in disguise: The Tron style motorcycle leathers are optional


The electric-powered machine balances on two parallel rear wheels, the front retracting between them to allow it to manoeuvre through spaces so tight it can be driven into a building - and even fit in the lift.

Then, when it's time to zoom off into the sunset, the front wheel slides forward as the rear pair move back, giving the vehicle the stability to pick up speeds of up to 30mph.

It can travel between 30 to 35 miles on a single three to four hour charge.


Through the evil eye: This diagram shows the mechanism which allows the U3's transformation


Now the remarkable vehicle is being produced by his own motor design company in Cambridge, Massachusetts, called BPG Motors.

Small enough to fit in indoors, but powerful enough to tackle the road, the makers hope the cutting edge $7,500 (£4,600) ride will revolutionise the morning commute.


BPG Motors: Transforming UNO Video


source: dailymail

Is it a unicycle? Is it a motorbike? Unveiled: The transforming 'dicycle' that can fit in a lift

By DAILY MAIL REPORTER

Transformers: The electric-powered Uno III Streetbike - or U3 - can convert itself with the push of a button from a conventional motorbike to unicycle-style machine


Dispatch riders and couriers know the fastest way to weave through heavy traffic is on a motorbike.

But for those jams even two wheels can't navigate, a new solution has been developed.

Just like a Transformer, the Uno III Streetbike - or U3 - can convert itself with the push of a button from a conventional motorbike to unicycle-style machine.


Robots in disguise: The Tron style motorcycle leathers are optional


The electric-powered machine balances on two parallel rear wheels, the front retracting between them to allow it to manoeuvre through spaces so tight it can be driven into a building - and even fit in the lift.

Then, when it's time to zoom off into the sunset, the front wheel slides forward as the rear pair move back, giving the vehicle the stability to pick up speeds of up to 30mph.

It can travel between 30 to 35 miles on a single three to four hour charge.


Through the evil eye: This diagram shows the mechanism which allows the U3's transformation


Now the remarkable vehicle is being produced by his own motor design company in Cambridge, Massachusetts, called BPG Motors.

Small enough to fit in indoors, but powerful enough to tackle the road, the makers hope the cutting edge $7,500 (£4,600) ride will revolutionise the morning commute.


BPG Motors: Transforming UNO Video


source: dailymail

Birds of spray: Hummingbird family drink from sprinkler in photographer's back garden

By DAILY MAIL REPORTER

Stunning: The quick-witted hummingbird hovers in mid-air to drink from the garden sprinkler


These stunning photos show a family of hummingbirds cooling down from the sweltering weather by flying through water from a garden sprinkler.

Photographer Marie Will captured the fantastic images as the birds hovered in the air and refreshed themselves with the cool droplets.

The 39-year-old wears a bright red jumper so that she can get closer to the birds.


Pecking order: The bird is caught mid-flight


She put a garden sprinkler on her lawn and adjusted it to its slowest movement setting in order to photograph the Rufous Hummingbirds in mid air.

Marie said: 'My photographs show the playful, spirit of wild hummingbirds - they look like they are having so much fun, like a child playing with the garden hose.

'I live next to the river which brings in a lot of birds. I usually take the photos in my back garden.

'They like to feed on the plants in may garden and also cool down with the sprinkler.


Angelic: The tiny bird was captured in on camera in Oregon, U.S.


Dropping in for a drink: the colourful birds visit the garden every day


'My home office extends off to a deck that has large glass sliding doors which lead to my garden.

'I put the garden hose with the sprinkler attached close to the deck and set the spray on slow.

'My photography needs good weather because when it is sunny and bright I can capture the bird's beautiful colours.

'Most hummingbirds disappear during cold weather, but my hummingbirds stay here all year round.

'No matter if it snows or not, I am constantly refilling the feeders with sugar water I make." Marie, from Oregon, U.S., added: 'I make sure my cat is put in the house or he chases all my birds away.'



Friend of the birds: Marie Will uses a sprinkler and wears a red jumper to attract hummingbirds to her garden to get her incredible pictures

source : dailymail

Ghost of the abyss: Eerie dance of the deep-sea octopus captured on video 1.25 miles under the Pacific Ocean

By DAILY MAIL REPORTER


Boo! It may look like a computer game baddie, but this ghostly looking creature is one of the world's most rarely seen deep-sea octopods


It could be screenshot from ghost house level of the latest Super Mario video game blockbuster.

But these ghostly images in fact show a rarely seen deep-sea octopus captured in its natural habitat, deep on the ocean floor.

The octopuses feature two wing-like fins, which make them appear like Boos, the ghostly adversaries from the Mario series.


Abyssal zone: Researchers piloted a remote sub 1.25miles under the ocean to capture this Grimpoteuthis bathynectes octopus in its natural habitat


A remotely piloted camera plunged to 6600 ft (1.25 miles) into the abyss off the coast of Oregon, on the U.S. Pacific Northwest, to capture this Grimpoteuthis bathynectes octopus in its natural habitat.

Researchers from the University of Washington, who piloted the robot sub, captured these images during a 2005 expedition, but the video has just been released.


Inky black: Sea creatures from this far down need no colouration - light from the sun cannot penetrate to these depths The dumbo octopuses live close to the hydrothermal vent spouting from the underwater volcanoes at the Juan de Fuca Ridge in the northeast Pacific Ocean.


They are the deepest dwellers of any octopus species, typically living at depths of 3000–4000m, with some living up to 7000m below sea level.

Hovering above the very bottom of the deep, they scour the sands searching for worms, bivalves, pelagic copepods, and other crustaceans for food.


Chilly: With temperatures dropping as low as 2C, these octopuses can only survive close to geothermal springs spouting from an undersea volcanic range


They move by pulsing their arms, shooting water through their funnel, and by waving their ear-like fins.

Like most bottom dwellers, the dumbo octopuses have no pigmentation, since colouration has no use in an environment without light.

Little else is known about the creatures since, at these depths, the conditions are inhospitable and even most submarines would be crushed like a soft drinks can under a tractor.

The pressure from the vast weight of sea water can reach up to 11,000 pounds per square inch, and the temperature drops to a chilly 2-3C.

As no sunlight reaches this layer of the ocean, deep sea creatures have adapted to reduced eyesight, with their large eyes detecting only bioluminescent flashes.


Graceful: The dumbo octopuses move by pulsing their arms, shooting water through their funnel, and by waving their ear-like fins


Survival of the fittest: Little else is known about the creatures since, at these depths, the conditions are inhospitable and even most submarines would be crushed like a soft drinks can under a tractor


Octopus Ballet



source: dailymail

Why zombie ants infected by mind-controlling fungus always kill themselves at high noon

By JOHN MCDONNELL

A dead carpenter ant, with fungus sprouting from its head. A parasitic fungus, a species of Ophiocordyceps, has the ability to take over the mind and body of the ant before leading it to its final resting place


A parasitic fungus has the ability to take over the mind and body of an ant before leading it to its final resting place at the most opportune time, an astonishing study has revealed.

The fungus, a species of Ophiocordyceps, was found living in carpenter ants in Thailand's rain forest, controlling their nervous system so they became a vessel with one purpose: helping the fungus reproduce.

As the fungus spreads through the ant's body it begins to act irregularly before it eventually dies with its jaws clamped around the vein of a leaf in a place perfect for the parasite to thrive, it was found.


A dead ant clamped to the vein on the underside of a leaf. Researchers witnessed a total of 16 infected ants leave their colony and bite into a leaf near the jungle floor before dying, all at a time very close to midday


Researchers witnessed a total of 16 infected ants leave their colony and bite into the underside of a leaf before dying - all at a time very close to midday.

'Synchronised arrival of zombie ants at the graveyards is a remarkable phenomenon.

It adds a layer of complexity on what is already an impressive feat,' David Hughes, a study researcher from Pennsylvania State University, told LiveScience.com.


The head of the carpenter ant becomes filled with fungal cells, which appear to affect the motion of the jaw so the mouth cannot be opened again once clamped onto a leaf


'However, although ants bite at noon they don't in fact die until sunset. Likely this strategy ensures (the fungus) has a long cool night ahead of it during which time it can literally burst out of the ant's head to begin the growth of the spore-releasing stalk.'

By dissecting infected ants, it was discovered that when they took their final living act - biting down into the vein of a leaf - their head was filled with fungal cells, which appeared to affect the motion of the jaw so the mouth could not be opened again.




It was found that a few days after the ants ingest the fungus they become zombie-like, no longer following trails and interacting with other ants, and instead wandering aimlessly until they fall out of the forest canopy.

They then wander just above the jungle floor until a perfect place for fungus reproduction is found.

It is much cooler and moister at this level than high up in trees, making it much easier for fungus to thrive.

The fungus eventually sprouts out of the dead ant's head, allowing fungal spores to easily be picked up by other ants, and starting a whole new cycle.


source: dailymail

Why zombie ants infected by mind-controlling fungus always kill themselves at high noon

By JOHN MCDONNELL

A dead carpenter ant, with fungus sprouting from its head. A parasitic fungus, a species of Ophiocordyceps, has the ability to take over the mind and body of the ant before leading it to its final resting place


A parasitic fungus has the ability to take over the mind and body of an ant before leading it to its final resting place at the most opportune time, an astonishing study has revealed.

The fungus, a species of Ophiocordyceps, was found living in carpenter ants in Thailand's rain forest, controlling their nervous system so they became a vessel with one purpose: helping the fungus reproduce.

As the fungus spreads through the ant's body it begins to act irregularly before it eventually dies with its jaws clamped around the vein of a leaf in a place perfect for the parasite to thrive, it was found.


A dead ant clamped to the vein on the underside of a leaf. Researchers witnessed a total of 16 infected ants leave their colony and bite into a leaf near the jungle floor before dying, all at a time very close to midday


Researchers witnessed a total of 16 infected ants leave their colony and bite into the underside of a leaf before dying - all at a time very close to midday.

'Synchronised arrival of zombie ants at the graveyards is a remarkable phenomenon.

It adds a layer of complexity on what is already an impressive feat,' David Hughes, a study researcher from Pennsylvania State University, told LiveScience.com.


The head of the carpenter ant becomes filled with fungal cells, which appear to affect the motion of the jaw so the mouth cannot be opened again once clamped onto a leaf


'However, although ants bite at noon they don't in fact die until sunset. Likely this strategy ensures (the fungus) has a long cool night ahead of it during which time it can literally burst out of the ant's head to begin the growth of the spore-releasing stalk.'

By dissecting infected ants, it was discovered that when they took their final living act - biting down into the vein of a leaf - their head was filled with fungal cells, which appeared to affect the motion of the jaw so the mouth could not be opened again.




It was found that a few days after the ants ingest the fungus they become zombie-like, no longer following trails and interacting with other ants, and instead wandering aimlessly until they fall out of the forest canopy.

They then wander just above the jungle floor until a perfect place for fungus reproduction is found.

It is much cooler and moister at this level than high up in trees, making it much easier for fungus to thrive.

The fungus eventually sprouts out of the dead ant's head, allowing fungal spores to easily be picked up by other ants, and starting a whole new cycle.


source: dailymail

Now octo-PUSH! The moment sea mother hatched thousands of eight-legged babies

By JANE BUNCE

Tiny: The hatchlings were each just 0.04 inches long


Scientists have caught on film the moment that thousands of tiny octopi emerged from their eggs and floated into the world.

The real octomum surprised biologists by giving birth soon after she was acquired by the Steinhart Aquarium at the California Academy of Sciences in San Francisco in January - until that point, they had not known that she was female.

The Caribbean Octopus vulgaris laid thousands of eggs and attached them to a rock near the large glass bottle in which she had taken up residence.


On display: The octomum took up residence inside a glass bottle, giving visitors the opportunity to see the birth process


After standing guard over her babies for three weeks, the eggs hatched, sending a stream of octopi floating up towards the water's surface. Biologist Richard Ross caught the event on film from start to finish and posted it on his blog at Advanced Aquarist.

The aquarium staff fed the hatchlings - which were each just 0.04 inches long - on even tinier brine shrimp and zooplankton.

But Mr Ross said the story had a sad ending as the octopi, also known as paralarvae, are hard to keep alive in captivity and the mother's life also ends soon after she gives birth.


Seafood: Aquarium staff fed the octopi on brine shrimp and zooplankton


'While eggs being laid in captivity is generally an exciting event, this particular species, like many but not all octopus, stops eating after it lays eggs and dies soon after they hatch,' he said.

'Although we weren't able to raise the hatchlings to maturity, something few have done (if at all), we were able to keep them alive for 26 days, and the image of a waterfall of tiny octopus paralarve flowing up from the egg mass to the surface of the water is something I don’t think we will ever forget.'

O. vulgaris hatchlings hatching from Richard Ross on Vimeo.

source: dailymail

Amazing underwater photos that show the growing gap

By DAILY MAIL REPORTER

Growing gap: Alex Mustard, dived 80ft into the crevice between the North American and Eurasian plates near Iceland to capture these spectacular photos


Swimming through an area of extreme natural beauty, this diver surveys the underwater canyons on his either side.

But this British scuba diver is actually between two tectonic plates.

Alex Mustard, 36, dived 80ft into the crevice between the North American and Eurasian plates near Iceland to capture these spectacular photos.

The area is riddled with faults, valleys, volcanoes and hot springs, caused by the plates pulling apart at about one inch per year.


Ripe for exploration: The area is riddled with faults, valleys, volcanoes and hot springs, caused by the plates pulling apart at about one inch per year


Mr Mustard snapped away as he and his dive partners swam through fresh water canyons Silfra, Nes and Nikulasargja, which are up to 200ft deep.

He also took photos of the Arnarnes Strytur chimney, which forms a cloudy plume as 80C water is ejected from Earth's crust and hits the cool 4C seawater.


Inspiration: Mr Mustard wanted to capture Iceland's underwater volcanic features on film


Mr Mustard, from Southampton, said: 'The photos show diving in the unique underwater world of Iceland which, like on land, is formed by the volcanic landscape of the country.

'Many people visit Iceland to see these features on land but they also continue underwater.

'For a scuba diver these are spectacular places to visit - being able to fly through the clear water and explore the fault lines in three dimensions.

'I have dived all around the world and this is almost certainly the clearest water I have ever been in.

'Many people have an experience of vertigo from the sheer walls and clear water.'


Mr Mustard swam through fresh water canyons Silfra, Nes and Nikulasargja, which are up to 200ft deep


Movements of the earth: Mr Mustard took his photos between the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates at Iceland


source: dailymail

Amazing underwater photos that show the growing gap

By DAILY MAIL REPORTER

Growing gap: Alex Mustard, dived 80ft into the crevice between the North American and Eurasian plates near Iceland to capture these spectacular photos


Swimming through an area of extreme natural beauty, this diver surveys the underwater canyons on his either side.

But this British scuba diver is actually between two tectonic plates.

Alex Mustard, 36, dived 80ft into the crevice between the North American and Eurasian plates near Iceland to capture these spectacular photos.

The area is riddled with faults, valleys, volcanoes and hot springs, caused by the plates pulling apart at about one inch per year.


Ripe for exploration: The area is riddled with faults, valleys, volcanoes and hot springs, caused by the plates pulling apart at about one inch per year


Mr Mustard snapped away as he and his dive partners swam through fresh water canyons Silfra, Nes and Nikulasargja, which are up to 200ft deep.

He also took photos of the Arnarnes Strytur chimney, which forms a cloudy plume as 80C water is ejected from Earth's crust and hits the cool 4C seawater.


Inspiration: Mr Mustard wanted to capture Iceland's underwater volcanic features on film


Mr Mustard, from Southampton, said: 'The photos show diving in the unique underwater world of Iceland which, like on land, is formed by the volcanic landscape of the country.

'Many people visit Iceland to see these features on land but they also continue underwater.

'For a scuba diver these are spectacular places to visit - being able to fly through the clear water and explore the fault lines in three dimensions.

'I have dived all around the world and this is almost certainly the clearest water I have ever been in.

'Many people have an experience of vertigo from the sheer walls and clear water.'


Mr Mustard swam through fresh water canyons Silfra, Nes and Nikulasargja, which are up to 200ft deep


Movements of the earth: Mr Mustard took his photos between the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates at Iceland


source: dailymail

New underwater translator could help humans talk to dolphins

By DAILY MAIL REPORTER

Decoding their language: Scientists are developing a new computer which may allow humans to communicate with dolphins


For years man has dreamt of being able to communicate directly with animals.
And now it appears that it could be a step closer thanks to a group of American scientists.

They are in the process of developing a underwater computer that attempts to recognise dolphin sounds and then respond in real time.


Breakthrough: The new machine, which may be similar to this, works by using hydrophones to pick up the dolphin sounds and LEDs to show the direction they came from


They are hoping to test the machine off the Florida coast in the next few weeks, and, if successful, it will be a huge step in establishing communication between humans and animals.

The machine works by using hydrophones to pick up the dolphin sounds and LEDs to show the direction they came from.


Playtime: Scientists have previously communicated with the animals using props and a large underwater keyboard


When they receive a sound, the divers will then play back one of eight 'words' and see if dolphins mimic them.

The scientists, led by Dr Denise Herzing, will then catalogue all the sounds the dolphins make and, they hope, establishing the building blocks of the dolphins language.


Dolphin Talking


source :dailymail

Just when you thought it was safe to go back in the water: The alien creatures lurking off our coast

By DAILY MAIL REPORTER

The Mantis Shrimp, found in the Lembeh Strait in Indonesia, is sometimes called a 'thumb-splitter' because it hides a devastating weapon that dismembers its prey


They look like beings from outer space, but these alien-like creatures are actually much closer to home, and could be swimming around close to the beaches where we holiday.

They were captured on camera by Britain's leading underwater photography team - and they may not be what they seem.

For example, the decorator crab can change shape, just like a Martian from a science-fiction movie, and even glues objects he finds to his shell to disguise himself from predators.


The yellow-eyed Clear Cleaner Shrimp, left, can be found in Baa Atoll in The Maldives, while the ornate Ghost Pipefish, which glows with bright colours, is from Dilli, East Timor


Another, the Mantis Shrimp, is sometimes called a 'thumb-splitter' because it hides a devastating weapon just like a silver-screen monster.


The Leaf Scorpionfish from Manado, Indonesia, left, sheds its skin as it changes colour, and the Deep Sea Squat Lobster is also to be found in Indonesia


The creatures can grow to 15 inches and can deliver a devastating strike in milliseconds with powerful claws, often dismembering their prey.

They have even been known to crack open aquarium glass and their bizarre neon colours also add to the mantis shrimp's otherworldly appearance.

The ornate Ghost Pipefish glows bright colours and is almost completely see-through, giving the odd 12cm seahorse relative its name.


The Reef Lizardfish from Mabul, Malaysia, forms part of the extraordinary collection


The team of experts, based in Borneo, are commissioned by broadcasters such as the BBC for groundbreaking series like the recently aired Human Planet and Life.

Gil said: 'You don't have to go into Deep Space to find aliens. They look like they have been created for a science fiction novel, but in fact you are likely to come across them while leisure diving in tropical waters if you are lucky enough.

'Who could have thought up a fish that has a nose like a horse, or a crab that glues objects to its shell for better camouflage.'


source: dailymail

Chimpanzees have 'at least 66 distinct gestures' they use to talk to each other

By DAILY MAIL REPORTER

Communicative: Chimpanzees have at least 66 different mannerisms that they use to talk to each other, according to researchers


Wild chimpanzees use more than twice the number of gestures to communicate than previously thought, scientists have said.

The animals have at least 66 different mannerisms that they use to talk to each other, according to researchers from the University Of St Andrews in Scotland.

It was previously thought that chimpanzees had just 30 distinct gestures, although this figure was arrived at following observations of animals in captivity.


At play: The scientists found that the chimpanzees clearly beckoned to each other and behaved remarkably like humans at times


'You wouldn't see them hunting for monkeys, taking females away on "courtships", or encountering neighbouring groups of chimpanzees.'

The team spent so long in the chimps' company that they got to know each other and the animals 'got on with their daily lives'.

They found that the chimpanzees clearly beckoned to each other.

In one piece of footage, a mother gestures for her daughter to climb on her back; in another, a child holds another young chimp's hand to encourage it to play.


source: dailymail

gesture: a movement of the hands, arms or head, etc. to express an idea or feeling