(Press-News.org) Hormone-mimicking chemicals released into rivers have been found to impact the mating choices of fish, a new study has revealed. The controversial chemical BPA, which emits oestrogen-like properties, was found to alter an individual's appearance and behavior, leading to inter-species breeding. The study, published in Evolutionary Applications, reveals the threat to biodiversity when the boundaries between species are blurred.
The research, led by Dr Jessica Ward from the University of Minnesota, focused on the impact of Bisphenol A (BPA) on Blacktail Shiner (Cyprinella venusta) and Red Shiner (Cyprinella lutrensis) fish which are found in rivers across the United States. BPA is an organic compound used in the manufacture of polycarbonate and other plastics. It is currently banned from baby bottles and childrens' cups in 11 U.S. states.
"Chemicals from household products and pharmaceuticals frequently end up in rivers and BPA is known to be present in aquatic ecosystems across the United States," said Ward. "Until now studies have primarily focused on the impact to individual fish, but our study demonstrates the impact of BPA on a population level."
The team collected individuals of both species from two streams in the state of Georgia. The species were kept separated for 14 days in tanks, some of which contained BPA. On the 15th day behavioral trials were undertaken as individuals from different tanks were introduced to each other.
The scientists monitored any physiological or signalling differences the individuals displayed, such as colour, as well as any behavioral differences during courtship, such as mate choice.
BPA disrupts an individual's endocrine system, which controls the release of hormones. This impacts behavior and appearance, which in turn can lead an individual to mistake a newly introduced species as a potential mate.
This process poses long-term ecological consequences, especially in areas threatened by the introduction of invasive species. BPA and other hormone-mimicking chemicals can escalate the loss of native biodiversity by breaking down species barriers and promoting the invader.
"Our research shows how the presence of these manmade chemicals leads to a greater likelihood of hybridization between species," concluded Ward. "This can have severe ecological and evolutionary consequences, including the potential for the decline of our native species."
### END
Hormone-mimicking chemicals cause inter-species mating
BPA in rivers leads to breakdown of fish species barriers
2012-07-11
ELSE PRESS RELEASES FROM THIS DATE:
A deeper look into the pathogen responsible for crown gall disease in plants
2012-07-11
Next week's Journal of Biological Chemistry "Paper of the Week" by Wai Mun Huang and colleagues at the University of Utah Health Sciences Center and the University of Minnesota reveals new insights into the molecular properties of the rod-shaped soil bacterium Agrobacterium tumefaciens, the pathogen responsible for crown gall disease, a tumor-forming infection in plants, such as tomatoes, walnuts, grapes and beets.
The bacterium is parasitic: It infects its plant host by entering through an open wound, inserts a small segment of its genetic code into the plant's genome, ...
Presenting Epicure Digital NutriLive Easy-To-Use Interface to Present Nutritional Information on K-12 Menu Boards at the School Nutrition Conference in Denver
2012-07-11
Epicure Digital Systems, a leader in digital menu boards, presents at the ANC 2012 School Nutrition Association (SNA) National Conference, Colorado Convention Center, Denver, CO. July 16-18, 2012, Booth #708, the Epicure Digital NutriLive Nutritional Menu Labeling System for Digital Menu Boards and Epicure Digital NutriLive Online to automatically post on school websites digital menu boards in English and Spanish, to meet new legislations.
At the SNA Conference, Epicure Digital (http://www.epicuredigital.com) will present the Epicure Digital NutriLive nutritional menu ...
TuneNGo Announces Launch of Cloud-Based Consumer-Interactive Solutions Suite
2012-07-11
TuneNGo, Inc., a cloud-based solutions provider for small business, is pleased to announce the launch of the first comprehensive online consumer-interactive calendaring, scheduling, eCommerce and video conferencing solution suite. The TuneNGo suite is specifically designed to help small to medium businesses (SMBs) accelerate growth and increase revenue by leveraging their existing website. TuneNGo offers SMBs the ability to easily and quickly promote, schedule and receive payment online for any products or professional services. The TuneNGo solution suite is currently in ...
Jungle Jumps is Working to Create Standard Inflatable Regulations for Every State
2012-07-11
To operate your inflatable business legally you must comply with government safety and insurance regulations. At this time there are no nationally standardized regulations for the inflatable industry. Instead the laws pertaining to inflatables are governed by the state that you do business in. This becomes even more of a challenge if your inflatable business operates in more than one state.
The level of certifications required for your business and inspection requirements will both vary from state to state. Currently there are two states, Pennsylvania and New Jersey, ...
PeopleSurance Announces New Insurance Discussion Forum
2012-07-11
PeopleSurance is proud to announce the release of Coverage Matters 2.0, an online insurance discussion forum and blog covering health insurance, life insurance, and group benefits. In addition to continually updated topics from PeopleSurance, users can now create accounts and post topics of concern to them online with answers from insurance professionals.
PeopleSurance President, Brandon Beavers states, "We are constantly listening to our customers and innovating to meet their needs. Coverage Matters 2.0 is a great compliment to the wide variety of communication ...
Cleaning Robots: Markets Reach $1.8 Billion By 2018
2012-07-11
ELECTRONICS.CA PUBLICATIONS, the electronics industry market research and knowledge network, announces the availability of a new report entitled "Cleaning Robots Market Shares, Strategy, and Forecasts Worldwide".
Worldwide markets are poised to achieve significant growth as the robots automate cleaning functions in the home making it easier for working people and older people to keep a nice home.
The automated process revolution in business process and communications is being extended to home cleaning robots. Household robot market driving forces are aspects ...
Shannon Thompson, D.P.M. Joins Boston Common Podiatry
2012-07-11
Dr. Thompson holds a Master of Science in Biomedical Sciences and a Doctorate in Podiatric Medicine from Barry University in Florida. Previous to joining the practice, Dr. Thompson treated podiatry patients in a private sports medicine-oriented practice as well as a private podiatry practice. Previous to that, she was on staff at HealthDrive, an in-home healthcare service, where she provided geriatric podiatry care at several Boston area nursing homes.
"Dr. Thompson is a highly regarded, compassionate podiatrist and we're delighted to have her on staff," noted ...
Edward Palonek Outlines the Rules On What is Classified As Unclaimed Property In The State Kansas
2012-07-11
Each State has their own Statues as to what is classified as abandoned property and at what point in time the property must be handed over to them. As the years progress and as revenues from State taxes decrease, the Government is looking for new forms of income to help offset the lower receipt of taxes. One of the more popular forms and least burdensome on taxpayers is that of unclaimed property, which amount to millions of dollars in state accounts. The rules of handing over unclaimed property by various institutions are getting stricter all the time, says Edward Palonek, ...
CrossRope, the First-Ever Interchangeable Weighted Cable Jump Rope System, Announces Official Launch
2012-07-11
CrossRope, the first-ever interchangeable weighted cable jump rope system dedicated to meet individual training needs and optimize workout effectiveness, announced its official launch today. Founded and created by active duty Navy pilot, Dave Hunt, CrossRope is the first jump rope that allows users to easily tailor the level of resistance with seven cable types and weights ranging from two ounces to three pounds.
CrossRope's unique series of sleek, interchangeable jump rope cables provide a serious range of workout and training capabilities. Each CrossRope cable serves ...
Echelon Ag Is Hiring Account Manager for Regina
2012-07-11
Trent Dorrance, Sales Manager for Echelon Ag, is excited to announce that the Regina location is currently looking to fill the Precision Agriculture Account Manager position.
"We're really excited about the potential prospects for our Regina location," commented Trent Dorrance, Sales Manager, Echelon Ag. "This will be a great way to bring fresh ideas into Echelon, and we're thrilled about it."
The Precision Agriculture Account Manager will report to Trent Dorrance, Sales Manager for Echelon Ag, and will be responsible for the sales, installation/service, ...
LAST 30 PRESS RELEASES:
AI and the Future of Cancer Research and Cancer Care to headline October 24 gathering of global oncology leaders at the National Press Club: NFCR Global Summit to feature top scientists, entrepreneurs
FDA clears UCLA heart tissue regeneration drug AD-NP1 for clinical trials
Exploring the therapeutic potential of cannabidiol for Alzheimer's
We need a solar sail probe to detect space tornadoes earlier, more accurately, U-M researchers say
Acute myeloid leukemia (AML): Disease risk but not remission status determines transplant outcomes – new ASAP long-term results
Sperm microRNAs: Key regulators of the paternal transmission of exercise capacity
Seeing double: Clever images open doors for brain research
Inhaler-related greenhouse gas emissions in the US
UCLA Health study finds inhalers for asthma and COPD drive significant greenhouse gas emissions
A surgical handover system for patient physiology and safety
Cardiovascular health changes in young adults and risk of later-life cardiovascular disease
Nurse workload and missed nursing care in neonatal intensive care units
How to solve the remote work stalemate – dissertation offers tools for successful hybrid work
Chip-based phonon splitter brings hybrid quantum networks closer to reality
Texas Children’s researchers create groundbreaking tool to improve accuracy of genetic testing
Milken Institute, Ann Theodore Foundation announce more than $2.5 million in new funding for sarcoidosis research and launch new call for proposals
Boston University professor to receive 2025 Eugene Braunwald Academic Mentorship Award
Pusan National University researchers reveal how forest soil properties influence arsenic mobility and toxicity in soil organisms
Korea University researchers find sweet taste cells resist nerve damage through c-Kit protein
HealthFORCE, AAPA, and West Health release “Aging Well with AI” – first in a two part series on AI and the healthcare workforce
The real reasons Endurance sank — study finds Shackleton knew of ship’s shortcomings
Marine heatwaves have hidden impacts on ocean food webs and carbon cycling
Order from disordered proteins
Rocket test proves bacteria survive space launch and re-entry unharmed
New wheat diversity discovery could provide an urgently-needed solution to global food security
Could reducing inflammation help combat fatigue in people with early-stage breast cancer?
Traumatic brain injuries in older adults linked to increased risk of dementia
New intervention helps pediatricians promote early peanut introduction to prevent peanut allergy
New survey: Most Americans believe plasma donation saves lives, yet few have donated
New tools boost pediatricians’ adherence to peanut allergy guidelines 15-fold
[Press-News.org] Hormone-mimicking chemicals cause inter-species matingBPA in rivers leads to breakdown of fish species barriers