Latest news with #NewWorld
Canada News.Net
12 hours ago
- Science
- Canada News.Net
USDA revives insect warfare to protect livestock and wildlife
TOPEKA, Kansas: In a campaign that sounds more like a science fiction plot than public policy, the U.S. government is preparing to breed billions of sterile flies and release them from planes over Mexico and southern Texas. The objective? To combat the deadly New World screwworm — a flesh-eating maggot that threatens to wreak havoc on livestock, wildlife, and even household pets. Though bizarre, this approach has proven effective in the past. The targeted pest, the larval form of the New World screwworm fly, feeds on the living tissue of warm-blooded animals. Female flies lay their eggs in open wounds or mucous membranes, and once hatched, the larvae burrow into flesh, causing severe pain, infection, and — if untreated — death. A single infestation can kill a 1,000-pound cow in under two weeks. To halt the fly's spread, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) will release millions of sterile male flies into the wild. These flies, irradiated to prevent fertility, mate with wild females, but no offspring are produced. Over time, the pest population collapses. "It's an exceptionally good technology," says Edwin Burgess, an entomologist at the University of Florida. "It's one of the great scientific solutions to a large-scale problem." This method of biological pest control — called the Sterile Insect Technique — was instrumental in eradicating screwworms from the U.S. and much of Central America by the late 20th century. A fly production facility in Panama, jointly operated by the U.S. and regional partners, has served as the front line of defense, keeping the flies contained in South America. But in late 2024, the screwworm reappeared in southern Mexico, triggering alarms. In response, the USDA plans to expand production by building a new fly factory in southern Mexico by July 2026. Meanwhile, a fly distribution center will open in Texas by the end of this year to receive sterile flies from Panama if needed. Historically, from 1962 to 1975, over 94 billion sterile flies were released in North America to drive the screwworm to extinction. One biological advantage makes this tactic potent: female screwworm flies mate only once in their short adult lives. Ensuring that the majority of them pair with sterile males effectively halts the reproductive cycle. Still, the risk is real and immediate. In May, the U.S. temporarily closed its southern border to live imports of cattle, horses, and bison. It may not reopen fully until September. The screwworm can infect any warm-blooded animal — including humans — and its return would be a devastating blow to the beef industry. Decades ago, the U.S. maintained fly-breeding facilities in Florida and Texas, but those closed after the screwworm was declared eradicated. Now, the USDA wants to scale up again, targeting production of up to 400 million sterile flies per week. This effort will involve US$8.5 million for the Texas distribution hub and $21 million to convert an old fruit fly facility in Mexico. Producing flies isn't as simple as it sounds. Females must be induced to lay eggs, and larvae need a nutritious diet. Past diets included mixtures of horse meat and honey, and later, blood plasma and egg powder. Once mature, the larvae — resembling dark brown Tic Tacs — are packed into sawdust trays to pupate. Even logistics carries risk. Last month, a plane distributing flies near Mexico's Guatemala border crashed, killing three crew members. Air drops, typically conducted with light aircraft, still use variations of mid-century methods — either paper cups or crates dispensed through mechanical devices. Experts warn that once the pest is again under control, the infrastructure should not be dismantled. "Declaring total victory is tempting," says Burgess, "but nature has a way of surprising us. A pest like this can always return."
Time of India
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Time of India
5 Must-watch anime where the protagonist turns into a villain
Source: Crunchyroll What turns a hero into a villain? In anime, some of the most powerful stories revolve around protagonists who descend into darkness. These transformations explore complex psychological themes such as trauma, identity crisis, moral conflict, and the corrupting nature of power. Watching a character slowly abandon their values creates gripping tension and forces viewers to examine uncomfortable truths about human behavior. Whether driven by pain, revenge, or distorted ideals, these characters reveal how easily the line between good and evil can fade. If you enjoy anime with intense character development and thought-provoking storytelling, these must-watch titles deserve a spot on your list. 5 Anime with plot twists where the protagonist turns into a villain Death Note : Light Yagami's God Complex Source: Crunchyroll No list of protagonist-turned-villain anime is complete without Death Note. Light Yagami, a brilliant high school student, finds a mysterious notebook that allows him to kill anyone by writing their name in it. Initially, he uses it to rid the world of criminals, believing he's creating a utopia. But as the series progresses, Light becomes consumed by power, declaring himself the "God of the New World." His descent is both chilling and fascinating. He manipulates, lies, and kills without hesitation, becoming the very evil he claimed to fight. Light's transformation is not abrupt, it's gradual, logical, and frighteningly human. Death Note forces the viewer to question: If you had the power to change the world, would you remain good? Code Geass : Lelouch's dark rebellion Source: Crunchyroll Code Geass presents another iconic protagonist-turned-villain in the form of Lelouch Lamperouge, a former prince who gains the power of Geass, the ability to command anyone to do his bidding. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Why seniors are rushing to get this Internet box – here's why! Techno Mag Learn More Undo Driven by a desire to overthrow the tyrannical Britannian Empire and create a peaceful world for his sister, Lelouch becomes a revolutionary leader under the masked identity "Zero." But in his quest for justice, Lelouch uses manipulation, terrorism, and cold-blooded strategy that results in countless deaths. While his endgame aims for peace, his path is filled with destruction. Is he a hero with a noble cause or a villain masked by ambition? Code Geass explores that moral gray zone with powerful storytelling and one of the most dramatic endings in anime history. Attack on Titan : Eren Yeager's fall from grace Source: Crunchyroll From a freedom-seeking child to the harbinger of apocalypse, Eren Yeager's character arc in Attack on Titan is one of the most shocking in modern anime. In earlier seasons, Eren is driven by a desire to destroy the Titans and protect humanity. But as the story unfolds, so does the truth about the world, and Eren's response is devastating. By the final season, Eren wages war on a global scale, leading a genocidal campaign known as "The Rumbling." Once a symbol of hope, he becomes a mass murderer, justifying his actions as a means to secure his people's future. His transformation is tragic, terrifying, and heartbreakingly complex. Parasyte: The Maxim , Shinichi's loss of humanity Source: Crunchyroll In Parasyte: The Maxim, Shinichi Izumi starts as a kind, regular teenager until a parasitic alien named Migi invades his body. As the two co-exist, Shinichi gradually loses his empathy and human emotions. While he doesn't become a full-fledged villain, his transformation is unsettling. He begins to make ruthless decisions, shows little emotion after personal losses, and becomes increasingly detached from human society. Though still fighting other parasites to protect people, Shinichi's changing psychology raises questions: Can one still be called a hero if they've lost their humanity? Tokyo Ghoul : Kaneki's monstrous evolution Source: Crunchyroll Ken Kaneki in Tokyo Ghoul might have the most painful and layered descent into darkness. A shy, book-loving student, Kaneki turns into a half-ghoul after a transplant surgery gone wrong. Initially, he struggles to retain his human identity while surviving in the ghoul world. But repeated trauma, torture, and betrayal shatter his innocence. Kaneki evolves from a scared teen into a violent, morally ambiguous warrior who embraces his ghoul side. He joins dark factions, adopts new identities, and begins to blur the lines between protector and predator. His descent is not about power; it's about survival in a brutal world. Light Yagami's chilling god complex in Death Note, Eren Yeager's earth-shattering transformation in Attack on Titan, and the gradual loss of humanity in Parasyte: The Maxim are just a few examples of how anime can explore the dark side of its main characters. These stories prove that a protagonist's fall into villainy can be just as gripping as a hero's triumph. Complex character arcs, psychological tension, and blurred moral lines make these anime unforgettable for viewers who crave depth and drama. Anime with heroes-turned-villains c conventional storytelling and push audiences to rethink ideas of justice, identity, and power. These five titles offer intense emotional journeys and plot twists that stay with you long after the credits roll. Interested in more anime with morally grey characters or dark themes? Keep this list handy and start your next watch with one of these powerful and thought-provoking series. Also Read: Best shounen animes to watch: 10 action-packed series you can't miss
RNZ News
2 days ago
- Business
- RNZ News
Foodstuffs commits to rebuilding New World Victoria Park after fire
Fire engulfed the supermarket in June. Photo: RNZ/Marika Khabazi Foodstuffs says it's "100 percent committed to rebuilding" New World Victoria Park at the same site as its fire-damaged predecessor . A massive blaze broke out at the central Auckland supermarket in June, taking more than 10 hours to extinguish and significantly damaging the building. The announcement of a new store was made on the supermarket's social media. "Work is well under way to make our fire-damaged site safe for entry. "Right now, it's still too dangerous for anyone to go inside, but specialist crews and structural engineers are on-site, carefully stabilising the building so we can begin the recovery." "We're 100 percent committed to rebuilding a new supermarket on the same site. Our focus is on getting back up and running as quickly as we can, but safety comes first." The statement went on to say it has brought forward the opening of the store in Point Chevalier to 19 August, which is 5km away. The New World store in Victoria Park had employed more than 180 people . Foodstuffs said it continues to work with affected staff. "To our amazing team, we're continuing to work one-on-one with each of you and are so grateful for your patience and resilience. "Being part of the Foodstuffs North Island co-operative means Foodstuffs have been able to off over 100 roles across 23 Auckland stores, and we're doing everything we can to help our people find the right next step," the statement on social media said.
Yomiuri Shimbun
3 days ago
- Business
- Yomiuri Shimbun
Beef Prices Have Soared in the US — and Not Just during Grilling Season
OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — Anyone firing up the grill this summer already knows hamburger patties and steaks are expensive, but the latest numbers show prices have climbed to record highs. And experts say consumers shouldn't expect much relief soon either. The average price of a pound of ground beef rose to $6.12 in June, up nearly 12% from a year ago, according to U.S. government data. The average price of all uncooked beef steaks rose 8% to $11.49 per pound. But this is not a recent phenomenon. Beef prices have been steadily rising over the past 20 years because the supply of cattle remains tight while beef remains popular. In fact, the U.S. cattle herd has been steadily shrinking for decades. As of Jan. 1, the U.S. had 86.7 million cattle and calves, down 8% from the most recent peak in 2019. That is the lowest number of cattle since 1951, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Many factors including drought and cattle prices have contributed to that decline. And now the emergence of a pesky parasite in Mexico and the prospect of widespread tariffs may further reduce supply and raise prices. Here's a look at what's causing the price of beef to rise. Smaller herd The American beef industry has gotten better at breeding larger animals, so ranchers can provide the same amount of beef with fewer cattle, said David Anderson, a livestock economist at Texas A&M. Then in 2020, a three-year drought began that dried out pastures and raised the cost of feed for cattle, according to the American Farm Bureau. Drought has continued to be a problem across the West since then, and the price of feed has put more pressure on ranchers who already operate on slim profit margins. In response, many farmers slaughtered more female cattle than usual, which helped beef supplies in the short term but lowered the size of future herds. Lower cattle supplies has raised prices. In recent years cattle prices have soared, so that now animals are selling for thousands of dollars apiece. Recent prices show cattle selling for more than $230 per hundredweight, or hundred pounds. Those higher prices give ranchers more incentive to sell cows now to capture profits instead of hanging onto them for breeding given that prices in the years ahead may decrease, Anderson said. 'For them, the balance is, 'Do I sell that animal now and take this record high check?' Or 'do I keep her to realize her returns over her productive life when she's having calves?'' Anderson said. 'And so it's this balancing act and so far the side that's been winning is to sell her and get the check.' Disease dilemma The emergence of a flesh-eating pest in cattle herds in Mexico has put extra pressure on supply because officials cut off all imports of cattle from south of the border last year. Some 4% of the cattle the U.S. feeds to slaughter for beef comes from Mexico. The pest is the New World screwworm fly, and female flies lay eggs in wounds on warm-blooded animals. The larvae that hatch are unusual among flies for feeding on live flesh and fluids instead of dead material. American officials worry that if the fly reaches Texas, its flesh-eating maggots could cause large economic losses as they did decades ago before the U.S. eradicated the pest. Agricultural economist Bernt Nelson with the Farm Bureau said the loss of that many cattle is putting additional pressure on supply that is helping drive prices higher. Tariff trouble President Donald Trump's tariffs have yet to have a major impact on beef prices but they could be another factor that drives prices higher because the U.S. imports more than 4 billion pounds of beef every year. Much of what is imported is lean beef trimmings that meatpackers mix with fattier beef produced in the U.S. to produce the varieties of ground beef that domestic consumers want. Much of that lean beef comes from Australia and New Zealand that have only seen a 10% tariff, but some of it comes from Brazil where Trump has threatened tariffs as high as 50%. If the tariffs remain in place long-term, meat processors will have to pay higher prices on imported lean beef. It wouldn't be easy for U.S. producers to replace because the country's system is geared toward producing fattier beef known for marbled steaks. Prices will likely stay high It's the height of grilling season and demand in the U.S. for beef remains strong, which Kansas State agricultural economist Glynn Tonsor said will help keep prices higher. If prices remain this high, shoppers will likely start to buy more hamburger meat and fewer steaks, but that doesn't appear to be happening broadly yet — and people also don't seem to be buying chicken or pork instead of beef. Nelson said that recently the drought has eased — allowing pasture conditions to improve — and grain prices are down thanks to the drop in export demand for corn because of the tariffs. Those factors, combined with the high cattle prices might persuade more ranchers to keep their cows and breed them to expand the size of their herds. Even if ranchers decided to raise more cattle to help replace those imports, it would take at least two years to breed and raise them. And it wouldn't be clear if that is happening until later this fall when ranchers typically make those decisions. 'We've still got a lot of barriers in the way to grow this herd,' Nelson said. Just consider that a young farmer who wants to add 25 bred heifers to his herd has to be prepared to spend more than $100,000 at auction at a time when borrowing costs remain high. There is typically a seasonal decline in beef prices as grilling season slows down into the fall, but those price declines are likely to be modest.
Chicago Tribune
6 days ago
- Business
- Chicago Tribune
Backyard barbecues beware: Beef prices are soaring in the US
OMAHA, Neb. — Anyone firing up the grill this summer already knows hamburger patties and steaks are expensive, but the latest numbers show prices have climbed to record highs. And experts say consumers shouldn't expect much relief soon either. The average price of a pound of ground beef rose to $6.12 in June, up nearly 12% from a year ago, according to U.S. government data. The average price of all uncooked beef steaks rose 8% to $11.49 per pound. But this is not a recent phenomenon. Beef prices have been steadily rising over the past 20 years because the supply of cattle remains tight while beef remains popular. In fact, the U.S. cattle herd has been steadily shrinking for decades. As of Jan. 1, the U.S. had 86.7 million cattle and calves, down 8% from the most recent peak in 2019. That is the lowest number of cattle since 1951, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Many factors including drought and cattle prices have contributed to that decline. And now the emergence of a pesky parasite in Mexico and the prospect of widespread tariffs may further reduce supply and raise prices. Here's a look at what's causing the price of beef to rise: The American beef industry has gotten better at breeding larger animals, so ranchers can provide the same amount of beef with fewer cattle, said David Anderson, a livestock economist at Texas A&M. Then in 2020, a three-year drought began that dried out pastures and raised the cost of feed for cattle, according to the American Farm Bureau. Drought has continued to be a problem across the West since then, and the price of feed has put more pressure on ranchers who already operate on slim profit margins. In response, many farmers slaughtered more female cattle than usual, which helped beef supplies in the short term but lowered the size of future herds. Lower cattle supplies has raised prices. In recent years cattle prices have soared, so that now animals are selling for thousands of dollars apiece. Recent prices show cattle selling for more than $230 per hundredweight, or hundred pounds. Those higher prices give ranchers more incentive to sell cows now to capture profits instead of hanging onto them for breeding given that prices in the years ahead may decrease, Anderson said. 'For them, the balance is, 'Do I sell that animal now and take this record high check?' Or 'do I keep her to realize her returns over her productive life when she's having calves?'' Anderson said. 'And so it's this balancing act and so far the side that's been winning is to sell her and get the check.' The emergence of a flesh-eating pest in cattle herds in Mexico has put extra pressure on supply because officials cut off all imports of cattle from south of the border last year. Some 4% of the cattle the U.S. feeds to slaughter for beef comes from Mexico. The pest is the New World screwworm fly, and female flies lay eggs in wounds on warm-blooded animals. The larvae that hatch are unusual among flies for feeding on live flesh and fluids instead of dead material. American officials worry that if the fly reaches Texas, its flesh-eating maggots could cause large economic losses as they did decades ago before the U.S. eradicated the pest. Agricultural economist Bernt Nelson with the Farm Bureau said the loss of that many cattle is putting additional pressure on supply that is helping drive prices higher. President Donald Trump's tariffs have yet to have a major impact on beef prices but they could be another factor that drives prices higher because the U.S. imports more than 4 million pounds of beef every year. Much of what is imported is lean beef trimmings that meatpackers mix with fattier beef produced in the U.S. to produce the varieties of ground beef that domestic consumers want. Much of that lean beef comes from Australia and New Zealand that have only seen a 10% tariff, but some of it comes from Brazil where Trump has threatened tariffs as high as 50%. If the tariffs remain in place long-term, meat processors will have to pay higher prices on imported lean beef. It wouldn't be easy for U.S. producers to replace because the country's system is geared toward producing fattier beef known for marbled steaks. It's the height of grilling season and demand in the U.S. for beef remains strong, which Kansas State agricultural economist Glynn Tonsor said will help keep prices higher. If prices remain this high, shoppers will likely start to buy more hamburger meat and fewer steaks, but that doesn't appear to be happening broadly yet — and people also don't seem to be buying chicken or pork instead of beef. Nelson said that recently the drought has eased — allowing pasture conditions to improve — and grain prices are down thanks to the drop in export demand for corn because of the tariffs. Those factors, combined with the high cattle prices might persuade more ranchers to keep their cows and breed them to expand the size of their herds. Even if ranchers decided to raise more cattle to help replace those imports, it would take at least two years to breed and raise them. And it wouldn't be clear if that is happening until later this fall when ranchers typically make those decisions. 'We've still got a lot of barriers in the way to grow this herd,' Nelson said. Just consider that a young farmer who wants to add 25 bred heifers to his herd has to be prepared to spend more than $100,000 at auction at a time when borrowing costs remain high. There is typically a seasonal decline in beef prices as grilling season slows down into the fall, but those price declines are likely to be modest.
