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New insights on chameleon colour shifts
chameleon
A deeper layer of iridophores with larger crystals reflects a substantial amount of sunlight.

Vivid colour changes achieved through crystal rearrangement, study suggests

Scientists have shed new light on how chameleons are able to achieve their famous colour shifts.

It is now thought to be accomplished through the rearrangement of crystals inside specialised cells, rather that the dispersal of pigments.

Chameleons, particularly panther chameleons, are known for their ability to rapidly change between vivid colours in social situations - for example in contests between males or during courtship.

Previously, this was believed to be due to a gathering or dispersal of pigments in different cells. Quantum physicists and evolutionary biologists from the University of Geneva, however, now believe  this is achieved by rearranging crystals in specialised skin cells called iridophores.

According to their findings, which have been published in the journal Nature Communications, a deeper layer of iridophores with larger crystals reflects a substantial amount of sunlight, which may help the reptiles to stay cool.

Senior author, Professor Michel Milinkovitch, told BBC News: "They split the iridophores into two layers, one that is specialised for colour change... and one to reduce the amount of energy absorbed by the animal.

"That's an amazing toolkit that allows them to choose between being hidden or displaying very spectacular colours for communication - and on top of that they have this ability to control their temperature because of the deep iridophores."

For the full study, visit: http://www.nature.com/ncomms/2015/150302/ncomms7368/full/ncomms7368.html

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Cold-water dip to raise funds for Vetlife

News Story 1
 The veterinary mental health charity Vetlife is inviting the veterinary community to join it for a sponsored cold-water dip.

The event will take place at Walpole Bay, Margate, on 17 May during Mental Health Awareness Week. Participants of all abilities can join in the challenge and are advised to bring a towel, a hot drink, a snack, and warm clothes to get changed into afterwards.

Those taking part are being asked to try to raise £100 each to support the work of the charity.

Details about how to take part can be found here. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
Bluetongue low vector period ends

In an update to its bluetongue guidance, the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) has announced that the seasonal low vector period for the disease has ended.

With winter over, Defra is planning for a possible increase in cases as midges become more active. It has warned that farms along the east coast of England from Norfolk to Kent, and along the south coast from Kent to Devon, are at highest risk from infected midges blown over from northern Europe.

Since the virus was detected in England in November 2023, there have been 126 confirmed cases. The most recent case to be confirmed was on 1 March 2024.

Farmers are asked to continue to frequently monitor their livestock and ensure their animals and land are registered with the Animal and Plant Health Agency.