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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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Reporting service for dead wild birds updated

News Story 1
 The Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) has updated its online reporting service for dead wild birds.

The new version allows those reporting a dead bird to drop a pin on a map when reporting the location. It also includes a wider range of wild bird species groups to select from when describing the bird.

The online service, which helps APHA to monitor the spread of diseases such as avian influenza, can be accessed here. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
NI chief vet urges bluetongue vigilance

Northern Ireland's chief veterinary officer (CVO) has urged farmers to be vigilant for signs of bluetongue, after the Animal and Plant Health Agency warned there was a very high probability of further cases in Great Britain.

There have been 126 confirmed cases of bluetongue virus serotype 3 in England since November 2023, with no cases reported in Northern Ireland. The movement of live ruminants from Great Britain to Northern Ireland is currently suspended.

According to the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA), the virus is most likely to enter Northern Ireland through infected animals or germplasm (semen or ova) being imported.

Brian Dooher, Northern Ireland's CVO, said: "Surveillance for this disease within Northern Ireland has been increased to assist with detection at the earliest opportunity which will facilitate more effective control measures."

Farmers should report any suspicions of the disease to their private veterinary practitioner, the DAERA Helpline on 0300 200 7840 or their local DAERA Direct Veterinary Office.