Latest news with #DavidHunter
ABC News
04-07-2025
- Science
- ABC News
Taronga Zoo releases northern corroboree frogs into Brindabella National Park
More than 500 critically endangered frogs have been released into the Brindabella National Park in New South Wales. Fewer than 1,200 mature northern corroboree frogs are estimated to remain in the wild. The 544 juveniles – the largest cohort to be released – were bred at the Taronga Conservation Society. Del Leong of Taronga Zoo Sydney is smitten with the alpine amphibians. "They're an absolutely gorgeous animal," the herpetofauna zookeeper said. The zoo worked with the NSW state government's Saving Our Species program on the project. "We've been able to breed, maintain and bump up the numbers," Ms Leong said. "Our last release was around 200 only." Ms Leong says she is excited but a little nervous about tracking the progress of the tiny frogs in the years to come. "You know when your child leaves the coop? That's what it basically feels like" she said. NSW Department of Climate Change, Environment, Energy and Water senior threatened species officer David Hunter said the release was a significant step towards repopulating the species in the national park. "They're replicating population level processes to ensure the persistence of that critically endangered northern Brindabella population," he said. Dr Hunter said the species had characteristics that differentiated it from other frogs, including that they were not as agile as others. "[They're] quite a small squat species with quite short limbs" he said. "They can move kilometres, but they do this through this little crawling action." He said the species' distinctive black and yellow stripes was a warning to would-be predators. "We think their bright markings is actually to let other animals in the environment know that they're quite toxic," Dr Hunter said. "They primarily eat ants in their diet and they utilise the alkaloids in the ants. "They also synthesise their own alkaloids to put toxins in their skin." Dr Hunter said chytrid fungus, which was introduced into Australia in the 1970s, had crippled the wild population. "It's caused frog extinctions and declines globally and had a devastating impact on our frog fauna in Australia," he said. Dr Hunter said the frogs needed moist vegetation to breed and that pest control was vital. "Some invasive species, like feral deer and feral pigs, if they're not managed they'll completely destroy the breeding habitat," he said. "They remove the critical vegetation and they basically turn what is a well-vegetated, moist environment into a muddy hole."
Yahoo
21-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Clyde launch search for a CEO as new post created in 'pivotal strategic move'
League Two club Clyde have announced they are welcoming applications for a newly created Chief Executive Officer post. The Bully Wee are gearing up for the new season and as well as recruiting for on the field duties, the club are making moves behind the scenes in what club director David Hunter has described a 'pivotal strategic move' for the side which currently plays at New Douglas Park in Hamilton. Advertisement Hunter said: 'This is a pivotal strategic move for the club in terms of its operating model. Appointing the right person for the position of CEO will significantly strengthen the efficiency of our daily operations and help lay the foundation for a sustainable, successful future. "We're seeking someone who shares our passion for sport, is driven to deliver success, and has the leadership qualities to bring our long-term vision to life.' READ MORE: East Kilbride boss makes hat-trick of signings and promises more will follow READ MORE: Rangers and Aberdeen tests ones to relish for new Motherwell boss as he looks forward to facing old pals Advertisement A club statement added: "This pivotal leadership position at the club offers an exciting opportunity for a forward-thinking individual to shape the future direction of the club and strengthen its presence both on and off the field. "As the club continues to re-align its longer-term goals, a critical step in this is the recruitment of a CEO as we look to align our long-term vision with day-to-day operations. The successful candidate will be responsible for overseeing all aspects of the club's management, including commercial growth, community engagement, operational efficiency, and supporting football operations. "The recruitment process is now underway, and the club welcomes applications from experienced professionals with a proven track record in leadership, business development, and organisational growth. "The job description is available to read and any interested candidates should send their CV and cover letter to info@ " Advertisement Meanwhile, on the park Clyde gaffer Darren Young has managed to keep Liam Scullion at the club after the winger signed a new one-year deal. Liam Scullion (centre) has signed a new deal, keeping him at the club next season -Credit:Craig Black The 23-year-old has made 108 appearances in four seasons at the club and Young said: 'We had to wait a bit to get Liam over the line, similar to Andy, as he had options to explore but I'm delighted to get him signed up for the new season. He's an important player for us and adds a lot to the team with goals and assists. 'We also missed him towards the end of the season but his injury has cleared up now and he's raring to go again. He adds quality and drive to our midfield and the squad is looking strong at this stage of pre-season.'
BBC News
17-06-2025
- Business
- BBC News
Chapel Milton's Victorian viaduct to undergo £7.5m upgrade
A landmark railway viaduct spanning a Derbyshire valley is set to undergo a 7.5m of the 160-year-old twin viaducts at Chapel Milton, near Chapel-en-le-Frith, will be improved by Network Rail between now and the Victorian structure allows two freight lines to transport about 25,000 tonnes of stone, cement and limestone a day across the Black Brook Valley from four Peak District Hunter, from Network Rail, said it required a "modern touch to make sure freight trains can pass over it safely and efficiently for generations to come". He added: "Each train takes about 76 wagons off the roads."The longevity of the viaduct is essential to the success of the economy and reducing the carbon footprint of the construction sector." Preparatory work has already begun ahead of the main upgrade project, which will include repairing brickwork, installing handrails and guardrails to improve safety for workers and strengthening the Great Rocks line will close between 29 August and 7 September while the track is removed and replaced by contractor first line of the Chapel Milton Viaduct was opened in 1867 for trains from London St Pancras to and from Manchester, with the second fork towards Sheffield operational from was built for passenger services, but is now solely used for are being invited to an information event between 16:00 and 19:00 BST on Wednesday at Chinley Chapel to find out more about the work and its impact on the community.
Daily Record
16-06-2025
- Business
- Daily Record
Clyde announce they will now train at New Douglas Park after Accies' exit
The Bully Wee have benefitted from Hamilton Accies' move away from the stadium Clyde have announced they will train at New Douglas Park this season, following Hamilton Academical's move away from the venue. The Bully Wee are tenants at the facility - owned by Hamilton Stadium Limited and not Hamilton Accies FC - and will now be able to train at the venue in a move that offers "greater operational efficiency and a stable base as their pursue a home of their own." Clyde previously trained at Ochilview in Stenhousemuir as Hamilton's first team occupied the facilities for most of the week, so this will be a big boost for boss Darren Young and his players. Accies departed New Douglas Park last month amid a disagreement with the stadium owners over a potential sale and, ironically, they now intend to play at Clyde's former home at Broadwood Stadium in Cumbernauld. A club statement read: "Clyde FC is pleased to confirm that the team will train at New Douglas Park, now known as the Hamilton Community Stadium, for the duration of the 2025/26 season. This marks a significant step in streamlining the club's operations, as all footballing and off-field activities will now be based at a single venue. "The move ensures greater operational efficiency and provides a stable base as the club continues to pursue its long-term strategic goal of relocating to a permanent home of its own. Hamilton Community Stadium offers a high-quality environment that supports both the day-to-day needs of the club as well as the part time playing squad." Club Director David Hunter added: 'Consolidating our training and operational activities at Hamilton Community Stadium is a positive and practical step for the club. It allows us to focus more effectively on both football performance and the broader off-field strategy. "While our ultimate aim remains securing a permanent home of our own, this agreement offers valuable stability in the short term. We're grateful to the stadium's owners for their continued support and commitment to helping us progress. "The club looks forward to playing matches and training at Hamilton Community Stadium and the focus remains on continuing preparations for the season ahead with renewed clarity." Meanwhile, the Bully Wee have announced their pre-season schedule for this summer. The Bully Wee kick off their pre-season schedule with a visit to Albion Rovers on June 26, before hosting Queen's Park in a Glasgow Cup tie. Both matches will be played behind closed doors. The club continue their preparation on Tuesday, July 8 when they travel to Kelty Hearts. The match will take place at the Fife side's New Central Park home, with a 7.45pm kick off. Admission prices have been set at £10 adults, £5 for concessions and under-16s, with under-12s free with a paying adult. The first competitive match arrives on July 12 when they host Motherwell in the group stages of the Premier Sports League Cup.
Yahoo
10-06-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Common Childhood Virus Linked to Alzheimer's Development in Old Age
A study published 30 years ago is striking up new conversation about the potential connection between the common cold sore and Alzheimer's disease. Published in The Lancet in 1997, researchers compared DNA extracted from the brains of elderly people with and without Alzheimer's, and in some of them, found herpes simplex virus 1 (HSV-1)—an infection often contracted in childhood—dormant in the nerves. Ultimately, researchers predicted that those with HSV-1 and a specific gene, called the ApoE-e4 gene, had a higher risk of developing Alzheimer's. Meet the Experts: David Hunter, M.D., an assistant professor and neurologist with UTHealth Houston, Linda Yancey, M.D., an infectious disease doctor at Memorial Hermann Health System; and Mark Santos, Ph.D., an assistant professor of microbiology and immunology at Touro University Nevada. Study co-author Ruth Itzhaki, Ph.D., summarized her team's findings in a recent article for The Conversation and noted that, over the years, additional work has surfaced to support hers. But what does it all mean, exactly? If a cold sore pops up, should you be concerned about dementia? We reached out to experts who explained everything. 'HSV-1 is a common virus to which almost everyone is exposed early in life,' says David Hunter, M.D., an assistant professor and neurologist with UTHealth Houston. 'It is best known for causing cold sores and is closely related to chicken pox and mononucleosis.' What these viruses have in common is that they are neurotropic, meaning they linger in the nervous system long after the initial illness, explains Linda Yancey, M.D., an infectious disease doctor at Memorial Hermann Health System, and can be reactivated by stress or lowered immunity. That's how, for instance, chicken pox can manifest later in life as shingles, adds Dr. Hunter. The virus's ability to infiltrate the nerves is believed to get it past the blood-brain barrier, a membrane that shields the organ from infection via the bloodstream. Thanks to that entry point, Dr. Hunter says, HSV-1 is the most common cause of viral brain inflammation in the United States. 'There is no vaccine for HSV and almost everyone will get it by adulthood,' Dr. Hunter adds. Cold sores are a mild case of it, and symptoms can be treated with antiviral drugs. Dormant HSV-1 may be reactivated by illness and reach the brain, explains Mark Santos, Ph.D., an assistant professor of microbiology and immunology at Touro University Nevada. This can trigger brain inflammation over time, known as herpes encephalitis,and in people with genetic risk factors, like the ApoE-4 gene, contribute to Alzheimer's development, he adds. 'We don't entirely know why ApoE-4 is a risk factor for Alzheimer's,' adds Dr. Hunter. 'The link to HSV could be that ApoE-4 impacts the blood-brain barrier and makes it easier for HSV to enter.' And the inflammation caused by that entry may heighten Alzheimer's risk. 'It is now universally accepted that inflammation in the brain is a key step in the development of Alzheimer's,' Dr. Hunter reiterates. In the three decades since the original study, doctors and researchers have learned much more about Alzheimer's disease and its connection to viral inflammation. For instance, several studies have found that being immunized for any disease (like COVID-19 or the flu) reduces Alzheimer's risk, says Dr. Hunter. 'Several other studies have shown that reducing inflammation in the brain helps prevent Alzheimer's,' he adds. Santos concurs. 'Since 1996, additional studies have found HSV-1 DNA in the brains of individuals with Alzheimer's. Lab studies have also shown that HSV-1 infection can trigger the buildup of amyloid-beta and tau—proteins strongly associated with Alzheimer's pathology,' he explains. However, there are a few disclaimers to note. Firstly, the posed risk is associated with people who contract HSV-1 in early life, giving it time to progressively cause inflammation. The risk may be lower in adults, says Santos. 'That said, if someone has other risk factors (like a weakened immune system or APOE-e4), adult-onset HSV-1 could still have long-term consequences,' he adds. Still, neurotropic viruses are extremely common, Dr. Yancey reiterates. 'This makes it difficult to tease out whether they are causing neurologic problems or are simply common in the general population, including people with neurologic problems,' she adds. In other words, because most people end up with HSV-1 doesn't necessarily mean that most people will get Alzheimer's. 'Most cold sores aren't a cause for concern,' Santos adds. 'They're common and usually well-controlled by the immune system. But for people with frequent outbreaks, weakened immunity, or APOE-e4, it may be worth discussing with a healthcare provider. The concern is not a single cold sore, but long-term viral activity in the brain.' More research, including long-term studies, is needed to make any solid associations, Santos and Dr. Yancey conclude. 'The current data is based on population-level surveys. There is no way to predict on an individual patient's level whether this has a meaningful impact,' says Dr. Yancey. Future research will, hopefully, at least help experts understand how antiviral treatment affects Alzheimer's risk, as well as identify better ways to detect when HSV-1 is active in the brain. 'The hope is that understanding how infections contribute to Alzheimer's will open up new ways to prevent or treat it—especially before symptoms start,' says Santos. Being vaccinated, exercising, engaging in mental stimulation, and maintaining a heart-healthy diet are all known ways to lower dementia risk, our experts say. Avoiding smoking or nicotine use of any kind can also 'drastically' reduce the risk, says Dr. Yancey. All of these habits and choices work together to support both immune and brain health. You Might Also Like Can Apple Cider Vinegar Lead to Weight Loss? Bobbi Brown Shares Her Top Face-Transforming Makeup Tips for Women Over 50
