Latest news with #UniversityOfFlorida
Washington Post
10 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Washington Post
Football helped Ben Shelton's tennis game. Just don't make a big deal out of it.
To be clear, Ben Shelton does not want to embellish his youth football career. Football was just a hobby for Shelton — and hard to avoid while growing up in the heart of SEC country in Gainesville, Florida, before attending the University of Florida. But the tennis star couldn't help but laugh when the question came up at Wimbledon. In a segment that ended up going viral, a British on-court interviewer described Shelton as a 'quarterbacker.' Shelton jokingly explained what a football looks like to the crowd and confirmed he did indeed play 'quarterback, or quarterbacker, either way.'
Yahoo
18 hours ago
- Science
- Yahoo
Florida Just Deployed 40 Robot Bunnies to Trick the Worst Predator in the Everglades
Florida's Burmese python problem isn't going away anytime soon. The researchers, snake trackers, and other conservationists working to remove the giant snakes will be the first to tell you that eradicating this invasive species isn't a realistic goal. That hasn't kept them from trying to manage the problem, though, and scientists are now working on a new and futuristic approach to finding and removing pythons: robotic bunny rabbits. Researchers at the University of Florida are hoping these robo-bunnies can be another tool in the python toolbox, similar to the highly successful scout-snake method that has been honed by wildlife biologists at the Conservancy of Southwest Florida. Only instead of using GPS-collared male pythons to lead them to the females, trackers would use the robots to bring the invasive snakes to them. These are stuffed toys that have been retro-fitted with electrical components so they can be remotely controlled. The robots also have tiny cameras that sense movement and notify researchers, who can then check the video feed to see if a python has been lured in. The University's experiments with robotic rabbits are ongoing, according to the Palm Beach Post, and the research is being funded by the South Florida Water Management District — the same government agency that pays bounties to licensed snake removal experts and hosts the Florida Python Challenge every year. 'Our partners have allowed us to trial these things that may sound a little crazy,' wildlife ecologist and UF project leader Robert McCleery told the Post. 'Working in the Everglades for ten years, you get tired of documenting the problem. You want to address it.' McCleery said that in early July, his team launched a pilot study with 40 robotic rabbits spread out across a large area. These high-tech decoys will be monitored as the team continues to learn and build on the experiment. (As one example, McCleery explained that incorporating rabbit scents into the robots could be worth consideration in the future.) Read Next: These Snake Trackers Have Removed More than 20 Tons of Invasive Pythons from Florida… and They're Just Getting Started The idea of using bunnies as decoys made sense for the team at UF, since rabbits, and specifically marsh rabbits, are some of the favorite prey items for Burmese pythons. Recent studies (including one authored by McCleery) have shown the massive declines in the Everglades' marsh rabbit populations that can be directly attributed to pythons. 'Years ago we were hearing all these claims about the decimation of mesomammals in the Everglades. Well, this researcher thought that sounded far-fetched, so he decided to study it,' says Ian Bartoszek, a wildlife biologist and python tracker based in Naples. 'So, he got a bunch of marsh rabbits, put [GPS] collars on them, and then he let them go in the core Everglades area … Within six months, 77 percent of those rabbits were found inside the bellies of pythons. And he was a believer after that.' Solve the daily Crossword
Sustainability Times
16-07-2025
- Science
- Sustainability Times
'This Cat Saved My Life': Black Feline Leads Scientists to Hidden Human Virus That Could Rewrite Modern Medical Science
IN A NUTSHELL 🐱 Pepper the Cat played a crucial role in discovering a new virus by catching an Everglades short-tailed shrew. played a crucial role in discovering a new virus by catching an Everglades short-tailed shrew. 🦠 The newly identified virus belongs to the Orthoreovirus genus , known to infect multiple hosts, including humans, with varying severity. , known to infect multiple hosts, including humans, with varying severity. 🔬 Researchers emphasize the importance of vigilance and curiosity-driven science in detecting and understanding emerging pathogens . . 🌍 Pepper's discovery highlights the complex relationship between humans and wildlife, showcasing how nature can inform scientific research. In a fascinating twist of fate, a black cat named Pepper has become an unlikely hero in the world of virology. This feline, often associated with superstition and bad luck, has played a pivotal role in the discovery of a new virus capable of infecting humans. Thanks to Pepper's natural hunting instincts, scientists at the University of Florida have identified a novel pathogen that could significantly impact human health. This discovery highlights the unpredictable ways in which scientific breakthroughs can occur, and it underscores the importance of paying attention to the natural world around us. The Role of Pepper in the Discovery Black cats are often shrouded in myth and mystery, but Pepper defied these stereotypes by contributing to a groundbreaking scientific discovery. Pepper's owner, John Lednicky, a virologist at the University of Florida, was the first to realize the significance of Pepper's catch. The cat had captured an Everglades short-tailed shrew, a small mammal native to Florida. Instead of dismissing the incident, Lednicky saw an opportunity to investigate further. This decision led to the identification of a previously unknown virus from the Orthoreovirus genus, known to infect both animals and humans. Such opportunistic studies, where researchers examine unexpected finds, are not uncommon in science. Lednicky's experience with studying mule deerpox virus transmission made him particularly attuned to the potential significance of Pepper's find. His decision to explore the shrew's viral content underscores the importance of being open to unexpected research opportunities. This discovery was not just serendipitous but also a testament to the value of curiosity-driven science. This Extremely Rare 'Asian Unicorn' Just Had Its Genome Sequenced, and the Results Could Transform Conservation Forever Understanding Orthoreoviruses The newly discovered virus belongs to the Orthoreovirus genus, a group of viruses known for infecting a wide range of hosts, including humans. While many orthoreoviruses result in mild symptoms, such as respiratory or intestinal issues, they have the potential to cause severe illnesses. In some cases, they have been linked to central nervous system diseases, pneumonia, and even encephalitis and meningitis in children. This raises concerns about the potential impact of these viruses on public health. Researchers are still uncovering the full implications of this virus on human health. According to Emily DeRuyter, a University of Florida researcher, orthoreoviruses were initially thought to be 'orphan' viruses—present in mammals but not associated with diseases. However, recent studies have challenged this notion, linking them to various ailments. As such, the discovery of this new virus emphasizes the need for vigilance and further research into orthoreoviruses to understand their potential risks better. 'This Thing Shouldn't Exist': Scientists Stunned as Humanity Witnesses This Deep-Sea Monster Alive for the First Time Ever The Scientific Impact of Pepper's Discovery Pepper's contribution to science doesn't end with this discovery. The cat's previous catch, a mouse, led to the identification of the Gainesville rodent jeilongvirus 1, marking the first time a jeilongvirus had been found in the United States. This virus is part of the paramyxovirus family, known for causing respiratory infections. The discovery of the Gainesville rodent jeilongvirus 1 further underscores the role of wildlife in the emergence of new pathogens. These findings have significant implications for understanding viral evolution and the potential for spillover events. Spillover events occur when viruses jump from animals to humans, often leading to new infectious diseases. As such, Pepper's discoveries highlight the importance of monitoring wildlife for emerging pathogens. The research team's work has already led to the publication of the complete genomic coding sequences for the new orthoreovirus, paving the way for future studies on its impact on both animal and human health. 'This Species Was Gone for 120 Years': Stunning Rediscovery in South America Stuns Scientists and Ignites Conservation Hopes The Broader Implications for Science and Nature The story of Pepper the cat serves as a reminder of the complex relationship between humans, animals, and the environment. While domestic cats have contributed to the extinction of several bird and mammal species, Pepper's contribution to science offers a different perspective. His actions have advanced our understanding of viruses that could pose a threat to human health, illustrating the unexpected ways in which nature can inform scientific research. This discovery also emphasizes the need for continued vigilance in monitoring wildlife for emerging diseases. As John Lednicky stated, 'The bottom line is we need to pay attention to orthoreoviruses, and know how to rapidly detect them.' By studying these viruses and understanding their potential to cause disease, scientists can better prepare for future outbreaks. The research conducted by Lednicky and his team serves as a model for how curiosity and scientific inquiry can lead to unexpected, yet significant, discoveries. As we continue to explore the intersections of wildlife and science, the story of Pepper and the newly discovered virus raises important questions about our relationship with the natural world. How can we balance the need to protect biodiversity with the search for scientific knowledge? And what other secrets does nature hold that could unlock new insights into human health and disease? This article is based on verified sources and supported by editorial technologies. Did you like it? 4.4/5 (20)
Yahoo
15-07-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Cat in Florida helps discover rare virus for second time
(NewsNation) — To discover a rare virus that no one knew of is impressive. Doing it twice seems unbelievable. Just ask Pepper, a pet cat in Florida. Pepper, a feline owned by John Lednicky, a virologist at the University of Florida, recently discovered orthoreovirus on a dead Everglades short-tailed shrew he had caught. Orthorevirus is a viral genus that's known to infect birds, mammals (including humans), white-tailed deer and bats. 'The bottom line is we need to pay attention to orthoreoviruses, and know how to rapidly detect them,' said Lednicky in a statement for the University of Florida Health. 'That's because there have been reported cases of them causing serious illness in humans.' Bald eagle's new status as official US bird brings pride, hope to Native Americans Orthoreovirus effects on humans are not very specific, but there have been rare reports of the sickness being connected with cases of encephalitis, meningitis and gastroenteritis in children. Lednicky and his fellow researchers acknowledged plans to continue studying orthoreovirus to understand if it can be a threat to humans and pets. The threat, though, had no effect on Pepper, who didn't show any signs of illness and is out conducting fieldwork once again. German customs officials show images of tarantulas hidden in spongecake boxes after smuggling bust 'This was an opportunistic study,' Lednicky added. 'If you come across a dead animal, why not test it instead of just burying it? There is a lot of information that can be gained.' Pepper first shot to fame back in 2021 after discovering a microbe inside a dead rodent known as jeilongvirus. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
14-07-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Adorable Cat Helps Scientists Discover New Virus (For Second Time)
A pet cat in Florida may have made scientific history by enabling the discovery of not one but two new strains of viruses. The cat in question, called Pepper, is like many cats, in that he likes to bestow affection on his human companion with thoughtful gifts of dead animals (surprisingly, orcas do this too). So Pepper's owner, University of Florida virologist John Lednicky, decided to take advantage of these usually unwanted and morbid presents. Related: "This was an opportunistic study," says Lednicky. "If you come across a dead animal, why not test it instead of just burying it? There is a lot of information that can be gained." And sampling by cat has so far proven fruitful. When testing an Everglades short-tailed shrew (Blarina peninsulae) procured by Pepper, Lednicky and his colleagues discovered a previously unidentified orthoreovirus. Not much is known about these viruses, but they have, on rare occasions, been linked to stomach flu and meningitis in children. "Mammalian orthoreoviruses were originally considered to be 'orphan' viruses, present in mammals including humans, but not associated with diseases. More recently, they have been implicated in respiratory, central nervous system, and gastrointestinal disease," explains virologist Emily DeRuyter. "There are many different mammalian orthoreoviruses and not enough is known about this recently identified virus to be concerned." So DeRuyter, Lednicky, and colleagues published the sequenced genome of their cat-enabled discovery, to begin the process of better understanding these viruses. It's not the first time Pepper has pawed at science. Last year, the cat gifted Lednicky a mouse containing a jeilongvirus that had never been found in the US before. The strain, Gainesville rodent jeilongvirus 1, is concerningly capable of infecting primate cells, as well as the cells of other mammals. "[This suggests] the virus has a generalist nature with the potential for a spillover event," the researchers wrote in a 2024 paper describing the discovery. "The early detection of endemic viruses circulating within hosts in North-Central Florida can significantly enhance surveillance efforts, thereby bolstering our ability to monitor and respond to potential outbreaks effectively." As well as increasing our ability to detect and monitor a wider range of viruses, these findings also highlight the risks that can come with allowing cats to roam freely outside. A free-ranging cat can kill dozens of animals each year, creating more opportunities for diseases to jump between species. Recently, cats have been flagged as having potential to spread bird flu to their owners as well. Not that Pepper knows anything about any of that. The new virus genome was published in Microbiology Resource Announcements. Emergency Vaccines Reduce Disease Outbreak Deaths by Almost 60% Brain Abnormality in Modern Humans Linked to Ancient Neanderthal DNA One Piece of Advice to Parents Slashed Food Allergies in Children
