Aplastic Anemia Essays - Transplantation Medicine, Stem Cells

Aplastic Anemia Essays - Transplantation Medicine, Stem Cells Aplastic Anemia Aplastic paleness is a sickness of the bone marrow? the organ that delivers the body's platelets. Roughly 2,000 individuals in the U.S. are determined every year to have aplastic paleness. The manifestations of aplastic frailty are exhaustion, wounding, diseases, and shortcoming. In spite of the fact that these side effects are a lot of like those related with leukemia, aplastic sickliness isn't a type of disease. In patients with aplastic iron deficiency the bone marrow quits delivering, or creates too hardly any red platelets, white blood cells, and platelets. Without adequate red platelets, oxygen can't arrive at organs and tissues all through the body. A reduction in the quantity of white platelets makes the body's capacity battle disease just as it should. Platelets are expected to help blood clump (Bone). In spite of the fact that the specific reason for aplastic paleness isn't known, most proof focuses to a blend of components. The first factor is harmed undeveloped cells. These are the crude cells in the bone marrow that produce platelets. Another factor is harm deep down marrow condition in which platelets create (Aplastic). Different components incorporate variations from the norm in the proteins that manage platelet creation and a breaking down safe framework that meddles with the ordinary platelet creation (Bone). Certain ecological variables have been related with the advancement of aplastic paleness. Chemotherapy drugs for example, busulfan or anti-microbials, for example, chloraphenicol can cause brief or delayed aplastic iron deficiency. Synthetic compounds for example, benzene and pesticides, contaminations, for example, viral hepatitis and mononucleosis, immune system issue and ionizing radiation likewise have been connected to the advancement of aplastic iron deficiency. In spite of the fact that introduction to these specialists builds the danger of creating aplastic weakness, it is demonstrated that they are not the sole reason for aplastic paleness (Aplastic). Aplastic frailty was once viewed as hopeless. Today, in excess of 50% of patients determined to have aplastic paleness can be restored. For patients younger than fifty and those more than fifty that are healthy, the treatment of decision is a bone marrow transplant (National). In any case, the greater part of the patients that are analyzed are ineligible enemy a bone marrow transplant as a result old enough or the absence of an appropriate bone marrow giver. For these patients, the favored treatment is immunosuppressive treatment comprising of infusions of antithymocyte globulin (ATG), with or without oral closporine. ATG treatment helps the creation of red platelets, platelets, and platelets in thirty to fifty percent of patients. Now and again, platelet creation comes back to typical, while in others it comes back to a level that permits the patient to have a typical way of life (Aplastic). Roughly ten to fifteen percent of patients who at first react to ATG treatment have the illness backslide during the initial a year following treatment. Another round of ATG treatment might be regulated in an exertion to take platelet creation back to an adequate level. A few patients who react to ATG treatment inevitably build up another bone marrow issue, for example, myelogenous condition or intense nonmyelogenous leukemia. These clutters might be briefly treatable, however are only from time to time reparable. Generally, somewhere in the range of thirty and 40% of patients rewarded with ATG treatment become long haul survivors and most of these drawn out survivors have all the earmarks of being restored (Aplastic). Patients who have a relative with coordinating bone marrow have a seventy to 90% possibility of being relieved following a bone marrow transplant. Patients transplanted with marrow from a related giver whose marrow type about matches the patient's have a 50% possibility of being relieved. On the off chance that marrow from a coordinated disconnected benefactor is utilized, the probability of a fix is twenty to thirty percent (Bone). Doctors decide if a benefactor's marrow type coordinates the patient's by looking at hereditary markers on the surface of white platelets called HLA antigens. These are the antigens that help the body recognize attacking creatures, and trigger an insusceptible framework assault on any substances that don't have a place in that specific individual's body, for example, infections and microbes (Severe). In the event that the patient's and benefactor's HLA antigens don't coordinate, the patient's body will see the contributor's bone marrow as outside material to be crushed. This condition is called unite dismissal and results in a bombed bone marrow transplant.

Of Mice and Men †Curley’s Wife Essay

Curley’s spouse is the main ladies in the farm, as we gained from the past parts, and isn't given a name as she is viewed as Curley’s property. First bound to be an entertainer as she relates to Lennie, Candy and Crooks, her odds were removed by her mom who thought she was excessively youthful and she so wound up at the farm by wedding Curley, worried in escaping from her chance breaker mother at the earliest opportunity. From this we would already be able to watch her high confidence, thinking it was simply because of her mom that she didn’t end up in acting, not in view of her conceivable absence of extraordinary ability. Yet, wedding Curley wasn’t possibly at long last the best decision. Kept practically the entire day in a ‘two-by-four’ house, she needs to hear her out men-hater husband’s just discussion about what he will do to the colleagues he doesn’t like, or to help his non-care about her. She doesn’t like him, says he is excessively childish and pleased with himself (we can see that these are additionally two of her self-attributes). These realities lead her to turn out to be forlorn and unfriendly to men, seeing them as answerable for her terrible circumstance. The main advantage she utilizes from her marriage is her prevalence against different men, being the spouse of the boss’s child thus having the intensity of having them terminated, power from which she manhandles, for instance by driving Lennie, Crooks and Candy to address her. This shows her manipulative and insightful character yet in addition her huge forlornness. She is mean, unpleasant and partial against them (she considers them the feeble ones, vagabonds, and segregates them by treating them individually of dum-dum, nigger and lousy old sheep), yet she has an enthusiastic need to converse with them.

Blog Archive Monday Morning Essay Tip Be Careful When Claiming Uniqueness

Blog Archive Monday Morning Essay Tip Be Careful When Claiming Uniqueness “The semester I spent in France during high school was a unique experience.” “I want to attend Columbia Business School because of its unique Entrepreneurial Club.” “The opportunity to do hands-on consulting at Ross is unique.” “My finance background and strong interpersonal skills will allow me to make a unique contribution to Cornell’s Investment Management Club.” An mbaMission consultant recently counted five uses of the word “unique” in a single 600-word essay. What is more, not one of the uses actually fulfilled the term’s correct definition: “existing as the only one or as the sole example.” Business school applicants tend to use the word “unique” in an attempt to make themselves stand out to the admissions committee. However, because they use the word impreciselyâ€"and often too frequentlyâ€"it ends up having the opposite effect instead, and the essay loses its distinctiveness and believability. Another danger of using the term too casually is that you risk exposing your lack of research about the school if you claim something is unique to the school when it really is not. Here are the same four statements we presented at the beginning of this post, written without the generic “unique.” In each case, the sentence is far more descriptive and therefore much less likely to appear in any other applicant’s essay! “The semester I spent in France during high school was eye-opening, from the frogs’ legs I was served at dinner to the concept of shopping daily for my food.” “I want to attend Columbia Business School because its Entrepreneurial Club offers an incredible range of activities that will prepare me to better run my own company.” “The opportunity to do hands-on consulting at Ross will complement the theoretical background I will gain by taking classes on consulting.” “My finance background and strong interpersonal skills will ensure that I will effectively coach and mentor classmates new to finance through the mentorship program offered by Cornell’s Investment Management Club.” Share ThisTweet Monday Morning Essay Tips

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Essay about History of Telecommunications - 588 Words

History of Telecommunications *Works Cited Not Included There were numerous people and inventions that helped shaped the modern path of telecommunications. It is because of these important people and inventions that have made telecommunications into what it is now. Telecommunications technology has gone through many changes within the last one hundred to two hundred years. Many inventions such as the telephone, telegraph, and teletypewriter, have all had a profound impact on telecommunications. The telephone definitely is one of the most important inventions in telecommunications history. This device revolutionized the world of telecommunications, and was invented by a man named Alexander Graham Bell.†¦show more content†¦In 1877, Bell, along with Thomas Watson, Thomas Sanders, and Gardiner Hubbard, would later from the Bell Telephone Company. The Bell Company would later become one of the largest monopolies that telecommunications industry has ever seen. During 1877, Western Union was quickly becoming a giant in the telephone industry. Western Union had the first telephone like in operation between Somerville, MA and Boston, MA. In 1880, 30,000 phones were in use. The telephone industry was growing very rapidly. Bell Company began leasing phones when the demand increased. Bell Company could not keep up with the demand, so Alexander Graham Bell sold his company. He offered to sell his company for $100,000 to Western Union, but they turned him down. Western Union would soon regret this mistake. Western Union would later form a rival phone company. They hired Thomas Edison and Elisha Gray to develop a new phone system. Edison would be in competition with Bell to determine who would wire America first. Out of this competition came the first switchboard, which was developed by Western Union. The Bell Company and Western Union went through many court battles, with each company accusing the other of fraud. The Bell Company even tually won, and in the 1880s, the Bell Company became a massive monopoly. Switchboards were placed in many cities, and operators were needed to connect calls. TheShow MoreRelatedA History Of Telecommunications Essay1767 Words   |  8 Pagestopic from the case studies in the text. You may choose any of the topics, except those covered in previous assignments. Examples of topics you might investigate include: using telecommunications to keep in touch with co-workers; telecommunications innovation; managing telecommunications; emerging telecommunications technologies; and so on. Do independent research on your topic and present your findings in a 15-20 page position paper (based on the body of the paper, excluding references,Read MoreWhat differences and similarities existed between the development and the social work of the telegraph and the telephone?3611 Words   |  15 Pagesof Technology. Cambridge. 1977. Fischer, Claude S. America Calling: a Social History of the Telephone. University of California Press. Berkeley. 1992. Innes, Harold A. The Bias of Communication. University of Toronto Press. USA. 1951. Short, John. Williams, Ederyn. Christie, Bruce. The Social Psychology of Telecommunications. John Wiley Sons. London. 1976. Thompson, Robert Luther. Wiring a Continent: the History of the Telegraph Industry in the United States, 1832 - 1866. Princeton UniversityRead MoreUnderstanding Telecommunications History And How It Works1772 Words   |  8 PagesUnderstanding Telecommunications History, and How It works in Present Day Society Abstract: This research paper will focus on the various aspects in telecommunications, and how it has changed from the way that society has operated, with new and improved upon advanced technology. It will describe the purposes and intents behind the development, including the historical creations and deployment of the telecommunication infrastructures. It will examine the way personal and professional end-usersRead MoreA Brief Resource And Capabilities Analysis For Centurylink, Inc. Essay811 Words   |  4 Pagesinternal factors influencing the telecommunication industry. The third section provides an overview of the perceived strengths and weaknesses of CTL relative to industry competitors. The final section synthesizes data to assess CTL’s strengths and vulnerabilities within the telecommunication industry. Company Overview CenturyLink, Inc. began in 1930 when F.E. Hogan, Sr. sold the Oak Ridge Telephone Company in Oak Ridge, LA to William Clarke and Marie Williams (Our History). In 1946, Clarke McRae WilliamsRead MoreWireless Mobile Telecommunication Technology And The Generation Essay802 Words   |  4 Pagesapplications, people tend to access data, audio, picture and video from their mobile devices anywhere and anytime, thus, wireless mobile telecommunication becomes more and more important. Cellular network technology is the basis for the wireless mobile telecommunication. And the generation is used to describe the development history of wireless mobile telecommunication standard and technology, from first generation (1G) to fifth generation (5G). Fourth generation (4G) is currently widely commercializedRead MoreWireless Communication : A First Decade Of The 20th Century1356 Words   |  6 PagesTelecommunication occurs when the exchange of information between two or more entities (communication ) includes the use of technology. Communication technology uses channels to transmit information (as electrical signals), either over a physical medium (such as signal cables), or in the form of electromagnetic waves.[1][2][3][4][5][6] The word is often used in its plural form, telecommunications, because it involves many different technologies. Early means of communicating over a distance includedRead MoreHistory and Evolution of the Ict Industry in Zambia1049 Words   |  5 PagesZAMBIA SCHOOL OF ENGINEERING DEPARTMENT OF ELECTRICAL AND ELECTRONICS ENGINEERING NAME: Nash H Kabunda PROGRAMME: M.Eng ICT COURSE: EEE6511 (Telecoms Industry, Policy amp; Regulation) TASK: Assignment 2 LECTURER: Dr. D. Banda HISTORY AND EVOLUTION OF THE ICT INDUSTRY IN ZAMBIA. The first telephone exchange to be placed in Zambia was installed in Livingstone in 1913. The telephone circuit backbone infrastructure was developed in the major Zambian cities along the so called â€Å"lineRead MoreTelecommunication Systems Has Tremendous Improvements From The Wire Of Wireless Phones Technology855 Words   |  4 Pagesquite long period prior, telecommunication system has incredible improvements from the wire to wireless phone technology. â€Å"The ability to convey information quickly, accurately, and efficiently has always been one of the main focuses driving human innovation. From prehistoric man with their signal fires to the smartphone-wielding high-powered executives of today, communication still remains a key for survival and success.† (The History of Telecommunication) Telecommunications set a worldwide networkRead MoreHow Communication Affects The Country, Issues, Problems, Solutions, And Solutions Of Vietnam s Communication1212 Words   |  5 Pa gescommunications which includes television or conversations and written communications which includes newspapers or reports. This research essay will talk about how communications such as print media or telecommunications have developed in Vietnam. The main topics in this essay will be about the history of communication, factors that led to the improvement of communication, communication benefits to the country, issues, problems and solutions of Vietnam’s communication. Vietnam is a communist countryRead MoreHistory Of Chin Chinese Government And Controls The Three Major Basic Telecom Operators1693 Words   |  7 PagesWanze Wu Julien Mailland MSCH-M 322 12/07/2016 History of China Telecom Chinese government owns and controls the three major basic telecom operators and appears to see these entities as important tools in broader industrial policy goals such as promoting indigenous standards for network equipment. The reason for Chinese government divided into three carriers is China Mobile, China Unicom and China telecom these three carriers every action affects the hearts of hundreds of millions of consumers

Women Of The Industrial Revolution - 1417 Words

The industrial revolution in England was a time of technology, rapidly increasing populations, urbanization, and social change. This economical and societal change triggered an increase of women choosing to work as prostitutes. In this essay, prostitution refers only to street based sex solicitation, done by women. Prostitution was a way for women of the nineteenth century to defy the patriarchal society, in which women needed to rely on men, and those who chose not to were demonized and seen as a threat to a moral society. Even though women who chose to work as prostitutes often knew that they would face repercussions and judgement from other members of their communities, many women chose to enter the sex trade anyways, either as an easy way of making money, or as a last resort to help themselves and their families. Either way, prostitution was a way for these women to capitalise on their sexuality, and take advantage of men’s sexual desires. Unfortunately, as this threatened the power of the patriarchy, the act of prostitution and those who partook in it, were often punished and seen as immoral by society. At the end of the eighteenth century and the beginning of the nineteenth century, England entered into the industrial revolution. England’s rapidly expanding population along with new technological advances triggered a need for more goods, and thus large factories began to appear in urban areas. By 1750, one fifth of England’s population was living in urban towns . ManyShow MoreRelatedThe Industrial Revolution Impacted Women923 Words   |  4 PagesIn my thesis, I contend that the Industrial Revolution impacted women because women in the working and poor classes were a key labor force in mills and factories, they supported their role as the backbone of the household economy by completing housework in the middle class, and finally the Industrial Revolution made an impact on the contributions of ideas made by women. Firstly, the Industrial Revolution affected women in the working and poor classes by allowing them to work in factories and millsRead MoreWomen During The Industrial Revolution2301 Words   |  10 Pagesseen as superior to women. Men were not just seen as the head of the household, but they were seen as the leaders and organizers of all political, social, and economic affairs for both men and women. However, as time progressed, so did women. Gradually, women were more involved in the work force due to many factors including wars and primarily due to the industrial revolution. Women took the role of nurses and hospitality workers during wars, and as the industrial revolution initiated, they beganRead MoreEssay about Women In The Industrial Revolution1202 Words   |  5 PagesWomens Work in the Industrial Revolution The industrial revolution swept through Europe and North America during the 19th century, affecting the class structure, economy, government, and even the religious practices of everyone who lived in or did commerce with these new industrialized nations. It made the modern age possible, but it was not without its growing pains. The position of women before the industrial revolution was often equivalent to chattel, and then as now, they were expectedRead MoreEssay on Women in the Second Industrial Revolution1055 Words   |  5 PagesWomen in the Second Industrial Revolution The Second Industrial Revolution had a major impact on womens lives. After being controlled fro so long women were experiencing what it was like to live an independent life. In the late nineteenth century women were participating in a variety of experiences, such as social disabilities confronted by all women, new employment patterns, and working class poverty and prostitution. These experiences will show how women were perceived in the SecondRead MoreRole Of Women During The Industrial Revolution1534 Words   |  7 Pages2016 Roles of Women Before the Industrial Revolution women’s roles were much different than after. Mainly, they were to care for their homes while the husband was at work, to nurture and to bear children. Aside from their husbands, they had no legal identity and were dependent upon what income he brought home. Since the men were the breadwinners, their true manhood was tested by how well a man could provide for his family and the women were the â€Å"homemakers† so their trueRead MoreThe Industrial Revolution And The Effects On Women s Rights1569 Words   |  7 PagesThe Industrial Revolution and the Effects on Women s Rights The Industrial Revolution was one of the most important and productive periods of history. The Industrial Revolution has to do with the time between the late 18th century and mid-19th century where there were profound advances in production, manufacturing, and other fields of engineering. It began in Great Britain in the late 1700s which then spread to the United States and then to many other parts of the world. Societies were very ruralRead MoreWomen Workers During The British Industrial Revolution Essay1313 Words   |  6 PagesWomen Workers in the British Industrial Revolution During Britain’s Industrial Revolution, a multitude of different jobs were opened to the working class of men, women, and children. While this era offered a wide variety of new opportunities for everyone, women were somewhat excluded in areas such as occupation availability and wage due to the cultural norms of the time period. The Industrial Revolution was an age of mechanization—businesses were moving away from completing tasks by hand, and insteadRead MoreWomen And Their Roles During The Second Industrial Revolution3502 Words   |  15 PagesWomen and Their Roles in the Second Industrial Revolution When discussing history, it is often assumed that the history of men is also the history of women. Historians often forget that women constantly experience historical processes differently because of the roles that they play and their biological differences. The second Industrial Revolution affected women uniquely, and their involvement and contributions were distinctive as well. The second Industrial Revolution lead to many advantages andRead MoreThe Industrial Revolution and Its Impact on Family Life and Women2656 Words   |  11 PagesThe Industrial Revolution and its Impact on Family Life and Women World Civilization II Edmund Burke once said, Make revolution a parent of settlement, and not a nursery of future revolutions. This comical yet straightforward quote can be related to a time in history called the Industrial Revolution. Throughout history there has been a political, economical, social and cultural revolution. These revolutions has had complex and long lasting impacts on people’s lives, one revolution that hasRead MoreImpact Of The Industrial Revolution On Women s Roles1756 Words   |  8 Pagespower machinery referred to as the Industrial Revolution which affected chiefly Great Britain, the bulk of which spanned until roughly 1850 . Many of the consequences of this industrialization were shifts in the conditions of working and living. This investigation will explore the degree of social change that occurred to the roles and expectations of women during this time period as a result of these shifts. In order to determine the extent to which the Industrial Revolution’s influenc es correlated

The Australian Cane Toad Essay Example For Students

The Australian Cane Toad Essay THE AUSTRALIAN CANE TOADIntroductionThe cane toad, Bufo marinus, or giant toad, was introduced to Australia by the sugar cane industry with government sanction, in order to control two specific pests of sugar cane. The grey backed cane beetle and the frenchie beetle. Native to Central and South America, the cane toad has been introduced to several Pacific islands as well. One hundred and one toads arrived at Edmonton in North Queensland in June 1935. About 11 sugar growing locations in northern and central coastal Queensland received authorized shipments. People at Normanton and Burketown, and in northern New South Wales deliberately released the cane toad into the wild. Scientists warned the farmers not to bring the cane toad to Australia but the farmers did not listen and brought them in anyway. Did the cane toad have any impact on the two cane beetles it was introduced to control? Apparently not. The cane toad ate beetles when they were available, but as a control agent, it had no impact at all. Instead of controlling certain insect populations, the cane toad ate large numbers of bees and other beneficial insects. Within 5 years, an effective insecticide became available and the sugar industry lost interest in the cane toad. Although not native to Australia, the cane toad has one of the widest ranges of any living toad. The species lives in a wide variety of habitats, but is restricted mainly by the availability of water, since water is a vital element in the breeding cycle. However, toads can survive near very small pools, or steams in arid regions. During the dry or cold seasons, they remain inactive in shallow ground excavations beneath ground cover. Description Cane toads are very large and heavily built amphibians (up to 15 cm long) with warty skin. The skin is strong, tough, and durable. Females tend to be larger and smoother-skinned than males. Cane toads are olive-brown to reddish-brown on top, with a paler white or yellowish belly. The underside is usually spotted with brown. The toad is characterized by a stout body, which is heavier than that of frogs. The most distinctive features of the cane toads are bony ridges over each eye and a pair of enlarged glands, one on each shoulder. These glands are able to ooze venom. A pronounced angular ridge runs between the eyes and snout. Giant toads can tolerate temperatures of 0 degrees Celsius to 41 degrees Celsius and are able to survive high levels of dehydration. They can also adapt to different temperatures. Their temperature and moisture tolerances may limit their distribution. However, they do occur in warm temperate to semi-arid climates and are abundant in the wet and dry tropics. A prediction, based on their ability to tolerate a variety of climates, is that they will become established in Darwin early next century and eventually spread over much of the coastal seaboard of Australia. The call of the male cane toad is a high-pitched brrrr which sounds like a telephone dial tone. The cane toad also has a distinctive stance and hop. It sits upright in an almost vertical position and moves in a series of fast, short hops rather than long frog like hops. Also cane toads do not have webs between their toes. DietCane toads will eat almost any small creature they can catch. They eat whatever is available. They often eat bees and dung beetles, small amphibians, reptiles, and mammals. In fact, they eat any animal they can swallow. Unlike other amphibians, giant toads eat things which do not move. They have also been known to steal food from dog and cat bowls. They have few predators native to Australia. The common Fresh Water Snake, (Tropidonophis mairii), is the only Australian snake known to be able to feed on small cane toads without dying as a result. Other native animals such as the estuarine crocodile, the water rat and species of ibis are believed to feed on toads or on their internal organs. Behavior and BreedingCane toads are highly adaptable, both in terms of survival and reproduction. They are much more tolerant than other Australian frogs and can survive and breed in somewhat salty water. In Australia, giant toads normally breed from June to January, but they have been found in breeding condition throughout the year. Cane toads usually begin breeding in their second summer, when they are about 75 mm long. The cane toad needs only a small pool of water for breeding. The males fertilize the eggs as they are laid. Male toads will attempt to mate with anything resembling a female toad living or dead. As many as 35,000 eggs may be produced by each female, thus giving the species a high breeding potential. Cane toad eggs are blackish in color and are deposited in long jelly like strings onto plants, rocks or debris near water. The spawn consists of long double chains of black eggs about 1 mm in diameter enclosed in a transparent cover. Embryos begin hatching within 48 hours; after several days, the tadpoles begin feeding, and the tail grows proportionately larger and hind limbs develop. In three days, the eggs hatch into small (3 cm) jet black tadpoles unlike those of any native frog. These tadpoles become toadlets unusually early, so they are out of the water and hopping around faster than most other frogs. Cane toad tadpoles differ further from most species in that they occur in massive numbers and frequently form dense aggregations in shallow water. B. marinus adapted well to the Australian environment. So well that they are moving closer to the wetlands of Kakadu National Park, which includes the Katherine Gorge. District park manager John De Koning says wildlife like crocodiles, goannas, and snakes will be threatened by the arrival of the non-native pest, even though they have only found a few so far. We came across one large female, this was right on the very southern eastern edge of the Nitmiluk National Pa rk. We came across one female and we could hear several males in the distance. The natural rate of spread of the cane toad is now 30-50 km/year in the Northern Territory and about 5 km/year in northern New South Wales. Finally, because their diet is so variable, they do not need to expend much energy searching for food. They can just sit in a convenient spot, and gobble up anything that wanders by. In urban areas, they are often seen gathered around street lamps eating insects attracted by the lightDefense One of the most important factors in the success of the cane toad is that they are highly poisonous to eat, at every stage of their life cycle. All frogs and toads may have enlarged chemical-secreting glands at particular points on their bodies, or small glands spread over the whole skin. The cane toad is one such amphibian. These secrete white venom when the animal is handled or threatened. The eggs and tadpoles are also poisonous and can cause cardiac arrest and death. A cane to ads reaction to a threat is to turn side-on to its attacker so that the venom glands face them. The glands on the cane toads shoulders are also capable of oozing venom or even squirting it over a distance of up to 2m. Animals picking up a cane toad and receiving a dose of venom may die within fifteen minutes. This venom is composed mainly of cardioactive (affecting the heart) substances. The biggest danger to humans is that the venom could come in contact with the eyes, where it causes intense pain and temporary blindness. Under pressure cane toads can shoot their venom a short distance. This substance may be splashed into a persons mouth or eyes as they attempt to kill the toad. Since the poison can be absorbed into the system through mucus membranes, without ever being swallowed. Therefore, the mouth, eyes, and nose should always be rinsed thoroughly if contact with venom occurs. Experiments and observations indicate that a variety of native animal life are extremely susceptible t o the many poisons in the cane toads venom. These include avid frog eaters such as the Tiger and Red bellied Black Snakes and the quolls. In areas where toads appear, there has been a subsequent decline in populations of these types of native animals, although more research is needed in this field. Research and ControlThe CSIRO Australian Animal Health Laboratory (AAHL) at Geelong is a high security microbiological facility, purpose designed and operated to undertake research into viruses, bacteria, fungi and parasites which are exotic and do not occur in Australian domestic or wild animals. It is the only laboratory of its kind in Australia where studies on these exotic micro-organisms can be undertaken. Recently, the laboratory has been commissioned and funded to begin research into the control of the cane toad, using viruses or other microbial agents found overseas. The major concerns about the toad involve its prodigious appetite, and the toxicity of all its life stages to nativ e animals. There are firmly held beliefs that these characteristics of the cane toad are responsible for the deaths of Australian wildlife including herpetofauna, mammals, and fish. The toad will almost certainly establish itself throughout the sensitive wetlands of northern Australia. The Australian Government has provided significant funds to gather data to determine whether the toad has an impact on the Australian environment and whether a biological control agent is required. The funding also encompasses the search for and assessment of possible control agents. Funding of the project is distributed through the CSIRO Division of Wildlife Ecology, Canberra, upon the advice of the Cane Toad Research Advisory Committee. Current work to investigate the control of the cane toad by biological means has evolved from extensive studies over the past decade which have gathered basic ecological and disease data for the species. Such studies have been conducted in Australia, Venezuela, and B razil. A search for microbial agents with potential for control of toads has recently been concluded in Venezuela. Research into the potential of viruses to control cane toads involved isolating and purifying viruses from cane toads in their native habitats of Venezuela, in South America. The effects of the viruses on cane toads and native frog species were then tested in the secure biocontainment facilities at the CSIRO Australian Animal Health Laboratory. Dr Alex Hyatt from CSIRO Animal Health says viruses isolated from Venezuelan cane toads were compared with other viruses of the same family from around the world, and are believed to fall within a new species of virus. While the viruses proved effective in killing cane toad tadpoles, they also killed one species of Australian frog in the trial. The team also found a small percentage of Australian cane toads in the wild had been exposed to a virus similar to the Venezuelan viruses, which are known to cause disease and death in fis h and amphibian populations in Australia and overseas. This adds another dimension to the potential impact of cane toads on the Australian environment, Dr Hyatt says. As part of the work, the researchers also identified two fungal pathogens that are lethal to cane toads and other amphibians. One fungus is thought to be responsible for frog fatalities in Australia and Panama. Research also shows a small number of Australian cane toads may be carrying a virus similar to the Venezuelan viruses, which could affect Australian wildlife. CSIRO scientists have ruled out the use of viruses from Venezuela to control cane toads in Australia because laboratory trials show that the viruses can also kill native Australian frogs as well as the toads. At AAHL, a specialized group has been formed bringing together expertise in virology, aquatic animal pathology, electron microscopy, and molecular biology. Expertise in the group has resulted in the isolation of previously unknown disease causing agen ts in Queensland. The objective of the current project is to find exotic, infectious microbial agents which may spread throughout cane toad populations in Australia and decrease their numbers. The project is also assessing the effects of these agents on adult, metamorphic, and juvenile life stages of the toad, since it is likely that different life stages have differing weaknesses. Paul Gauguin's Art Work EssayFurther research is being undertaken by CSIRO. Giant toads are often transported in shipments of fruit and other commodities. Until effective control methods are available, quarantine checks and the destruction of any accidental releases of toads are essential to reduce their rate of spread. Challenge experiments have commenced to evaluate the effects of viruses on toads. These experiments are conducted under maximum microbiological security to ensure that escape of the viruses cannot occur. Toads are maintained in laminar flow cabinets, within sealed rooms. The air pressure of the rooms is lower than atmospheric pressure; thus ensuring all air movement is into the room. Air leaving the room is double filtered to eliminate the smallest viral particle from escaping. Water from the room is heated to kill any infectious agents. Entrance to the room is through an air-lock and exit of personnel from the room requires a full three minute shower. In association with the challenge experiments is a spectrum of microbiological, serological, and molecular studies to characterize and compare the agents under investigation, to establish information on the hosts resistance to infection, and to gather information related to similar agents in toads and other amphibian populations. Shoul d an agent be found which offers the potential for control of the toad, an extensive series of subsequent studies is planned. To achieve the objectives of the project, amphibian populations from around the world are being studied for possible infectious agents. An international network of scientists, scientific institutions, interest groups and interested individuals is being developed for information exchange relating to diseases and population declines of amphibians. Potential for biological control of the toad is considered good, as the toad is the only representative of the bufonid family in Australia and is distinct from other Australian amphibian species. In addition, many species of the genus Bufo exist overseas, offering exciting prospects that an infectious or parasitic agent from these may cause disease in Australian Bufo marinus, without affecting native species. It is hoped that these studies will provide valuable information on the causes of, and initiating factors behind, the recent declines in frog populations in Australia, Britain and elsewhere. Also, to contribute to the possibility that an infectious agent might be found that would control cane toads in Australia. They are constantly looking for possible pathogens for consideration for the biological control of cane toads. Finally, Chinese medicine manufacturers have been using the toads for centuries in the treatment of Cardio Vascular Diseases and Cancer treatment. It is highly likely that the cane toad will one day be farmed in Queensland for production of therapeutic medicines. ConclusionThere is still much work to be done to fully understand what effects cane toads have on native wildlife, and just how far they can spread. There are some reasons for optimism. In the areas where cane toads have been around for the longest time, their populations have declined after the initial population explosion. It is also possible that some native animals are learning to avoid eating them. Other animals have shown they can eat the toad. The Keelback Snake can detoxify the venom and Water Rats, Ibis, Crows and other birds turn the toads over and eat only the non-poisonous internal organs. Opinion is divided concerning their current status, some think the native wildlife is starting to recognize them as a threat and they stay away. Australia is still a long way from controlling cane toad numbers or putting a stop to their expansion. Scientific evidence suggests that this imported animal represents a nuisance to man and an ecological threat to the Australian environment. The rapid growth of the species may have consequences in areas considered irrelevant at the time of its introduction. The cane toad has provided a painful lesson in what can happen to native species when an exotic species is introduced to a new habitat. Science