France’s Newest Enemy

By: Jessica Robertson

France has recently been invaded by a surprising foe – the New Guinea flatworm. Platydemus manokwari, as it is also known, is the only terrestrial flatworm on the list of the 100 most invasive alien species in the world, published by the Invasive Species Specialist Group (ISSG). The list details species that, due to the modern increase of globalization and worldwide trade, have entered a new habitat and caused harmful disruption in the ecosystem.

The New Guinea flatworm was found recently in a greenhouse of the Jardin des Plantes de Caen, and was definitively identified by its notable appearance and through special molecular analysis. These findings are no less than startling, considering this is the first instance of the species’ presence in all of Europe, not in France alone.

Snails are the main diet of this flatworm, which has been introduced in over fifteen Pacific territories, sometimes deliberately and sometimes not. The snail population in these Pacific territories has decreased significantly, causing a huge reduction in the genetic diversity of the numerous snail species. In the past, the flatworm was supposed to eradicate one particular harmful species of snail, promising better results in agriculture.  However, the serious threats of this invasive flatworm species far outweigh any ecological benefits it may previously been thought to have.

While the flatworm originates from the tropical country of New Guinea, it most often inhabits the cool mountain regions of the country, meaning it may easily adapt to the European climate. It is known to consume European snails, and, in the absence of snails, to consume earthworms. These predictions boast a surprising threat to biological diversity in France and all of Europe, where hundred of species of snails currently thrive. Now, before the flatworm continues in its conquest, is the time to eradicate the New Guinea flatworm from its new desired kingdom. 

Climate Change Invites Deadly Pathogens

Another example of man-made havoc has arisen with global warming; diseases are making their roundabouts now that ice is now beginning to melt where it shouldn't. It is now come to our attention that as the earth warms, species are prone to more disease their bodies are not accustomed to fighting off. The Arctic beluga whale population is now seen infected with the parasite common to domestic cats, known as toxoplasma gondii.

Toxoplasma gondii is known to cause severe damage to the brain eyes and organs and can remain dormant in the human system; once it becomes reactive it can cause severe symptoms up into death aboriginals are warned to stay away from beluga meat.

Animals which rely on a particular range of temperatures are more prone to becoming diseased or infected with viruses due to the new thawed-out land they now roam. Pathogens are quickly moving in and animals may be seeing their way out. We should be concerned for ourselves as well, the animals aboriginals eat and clothe themselves in can carry disease and can spread to more concentrated human populations very easily, taking care of our earth really determines the health of our people.

Child-Predator too Close to Home.

By: Daniela Silva

Welcome to the Internet: A predator’s playground indeed. A valuable lesson was taught to a young boy by the name of Eric when he had met a attractive girl by the name of Ashley Matthews, and with time he came to know and chat more personally with the young girl or who he thought was a young girl. Eric began to feel uncomfortable, and being close to his mom, she noticed and began to question.

Her instinct drove her to search through young Eric's computer, and immediately noticed Ashley's profile, noting the picture and information given felt as though it was just a put-on and that there was much more behind that pretty face of hers, and with Eric's approval Mr. Norton a member of Durham regional police began the investigation.

A month later Ashley Matthews was uncovered as a 38 year old man by the name of Stephen Alexander Martin previously teaching Eric at Sir William Stephenson school in whitby also employed as the schools photographer. A shocking break in the search for the true person behind the made up Ashley. Young teens are much too trusting on the Internet and need gentle guidance when talking about the predators that are lurking behind the many pages of chat rooms.

Be aware of your child and their feelings, ensure proper security and safety measures are being taken on the internet. Your kid may one day thank you for it!