14 Magellanic penguins reintroduced into their natural habitat in Brazil

Posted on 07/12/2024

14 Magellanic penguins have been able to return to their habitat after being found stranded on the Brazilian coast following a long journey in search of heat

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Fourteen Magellanic penguins (Spheniscus magellanicus) have been released back into nature at Praia do Moçambique, in Florianópolis, Brazil. It is the third release carried out this year by the R3 Animal Association, through the Santos Basin Beach Monitoring Project – PMP-BS.

After intensive rehabilitation, the penguins resumed their migration toward the breeding colonies in Patagonia, following the ocean currents. Every year, during the fall and winter months in the Southern Hemisphere, the Magellanic penguins travel several thousand miles to find food in warmer waters.

Their migration is dangerous, and especially young, inexperienced penguins frequently arrive stranded on the Brazilian shores. Many of the arriving birds were exhausted, under-nourished, or clearly drowning. Out of the 2,685 cases of penguins which appeared at the beaches in 2024, only 5.6% were reported as alive.

Two southern right whales were in contact

Recovery under the care of the R3 Animal Association is a very tedious process. The penguins are rehydrated, fed to their ideal weight, and treated for hypothermia. They also undergo swimming pool physiotherapy sessions that help them regain strength and stamina. When ready, they are released in groups of at least ten individuals, a behavior that simulates their social nature and enhances the success of their migration.

This release was very exciting, as the penguins were released into the wild and swam out to meet two southern right whales off the beach. It was a natural phenomenon that captured hope and harmony between species.

R3 Animal Association insists on these interventions, which are extremely necessary for maintaining biodiversity and awareness about the protection of marine ecosystems. Each penguin represents a triumph in wildlife and a witness to the combined efforts made by the scientists, volunteers, and the locals.

It also calls for reflecting on human-driven threats like pollution and overfishing, which threaten the survival of numerous marine species. Events like this release serve to remind one of the importance of protection against disruptions in the delicate balance of nature.

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Smart insulin: a game-changer in diabetes management

This new insulin could mean fewer injections and better blood sugar control for diabetes patients.

new insulin innovation reduces risks for diabetes patients

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Living with diabetes requires an enormous amount of awareness. For people suffering from type 1 diabetes, this often means multiple injections every day, which have to be timely and well-planned. However, the blood sugar level may change any moment, depending on a missed meal or an extra session of exercise.

Controlling blood sugar is a part of daily life for millions who have diabetes. One mistake—taking too much insulin or forgetting a dose—can be catastrophic.

Now, a team of researchers has made a significant breakthrough that could transform life for diabetes patients: they have created what many in the field describe as the “Holy Grail” of diabetes treatment-insulin that knows when to turn on and off.

Picture insulin that sits dormant in the body, springing into action when it senses rising glucose. This “smart” insulin keeps blood sugar in a safe zone, but doesn’t allow dangerous lows that can lead to seizures, unconsciousness, or even death.

The study

Scientists have long dreamed about insulin that can act on its own to keep blood sugar levels within a healthy range.

Options have, until now, been limited. Traditional injections of insulin can certainly drive glucose levels down, but once given, their effects cannot be undone. While too little insulin presents a grave risk for individuals with type 1 diabetes, too much insulin causes potentially life-threateningly low glucose levels, a condition known as hypoglycemia. In order to avoid this, patients will often take moderate doses of insulin at the risk of suboptimal long-term blood sugar control.

The new insulin, developed by a team at Novo Nordisk in Denmark led by Rita Slaaby, is nothing short of revolutionary. Dubbed NNC2215, it boasts a molecular “switch.” When glucose levels go up, the insulin turns on; when they fall, it switches off. In tests, NNC2215 reduced blood sugar levels nicely, without the crashes often seen with shots of traditional insulin.

Glucose-responsive insulin-GRI-has long been hailed as the future of diabetes treatment. Unlike conventional insulin, which works in a rigid, fixed manner, GRI adjusts to the body’s needs in real time.

The glucose-dependent switch was created by the research team by adding a glucose-binding macrocycle and a glucoside to the insulin molecule. In studies, they observed a 3.2-fold increase in insulin activity as glucose levels rose from 54 mg/dL to 360 mg/dL. Subjects treated with NNC2215 showed better control of blood sugar fluctuations without dangerous drops in glucose levels.

It can change the whole game for the use of insulin. Patients may inject this smart insulin once a week, compared to taking it a few times every day in the future.

Source: Nature

The article draws upon studies published and recommendations from international institutions and/or experts. We do not make claims in the medical-scientific field and report the facts as they are. Sources are indicated at the end of each article.