Saturday, November 13, 2010

Color changing whales

Google News lists 418 News articles picking up on this paper published in Proceedings of the royal Society this week:
Acute sun damage and photoprotective responses in whales
We conducted photographic and histological surveys of three seasonally sympatric whale species to investigate sunburn and photoprotection. We find that lesions commonly associated with acute severe sun damage in humans are widespread and that individuals with fewer melanocytes have more lesions and less apoptotic cells.

 Typical news stories by CNN: Whales suffering from dramatic' sunburn and Time: Brave New World: Thinner Ozone Layer Means Whales Are Changing Color?

I think CNN is my favorite since it helpfully offers targeted ads from Google for Skin Rejuvenation, Skin Peels, a Skin Care System and a New Melanin Tanning Pill. No word on whether any of these are available for whales.....

No comments: