Deep-Sea CuresResearchers have begun scouring the deep...

Deep-Sea Cures

Researchers have begun scouring the deep waters off the Bahamas in search for marine life that might hold a cure for allergies, Alzheimer’s, arthritis, cancer or AIDS. A high-tech submersible for the Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute in Fort Pierce, Fla., collects samples of algae, sponges and other organism that may produce chemical compounds found nowhere else on earth. Natural remedies have long been hunted for in the world’s rain forests, but only recently has the search been extended to the oceans. Scientists have already isolated a series of compounds called topsentins from sea creatures that may be used to treat arthritis.

Cleanup for Dolphins

Officials in Sydney are attempting to cleanse the Australian city’s harbor enough to entice dolphins to return in time for the 2000 Olympics. The mammals were once common in the picturesque waterway, but have been repelled by industrial pollution and floating garbage over the years.

Earthquakes

A powerful temblor registering a magnitude of 6.6 rocked buildings in Indonesia’s capital of Jakarta. No damage or injuries were reported. Tremors were also felt in Sumatra, Japan’s Izu Islands, central Iran, Albania and Aleutian Islands.

Pillaging Primates

Farmers and city dwellers across Japan are being plagued by a population explosion of Japanese macaques. The wily animals conduct regular raids into homes and stores, terrorizing the townsfolk. Merchants say simian troops storm their establishments, making off with sweets. Officials estimate the marauders destroy nearly 150,000 acres of farmland each year.

Penquin Squatters

Street cleaners climbed through thick brush to evict scores of jackass penguins that had invaded some of South Africa’s prime real estate. Residents of the fashionable neighborhoods on the Cape Peninsula had complained for years that the birds were making raucous noises at all hours and leaving smelly droppings around their homes. About 200 penquins in tuxedo-like black and white plumage were pulled struggling from their hiding places and taken to a more remote stretch of coastline. The penquin colony had increased from only two pairs in 1982 and had become a popular tourist attraction.

Volcanoes

More than 1,000 minor volcanic tremors shook the Caribbean island on Montserrat, indicating that lava was rising within the Soufriere Hills volcano. Nearby islands remained on alert for a possible tidal wave should the volcano’s lava dome collapses.

Pavlof volcano sent up another plume of ash to nearly 15,000 feet as the mountain continued to rumble on the Alaskan Peninsula. Pavlof became active in September after being dormant for eight years. The Itar-Tass news agency reported that Alaid volcano erupted for the first time in 15 years in the northern Kuril Islands.

Additional Sources: U.S. Climate Analysis Center, U.S. Earthquake Information Center and the World Meteorological Organization