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Vermont Lake Catfish Affected by First-Known Freshwater Contagious Cancer

Vermont Lake Catfish Affected by First-Known Freshwater Contagious Cancer

A transmissible cancer has been discovered among brown bullhead catfish in Lake Memphremagog, a glacial lake located in Vermont and Quebec, Canada. This marks the first instance of such a cancer spreading among fish in a freshwater environment. The discovery was made after researchers observed high rates of raised black lesions on the catfish, which were identified as malignant melanomas. These lesions were found in 23 to 37% of the sampled fish between 2014 and 2017. The lake serves as a drinking water source for 175,000 people, raising concerns about potential contamination. Researchers are investigating the cause, with one hypothesis linking it to pollution from Tropical Storm Irene in 2011.

Shakey Graves Embraces Vermont's Crafty Vibe Ahead of Shelburne Performance

Shakey Graves Embraces Vermont's Crafty Vibe Ahead of Shelburne Performance

Shakey Graves Embraces Vermont's Crafty Vibe Ahead of Shelburne Performance

Fourteen U.S. Citizens Quarantined at Fort Drum Following Return from Congo Amid Ebola Concerns

Fourteen U.S. Citizens Quarantined at Fort Drum Following Return from Congo Amid Ebola Concerns

Fourteen U.S. citizens were quarantined at Fort Drum after returning from the Democratic Republic of Congo, a country currently experiencing a dangerous Ebola outbreak. These individuals traveled back to Canada and attempted to enter the U.S. through Vermont but were stopped by officials. They were then transported to Fort Drum, where they were quarantined in apartment-style housing for four days under the close supervision of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The CDC monitored them for signs of Ebola, and after determining that none of the individuals were infected, they were released from quarantine. A 'do-not-board' order had been issued earlier, mandating U.S. citizens in Congo to quarantine for at least 21 days before returning by plane.

Transmissible Cancer Detected in Catfish at Lake Memphremagog Raises Concerns

Transmissible Cancer Detected in Catfish at Lake Memphremagog Raises Concerns

Researchers have identified a transmissible cancer affecting brown bullhead catfish in Lake Memphremagog, which spans northern Vermont and Quebec. The discovery was made by the Vermont Fish & Wildlife Department during their annual fish census. The cancer manifests as dark streaks on the fish, resembling black tar, and is believed to spread from fish to fish. This type of cancer is rare, previously identified in only a few animal species. The study, published in Nature, suggests that the cancer cells can survive outside the host and infect new fish, potentially during spawning when fish are in close contact. The tumors' genetics are similar across affected fish, indicating a clonal origin. Researchers are investigating the transmission mechanisms and potential environmental or viral factors that may be affecting the fish's immune systems.

Quebec and U.S. Lakes See Rare Contagious Cancer in Catfish, Raising Environmental Concerns

Quebec and U.S. Lakes See Rare Contagious Cancer in Catfish, Raising Environmental Concerns

A genetic study has identified a rare transmissible cancer among catfish in Quebec and the northeastern U.S., marking the first known instance of such cancer in fish. The study, published in Nature, reveals that melanoma tumors are spreading among brown bullhead catfish in Lake Memphremagog, which spans the border between Quebec and Vermont. The tumors, first reported in 2012, have been linked to higher concentrations of metals like arsenic in the fish's skin. Researchers are investigating whether the disease is transmitted during spawning, as the tumors seem to shed cells easily. Despite the findings, some experts remain skeptical about labeling it a transmissible cancer without further evidence.

Vermont Scientists Discover Transmissible Cancer in Catfish

Vermont Scientists Discover Transmissible Cancer in Catfish

Researchers from the University of Vermont have identified a transmissible cancer in brown bullhead catfish in Lake Memphremagog. The cancer, which behaves like a parasite, is the first of its kind found in a freshwater fish species. The discovery raises questions about the role of pollution, habitat stress, and climate change in disease evolution. The cancer cells spread between fish, particularly those of spawning age, and are not a threat to humans. The study highlights the need for further research into the environmental factors contributing to the spread of such diseases.

Transmissible Cancer Discovered in Freshwater Fish Raises New Questions

Transmissible Cancer Discovered in Freshwater Fish Raises New Questions

Researchers at the University of Vermont have identified a transmissible form of cancer in brown bullhead catfish in Lake Memphremagog, marking the first such discovery in a freshwater fish species. The cancer cells, which behave like parasites, can move from fish to fish, a phenomenon previously observed only in a few other animal species. The study, published in Nature, found that the cancer cells are more closely related to each other than to their host fish, indicating a clonally transmissible cancer. The disease poses no known risk to humans, as the cancer cells cannot infect or survive in other species.

Ichthyophonus Parasite Threatens Yukon River Chinook Salmon Populations

Ichthyophonus Parasite Threatens Yukon River Chinook Salmon Populations

The Ichthyophonus parasite is causing significant harm to the Chinook salmon populations in the Yukon River. This parasite, which thrives in warm conditions, has been linked to the decline in salmon quality and numbers since the 1980s. Stan Zuray, a researcher and former subsistence representative, has been documenting the parasite's impact, noting its prevalence during warmer periods. The parasite affects the salmon's heart, leading to mushy texture and a sour smell. Recent studies indicate that Ichthyophonus infections have coincided with a drastic reduction in Chinook salmon runs, exacerbated by climate change and other environmental stressors.

Vermont Student Makes History with Amazon Future Engineer Scholarship

Vermont Student Makes History with Amazon Future Engineer Scholarship

McKenna Stark, a high school graduate from Montpelier, Vermont, has become the first student from the state to receive the Amazon Future Engineer scholarship. This prestigious award will provide her with up to $40,000 over four years to support her studies at the Rochester Institute of Technology. Stark, who plans to pursue a degree in electrical engineering, expressed her excitement about the opportunity and hopes her achievement will inspire other young women to enter STEM fields. The scholarship aims to support students from underrepresented communities in pursuing careers in technology and engineering.

Vermont State Police Seek Public Help in Identifying Vehicle After Illegal Tire Dumping in Willoughby Forest

Vermont State Police Seek Public Help in Identifying Vehicle After Illegal Tire Dumping in Willoughby Forest

The Vermont State Police are seeking public assistance in identifying a vehicle involved in the illegal dumping of 40 tires in Willoughby State Forest, located in Sutton, Vermont. The incident was reported on July 22, 2026, when troopers responded to the scene and discovered the tires discarded at the edge of the road. A vehicle of interest was observed in the vicinity shortly before the tires were dumped. The police have released a photograph of the vehicle and are encouraging anyone with information about the incident or the individuals involved to contact Trooper Benjamin Goodwin at the St. Johnsbury Barracks. Anonymous tips can also be submitted online.

Dinosaur-era fossil provides insight into snake evolution

Dinosaur-era fossil provides insight into snake evolution

By Will Dunham July 23 (Reuters) - Snakes first appeared during the age of dinosaurs, but fossils of many early species are so fragmentary that scientists have had difficulty deciphering their evolution as a group.

Inherited Genetics Influence Tumor Evolution, Study Finds

Inherited Genetics Influence Tumor Evolution, Study Finds

A study published in Nature reveals that inherited genetics play a significant role in tumor evolution, challenging the traditional view that driver mutations alone determine cancer progression. Researchers from Yale Cancer Center and the University of Edinburgh conducted experiments using genetically distinct mouse strains exposed to a carcinogen, finding that the inherited genome significantly influences how tumors develop and respond to treatments. The study suggests that cancer-driving mutations interact with an individual's genetic background, affecting tumor evolution from its earliest stages.