Male Fish Turn Female in Basque Coast of Spain

Biologists have found evidence of "feminisation" of male fish in the estuaries in the Basque coast of Spain, something that can be called as a perfect case of gender-bender among fish.

Pollutants acting as oestrogens are responsible for this phenomenon which, among other changes, is causing ovocytes -- immature ova -- to appear in male fish, biologists claimed.

Advantages of Eating Fish Foods - Health Benefits
Researchers worldwide have discovered that eating fish regularly is good for health. Regular consumption of fish may reduce the risk of diseases such as asthma, prostate cancer and eyesight.

The acquisition of feminine features by male fish has been detected, to a greater or lesser extent in all the estuaries -- not only in the characteristics of the gonads of the specimens analysed but also in various molecular markers.

"The results show that endocrine disruption is a phenomenon that has spread all over our estuaries, which means that, as has been detected in other countries, we have a problem with pollutants," explained Miren P. Cajaraville, director of the group of Cell Biology in Environmental Toxicology at the University of the Basque Country.

The team has conducted research using thick-lipped grey mullet and has analysed specimens in seven zones in coastal Spain -- Arriluze, Gernika, Santurtzi, Plentzia, Ondarroa, Deba and Pasaia.

Some Older Adults Need to Consume More Fish Oil to Reduce Risk of Metabolic Syndrome
A British study revealed that increasing fish oil supplementation can help reduce risk of metabolic syndrome in risk variant carrier older adults.

The results of the research were published in the journal Science of the Total Environment and Marine Environmental Research.

Source-IANS

Crude Oil Linked to Developmental Abnormalities in Marine Fishes
A new study by a team of NOAA and academic scientists reveals abnormalities developing in hearts of bluefin and yellowfin tunas because of the crude oil from 2010 Deepwater Horizon disaster.

Stress Makes Women More Empathetic, but Men Become Selfish
A new study suggests that women tend become empathetic and more open to others when in stress.