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The Pet Trade The capture and sale of animals from tropical forests is thought to be the second biggest cause of species loss. We find out what is fuelling this trade and what can be done to limit the damage it causes.
Chocolate: a sweet cure? Could eating chocolate each day keep the doctor away? An ancient remedy known to the Aztecs, chocolate is known to reduce blood cholesterol and help prevent heart disease - and the darker the chocolate the better!	Mystery potions from the angel's trumpet Extracts from the angel's trumpet (Brugmansia) have long been used by South American shamans to induce visionary dreams. Western science has recently identified the alkaloid responsible for causing the hallucinations.		The giant millipede Lemurs in Madagascar and capuchin monkeys in Venezuela have been observed using powerful defensive secretions from giant millipedes to control insect pests and even send themselves on a drug-induced 'high'.
Cash Crops Worldwide, the greatest loss of rainforests has been due to the clearing of land for agriculture. What can we all do about this?		Poison jewels: the dart frogs Poison dart frogs - some of which produce toxins powerful enought to kill 150 adult humans - are used by tribal people to catch food.
PLANTS The world's greatest lily ANIMALS Dwarf crocodiles ECOSYSTEMS Ancient gardeners: leafcutter ants		HUMAN NEEDS Logging Safe sex starts with the wild yam ECONOMIES Cancer cured by the rosy periwinkle Bananas CULTURES Poisonous silence: the dumb cane Different potions, different places

Science & Development news from SciDev.Net

North Africa to develop drought-resistant barley
Algeria, Egypt and Tunisia have joined forces to create varieties of barley suitable for the North African region.
11 March 2008
Source: SciDev.Net
South Asian nations team up for food security
The South Asia Food Security Programme will receive an estimated US$25 million for ten projects addressing food security.
11 March 2008
Source: SciDev.Net
African finance ministers 'must boost R&D spending'
African finance ministers have been urged to increase funding for R&D in order to boost innovation systems on the continent.
10 March 2008
Source: SciDev.Net

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The Pet Trade