A teenager was recently bitten by a wolf at a campground in Minnesota.
What does this have to do with molecular biology, you ask?
A DNA comparison was done on the wolf (that was captured and killed) and a comforter that the teen had used to stop the blood. The comparison proved to be a match indicating that the investigators had found the correct wolf.
So, why was this such a big deal that investigators were insistent to find the wolf? Well, wolves are not known to rummage for food close to areas of human activity. Moreover, they are not likely to come close enough to humans to bite them.
A pathologist/veterinarian decided to do a necropsy on the wolf. He learned that the wolf had facial abnormalities, dental abnormalities, and brain damage. This caused an infection in the wolf that made the wolf do things that were out of character. It did not go into much detail as to what the infection was or what exact part of the brain was physically/chemically altered, but this is still an interesting find.
The teen was ok and did not gain any harmful illnesses from the wolf.
I find the most random articles the most interesting. :]]
Link:
DNA Test Confirms Identity of Wolf that Bit Teen
Given the conservation effort directed at preserving and reintroducing wolves, it seems only sensible to use DNA techniques (which are relatively cheap) to distinguish problematic wolves from non-problematic wolves.
ReplyDeleteAlternatively, they could use the tried-and-true "line-up" technique.
"Ma'am. When the lights go on you are going to see wolves on the other side of the glass. The important thing is that they won't be able to see you. If you see the wolf that bit you, please indicate the number on that wolves collar. Then we're done. Ready?"
I think they should have done the latter method that you mentioned!
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