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Science Friday > Archives > 2003 > November
> November 14, 2003:
Hour Two: Drugs and Aquatic Animals / La Brea Tar Pits
Scientists say some of the drugs we take, including Prozac and birth
control medications, are showing up in aquatic animals such as fish
and frogs. In this hour of Science Friday, we'll take a look at how
these drugs are ending up in aquatic ecosystems and at what effects
they might have on animals that live in and around the water. Are
human drugs causing environmental changes?
Plus, a trip to the La Brea tar pits of Los Angeles, and a look at
how ancient asphalt has created a modern-day scientific treasure trove.
The 'tar pits' of Rancho La Brea have given researchers a look back
at the Los Angeles area of 10,000 to 40,000 years ago. Call in with
your questions and comments at 1-800-989-8255 (3-4 Eastern), and share
your opinions online in our Listeners' Lounge (registration required).
Guests:
Bryan Brooks
Assistant Professor, Environmental
Studies
Center for Reservoir and Aquatic
Systems Research
Baylor University
Waco, Texas
Chris Metcalfe
Professor, Environmental and Resource
Studies Program
Trent University
Peterborough, Ontario, Canada
Herbert Buxton
Coordinator
Toxic Substances Hydrology Program
United States Geological Survey
Trenton, New Jersey
Ken Campbell
Curator of Ornithology
Page Museum at the La Brea Tar Pits
Natural History Museum
Los Angeles, California
Books/Articles Discussed:
Related Links:
Drugs
May Harm Frogs and Fish in the Wild (washingtonpost.com)
USATODAY.com
- Drugs may harm frogs and fish in the wild
Traces
of Prozac end up in fish
Pharmaceuticals
In Our Water Supplies
EPA
- Pharmaceuticals in the Environment - Useful Web Tools
Fish
on Prozac? How depressing!
SEX
AND SEWAGE: ESTROGENIC COMPOUNDS IN THE ENVIRONMENT
EPA
- Pharmaceuticals and Personal Care Products - Frequently Asked Questions
Page Museum at the La Brea Tar
Pits
Berkeley:
Localities of the Pleistocene: La Brea Tar Pits
CNN.com - Tar pit remains help rewrite Los Angeles' ancient history
- August 28, 2000
This segment produced by Annette Heist
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