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Photo courtesy of Associated Press

According to the Associated Press, hundreds of penguins have been washing ashore in Brazil this year, both dead and alive. Approximately 300 penguins have been found in recent days alone along the shoreline.

Biologists are not exactly sure why this is occurring, but they do have theories. Some biologists believe that “stronger-than-normal ocean currents have pulled the birds north” (Associated Press). Others believe that the penguins are being forced to swim farther out to search for food due to overfishing in Antarctica and Patagonia.

This isn’t the first time penguins have been spotted off the shore of Brazil. It is fairly common for a few sightings of the birds a year, however, the number of sightings this year are extremely high. Most of the birds getting washed ashore are babies who aren’t strong enough to fight against the currents of the water.

The environmental authority in Brazil is telling residents if they spot a healthy, uninjured penguin to leave it alone so it can swim back home. Rescued penguins are swamping their bird rescue centers and 90 have since died.

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Photo courtesy of BBC News.

California is the first state to ban trans-fats from all restaurants and food retailers. Most restaurants in California (and around the country) have already stopped using trans-fats, however, fines between $25.00 and $1,000.00 will be given to those restaurants who violate this ban starting on January 1st, 2010.

Several studies have found that consumption of trans-fats is strongly linked to coronary heart disease, as well as an increase in the levels of “bad” cholesterol in our bodies. According to the FDA (U.S. Food and Drug Administration), Americans consume an average of 4.7 pounds of trans-fats each year. Several cities across the U.S. have already banned the fats, such as Seattle, Philadelphia, and New York City.

Trans-fats are derived from vegetable oils, but are chemically altered to add flavor and bulk to foods. The process is known as hydrogenation, which turns liquid oil into solid fat. It is a cheap way to also add a much longer shelf-life to the foods. Trans-fats are mainly used in frying foods, but also in baking products, such as cake mixes.

Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger was stated banning trans-fats from California is a “strong step toward creating a healthier future” (BBC News).

When is the rest of the U.S. going to jump on the ‘attempt to be healthier’ bandwagon?

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