Scoliosis is difficult to cure and easier to prevent.

Scoliosis, or a curvature of the spine, can affect fish along with many other animals.

There are several theories as to the cause of this disease inaquariums, but many experts believe that overcrowded fish tankscould be the reason behind some cases.

It is also linked to oxygen-poor water, fish food that is lacking in nutrients and inadequate mineral salts in the tank.

A deficiency of ascorbic acid, or vitamin C, has been related to this issue and other skeletal deformities.

Genetic factors have also been linked to this problem, with it commonly occurring when fish interbreed, especially among guppies.

Putting aquarium plants in the fish tank can lessen the likelihood of an animal suffering from scoliosis.

As it is difficult to treat this condition, it is important to maintain good water quality and use water testing kitsregularly, as well as providing fish with an adequate diet and keeping the tank within preferred temperatures.

Posted by Olivia Rose

U.S. Congress Says Pizza is a Vegetable

The U.S. Congress is trying to keep pizza and French fries on school lunch menus, fighting Obama administration proposals to make school lunches healthier.  Their final version of a spending bill would undo school lunch standards the Agriculture Department proposed earlier this year.

The bill also would also continue to allow tomato paste on pizzas to be counted as a vegetable, a standard the USDA had sought to end.

MSNBC reports:

“Food companies that produce frozen pizzas for schools, the salt industry and potato growers requested the changes, and some conservatives in Congress say the federal government shouldn't be telling children what to eat.”

Sources:

  MSNBC November 15, 2011