The 4f 76 65 72 6e 69 67 68 74 20 4e 65 77 73 20 44 69 67 65 73 74 is a nightly series dedicated to chronicling the day’s news. Please recommend and then add news stories of import or interest in the comments.
NY Times: How the Brown Rat Conquered New York City (and Every Other One, Too)Despite their ubiquity, Rattus norvegicus, otherwise known as the brown rat, remains surprisingly mysterious. Scientists have only a hazy idea of how it went from wild rodent to unwanted human companion.
Now Dr. Munshi-South and his colleagues have completed the first in-depth genetic study of brown rats from around the world. Their story has twists and turns that surprise even the experts.
After spreading slowly for thousands of years, the scientists found, brown rats scampered over much of the planet in just the past three centuries. And once brown rats settle into a new city, the new study suggests, they repel all newcomers — a finding that could have big implications for our health.