Every species EXCEPT HUMAN. nm

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Researchers from the Hebrew University of Jerusalem have announced today the discovery of eight previously unknown, ancient animal species within "a new and unique underground ecosystem in a cave near Ramle, Israel.

In a press conference on the Mt. Scopus campus of the Hebrew University, the researchers said the discovery came about when a small opening was found, leading to a cave extending to a depth of 100 meters beneath the surface of a quarry in the vicinity of Ramle, between Jerusalem and Tel Aviv. The quarry is operated by cement manufacturer Nesher Industries.

The cave, which has been dubbed the Ayalon Cave, is "unique in the world", said Prof. Amos Frumkin of the Hebrew University Department of Geography. This is due mainly to its isolation from the outside world, since the cave's surface is situated under a layer of chalk that is impenetrable to water. The cave, with its branches, extends over some 2� kilometers, making it Israel's second largest limestone cave. It is to remain closed to the public to permit further scientific research.

The invertebrate animals found in the cave � four seawater and freshwater crustaceans and four terrestial species � are related to but different from other, similar life forms known to scientists. The species have been sent to biological experts in both Israel and abroad for further analysis and dating. It is estimated that these species are millions of years old. Also found in the cave were bacteria that serve as the basic food source in the ecosystem.

The animals found there were all discovered live, except for a blind species of scorpion, although Dr. Dimentman is certain that live scorpions will be discovered in further explorations and also probably an animal or animals which feed on the scorpions.

The underground cave includes an underground lake, in which the crustaceans were found. The lake is part of the Yarkon-Taninim aquifer, one of Israel's two aquifers, yet is different in temperature and chemical composition from the main waters of the aquifer. The lake's temperature and salinity indicates that its source is deep underground.

Among the interesting features of the discoveries thus far in the cave is that two of the crustaceans are seawater species and two others are of a types found in fresh or brackish water.

This can provide insights into events occurring millions of years ago regarding the history of ancient bodies of water in the region.

People generally don't talk about how happy they are on a regular basis. They tend to want to talk to others when something is bothering them, and focus more on the negative. So I guess it makes sense that you don't see a lot of posts that say "Ladeedah, how I love my job and what a stupendous day it is in the transcription world today!" The job is just a means to a happier life, not the definition of a happy life.

Personally, I feel honored that I am in this profession. Not because of the money or the skill and intelligence that it requires, but primarily because it allows me to be home with my daughter instead of shipping her off to daycare every day for some stranger to screw up. That is why I will deal with the lack of raises, crappy dictators, periodic lack of work, mgmt that is too overworked to care, etc. To be with my baby all the time and still bring in a paycheck, however meager it may be.

They were all probably told that is why the work is over there and they have to fix our stuff, that way it boosts their egos.

Even when its not asked for. Maybe some people like to surround themselves with nonsense and chaos, where as I like peace and quiet! I think people who like working with other people are either pretending or just plain crazy!