Patterns of Nitrogen Excretion by Embryonic Softshell Turtles (Trionyx spiniferus) Developing in Cleidoic Eggs

Embryonic softshell turtles develop inside eggs exchanging little, if any, liquid water with the nest environment. Despite the consequent restriction on availability of water to support development, embryos convert most of the ammonia released in catabolism of proteins into soluble urea rather than insoluble urate, and thereby commit a portion of their limited reserve of water to serve as solvent for metabolic wastes. This finding is contrary to expectations from prior studies of cleidoic eggs.     

Conditions for the successful use of science

There is ground for concern that the British research and development effort, which is of considerable size, may not be well distributed. In some areas of intense scientific effort, commercial priorities tend to be forgotten. Too many of the units of the economic system are backward in understanding what science can offer and inefficient in using the opportunities which it provides. Evidence suggests that the successful use of science depends on the overall quality of management rather than specifically on its degree of scientific knowledge.