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How to live on poison in the desert

The trick: Eat verrrry carefully. And in small portions. Take a cue from the desert rat:

Researchers say wood rats in the U.S. Southwest survive while eating toxic plants by doing what human dieters do -- eat smaller meals and drink plenty of water. "For decades, we have been trying to understand how herbivores deal with toxic diets," University of Utah biology Professor Denise Dearing said.

 

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As a longtime journalist in Southern Nevada, native Las Vegan Andrew Kiraly has served as a reporter covering topics as diverse as health, sports, politics, the gaming industry and conservation. He joined Desert Companion in 2010, where he has helped steward the magazine to become a vibrant monthly publication that has won numerous honors for its journalism, photography and design, including several Maggie Awards.