Book excerpt: Over the past several years, extraordinary numbers of deformed frogs have been discovered, not only in the waters of Minnesota, but in lakes and ponds across the U.S., Canada, and as far away as Japan. The frog -- an animal that lives in ponds and on land, that breathes through its skin, that lays its clear, absorbent eggs in open, sunlit water -- is a indicator of environmental conditions. This book follows the mystery of the deformed frogs and the search for answers. Souder had access to all the key scientists, and has followed every aspect of the story, from back room discussions and conferences at the Federal government level to the secret hot spots where the highest percentage of deformed frogs are found.