Bird Populations Are in Meltdown
Humans rely on birds to eat insects, spread seeds, and pollinate plants—but these feathered friends can’t survive without their habitats......»»
The redpoll finch saga: How two bird species just became one
This week, birders around the world lost one beloved feathered creature from their birding life list. Fortunately, no species went extinct. Instead, this change resolved a long-held misunderstanding about the redpoll finch......»»
Five people infected as bird flu appears to go from cows to chickens to humans
High temperatures made it hard for workers to use protective gear during culling. Enlarge (credit: Getty | Edwin Remsberg) The highly pathogenic avian influenza H5N1 virus that spilled from wild birds into US dairy cows.....»»
Climate change threatens overall firefly populations, study shows, but Midwest could see increase
For many who grew up east of the Mississippi River, yellow twinkling lights punctuate magical childhood memories. New England natives call them fireflies, but they're known as lightning bugs from the Midwest to the South. No matter their regional nam.....»»
Lead poisoning continues to impact bald eagle populations in Pennsylvania and beyond
Reports of bald eagles dying from lead ammunition poisoning continue as populations of the formerly endangered bird soar......»»
In Cuba, a haven for the world"s tiniest bird
The wings of the world's tiniest birds are a near-invisible blur as they whizz around tourists visiting a private Cuban garden that has become a haven for the declining species......»»
How artificial intelligence can help prevent illegal wildlife trade
Imagine you are a law enforcement official at a wildlife market and suspect some of the birds on sale are from endangered or illegally traded populations. This is a situation that demands decisive identification and action, but in cases where "look-a.....»»
Starliner Astronauts Are in Limbo, and Emergency Access to Abortion Is Preserved
Emergency access to abortion is preserved—for now. Also, NASA postpones the return of Starliner astronauts, and we’re tracking the spread of bird flu, dengue and mpox......»»
Pasteurization Kills Bird Flu Virus in Milk, New Studies Confirm
Flash pasteurization destroyed H5N1 viral particles that were highly concentrated in raw milk, confirming that standard techniques can keep dairy products safe from bird flu.....»»
DNA analyses show the plague may have caused the downfall of Stone Age farmers
Ancient DNA from bones and teeth hints at a role of the plague in Stone Age population collapse. Contrary to previous beliefs, the plague may have diminished Europe's populations long before the major plague outbreaks of the Middle Ages, new research.....»»
Wolves" return has had only small impact on deer populations in Washington state, study shows
Humans drove wolves to extinction in Washington state around the 1930s. Thanks to conservation efforts, by about 80 years later, wolves had returned—crossing first from the Canadian border into Washington around 2008 and later entering the state fr.....»»
How to ensure higher-density housing developments still have enough space for residents" recreation needs
Growing populations and housing shortages are affecting cities worldwide, including in Australia. It's driving them to adopt high-density development near public transport hubs instead of endless suburban sprawl on city fringes......»»
US Government Awards Moderna $176 Million for mRNA Bird Flu Vaccine
As fears of a pandemic mount, the biotech company’s mRNA vaccine trial is set to release Phase 1/2 results later this year, with a larger Phase 3 trial expected to begin in 2025......»»
US reports fourth human case of bird flu linked to cows
US officials on Wednesday reported the country's fourth human case of bird flu linked to the current outbreak of the virus in dairy cattle......»»
Some birds win and some lose with sea level rise, expert says
Global sea level rise is accelerating every year due to climate change, and it could threaten the very existence of some coastal bird species......»»
Study reveals ancient Nile floods were highly variable during wetter climates
Global warming as well as recent droughts and floods threaten large populations along the Nile Valley. Understanding how such a large river will respond to an invigorated hydrological cycle is therefore a pressing issue. Insights can be gained by stu.....»»
Exploring bird breeding behavior and microbiomes in the radioactive Chornobyl Exclusion Zone
New research finds surprising differences in the diets and gut microbiomes of songbirds living in the radiation-contaminated areas of the Chornobyl Exclusion Zone, Ukraine. This study is also the first to examine the breeding behavior and early life.....»»
It"s a challenging drive to Washington"s ocean beaches as state spends billions to help fish
It took 50 million years for salmon to evolve and only about 50 years to nearly wipe them out. Now, Washington's native salmon and steelhead populations are getting a reprieve—one stream at a time......»»
US prepares for bird flu pandemic with $176M Moderna vaccine deal
Phase 3 trial is expected to begin next year. Enlarge (credit: Getty | Justin Sullivan) The US government will pay Moderna $176 million to develop an mRNA vaccine against a pandemic influenza—an award given as the high.....»»
Unveiling sea country management monitoring trends in Australia
AIMS scientists have partnered with Indigenous communities in the remote Kimberley region of Australia's northwest to monitor culturally important fish populations on coral reefs and incorporate the variability in data to better inform sea country ma.....»»
Scientists are testing mRNA vaccines to protect cows and people against bird flu
The bird flu outbreak in U.S. dairy cows is prompting development of new, next-generation mRNA vaccines—akin to COVID-19 shots—that are being tested in both animals and people......»»