One bird"s joy is another bird"s sorrow
Ruffs are characterized by three supergene variants that lead to different appearances and courtship behavior in males. Whether these variants affect females was previously unknown. Researchers at the Max Planck Institute for Biological Intelligence,.....»»
Research shows that brown treesnakes frequently kill prey too large to swallow
Brown treesnakes are not indigenous to Guam. The species arrived shortly after World War II, perhaps aboard shipping vessels. Since then, they have caused the local or total extinction of most native forest bird species......»»
The Bird Flu Threat Keeps Growing
Human cases keep ticking up, are very likely to be underreported, and offer the virus the opportunity to learn how to spread from person to person......»»
Counter-drug strategies in Central America are worsening deforestation, threatening many species of birds
Activities associated with cocaine trafficking threaten two-thirds of the most important landscapes in Central America for 196 forest bird species, including 67 migratory species. This is the key takeaway from a study that colleagues and I published.....»»
Lethal bird flu could decimate Oceania"s birds—from vigilance to vaccines, here"s what Australia is doing to prepare
Avian influenza viruses have infected the world's birds for millennia. We first became aware of them in the 19th century, when mass deaths of poultry triggered interest in what was then called "fowl plague.".....»»
Human bird flu cases tick up; second Colorado poultry farm reports spread
Seven cases have been reported in Colorado this month, bringing the total to 11. Enlarge (credit: Getty | David Paul Morris) A second Colorado poultry farm has reported a case of bird flu in a worker, marking the state'.....»»
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.....»»
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......»»
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.....»»
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......»»
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.....»»
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.....»»
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......»»
Third human case of bird flu from cows—this one with respiratory symptoms
The first case in Texas and two in Michigan are not connected to each other. Enlarge / Holstein cows at a dairy farm. (credit: Getty | John Carl D'Annibale) Another dairy farm worker in Michigan has been infected with av.....»»
As bird flu spreads in cows, US close to funding Moderna’s mRNA H5 vaccine
If trials are successful, US government likely to buy doses for vaccine stockpile. Enlarge (credit: Digicom Photo/Science Photo Library via Getty) The US government is nearing an agreement to bankroll a late-stage trial.....»»
Alpacas in Idaho test positive for H5N1 bird flu in another world first
The alpacas were known to be in close contact with infected birds. Enlarge / Suri alpacas on a farm in Pennsylvania. (credit: Getty | Susan L. Angstadt) Four backyard alpacas in southern Idaho have tested positive for hi.....»»