Results for: Science

The World Health Organization (WHO) has confirmed the first human fatality from the H5N2 variant of bird flu. The patient, a 59-year-old Mexican with underlying health conditions, passed away on April 24th after experiencing fever, shortness of breath, diarrhea, and nausea. The WHO emphasizes that the patient had no known exposure to poultry or other animals. The source of the infection remains unknown, despite reported H5N2 outbreaks among poultry in Mexico’s Michoacan and State of Mexico regions. The WHO assesses the risk to humans as low, noting that no human-to-human transmission has been detected, unlike the H5N1 variant that has affected dairy cows and a limited number of humans in the United States.

The H5N1 bird flu virus, which has caused significant outbreaks in dairy cows in the U.S., is showing increased adaptability to spread in mammals. Researchers have found evidence of the virus spreading among elephant seals and other marine mammals in South America. This raises concerns that the virus could eventually transmit from mammal to mammal and potentially pose a threat to humans. Genetic sequencing has identified a particular lineage of the virus that has evolved to spread easily between mammals. This lineage has been linked to outbreaks in multiple countries in South America, marking the first known multinational mammal-to-mammal spread of the virus. Scientists emphasize the need for continued monitoring of the virus in wildlife to understand its potential implications for human health.

Racism pervades healthcare systems worldwide, threatening the health and lives of patients. Journalist Layal Liverpool’s new book, “Systemic,” explores the historical legacy and persistent trends of racial inequities in medicine. Liverpool highlights stories of individuals working to bridge racial gaps in healthcare, education, and research. She emphasizes that recognizing racism as the root cause of health disparities is crucial for progress. Liverpool’s book aims to raise awareness and spark a collective effort towards creating a more equitable and just healthcare system.

Despite advancements in medical care, racial health disparities persist in reproductive care, affecting Black women and other marginalized groups disproportionately. These disparities include higher risks of miscarriage, limited access to fertility treatments, and inadequate support during pregnancy and childbirth. Racism and systemic barriers play a significant role in these disparities, leading to unequal outcomes in reproductive health. The author, a Black woman, shares her personal insights and explores the experiences of others to shed light on these critical issues and advocate for systemic change.

Unistellar, a leading manufacturer of smart telescopes, is offering a $400 discount on all of its telescopes for Father’s Day. This includes the latest Odyssey, Odyssey Pro, Equinox 2, and eVscope 2 models. These telescopes are easy to use and feature all-in-one designs that make them easy to move from location to location. They also come with a huge database of stars, planets, and other celestial objects, making them a great way for newcomers to get started with astronomy or for experienced stargazers to upgrade their existing setup.

Scientists have made a groundbreaking discovery with the first complete skull of the giant bird species Genyornis newtoni. This fully preserved skull provides invaluable insights into the appearance and characteristics of this colossal bird that weighed an astonishing 230 kg, four times the weight of an average human. This new fossil find will enable researchers to reconstruct the exact appearance of the giant bird and unravel the mysteries surrounding its habits and ancestry.

In 2023, Earth’s warming rate hit an unparalleled high, with 92% of the record-shattering heat attributed to human activities. Scientists, using UN-approved methods, thoroughly examined the underlying causes of last year’s extreme temperatures. Despite the accelerated warming rate, they did not find substantial evidence of significant acceleration in human-caused climate change beyond the increased combustion of fossil fuels. Earth’s average temperature has climbed by 1.43 degrees Celsius compared to pre-industrial levels, with 1.31 degrees solely attributable to human influence. El Nino and other natural phenomena account for the remaining 8%. Since pre-industrialization, the world has warmed by 1.19 degrees Celsius, with Earth likely to surpass the critical 1.5-degree Celsius warming threshold within 4.5 years unless emission patterns change. Scientists warn that exceeding this limit could trigger catastrophic ecosystem disruptions, including coral reef destruction, Arctic sea ice loss, species extinction, and intensified extreme weather events. Notably, September 2023 witnessed exceptionally high temperatures, which the report attributes to reduced sulfur pollution cooling effects from shipping, overwhelmed by carbon emissions from Canadian wildfires.

Get ready for Shani Jayanti, the birth anniversary of Lord Shani, the Lord of Karma. This planetary transit brings challenges and rewards, depending on how we respond to his stern but transformative influence. Explore the impact of Shani on each zodiac sign in 2024 and gain valuable insights on how to navigate the year with discipline, patience, and perseverance.

On June 6, 2024, a rare astrological event will occur when five major planets—the Sun, Jupiter, Venus, Mercury, and Moon—align in the zodiac sign of Taurus, bringing significant changes in areas of finance, career, relationships, and personal growth. This celestial alignment favors stability, wealth accumulation, career advancement, and romantic connections. However, it is essential to manage the energies wisely to avoid potential disruptions and embrace opportunities for positive shifts.

China’s Chang’e 6 mission has successfully collected lunar samples from the surface of the moon and is now on its way back to Earth. The mission, consisting of an orbiter, a lander, an ascent vehicle, and a returner, touched down on the moon’s surface last week near the lunar south pole. It collected two types of samples using a robotic arm and a drill, which will be used to study the moon’s environment and history. The mission has withstood the extreme temperatures on the moon’s surface and is expected to re-enter the Earth’s atmosphere on June 25, landing in the desert in the Inner Mongolia region of China.