A deadly fungus causing sporotrichosis in cats, potentially fatal and transmissible to humans, is now found in wild animals across South America. Researchers detected its DNA in mammals, birds, and reptiles killed on Brazilian roads, suggesting a new reservoir and urgent need for surveillance.
A new study reveals a deadly fungus causing sporotrichosis in cats is now found in wild animals across South America, including mammals, birds, and reptiles. This discovery highlights a potential new reservoir for the fungus, raising concerns for both animal and human health and emphasizing the need for better disease surveillance.
Over 13,000 seal pups have died on Australia's Heard Island due to H5N1 bird flu, with high mortality rates confirmed among penguins, seals, and petrels. The virus likely spread from French subantarctic islands, marking its eastward movement around the region. Australia is increasing preparedness for potential mainland incursions.
Ecosystems are often described using functional language, implying they have purposes they can fail to perform. This essay argues that ecosystems lack intrinsic ends and cannot truly "break down," challenging the "ecosystem services" framework and advocating for clearer thinking about environmental crises.
Over 75% of baby seals on Heard Island, an Australian external territory, have died from the H5N1 bird flu strain since August. Scientists also noted higher than usual deaths in penguin populations. This marks the first detection of H5N1 in an Australian external territory.
Researchers discovered the oldest known evidence of the plague, dating back approximately 5,500 years ago near Siberia's Lake Baikal. DNA from plague-causing bacteria was found in the remains of 18 ancient hunter-gatherers, suggesting the disease predates previous estimates by 200 years.
A new study suggests humanity lacks the technology to rule out the presence of extraterrestrial probes or artifacts in the Solar System. Current observations cover only a tiny fraction of space in sufficient detail, making detection difficult.
SCMP's science reporting highlights include a PLA plan to target US carrier groups from 3,000km, SpaceX's IPO, and images of Nvidia and Apple HQs released by a Chinese firm.
Australia's Bureau of Meteorology has declared an El Niño, predicting hotter, drier conditions. Scientists warn climate change makes its impacts harder to forecast, potentially intensifying effects like heatwaves and droughts.
Australia's Bureau of Meteorology has declared an El Niño active, predicting hotter and drier conditions. Scientists warn climate change makes predicting the weather pattern's impacts harder, potentially intensifying extreme weather events like heatwaves and droughts.
New research offers a framework to predict powerful turbidity currents, which can damage underwater infrastructure. Findings could aid in managing reservoirs and protecting cables.
A conspiracy theory about scientists dying or disappearing is traced back to a 1977 British mock-documentary called 'Alternative 3', created by David Ambrose. Despite being a fictional drama, it was taken seriously by many and has since fueled various conspiracy narratives.
A report from Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew highlights how AI and digitisation are accelerating the identification and conservation of plant and fungi species, offering a crucial tool in the fight against extinction. Despite significant progress, vast numbers of species remain unanalysed, with climate change impacting flowering times and disrupting ecosystems.
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer has proposed a social media ban for under-16s, aiming to enhance online safety. While welcomed by many parents, scientists question the evidence for bans' effectiveness, and campaigners argue it lets social media firms evade platform changes.
Russian scientists have created an AI algorithm that predicts extreme weather events in the Arctic with five times higher resolution than global climate models. The AI, trained on ERA5 data, can forecast wind fields and wave heights in the Barents Sea with remarkable speed and accuracy, aiding maritime safety and wind power applications.
An area of Antarctica comparable to France has failed to form winter sea ice in the Bellingshausen Sea, alarming scientists. This unusual event, coinciding with a heatwave, raises concerns for penguins, marine ecosystems, and sea-level rise.
Researchers in China have developed plants that glow autonomously using biotechnology and material sciences. One method integrates fungal bioluminescence pathways into plant cells, while another uses phosphors in succulents to emit stored light, potentially offering sustainable lighting solutions for urban environments.
New research indicates the Giant's Causeway in Northern Ireland was formed by intense volcanic activity around 60 million years ago over 5.5 million years, linked to a global event. Scientists have connected the lava flows to formations in Scotland and other North Atlantic locations, revising previous timelines.
DNA from 2,000-year-old grape seeds in Tuscany shows Roman-era vineyards were part of a sophisticated agricultural network. Research revealed white grapes dominated the Chianti site, contrary to today's red wine fame, suggesting continuity from Etruscans to Romans.
Wes Streeting is preparing a Labour leadership bid focused on attracting global talent through a "global talent programme" and using North Sea oil and gas tax revenues to cut energy bills. He criticizes the US for deterring scientists and AI experts, vowing to welcome them to Britain.
Scientists express concern over the Bellingshausen Sea in West Antarctica, which is missing a 'France-sized' chunk of winter sea ice, approximately 650,000 sq km. This area, typically ice-covered in June, remains largely ice-free, raising fears it may not reform.
Cuban scientists and conservationists are facing significant challenges in protecting the island's marine ecosystems due to economic scarcity, US sanctions, and the climate crisis. Despite limited resources, they are employing innovative methods like coral farming and relying on local volunteers to mitigate damage from pollution, invasive species, and coral diseases.
Scientists have discovered that some microbes found on and inside Ötzi the Iceman, a 5,300-year-old mummy, may still be alive. A new study analyzed the mummy's DNA, identifying fungal species adapted to cold environments that likely colonized his body before he died and froze. The research suggests these microbes could remain active for thousands of years, offering insights into ancient human microbiomes and posing challenges for preserving organic remains.
Scientists have discovered one of the largest and deepest whale graveyards in the southeastern Indian Ocean, containing hundreds of fossils, including a potentially new species. The site, located in the Diamantina Fracture Zone southwest of Australia, spans approximately 1,200 kilometers and has been receiving whale carcasses for at least 5 million years.
