Happy Monday, everyone! Let’s start the week by catching up on the latest science news. I’m Rachel Feltman reporting for Scientific American’s Science Quickly.
July 22 was recorded as the hottest day ever on the planet, breaking the previous record set just a day before on July 21. This extreme heat is a clear indication of the impact of climate change. Scientists have also observed changes in rainfall patterns, with more torrential downpours and unpredictable forecasts becoming increasingly common. A recent study published in Science revealed that global rainfall variability has been on the rise since the 1900s due to climate change, leading to more droughts and heavy rainfalls.
On the bright side, researchers have discovered that mineral deposits in the deep sea can produce oxygen in total darkness. This finding highlights the incredible capabilities of marine life. However, there are concerning developments in public health, such as the transmission of the H5N1 virus between mammals, including cows, cats, and even a raccoon. While human-to-human transmission has not been confirmed, there is a risk of the virus adapting to spread among specific mammals, including humans.
In Gaza, health officials have detected the presence of vaccine-derived poliovirus in wastewater samples, posing a significant risk of an outbreak. The deteriorating living conditions and decreased vaccination rates in Gaza have created a vulnerable environment for the spread of infectious diseases. Routine vaccinations have been disrupted, leaving many children at risk of infection. Prompt intervention is crucial to prevent the spread of the virus and protect public health.
Meanwhile, a new study has shown promising results for a twice-a-year injection to prevent HIV. While the treatment is currently available for HIV patients in the U.S., researchers suggest that it could be made more accessible and cost-effective to help end the global HIV epidemic. Activist groups are calling for lower prices and generic production to increase access to this life-saving treatment.
On a lighter note, researchers in Brazil found traces of cocaine in the tissues of sharks off the coast of Rio de Janeiro, likely due to sewage contamination from human drug use. Additionally, scientists discovered that Komodo dragons have teeth coated with iron, which helps keep their teeth sharp. These fascinating discoveries could inspire some interesting Syfy channel movies.
That’s all for this week’s science news roundup. Stay tuned for more exciting updates and insights in the world of science. Remember to leave a rating and review for our podcast and send us your questions and suggestions for future topics. Thanks for tuning in to Science Quickly with Rachel Feltman from Scientific American. Have a wonderful week ahead!
