Today's Image of the Day from <a href="https://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/">NASA Earth Observatory</a> features Quebec, where about 160,000 hectares have burned since the start of the year.



"An unusually intense start to Canada’s wildfire season filled skies with smoke in May 2023. Then, at the beginning of June, scores of new fires raged in the central Canadian province of Quebec, some of which were ignited by lightning," says NASA.



"The Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) on NASA’s Aqua satellite captured this view of smoke billowing from the fires on June 3. Shortly after the fires started, about 5,000 residents were ordered to evacuate near the city of Sept-Îles in the province’s east."&nbsp;



"As the fires grew, evacuations were extended to an additional 9,000 people in surrounding communities and in western Quebec’s Val-d’Or and Normétal municipalities. As of June 5, more than 150 wildfires were active in Quebec."



Image Credit: NASA Earth Observatory&nbsp;



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Forest fires rage in Quebec

Today's Image of the Day from NASA Earth Observatory features...

Today's Image of the Day from <a href="https://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/">NASA Earth Observatory</a> features the west coast of South America. The photo was captured by an astronaut aboard the International Space Station while orbiting over the Atacama Desert and Central Andes Mountains near the border of Bolivia, Peru, and Chile.



"Over the Pacific Ocean, marine stratocumulus clouds develop over cold water that rises from the ocean depths as the Peru current (Humboldt current) flows north along the west coast of South America," says NASA. "The coastline is marked by low mountains that are dissected by canyons carved by rivers that flow down the western side of the Andes."



The Atacama Desert receives less than 0.2 inches of rain per year on average. According to NASA, this dry environment provides an ideal setting to conduct Mars analog studies.



"Active and inactive volcanoes comprise the Central Andean Volcanic Arc within the Atacama Desert and Andes Mountains. One of the inactive volcanoes visible in this photo is Bolivia’s Nevado Sajama, which has a maximum elevation of 6,542 meters (21,463 feet). Nevado Sajama and other volcanoes in the region often have glaciers and snow cover due to their high elevation."



Image Credit: NASA Earth Observatory&nbsp;



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By <a href="mailto:csexton@earth.com">Chrissy Sexton</a>, <a href="https://www.earth.com/staff/">Earth.com</a> Editor



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The west coast of South America

Today's Image of the Day from <a href="https://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/">NASA Earth Observatory</a> features an astronaut photograph of the Cape Cod peninsula, located in the easternmost portion of Massachusetts. The peninsula extends into the Atlantic Ocean and is a significant feature of the East Coast of the United States.



Cape Cod peninsula is characterized by its beaches, villages, and seafood. It's a popular tourist destination, particularly in the summer months, with people visiting for its beautiful landscapes and unique culture.



Cape Cod consists of 15 towns, including Provincetown, Hyannis, Falmouth, and Chatham. Each town has its own distinctive character and attractions. For example, Provincetown, located at the tip of the peninsula, is known for its vibrant LGBTQ+ scene, while Hyannis is famous as a ferry gateway to the islands of Martha's Vineyard and Nantucket.



The Cape Cod National Seashore, a national park covering much of the Outer Cape, including the entire east-facing coast, provides opportunities for hiking, biking, and beachgoing.



Historically, Cape Cod was a landmark for early explorers of the Americas. It was among the first places settled by the English in North America in the Pilgrim Fathers' era, and it played a key role in the early history and development of the United States.&nbsp;



Today, the Cape's history is preserved in numerous museums, historic sites, and lighthouses. In addition, a variety of wildlife can be found in the region, such as whales, seals, and many species of birds.



"The variety of ecosystems within Cape Cod National Seashore sustain over 450 species of amphibians, reptiles, fish, birds, and mammals, including 32 species that are rare or endangered," says NASA. "One of those species is the American oystercatcher, a large shorebird that uses a knife-like bill to eat shellfish."



Image Credit: NASA Earth Observatory&nbsp;



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Cape Cod peninsula in the northeastern United States

Today's Image of the Day from <a href="https://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/">NASA Earth Observatory</a> features the Amundsen Gulf in northern Canada, where ice is typically covered with ice that is fastened to surrounding coastlines. According to NASA, the breakup of this ice tends to be rapid when the melting season arrives in spring.



"Patches of fast ice remained in the eastern part of the gulf in late May, but summer weather will ultimately clear it away as well. The Amundsen Gulf, the western entrance to the Northwest Passage, is usually ice-free by August," says NASA.



Walt Meier, a senior research scientist at the National Snow and Ice Data Center, said that winds play an important role in the breakup of the ice. He noted that an area of low pressure centered south of the gulf prior to the breakup fueled strong easterly winds and large waves that broke up the ice and sent chunks of it drifting west.&nbsp;



This year's spring breakup occurred earlier than usual, which aligns with the overall trend in the Beaufort Sea region in recent decades, noted NASA.



“Over a period of two decades, the Amundsen Gulf had the highest interannual variability of anywhere across the entire Northwest Canadian Arctic,” said Eleanor Wratten, a researcher at Northumbria University and the lead author of an analysis of decades of MODIS observations of fast ice in the Northwest Canadian Arctic.&nbsp;



“We saw the timing of breakup change considerably from one year to the next, but the general pattern looked similar to what you see here. Ice usually remains in the southern bays the longest, with breakup veering toward the strait in the southeastern portion of the gulf.”



The image was captured by the Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) on NASA’s Aqua satellite on May 30, 2023.



Image Credit: NASA Earth Observatory&nbsp;



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Spring ice breakup in the Amundsen Gulf

Today's Image of the Day from <a href="https://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/">NASA Earth Observatory</a> features Nova Scotia, where unusually large fires have led to the evacuation of thousands of people. The photograph, which was captured by an astronaut on the International Space Station, shows smoke rising from a fire near the town of Shelburne on May 29, 2023.



"By the morning of May 31, after four days of burning, the fire had scorched 17,000 hectares (66 square miles) near the southern tip of Nova Scotia," says NASA. "It became the largest forest fire in the province’s history, according to CBC Nova Scotia, exceeding the area burned by a fire in Guysborough County over six days in June 1976."



"Fires have burned in Canada for weeks, as the western part of the country experienced a record-breaking streak of hot weather in mid-May."&nbsp;



"Several regions in Canada also had an abnormally dry spring; Nova Scotia received about half of the usual amount of rainfall in April. Authorities classified both the Halifax and Shelburne County fires as uncontrolled on May 31 and expected the fires to grow as dry and windy conditions continued."



Image Credit: NASA Earth Observatory&nbsp;



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Smoke rises from fires in Nova Scotia

A fascinating breakthrough in animal psychology has revealed that young chimpanzees combine various gestures, vocalizations, and facial expressions in a manner reminiscent of the communication development observed in human <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/infants-have-surprisingly-strong-immune-systems/">infants</a>.&nbsp;



This research is a product of diligent work carried out by psychologists at <a href="https://www.durham.ac.uk/">Durham University</a>, who ventured deep into understanding the dynamics of chimpanzee communication.



During their investigation, the research team discovered that young chimps have a unique ability to combine different communication signals, an evolutionary trick that possibly enhances their ability to convey messages across different situations such as play and conflict. Intriguingly, they observed that this talent matures as the chimps transition from infancy to adolescence.



<h2 id="h-why-this-study-is-important">Why this study is important</h2>



Let's delve into the specifics. The combined signals that these young primates utilize include a multitude of expressions and behaviors. For instance, they were seen combining playful open-mouth faces with laughter, or physically touching another chimp while whimpering, and even baring their teeth paired with squeaks.



Understanding these "multimodal" forms of communication has substantial implications for human linguistics and behavioral studies. It sheds significant light on the evolutionary path of communication in humans and our closest ape relatives, contributing to our understanding of the emergence of our own language skills.



The study, a collaboration between Durham University and the University of Portsmouth, gained recognition through its publication in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.anbehav.2023.03.020">Animal Behaviour</a>.. The research took place at the Chimfunshi Wildlife Orphanage Trust sanctuary in northern Zambia, where 28 semi-wild chimpanzees, aged one to 11 years, were observed.



<h2 id="h-what-the-research-team-learned">What the research team learned</h2>



Contrary to previous studies that focused on isolated forms of communication signals, this research was unique as it examined how chimpanzees combined these signals as they matured and in different contexts. The team found that chimpanzees of all ages consistently used standalone communication signals such as grunting, arm movements, or facial expressions in various situations.



However, it was interesting to note that as the chimpanzees aged, they were more likely to merge different communication signals. This practice was particularly evident during encounters of aggression or play, two scenarios where clear communication is paramount to avoid undesirable consequences. The older adolescent chimpanzees demonstrated a higher tendency to utilize a mix of signals instead of singular gestures or expressions, especially in aggressive contexts.



"When we think about human language, we know that it is a combination of different types of communication such as speech, facial expressions, and gestures. The way we communicate likely has deep evolutionary roots that are shared with some of our closest living relatives such as apes. Our study provides evidence that the way chimpanzees communicate with increased complexity as they get older is consistent with the development of communication we see in human infants," said lead author Emma Doherty.



<h2 id="h-insights-into-human-evolution">Insights into human evolution</h2>



The research team suggests that the development of this multi-layered mode of communication among young chimpanzees could offer valuable insights into our own evolution. However, they added that further studies are needed to observe multimodal signals in wild primates to understand better how different environments impact communication development.



Furthermore, they proposed that studying multimodal communication, as opposed to observing individual signals in isolation, could provide more robust evidence of how communication evolves in apes, and by extension, in humans.



"A lot of the focus of research so far into communication, both in humans and other animals, looks at individual communication signals independently, but we know humans combine these signals all the time from early infancy. As a close relative of humans, apes give us a snapshot into how these signals could have evolved into multimodal communications, ultimately culminating in human language," said study co-author Dr Zanna Clay.



<h2 id="h-learning-more-about-ourselves-by-observing-chimpanzees">Learning more about ourselves by observing chimpanzees</h2>



These discoveries underscore the similarities between human communication and our nearest animal relatives. By studying the development of young chimpanzees' communication and their ability to combine signals, the researchers have not only broadened our understanding of primate communication but have also brought us a step closer to unravelling the complexities of our own language evolution.



As we continue to push the boundaries of our knowledge, research like this reinforces our connection with the animal kingdom and reminds us of the shared evolutionary heritage we possess. Who knows, in the near future, we may even uncover more ways in which our forms of communication mirror those of the animal kingdom.&nbsp;



After all, understanding the evolution of communication in animals may pave the way for more profound insights into human language development and the intriguing interplay of nature and nurture.



In essence, by peering into the communication patterns of our closest living relatives, we may just be getting a glimpse of our own ancient past and the evolutionary milestones that have shaped the complexity and diversity of human communication.&nbsp;



As we move forward, further exploration of multimodal communication in primates could offer more definitive answers and add exciting chapters to our understanding of the story of human evolution.



This noteworthy research was made possible through funding from various entities, including a Durham University Doctoral Scholarship, the British Association of Biological Anthropology and Osteoarchaeology, and the Lucie Burgers Foundation for Comparative Behavioural Research.



<h2 id="h-more-about-the-similarities-between-humans-and-chimpanzees">More about the similarities between humans and chimpanzees&nbsp;</h2>



 Chimpanzees are our closest living relatives in the animal kingdom, and we share many biological and behavioral similarities with them, given our shared ancestry.



<h3 id="h-genetic-similarity">Genetic similarity</h3>



Chimpanzees and humans share nearly 99% of their DNA. This genetic similarity is one of the primary reasons why scientists study chimpanzees to understand human biology and evolution better.



<h3 id="h-social-behavior">Social behavior&nbsp;</h3>



Like humans, chimpanzees are highly social animals. They live in large communities and exhibit complex social behaviors such as cooperation, competition, alliance formation, and even aggression. They also demonstrate empathy and altruism, engaging in behavior such as grooming each other and sharing food.



<h3 id="h-communication">Communication&nbsp;</h3>



As highlighted in the previous article, chimpanzees use a wide range of gestures, facial expressions, and vocalizations to communicate, much like humans. They use these signals in combination, showing that they have multimodal communication capabilities that could be the precursors to human language.



<h3 id="h-tool-use-and-problem-solving">Tool use and problem-solving</h3>



Chimpanzees are among the few animal species known to use tools. They've been observed using sticks to fish for termites, stones to crack open nuts, and leaves as sponges to absorb drinking water. This tool use displays their problem-solving abilities and cognitive sophistication.



<h3 id="h-emotion-and-intelligence">Emotion and Intelligence&nbsp;</h3>



Chimpanzees exhibit a wide range of emotions, including joy, sadness, fear, and anger, similar to human emotions. They're also very intelligent, capable of learning sign language, playing computer games, and even recognizing themselves in mirrors, a sign of self-awareness.



<h3 id="h-bipedalism">Bipedalism</h3>



While not their primary mode of locomotion, chimpanzees can walk on two legs (bipedalism), especially when carrying food or tools, suggesting that our common ancestor may have also been capable of bipedal locomotion.



<h3 id="h-cultural-transmission">Cultural transmission&nbsp;</h3>



Chimpanzees also show evidence of culture, in that different groups of chimpanzees have different behaviors and traditions, such as unique ways of grooming or using tools, which they pass down through generations.



These similarities provide a window into our own evolutionary past, offering crucial insights into human biology, behavior, culture, and the roots of our language. Understanding our shared traits with chimpanzees, as well as appreciating the differences, helps us understand our place in the natural world.



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Young chimpanzees and humans learn to communicate in the same way

A fascinating breakthrough in animal psychology has revealed that young...

An innovative study has revealed the potential of a non-surgical cat sterilization technique for domestic cats. For the first time, a team of researchers at <a href="https://www.massgeneral.org/">Massachusetts General Hospital</a> (MGH), part of the Mass General Brigham (MGB) system, have showcased the ability of a single dose of gene therapy to induce long-lasting contraception in cats. 



The findings, published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1038/s41467-023-38721-0">Nature Communications</a>, could revolutionize animal welfare and provide a viable alternative to surgical spaying.



Until now, controlling unwanted reproduction in female cats was chiefly carried out by spaying, which involves the surgical removal of the ovaries and uterus. Presently, no contraceptives exist that can offer permanent sterilization in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/pet-owners-are-happier-than-people-who-dont-have-pets/">pets</a>.



<h2 id="h-game-changing-discovery-for-cat-population-control">Game-changing discovery for cat population control</h2>



The discovery of the contraceptive potential of the anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) - a hormone naturally produced by ovaries in females and testes in males - paved the way for this breakthrough. Dr. Patricia K. Donahoe, co-author of the study and the director of Pediatric Surgical Research Laboratories at MGH, noted that AMH is a non-steroidal hormone that occurs naturally.



Dr. David Pépin, a senior researcher at MGH and Harvard Medical School, was the first to realize that a surge in AMH could impede the growth of ovarian follicles, thus preventing ovulation and conception. The realization came about while he was researching the use of AMH to protect ovarian reserve in women undergoing chemotherapy.



Following the initial findings, published in 2017, Dr. Pépin and his team applied the AMH research to cats. By creating an adeno-associated viral (AAV) gene therapy vector, they were able to significantly increase AMH levels in domestic cats. This vector carried a modified version of the feline AMH gene. Notably, similar AAV vectors have been approved by the FDA and successfully used in human therapies to deliver therapeutic genes.



<h2 id="h-how-gene-therapy-works-for-cat-sterilization">How gene therapy works for cat sterilization</h2>



“The cat's muscles start producing AMH following a single injection of the gene therapy vector. This raises the overall AMH level about 100 times higher than usual," said Dr. Pépin.



The research team put the theory to the test, treating six female cats with two different doses of the gene therapy. They kept three cats as controls and observed them all for over two years.&nbsp;



During this time, they exposed the female cats to a male for two mating trials, each lasting four months. Throughout the trial period, the researchers closely monitored the cats' reproductive hormones, ovarian cycles, and fertility.



<h2 id="h-research-team-thrilled-with-the-results">Research team thrilled with the results</h2>



In contrast to the control cats, all of whom produced kittens, none of the cats receiving the gene therapy became pregnant. Remarkably, despite suppressing ovarian follicle development and ovulation, the treatment had no negative impact on essential hormones like estrogen and caused no adverse effects, highlighting its safety and tolerability.



“The treatment maintained high AMH levels for over two years, and we’re confident that those contraceptive levels will be sustained in the animals for much longer," said study co-author Dr. Philippe Godin. He stressed, however, that further research involving a larger number of cats was necessary to confirm these promising results.



The groundbreaking cat sterilization study was made possible by funding from The Michelson Found Animals Foundation. This foundation is offering a $25-million prize to scientists who develop a non-surgical sterilization method for cats and dogs. 



Dr. Gary K. Michelson, founder of Michelson Philanthropies and the Michelson Found Animals Foundation, commended the team’s breakthrough discovery: “This is a major milestone in our quest to provide pet owners with an alternative to surgical spay and neuter. A non-surgical sterilant for community and companion animals will transform animal welfare.”



<h2 id="h-the-future-is-now-for-gene-therapy-cat-sterilization">The future is now for gene therapy cat sterilization</h2>



Dr. Pépin acknowledged that the technology might seem ahead of its time. The infrastructure needed to manufacture enough doses of cat sterilization procedures using gene therapy isn't yet in place. 



However, the researcher remains optimistic about the possibilities: "Our goal is to show that safe and effective permanent contraception in companion animals can be achieved using gene therapy. And we hope that as the manufacturing capability of producing viral vectors increases with the rise of gene therapy in humans, delivering this contraceptive in the field to control unowned outdoor cat populations will become feasible.”



The innovative research involved a collaborative team of investigators from MGH, the Center for Conservation and Research of Endangered Wildlife at the Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Garden, and the Horae Gene Therapy Center at the University of Massachusetts Medical School.



The study marks a monumental leap in the field of animal welfare, offering a potentially transformative alternative to current cat sterilization practices. However, the findings need further research and the development of adequate manufacturing infrastructure for widespread implementation. Regardless, the research indicates a bright and hopeful future for non-surgical contraceptive methods in animal populations.



<h2 id="h-more-about-surgical-spaying">More about surgical spaying</h2>



Spaying is a common veterinary procedure performed for cat sterilization and to sterilize other female pets to prevent them from reproducing. The technical term for this procedure is an ovariohysterectomy. This surgical operation involves the removal of the uterus and ovaries in female animals.



<h3 id="h-simplified-overview-of-the-process">Simplified overview of the process:</h3>



<h4 id="h-preparation">Preparation</h4>



The pet is typically put under general anesthesia to ensure it doesn't feel any pain during the surgery. The veterinarian may also conduct a pre-operative examination to check the animal's overall health and readiness for the procedure.



<h4 id="h-the-operation">The operation</h4>



The veterinarian makes a small incision, usually on the animal's abdomen. Through this incision, both ovaries and the uterus are removed.



<h4 id="h-recovery">Recovery</h4>



After the operation, the incision is sutured closed. Post-operative care involves keeping the animal comfortable while the surgical wound heals and watching for any signs of complications. The animal may be prescribed pain medication and/or antibiotics, and it may be necessary to limit its physical activity for a while.



Spaying has several benefits beyond preventing unwanted litters of pets. It eliminates the risk of ovarian and uterine diseases, such as pyometra (a potentially life-threatening uterine infection) and ovarian and uterine cancers. Spaying can also reduce the risk of mammary cancer, especially if performed before the pet's first heat cycle.



Moreover, spaying eliminates the heat cycle, which in some animals can cause behaviors that might be problematic for pet owners, like yowling or trying to escape to find a mate.



<h4 id="h-risks">Risks</h4>



However, as with any surgical procedure, spaying does come with risks, such as complications from anesthesia or the possibility of post-operative infection. Veterinarians usually take precautions to minimize these risks, and for most pets, the benefits of being spayed far outweigh the potential downsides.



The timing of the procedure can vary but is often performed when the pet is several months old. It's a topic you should discuss with your vet, as the optimal timing can depend on the specific animal and its overall health.



<h2 id="h-more-about-gene-therapy">More about gene therapy</h2>



Gene therapy is a revolutionary medical approach that uses genes to prevent or treat disease. The concept is based on introducing, removing, or changing genetic material within a person's cells. As of my knowledge cutoff in September 2021, there are mainly four types of gene therapy:



<h3 id="h-replacing-a-mutated-gene">Replacing a mutated gene&nbsp;</h3>



This approach involves replacing a mutated or defective gene with a healthy copy.



<h3 id="h-inactivating-or-knocking-out-a-mutated-gene">Inactivating or knocking out a mutated gene</h3>



If a gene mutation causes a problematic protein to be made, the mutated gene can be turned off so it no longer produces the harmful protein.



<h3 id="h-introducing-a-new-gene">Introducing a new gene</h3>



A new gene could be introduced into the body to help it fight a particular disease. This strategy is often used for diseases that are not caused by gene mutations, such as certain types of cancer.



<h3 id="h-editing-genes">Editing genes&nbsp;</h3>



By using tools like CRISPR/Cas9, scientists can edit the genome in a more precise manner, altering the sequence of a specific gene.



Gene therapy is administered through a carrier, or "vector", often a virus that has been genetically altered to carry human DNA. The most common type of vector used in gene therapy is a virus, because viruses are naturally good at infiltrating cells.&nbsp;



These vectors are usually viruses that have been genetically altered to carry human DNA. Adeno-associated viruses (AAV) are often used because they do not cause disease.



Gene therapies can be conducted ex vivo (outside the body) where cells are taken from the patient, modified in the lab, and then returned to the patient, or in vivo (inside the body) where the genes are delivered directly into the patient's cells.



<h3 id="h-the-promising-future-of-gene-therapy">The promising future of gene therapy</h3>



Gene therapy holds great promise and has potential to treat a number of diseases such as inherited disorders, some types of cancer, and certain viral infections. Several gene therapies have been approved by regulatory authorities like the US FDA for conditions including certain types of leukemia (Kymriah, Yescarta), spinal muscular atrophy (Zolgensma), and a specific type of inherited blindness (Luxturna).



While gene therapy has immense potential, it also comes with challenges and risks. These include immune reactions, issues with the delivery of the genetic material to the right cells, the possibility of causing a harmful mutation, and issues related to the production and regulatory approval of such treatments. Furthermore, gene therapies are often extremely expensive.



Research in the field of gene therapy is ongoing and could expand the treatment options for many conditions in the future. However, a lot of work still needs to be done to ensure that these therapies are safe, effective, and accessible.



Noteworthy financial backing came from the Michelson Prize &amp; Grants, a program of The Michelson Found Animals Foundation, co-chaired by Dr. Gary K. Michelson and Alya Michelson, the Joanie Bernard Foundation, and the department of Surgery of the Massachusetts General Hospital. Co-authors of the study include Lindsey M. Vansandt, Marie-Charlotte Meinsohn, Guangping Gao, Dan Wang, and William F. Swanson.



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Cat sterilization using gene therapy could revolutionize animal welfare 

An innovative study has revealed the potential of a non-surgical...

Bats,Flying,On,Green,Background

Leave bats alone! That’s the strong message relayed in a landmark paper featured in the esteemed journal <a href="https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lanplh/home">The Lancet Planetary Health</a>. The prevention of future pandemics hinges on global cooperation and, perhaps surprisingly, a collective commitment to respect the habitats of bats, allowing these creatures to live undisturbed.&nbsp;



Bats have long been associated with disease outbreaks. Both the SARS coronavirus outbreak in 2003 and the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/china-faces-another-massive-covid-19-wave/">COVID-19</a> pandemic can trace their origins back to a bat virus.&nbsp;



The details of how exactly the virus jumped from bats to humans remains unclear; perhaps someone handled or consumed an infected bat, came into contact with bat bodily fluids in a cave, or was exposed to another animal infected by a bat.&nbsp;



A lab accident involving a virus originating from a bat is also a possibility. Despite the uncertainty, the authors of the paper insist that action can and must be taken, regardless of the specifics.



<h2 id="h-bats-are-hosts-for-many-viruses">Bats are hosts for many viruses</h2>



Scientists have known for some time that bats harbor a variety of viruses that pose potential threats to other species, including humans. These include but are not limited to the rabies virus, Marburg filoviruses, Hendra and Nipah paramyxoviruses, MERS (Middle East Respiratory Syndrome) Coronavirus, and even strains of Ebolaviruses, for which fruit bats are believed to be a primary source.



In this fresh analysis, the researchers make a case for a global pact - a sort of "bat taboo" – in which humans worldwide agree to respect bat habitats, avoid interference with these creatures and allow them to live in peace.&nbsp;



Such human activities as hunting, culling, or even simply trying to drive bats away serve only to scatter these creatures, potentially increasing the likelihood of zoonotic spillover – the transmission of viruses from animals to humans.



<h2 id="h-removing-the-interface-that-allows-animal-human-virus-transmission">Removing the interface that allows animal-human virus transmission</h2>



If the old saying that "an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure" holds true, then we must commit to these fundamental, commonsense measures that could significantly reduce the risk of future pandemics, say the study's authors. These measures essentially target the interface where dangerous viruses can move from animals into humans.



"In a globalized world with 8 billion people, we can no longer ignore our interconnectedness with the wildlife and ecosystems around us. We must change humanity’s relationship with nature if we want to prevent the next pandemic of zoonotic origin—and that can start with bats,” said Dr. Susan Lieberman of the <a href="https://www.wcs.org/">Wildlife Conservation Society</a>.



In a nutshell, humanity needs to mend its fractured relationship with nature, and bats specifically. The costs of enforcing such behavioral changes are trivial in comparison to the colossal toll another global pandemic could impose.



<h2 id="h-all-of-humanity-must-work-together">All of humanity must work together</h2>



"Getting humanity to work collaboratively at a global scale underpins most of the existential challenges we face, from climate change and environmental pollution to biodiversity loss and ecosystem collapse - this at a time when earnest collaboration even at local scales often seems elusive," said study lead author Professor Steven A. Osofsky of Cornell University.



"However, if we can actually stop hunting, eating, and trading bats, stay out of their caves, keep livestock away from areas where bats are concentrated, and if we can stop deforesting, degrading (or even start restoring) their natural habitats, we can indisputably lower the chances of another pandemic."



It’s not just about lowering the risk of future pandemics; letting bats thrive also brings a bounty of ecological benefits. Bats control the population of mosquitos and other harmful insects, pollinate a wide array of essential crops, and provide other invaluable ecosystem services worth billions of dollars.



The researchers conclude that while interactions with all sorts of animals merit close examination, giving bats the space they need is the most straightforward and accessible step towards real upstream pandemic prevention. This insight, albeit a bit late, rings even more true as we mark the third anniversary of the COVID-19 pandemic.



<h2 id="h-where-to-learn-more-about-the-study">Where to learn more about the study</h2>



This recent analysis - titled "An Immediate Way to Lower Pandemic Risk: (Not) Seizing the Low-Hanging Fruit (Bat)" - carries considerable weight as it was conducted by experts from the esteemed institutions of Cornell University and the Wildlife Conservation Society. Their work offers an enlightening perspective on pandemic prevention strategies, demonstrating the need to respect the natural world, particularly the habitats of bats.



Supported by a generous grant from the Cornell Atkinson Center for Sustainability, the study highlights the need for global action and cooperation. Such a comprehensive approach will help us confront not only pandemic risks but also other existential challenges like climate change, environmental pollution, biodiversity loss, and ecosystem collapse.&nbsp;



Only through collective action and the fostering of a healthier relationship with nature, starting with bats, can we hope to prevent future pandemics and protect our shared future on this planet.



Published on June 5th, 2023, this study contributes significantly to the ongoing discourse on the prevention of future pandemics and the importance of ecosystem conservation. It emphasizes humanity's need to reconsider and reshape its relationship with wildlife, reinforcing the importance of respecting and protecting the creatures that share our world.



<h2 id="h-more-about-bats">More about bats</h2>



Bats are fascinating creatures that play an essential role in our world. They are the only mammals capable of sustained flight, as opposed to gliding or soaring.&nbsp;



Bats belong to the order Chiroptera, which is divided into two suborders: Megachiroptera (large fruit bats or flying foxes) and Microchiroptera (small bats primarily known for their echolocation abilities).



There are over 1,400 species of bats worldwide, making them the second most common group of mammals after rodents. They inhabit every continent except Antarctica and are most abundant in tropical and subtropical regions. Their sizes vary significantly, from the tiny bumblebee bat that weighs less than a penny to the large flying foxes with wingspans of up to 1.7 meters.



<h3 id="h-interesting-biological-facts-about-bats">Interesting biological facts about bats</h3>



Bats exhibit a vast array of feeding habits. Some species, such as the fruit bats, primarily feed on fruits, while others, like the infamous vampire bats, feed on blood. However, the majority of bat species, particularly those found in temperate regions, consume insects—a single bat can eat thousands of insects in one night, acting as a natural pest control.



Bats use a biological sonar system known as echolocation to navigate and find food in the dark. They produce sounds that bounce off objects in their environment, allowing them to understand their surroundings by listening to the echo of these sounds.



Bats are also crucial pollinators. They help to fertilize flowers as they feed on nectar, playing a significant role in the reproduction of various plant species. Furthermore, bats contribute to seed dispersal, as fruit-eating bats often excrete seeds in their droppings.



<h3 id="h-the-downside-of-bats">The downside of bats</h3>



On the downside, bats are known to be reservoirs of several viruses that can infect humans and other animals, including rabies, Ebola, Nipah, Hendra, and coronaviruses, which were responsible for SARS, MERS, and likely COVID-19. Despite this, bats themselves often remain unaffected by these viruses due to their unique immune systems.



Bats are a crucial part of the ecosystem but are under threat worldwide due to habitat loss, hunting, climate change, and diseases like white-nose syndrome in North America. Conservation efforts are in place globally to protect and preserve these unique and vital creatures.



<h2 id="h-more-about-animal-to-human-disease-transmission">More about animal-to-human disease transmission</h2>



Animal to human disease transmission, also known as zoonotic disease transmission, occurs when diseases are passed from animals, whether wild or domestic, to humans. This process can happen in various ways and is responsible for a significant proportion of infectious diseases in humans.



The transfer can occur through direct contact when humans interact with animals or their waste. This interaction can be through handling, petting, caring for, or slaughtering animals. For instance, rabies is a zoonotic disease that is typically transmitted through bites from infected animals.



<h3 id="h-different-types-of-transmission">Different types of transmission</h3>



Indirect transmission happens when humans come into contact with areas where animals live and roam, or through vectors such as mosquitoes, ticks, and fleas. An example is Lyme disease, transmitted through the bite of an infected tick.



Transmission can also occur via the food chain when people consume uncooked or undercooked contaminated meat or produce contaminated by animal feces. Diseases like salmonellosis and E.coli infections can occur this way.



Airborne transmission is another route where microorganisms can be disseminated to humans through the air. This is suspected to have played a part in the spread of the SARS-CoV-2 virus, the cause of COVID-19.



<h3 id="h-most-common-animals-involved-in-disease-transfer">Most common animals involved in disease transfer</h3>



Bats, rodents, primates, and birds are known to harbor diseases that can spill over into human populations, often due to human activities that disrupt ecosystems and animal habitats. For example, deforestation can lead to increased contact between humans and wildlife, thereby increasing the risk of zoonotic disease transmission.



Understanding and mitigating zoonotic transmission is an essential part of public health, as many serious outbreaks in recent history, such as H1N1 influenza (swine flu), H5N1 influenza (bird flu), Ebola, SARS, MERS, and COVID-19, are believed to have animal origins.&nbsp;



It's also why there's a strong emphasis on a "One Health" approach, which views the health of humans, animals, and the environment as interconnected. By preserving animal habitats and maintaining a respectful distance, we can reduce the risk of future pandemics.



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Good advice: Leave bats alone if we want to prevent future pandemics

Leave bats alone! That’s the strong message relayed in a...

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NASA telescope will capture millions of galaxies Today&#8217;s Video of the Day from <a href="https://www.nasa.gov/goddard#">NASA Goddard</a> describes the Hubble Ultra Deep Field, one of the most iconic images captured by the Hubble Space Telescope.
In 2003, Hubble focused on what looked like a patch of empty sky for hundreds of hours. The image captured countless galaxies across the universe that date back to within a few hundred million years of the Big Bang. Also NASA telescope will capture millions of galaxies as shown in the video above.
While Hubble observed thousands of galaxies by looking in a single direction, NASA’s upcoming Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope will be able to capture millions of galaxies this way. The telescope has the capability to photograph an area of the sky at least 100 times larger than Hubble with the same sharpness. With the Hubble Space Telescope, we have begun to understand galaxies as time capsules that chronicle how the universe evolved, from the birth of stars within them to the buildup of immense galaxy clusters. However, this modern realization of the cosmic role and significance of galaxies, including our own, took centuries to emerge.
Video Credit: NASA Goddard 
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By <a href="http://csexton@earth.com">Chrissy Sexton</a>, <a href="https://www.earth.com/staff/">Earth.com</a> Staff Writer