A recent outbreak of the chikungunya virus in China has raised concerns about its spread globally, particularly with increased travel between countries. According to senior health editor Josh Fischman, China reported a spike in cases in June and saw up to 7,000 cases by August. The virus, which was first identified in Africa in 1952, causes painful joints, fever, and rashes, often lasting only short-term but occasionally persisting for years.
Chikungunya is carried by two mosquito species, Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus, and people can get infected within three to seven days of a bite. With fast global travel, experts warn that outbreaks in France, Italy, and the US are possible, despite limiting factors such as insecticide spraying and illuminating mosquito areas.
Researchers have also found that glacial lake outburst floods (GLOFs) are becoming more frequent in Alaska due to climate change, with recent outbursts reaching record levels. However, temporary barriers and monitoring helped minimize damage.
In human origins news, scientists have discovered a new species of human ancestor, dating back 2.8-2.6 million years ago. The study found remains of the new species, including teeth collected in Ethiopia, which is believed to be a cousin of the famous Lucy.
Additionally, researchers have developed an experimental platform to capture the process of human embryo implantation in three dimensions, revealing that embryos exert force against the uterine tissue and adapt by folding their matrix around it. This could help address cases of infertility.
The study also found that dolphins and whales interact socially with each other without humans present, often engaging in “bow riding” – a practice where dolphins use pressure fronts created by ships or large whales to swim faster.
Source: https://www.scientificamerican.com/podcast/episode/what-new-human-ancestor-has-been-discovered-and-how-a-virus-outbreak-in