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New Scientist Weekly
Is bird flu spreading between people? Plus 2024’s best science books
Nov 29, 2024
Concerns about bird flu are escalating, with experts warning its potential to adapt for human transmission. Outbreaks in poultry and dairy cows pose questions about its future evolution. Meanwhile, disappointing outcomes from the COP29 climate summit highlight ongoing financing struggles for poorer nations. This week’s recommendations reveal exciting new science books for 2024, covering a range of topics from Mars colonization to food distribution and nuclear threats, sure to spark your interest and expand your reading list!
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Quick takeaways
- Recent bird flu outbreaks raise concerns about potential human-to-human transmission and the implications for public health vigilance.
- The COP29 climate summit resulted in inadequate financial commitments from richer nations, sparking discontent among poorer countries regarding climate action support.
Deep dives
Concerns About Bird Flu and Human Infections
The H5N1 strain of bird flu has become a significant concern due to recent outbreaks among farmed animals and few cases in humans. This virus, while primarily affecting wild birds, has surprised experts by infecting dairy cows, marking its mutation and adaptation to mammals. Specifically, 55 confirmed human cases have been reported in the U.S., with a concerning hotspot in California, where a child recently contracted the infection. Health experts warn that asymptomatic cases may be slipping through the cracks, highlighting the need for heightened vigilance as the potential for a pandemic threat remains.
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