Is bird flu spreading between people? Plus 2024’s best science books
whatshot 5 snips
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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insights INSIGHT
Bird Flu Concerns
Bird flu, H5N1, is widespread in wild birds and has caused outbreaks in US poultry and dairy cows.
Human cases are rising, with California as a hotspot, and some infections are asymptomatic.
question_answer ANECDOTE
H5N1 in Cows
The first H5N1 case in a dairy cow was in Texas in March.
This was surprising as cows aren't natural hosts, and it has since spread to 650 dairy herds.
insights INSIGHT
Untraceable Cases
Most US H5N1 cases trace back to animal contact, but two cases have an unknown source.
This raises concerns about potential human-to-human transmission.
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In 'A City on Mars', Kelly and Zach Weinersmith delve into the complexities of space settlement, addressing questions such as the feasibility of having children in space, the governance of space settlements, and the legal implications of space colonization. The book, which includes humorous illustrations and anecdotes, highlights the significant obstacles to becoming a multiplanetary species and challenges the common enthusiasm for space settlement with a realistic and skeptical viewpoint.
Nuclear War
A Scenario
Annie Jacobsen
In 'Nuclear War: A Scenario', Annie Jacobsen presents a meticulously researched and chilling scenario of a nuclear war. The book begins with a surprise nuclear attack by North Korea on the United States, triggering a cascade of events that involve multiple nations and lead to catastrophic consequences. Jacobsen draws on exclusive interviews with military and civilian experts, as well as recently declassified government reports, to outline the minute-by-minute unfolding of a nuclear conflict. The book highlights the dangers of the 'Launch on Warning' policy, the inadequacy of current nuclear defenses, and the devastating impact on global civilization, including the immediate destruction, long-term environmental damage, and the eventual collapse of societal structures. Jacobsen's work serves as a call to action for disarmament and a stark reminder of the existential threat posed by nuclear weapons.
What the Wild Sea Can Be
Helen Scales
Episode 278
Concerns about bird flu are rising as two cases in North America suggest the virus is adapting to humans. Evidence of human-to-human transmission is not yet conclusive but public health experts are worried. This year outbreaks have been found in both poultry and dairy cows in the US. Although it only causes mild symptoms in people at the moment, is there a chance it could evolve to become deadly?
A last-minute deal has been struck at the UN climate summit COP29 – and people are not happy. Richer nations have agreed to give money to poorer nations to help them go green, but the financing promised doesn’t come close to what’s needed. Another year, another unsatisfactory outcome, once again begging the question is the COP process no longer fit for purpose?
Fancy stock-piling a load of new books ahead of the holiday season? We present to you 5 of the best science books of 2024, fiction and non-fiction. On the list are A City on Mars, What the Wild Sea Can Be, Frostbite, Nuclear War: A Scenario and Question 7. Read the full article of 18 must-reads here.
New Scientist Weekly 
