If our planet’s climate continues warming at the current rate, we can expect more frequent and more severe hurricanes by the end of the century. (Photo credit: /NASA Goddard Space Flight Center)
By Jacob Williamson-Rea
Our weekly round-up compiles stories and news, both from here at Penn and around the world, that highlight the intersection of animal, environmental, and human health.
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Stronger, wetter, slower: How hurricanes will change
Scientific American, May 30, 2018
Hurricanes will become stronger and more frequent if our climate continues warming at present rates. Here’s what recent hurricanes would look like if they occurred at the end of the century.
Some endangered frogs may be leaping back from extinction
The Washington Post, May 17, 2018
Harlequin frogs are in an evolutionary race against extinction in Panama’s forests.
As CO2 increases, rice loses B vitamins and other nutrients
Science News, May 23, 2018
Higher concentrations of carbon dioxide lead to a decline in rice nutrients, which poses a threat to rice-dependent countries.
Old world virus, new tricks: Inside Kerala’s quest to contain the deadly Nipah virus
Huffington Post, May 25, 2018
The Nipah virus—which leads to symptoms such as fatal encephalitis and acute respiratory syndrome—originates in animals and spreads to humans. Thanks to a greater understanding of the One Health approach, Kerala’s doctors quickly identified and contained the disease before it spread across the South India state.
How worms can help recycle plastic
Fortune, May 27, 2018
Recycling puts a dent in plastic pollution, but mealworms can consume plastics thanks to gut bacteria that breaks down polymers.
Could we work together with our bacteria to stop infection?
Science Daily, May 29, 2018
As scientists become increasingly worried about antibiotic superbugs, they’ve developed an alternative to antibiotics referred to as mutualisms, which utilize co-dependent relationships between bacteria and its host.
Williamson-Rea is a junior science writer in the University of Pennsylvania’s Office of Communications. He is also an MA candidate in Science/Medical Writing at Johns Hopkins University.