Friday, May 15, 2015

In the News: A Change in (Ancient) Tides


Fig.1. This adult deer tick and other members of its species are spreading into new areas in North America, thanks to climate change. The spread is a particular concern for public health because deer ticks are vectors for Lyme disease (Credit: Scott Bauer, USDA)

Ancient changes in the environment and modern disease response to climate change are the topics for this week’s #FollowFriday. Read about avian flu in the United States, the rise of Panama, the fall of a civilization, and more:


  • In 10,000 years, would you like to become a fossil? This handy guide outlines the perfect conditions for preserving your bones: “How To Become A Fossil In Five Easy Steps,” Smithsonian Magazine (05 May 2015)

  • Nearly 26 million chickens and turkeys have died or been killed to prevent avian influenza from spreading around the Midwestern United States. Although the disease has not jumped to humans, it has the potential to put the poultry industry at risk: “The Avian Flu Epidemic: Massive Impact, Uncertain Future,” National Geographic (07 May 2015)


  • Public repositories are receiving an influx of microbiome data which has the potential to identify individuals. Some researchers caution that regulations should address privacy issues surrounding an individual’s unique microbiome: “Microbiomes Raise Privacy Concerns,” Nature (11 May 2015)

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