Will There Be a Bird Flu Pandemic? What the Experts Say

A black and white image of chickens on a farm as worries of a bird flu pandemic arise

Why are US health officials growing concerned about bird flu? What mutations are scientists finding in recent human cases? Will there be a bird flu pandemic in 2025? Bird flu has spread rapidly through US dairy farms and poultry operations, infecting nearly 1,000 dairy herds and causing mostly mild illness in dozens of exposed workers. While bird flu hasn’t been transmitted between humans yet, health officials are concerned that it could be. Here’s a look at the situation and the studies.

Why the Sixth Mass Extinction Is Different From the Others

A wild orangutan resting on a high branch in a jungle, an animal at risk in the sixth mass extinction

What’s causing the sixth mass extinction of species? How are endangered animals tracked? Can humans do anything to help? Scientists say we’re in the midst of a sixth mass extinction—but it’s hard to determine when a species is actually gone for good because endangered species are difficult to track. But new technology and techniques can help. Keep reading for a comprehensive look at the current mass extinction.

Why Is TikTok Dangerous? Why You Can’t Trust Its News Feed

A concerned-looking man holding a mobile phone illustrates the question, "Why is TikTok dangerous?"

Why is TikTok dangerous? What’s really happening when millions of people get their news from the platform? How can it shape our understanding of world events without us even realizing it? TikTok’s evolution from an entertainment platform to a primary news source for Gen Z has sparked intense debate among journalists and media experts. The platform’s ability to deliver quick, engaging content comes with serious concerns about misinformation, bias, and potential manipulation. Keep reading to discover why TikTok is dangerous as a news source and what that means for the future of information sharing.

Sensory Pollution Is Fatal to Animals—But We Can Change That

A brightly-lighted city at night, seen from above, illustrates sensory pollution

Why does artificial light cause so many animal deaths? What makes human-generated noise so destructive to wildlife? In An Immense World, Ed Yong explores how sensory pollution devastates animal populations worldwide. From bright city lights confusing sea turtle hatchlings to shipping noise disrupting whale communication, human activities are overwhelming animals’ senses in ways we’re only beginning to understand. Keep reading to discover how we can protect wildlife from sensory pollution and help preserve Earth’s remarkable biodiversity.

Ed Yong: Umwelt Reveals How Animals Perceive the World

Two starfish on the beach illustrate the concept of umwelt and how animals perceive the world

What does it mean when scientists say that each animal lives in its own sensory bubble? How do animals experience the world in ways that humans can’t even imagine? Ed Yong’s exploration of umwelt in his book An Immense World reveals the fascinating ways different species perceive reality. From dogs that can smell the past to elephants that feel vibrations through their feet, animals possess extraordinary sensory abilities that shape their unique experience of the world. Keep reading to discover how Ed Yong’s umwelt concept illuminates how animals perceive the world through senses both familiar and foreign to humans.

What Causes Winter Weight Gain? (+ How to Fight It)

A hand reaching for holiday cookies on a platter, signifying winter weight gain

Do you notice yourself gaining weight during the cold winter months? Is it because of the holidays or is there another reason? Many people gain weight during the winter and blame it on the excess food during the holidays. However, as it turns out, your winter weight gain isn’t your fault—it’s prehistoric programming. Discover the science behind this seasonal shift and learn how to keep your physical and mental health on track this winter.

Animal Echolocation, Electrolocation, & Magnetoreception

Sea turtles swimming in the ocean illustrate animal echolocation, electrolocation, and magnetoreception

What enables bats and dolphins to navigate and hunt with such precision in complete darkness? How do animals like sea turtles find their way back to specific beaches across hundreds of miles of ocean? In An Immense World, Ed Yong explores animal echolocation, electrolocation, and magnetoreception—sensory abilities that help creatures navigate their environment. These extraordinary capabilities reveal how different species experience and interact with their surroundings. Keep reading to discover how animals use sound, electricity, and magnetic fields to perceive their world in ways humans can barely imagine.

Do Animals Feel Pain? Here’s What Scientists Know (Ed Yong)

A frog on a lily pad illustrates the question, "Do animals feel pain?"

What happens in an animal’s body when it encounters something harmful? Do animals feel pain? How do different species process pain? Ed Yong’s book An Immense World explores the complex question of whether and how animals feel pain. From naked mole rats that don’t react to acid to fish that show signs of distress after injury, the animal kingdom presents a wide range of responses to potentially harmful stimuli. Keep reading to discover the surprising science behind how different creatures experience pain and what this means for our ethical treatment of animals.

How Does ADHD Work? The Prefrontal Cortex in ADHD

Hands holding a plastic model of a brain to show how ADHD works

How does ADHD work in the brain? What is the role of the prefrontal cortex in ADHD? ADHD works by impairing executive functions, and it has to do with poor development of the prefrontal cortex and deficits of the neurotransmitters norepinephrine and dopamine. The prefrontal cortex in ADHD brains is less capable of controlling impulses. Here’s more on how this condition manifests in the brain.

The Sense of Touch in Animals: 3 Ways They’re Not Like Humans

A harbor seal swimming under the water illustrates the sense of touch in animals

What mysterious ways do animals experience touch beyond direct contact? How do creatures from wasps to elephants use touch to survive and thrive? Ed Yong’s fascinating book An Immense World reveals how the sense of touch in animals extends far beyond what humans can imagine. From detecting vibrations in the ground to sensing distortions in water, animals use remarkable methods to perceive their environment and connect with others. Keep reading to discover the extraordinary touch abilities that help creatures navigate their world, find food, escape danger, and build relationships.