Infectious diseases that leap from animals to humans are called zoonotic diseases. Covid-19 is an example of a zoonotic disease caused by a coronavirus.
As you check your local weather forecast today, give a nod to Albert J. Myer, born on this date in 1828, who helped to establish the US National Weather Service.
While coral populations are declining in tropical waters, scientists have just detected an increase in subtropical areas, which could be good news for corals.
There are 161 active volcanoes in the United States, more than 1/3 of which have been classified as posing a high threat to nearby communities. A new law aims to improve volcano monitoring.
World Oceans Day is Saturday, June 8. Celebrate! Plan or find an event. Participate on social media. Or ... just go to the beach. Some ideas for participating here.
Deanna Erin Conners is a biologist and science communicator from Western New York who has been contributing to the conversations on EarthSky since 2011. Her overarching hypothesis is that we have vastly underestimated the intelligence of non-human species. She is endlessly fascinated by the interconnectedness in nature and occasionally chimes in with stories about birding, Earth science, and the Great Lakes. (Portrait taken at Buckhorn Island State Park, NY, appears courtesy of Karen Lee
Lewis.)