Author: OMN AI

WASHINGTON, Sept 9 — A tropical disease carried by so-called “kissing bugs” is now considered endemic in the United States, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Chagas disease, caused by the parasite Trypanosoma cruzi, has historically been associated with Latin America, but health officials say it is increasingly appearing in parts of the U.S. The parasite is primarily transmitted through triatomine insects, commonly called kissing bugs, which feed on human blood, often biting the face. The disease spreads when the bugs defecate near the bite site and the parasite enters the body through the skin or mucous…

Butterfly numbers bounced back after 2024’s poor summer, reaching only average levels in this year’s Big Butterfly Count.Over 125,000 citizen scientists recorded an average of 10.3 butterflies per 15-minute count across the UK.This marked improvement followed 2024’s record low of seven butterflies per count.The large white saw a 131% increase, the small white 128%, and the red admiral 185% compared with last year.Butterfly Conservation warned that numbers have returned only to average and remain below earlier summers.Dr Richard Fox noted that more than twice as many widespread species have declined than increased over 15 years.One-third of species performed poorly despite…

Pittsburgh wildlife centers are seeing a rise in birds showing signs of West Nile virus. The disease, spread by mosquitoes, is affecting both birds of prey and common urban birds like crows. Humane Animal Rescue of Pittsburgh’s Wildlife Rehabilitation Center reports a notable increase in young birds arriving with symptoms of the virus. Red-tailed hawks, great horned owls, and even an American kestrel have been admitted in the last few weeks. Many of the birds are very young and have weaker immune systems, making it harder for them to fight the infection. Katie Kefalos, director of wildlife rehabilitation at the…

Shanghai has issued the first major update to its local list of protected wild animals since 1993. The move is part of efforts to stop illegal hunting, reduce wildlife trade, and raise awareness about conservation within the city. The revised “List of Provincial Key Protected Wild Animals in Shanghai” works alongside the national protection list. While the national list provides countrywide coverage, Shanghai’s version focuses on local species that need special protection within the city’s ecosystems. The new update reflects almost three decades of changes in wildlife numbers, habitats, and conservation needs. Authorities say it will help create stronger laws,…

Across history, the mark of humanity can be seen everywhere. Forests have been cleared, rivers redirected, and farmland expanded. But one of the most powerful changes lies not in the land but in animals themselves. A new study shows that wild creatures have steadily grown smaller while domestic animals have become larger, a trend driven by human activity. The research, led by scientists from the University of Montpellier, analyzed more than 225,000 bones from 311 archaeological sites in Mediterranean France. These remains span 8,000 years and provide a rare record of how animals shifted in size over time. The bones…

The debate on child poverty in the UK continues to spark strong reactions, particularly around the controversial two-child benefit cap. While some families and campaigners stress the need for compassion, others argue for fairness to taxpayers and personal accountability. The issue has become a focal point in discussions about how government policy affects millions of households. Archbishop Stephen Cottrell recently urged the government to reconsider the two-child benefit cap, highlighting the impact on children growing up in hardship. His comments drew mixed responses, reflecting the complexity of balancing compassion with financial responsibility. For many working families, the rising cost of…

The global mining industry is set for one of its biggest shake-ups in years as Anglo American and Teck Resources join forces. The two companies announced a merger worth $53 billion, creating one of the world’s largest copper producers. The deal is expected to transform the industry but may also bring job cuts as overlapping operations are reduced. The agreement marks a bold move for Anglo American, the London-listed miner, which has spent the past year resisting takeover attempts from its larger rival BHP. Instead of being absorbed, the company chose to restructure and take control of its future. By…

The Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium in Omaha, Nebraska, has opened its doors to four new residents. The arrivals are not ordinary guests but endangered Mexican spider monkeys rescued from wildlife traffickers. Their journey has been long and difficult, but now they have a safe place to grow and thrive. The four monkeys—Lily, Chicharra (known as Chichi), Rosa, and Tito—are all juveniles. They represent one of the most endangered primate species in the world. After spending months in recovery, they are now adjusting to their new home in the zoo’s jungle exhibit. Jeff Ewelt, Chief Zoological Officer at the zoo,…

A Mediterranean atmosphere in the desert In Tempe, Arizona, a new neighbourhood called Culdesac is reinventing urban life. It bans private cars and invites visitors to enjoy plazas, paseos and Mediterranean-style architecture. When resident Sheryl Murdock walks to her apartment, she feels as if she has landed on a Greek island. She enters the central plaza, where traffic noise disappears. Instead, she hears the clinking of glasses, cheerful conversations and the thud of a cornhole game. She strolls through narrow lanes lined with white buildings and fairy lights. Murals and magenta bougainvillea add bursts of colour. “It’s like being in…

The title of fastest insect flyer is surprisingly hard to pin down. Early claims were wildly exaggerated: in 1926, one entomologist suggested a deer botfly could fly at 370 m/s (1,330 km/h) — faster than the speed of sound, which is clearly impossible. More reliable tests have only been done on a few species in wind tunnels. Locusts have been clocked at around 33 km/h, while the tobacco hornworm hawkmoth can reach about 36 km/h. There are anecdotal reports of monarch butterflies keeping pace with cars and dragonflies rivaling light aircraft, but these may be influenced by wind conditions. The…