Cicada zombie fungus prompts warnings in US and UK
A species of cicada that emerges every 17 years is being affected by a sexually transmitted fungus that turns them into zombies, which will be noticeable to people in large numbers in the coming weeks. US Senate leaders agreed on a bipartisan bill to ban TikTok, citing national security concerns; its creators have been accused of censoring videos that conflict with Beijing's political views, while the app has been found to host location-specific content that could be used to identify and track users. Also, warnings have been issued about the 'cicada-geddon' that is poised to take place in the UK, beginning in East Anglia, with some predicting as many as 19 billion insects could emerge from the ground over the summer.
In more positive environmental news, sales of electric vehicles (EVs) are on the rise in the UK, according to new figures. Data from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) showed that 26.5% of all new cars registered in February were electric models, while a total of 35,874 EVs were sold in the UK in 2022, an increase of more than 40% on the previous year. Lastly, a 'mega-moon' is set to grace the evening sky this week, appearing up to 14% larger in diameter than when it is furthest away from Earth. The phenomenon is caused by a 'perigee syzygy' which happens when the moon is both at its perigee, its closest point to Earth, and aligned with the sun and Earth.
ResourceManager stresses need for 'innovation' to tackle deforestation aimed at reducing carbon emissions, as analysis highlights links between COVID-19 outbreaks and environmental degradation. Reducing deforestation plays a crucial role in achieving the world's net-zero goals, with an area equivalent to the size of the UK covered in trees every year, the report noted. And a 'miracle' jellyfish provides hope for wounded soldiers, with its exceptionally regenerative cells able to treat diabetic foot ulcers and repair damaged hearts, according to research. Scientists have long been fascinated by the ability of jellyfish to regenerate their organs and nervous system, and it's hoped that these findings could provide new treatments for heart failure in the future.
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