Category Archives: Nature

Deadly H5N1 avian influenza strain detected on mainland Antarctica

Posted on April 18, 2024 by TTG

Over 85 million chickens, turkeys, and other poultry birds have died in the U.S. since the avian influenza outbreak started two years ago. In the egg and poultry industry, it is standard protocol to cull every animal in a facility … Continue reading →

Posted in fauna, Health Care, Nature, TTG | 8 Comments

How One Moth Species Can Jam Bats’ Sonar Systems

Posted on February 3, 2024 by TTG

In a species of tiger moth native to the Arizona desert, scientists have discovered a new weapon in the endless evolutionary arms race between predator and prey. New research shows that the moths, Bertholdia trigona, have the ability to detect … Continue reading →

Posted in fauna, Intelligence, Nature | 18 Comments

A Respite

Posted on October 29, 2023 by TTG

Nothing momentous, just a brief respite from the normal news. I know I’ve talked about these West Mersea duck punts before and even shared a video. Just sit back and enjoy the simplicity of the design and the serenity of … Continue reading →

Posted in Messing about in boats, Nature, TTG | 29 Comments

Full evacuation for Yellowknife, Ndılǫ and Dettah

Posted on August 17, 2023 by TTG

Anyone remaining in Yellowknife, Ndılǫ and Dettah must leave by noon on Friday, residents were told in a fresh, blanket evacuation order for the city on Wednesday evening. Hundreds of vehicles had begun streaming down a smoky Highway 3 west … Continue reading →

Posted in Current Affairs, Nature, TTG | 28 Comments

Bat Superpowers – PBS NOVA episode

Posted on August 13, 2023 by TTG

WANG: My students, when they first work in my lab, they got it wrong. They say bats has a more efficient immune system to clear the virus. I say. “No, bats have a more efficient immune system not to develop … Continue reading →

Posted in Nature, Science, TTG | 57 Comments

Florida ocean temperatures at ‘downright shocking’ levels

Posted on July 12, 2023 by TTG

Not only is Florida sizzling in record-crushing heat, but the ocean waters that surround it are scorching, as well. The unprecedented ocean warmth around the state — connected to historically warm oceans worldwide — is further intensifying its heat wave … Continue reading →

Posted in Nature, Science, TTG | 70 Comments

“This Small-Brained Human Species May Have Buried Its Dead, Controlled Fire and Made Art”

Posted on June 7, 2023 by TTG

Extraordinary claims about the small-brained human relative Homo naledi challenge prevailing view of cognitive evolution In the millions of years over which humans have been evolving, brain size has tripled, and behavior has become exponentially more elaborate. Early, small-brained hominins (members of … Continue reading →

Posted in Nature, Science, TTG | 42 Comments

“Orcas have sunk 3 boats in Europe and appear to be teaching others to do the same. But why?”

Posted on May 19, 2023 by TTG

Scientists think a traumatized orca initiated the assault on boats after a “critical moment of agony” and that the behavior is spreading among the population through social learning. Orcas have attacked and sunk a third boat off the Iberian coast … Continue reading →

Posted in Nature, Science, TTG | 16 Comments

The Beaver Pond – A Pictorial

Posted on May 15, 2023 by TTG

I know I mentioned that a pair of beavers have taken up residence in the woodland cathedral behind my house. I suspected as much last January when I noticed water on what is usually dry land while sitting on my … Continue reading →

Posted in Nature, Religion, TTG | 32 Comments

“Proof Against the Absurd” 

Posted on April 30, 2023 by TTG

Aside from the obvious benefits the chance to see wildflowers and pileated woodpeckers, the exercise, the insights into the workings of nature – what do I get out of all this? Part of the answer is that regular contact with … Continue reading →

Posted in Nature, TTG | 7 Comments