A study published in Nature Climate Change reports that over half of 375 human infectious diseases are made worse by extreme weather events connected to climate change. "The findings of this study are terrifying and illustrate well the enormous consequences of climate change on human pathogens," said Dr. Carlos del Rio, an Emory University infectious disease specialist.

Because some of you found my last post about birds a welcome diversion from discouraging environmental news, here's another. Whether it's creative tool use, dancing, or keeping track of time, it's time for us to stop asking who's smarter than whom. Be sure to watch the videos!

After my recent posts on the climate crisis, zoonotic disease, and the planet's loss of biodiversity, you'll likely welcome a lighter bit of news. I know I do! An article in Scientific American caught my eye, partly because in an earlier life I did a small study of pileated woodpeckers. Those flying jackhammers, and their relatives, have continued to intrigue me. The article explains why woodpeckers can hammer away thousands of times per day without addling their brains. And