New study: Snake fungal disease may now be a global threat

A potentially fatal fungus infection found in more than two dozen snake species in Europe and the United States could be lethal to serpents across the globe, a new study finds.

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Study warns that snake fungal disease could be a global threat

New research suggests that a potentially fatal snake fungus found in several species in the United States and three in Europe could be global in scale. The study, published today in the journal Science Advances, shows that the snake fungal disease caused by Ophidiomyces ophidiodiicola can infect snakes of many species regardless of their ancestry, physical characteristics, or habitats.

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E.P.A. Officials, Disheartened by Agency’s Direction, Are Leaving in Droves

Among the departures are nearly 200 biologists, chemists and toxicologists, draining the agency of scientific expertise needed to address pollution threats.

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No Kitten Around: Museum Exhibit Celebrates 'Divine Felines'

Ever feel fearful? Or brave? Protective? Aggressive? The ancient Egyptians had a cat for that! Ancient Egypt was full of animal deities, but cats reigned supreme, celebrated in sculptures and stories.

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The monster beneath

Everyone has heard of Vesuvius but the caldera of Campi Flegrei is a far more dangerous volcano. Helen Gordon travels to Naples to understand the enormous threat it poses

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Why can't dogs eat chocolate?

Chocolate poisoning in dogs remains a problem, particularly at Christmas.

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France bans fracking and oil extraction in all of its territories

France’s parliament has passed into law a ban on producing oil and gas by 2040, a largely symbolic gesture as the country is 99% dependent on hydrocarbon imports. In Tuesday’s vote by show of hands, only the rightwing Republicans party opposed, while leftwing lawmakers abstained. No new permits will be granted to extract fossil fuels and no existing licences will be renewed beyond 2040, when all production in mainland France and its overseas territories will stop.

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