In-depth analysis by experts on current scientific issues. In general, they are not as quick as the reactions.
In the first months of 2022, avian influenza has hit birds in Spain with unprecedented intensity. All outbreaks are now closed and the epidemiological situation is favourable, but we must not let our guard down. The risk of the virus jumping to humans is considered low.
The first direct image of the black hole at the centre of our galaxy shows a 'monster' devouring matter at a slow pace. The black hole itself is spinning, and its spin axis is pointing just 30 degrees away from us. The result shows that the size of the black hole is proportional to the mass it contains, confirming the theory of general relativity. Xavier Barcons, ESO's Director General, assesses the new finding.
Recent research published by researchers of Carlos III University of Madrid shows that individuals perceive less COVID-19 infection risk and engage in less health-protective behaviors when they associate the risk with close friends – a phenomenon labeled as the “friend-shield effect”.
The latest IPCC report shows that we are not close to limiting the rise in temperatures to 1.5ºC. Fortunately, he points out that climate action in the form of policy and law has increased, and that there is hope to cut emissions by at least half by 2030. In this sense, the retrofitting of existing buildings and the adequate design of new ones will play a fundamental role.
The effort to decipher the human genome led 21 years ago to the publication of a first sequence that has already revolutionised medicine. The full version published today by Science represents a technical feat that will provide new information about disease, disease susceptibility and the evolution of our species.
The current climate crisis is not only leaving us with a historically warm winter and a decade of record temperatures, but is overlapping with an almost unprecedented energy crisis. Securing energy supplies in a sustainable way is now a challenge where the war in Ukraine adds to the complexity.
Nearly three and a half million Ukrainians have fled their country; half of them are children. Ensuring their physical well-being is a priority, but we cannot forget the effect that war can have on children's mental health.
Today the International Space Station (ISS) is completely dependent on Russia to keep it in orbit. Space X spacecraft, which NASA contracts, carry astronauts but cannot propel the ISS to maintain its altitude. A new American spacecraft, Cygnus, which has already conducted a successful propulsion test, is expected to be able to do so.
The Joint European Torus (JET) has achieved a relevant scientific milestone related to energy production from nuclear fusion reactions. The results confirm some of the technological options selected for the large international ITER experiment. Spain has proposed to build a scientific facility in Granada to develop materials with which to build future reactors.
The Spanish Society of Public Health and Health Administration calls for the creation of an institution "that prepares us to protect the health of our population in the face of the current pandemic, future pandemics and current health challenges".