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On October 1, 2025, Jane Goodall, the pioneering British primatologist and conservationist, died of natural causes in California during a US speaking tour. Her groundbreaking research on chimpanzees, including tool use and social behaviors, transformed science and challenged human uniqueness. She founded the Jane Goodall Institute in 1977 and remained a tireless advocate for wildlife and environmental conservation until her death.
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The latest 2026 rankings show Hong Kong universities improving their positions, driven by research investment, while UK institutions face decline amid funding pressures. Asian universities, led by China, continue to surge, with US rankings slipping for the first time in years. The rankings reflect changing global higher education dynamics.
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Recent research indicates bird flu may resist the body's fever response, thriving at higher temperatures typical of birds. The first US human case of H5N5 was reported in Washington, involving an older adult with underlying conditions. Public health officials say the risk remains low, with no evidence of human-to-human transmission.
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Recent research links the 1345 volcanic eruptions to the Black Death's outbreak in Europe. Tree rings, ice core data, and historical records suggest climate change caused crop failures, prompting trade routes that inadvertently spread Yersinia pestis, leading to the pandemic. The study highlights climate's role in historical pandemics.