How nervous ought to we be about hen flu? The previous few months have seen some probably worrisome developments within the US, together with the continued unfold of the virus amongst dairy cattle, the detection of the virus in a pig in addition to cow’s milk, and—most regarding of all—the rising variety of human infections.

We don’t but have any proof that the virus is spreading between individuals, however the threat of a possible pandemic has elevated since MIT Expertise Evaluation final lined this subject a few months in the past.

The excellent news is we’re in a a lot better place to sort out any potential future flu outbreaks than we have been to face covid-19 again in 2020, on condition that we have already got vaccines. However, on the entire, it’s not trying nice. Learn the complete story.

—Jessica Hamzelou

This story is from The Checkup, our weekly publication providing you with the within observe on all issues well being and biotech. Enroll to obtain it in your inbox each Thursday.

The moon is just the start for this waterless concrete

If NASA establishes a everlasting presence on the moon, its astronauts’ properties might be fabricated from a brand new 3D-printable, waterless concrete. Sometime, so may yours. By accelerating the curing course of for extra fast development, this sulfur-based compound might develop into simply as relevant on our dwelling terrain as it’s on lunar soil.

Conventional concrete requires giant quantities of water, a commodity that will likely be in brief provide on the moon, and sending simply 1 kilogram of it to the moon prices roughly $1.2 million.

As a substitute, NASA hopes to create new supplies from lunar soil and ultimately adapt the identical strategies for constructing on Mars. However creating the right waterless “lunarcrete” is simpler mentioned than accomplished. Learn the complete story.