Microplastics on the Mind, Superstrong Shrimp and Bird Flu Transmission

This Scientific American Science Quickly podcast episode provides a concise update on several science news stories. The episode covers the emergence of a new bird flu variant in cattle, the surprisingly high levels of microplastics found in human brain tissue, a study suggesting people feel best mentally in the mornings, bonobos demonstrating theory of mind, the impact-resistant design of mantis shrimp clubs, and a theory about the formation of massive lunar canyons due to a cosmic impact. A new bird flu variant (D1.1) has been found in Nevada cattle herds, suggesting multiple spillover events from birds. The podcast concludes by mentioning an upcoming discussion about an asteroid with a small chance of Earth collision. Listeners gain awareness of recent scientific findings across various fields, including biology, health, and astronomy.