Researchers in Michigan have helped bring the Poweshiek skipperling butterfly back from the brink of extinction after its US wild population fell to just nine in 2022. Through captive breeding, habitat restoration and carefully planned releases, more than 1,300 butterflies were released in 2025. The recovery effort has now expanded to other endangered butterflies, while restored prairie habitats are helping support wider ecosystems.

An 18-year-old San Diego student has been named a finalist in the 2026 Regeneron Science Talent Search for developing a low-cost red-light treatment to improve wound healing in microgravity. Leanne Fan built a $200 device to simulate microgravity and found that the treatment accelerated tissue regeneration in flatworms by 95.2%. Tests with human cells also showed faster cell movement during wound closure.

Arctic foxes introduced to more than 400 Alaskan islands for fur had an unexpected impact on the ecosystem. By preying on seabirds, they reduced the flow of nutrient-rich guano from the ocean to land. Researchers found that fox-free islands had far more seabirds, richer soil and much more grass, while fox-infested islands shifted towards shrubs and forbs.

In a groundbreaking study, researchers have engineered hydrogels derived from natural resources designed to absorb moisture from the atmosphere. These advanced sorbents can capture water vapour even in arid environments. By applying gentle heat, the collected water can be released, creating a highly energy-efficient process. This innovative technology paves the way for sustainable drinking water production from air, potentially benefiting remote communities with portable water collectors.

A 14th-century skeleton found beneath Scotland’s Stirling Castle may be the first confirmed archaeological evidence of a person killed by a trebuchet. Researchers found more than 160 fractures, including 61 breaks in the skull and nearly 60 in the ribs. The injuries suggest the man was struck from behind by a high-speed boulder during the 1304 siege of the castle.

In an extraordinary turn of events, the elusive Australian shrub Ptilotus senarius has emerged from the shadows of extinction in Queensland. Thanks to the keen eye of horticulturalist Aaron Bean, whose photographs on iNaturalist led to its identification by botanist Anthony R. Bean, this rare species emphasises the significant influence of citizen science in uncovering lost flora.

In 1987, British naturalist Ian Bullock established Aride Island as a key conservation hub. His initiative led to the successful relocation of endangered Seychelles warblers the following year, significantly bolstering the species' numbers and preventing potential extinction. Today, their population thrives, and Bullock's innovative conservation methods are now standard practices in island ecosystem management.

After years of protection from whaling, whale populations are gradually reclaiming their ancestral habitats, with sightings of blue and fin whales showing remarkable growth since 2012. While these majestic creatures are bouncing back from the catastrophic effects of 20th-century whaling, they continue to face threats from modern human activity and pollution. Ongoing conservation efforts and monitoring are crucial for ensuring their future prosperity.

Discarded solar panels will create significant waste by 2060, posing environmental risks. Proper recycling can unlock nearly one trillion dollars in economic value from these materials. Middle-income countries, especially China, will become major sources of retired solar panels. A phased subsidy strategy can ensure fairer economic benefits between richer and poorer regions. Building recycling capacity now prepares for a growing waste stream and strengthens supply chains.

Recent research indicates a potential connection between gut microorganisms and psychopathic traits. The study unveiled variations in gut and oral bacteria among individuals with differing psychopathy scores. Notably, metabolic byproducts such as glucose and taurine reflected distinct patterns across participant groups. These findings suggest a fascinating interplay between gut health and psychological characteristics, warranting further investigation to clarify these complex gut-brain interactions.

Introduced to Newfoundland more than a century ago as a food source, moose have surged in numbers, drastically altering the island’s forest ecosystem. The absence of natural predators allows these massive herbivores to devour young trees at alarming rates. To mitigate this issue and safeguard habitats, hunting quotas are thoughtfully managed, seeking to achieve a harmony between ecological integrity and human needs.

Farmers in Africa are grappling with food insecurity as the high costs of imported potassium fertiliser take a toll on their crops. A team of researchers has innovated a process to transform local syenite rock into an eco-friendly nutrient solution. This enhanced rock gradually releases potassium, promoting healthier crops and enriched soil.

In an extraordinary feat of space exploration, two Central Asian tortoises embarked on a historic journey around the Moon aboard the Soviet Zond 5 spacecraft in September 1968. Their successful return not only demonstrated the feasibility of life enduring the harsh conditions of space but also catalyzed NASA's preparations for the Apollo 8 mission.