NASA has launched a washing-machine-sized spacecraft to inspect up to four inactive satellites and rocket bodies in low Earth orbit. The SSPICY mission, launched on October 1, will begin inspections in early 2027. Using autonomous navigation, sensors and electric propulsion, the spacecraft will test technologies that could eventually help repair satellites or remove orbital debris.

Researchers studied wild horses and donkeys in the Sonoran Desert, which dig wells that attract diverse wildlife. The wells serve as critical water sources for various vertebrate species during dry periods. Observations indicated that these wells significantly increase water accessibility and create favorable conditions for cottonwood seedlings. The study highlights the animals' role as ecosystem engineers in changing their environment.

Green Anacondas in Peru's Amazon rainforest were challenging to locate due to their hidden behavior. Researchers recorded observations across various habitats, mostly in floodplain forests. The snakes were often concealed among logs, submerged vegetation, and other natural cover. Basking conditions were primarily found in rivers and vegetation mats of oxbow lakes. The findings highlight the difficulty in assessing the presence and population trends of these snakes.

Wisconsin's Lake Superior shoreline has witnessed a transformative conservation effort, safeguarding over 1,700 acres through collaboration between the US Fish and Wildlife Service and Landmark Conservancy. By utilizing conservation easements, the project enabled landowners to retain property rights while preserving vital habitats. Key activities included the planting of conifers and the management of invasive species, fulfilling the environmental aspirations of the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative.

California's initiative to revive the Dutch Slough wetlands has led to a stunning resurgence of Marsh Wren numbers. Recent bird surveys from 2020 to 2025 indicate significant increases in the density of various marsh-dwelling species. This restoration process involved planting indigenous plants and reinstating tidal flows to previous agricultural terrains. While some species saw a decline, overall avian diversity thrived in these rejuvenated areas.

Innovative scientists are deploying drones powered by radio-tracking technology to track the movements of Burmese pythons in the Everglades. This pioneering approach aims to deepen the understanding of how these invasive reptiles behave within their ecosystem. Given the threat they pose to local wildlife, gathering insight into their habitat patterns is vital for developing effective management solutions.

Scientists planted 40,000 native sedge seedlings in Yosemite National Park's Tuolumne Meadows to restore soil damaged by sheep grazing over a century ago. After three years, researchers found improvements in soil organic matter, but the meadow continued to lose more carbon than it gained. Scientists estimate that full recovery could take 25 to 50 years.

Florida’s Lone Cabbage Reef, once a vibrant oyster habitat, faced severe decline before restoration efforts. Researchers rebuilt the reef in 2018 using dolomite limestone to create suitable surfaces for oyster larvae. Subsequent studies documented significant increases in oyster populations over five years, reaching densities of 244 oysters per square metre. The restoration benefited local fisheries, generating substantial economic impact and employment opportunities.

During his doctoral research, Prof Suneel Kateriya made significant contributions to the understanding of light-sensitive proteins, specifically channelrhodopsins found in Chlamydomonas. His pioneering work not only clarified the DNA sequences encoding these proteins but also formed a crucial basis for the field of optogenetics, enabling the manipulation of nerve cells with light.

In a significant move for environmental conservation, a 27-acre forested area near Pittsburgh will receive lasting protection thanks to $277,200 in funding. This investment will facilitate the Lowries Run Expansion Project, essential for forest preservation. The woodland is expected to manage 22.5 million gallons of rainwater each year and eliminate more than 100,000 pounds of carbon.