Nathan Gael Montelongo, a seventh-grader from La Joya, Texas, created a project using chitosan. He collected discarded shellfish shells to produce chitosan powder and tested its effectiveness on polluted water. Studies showed that chitosan improved water clarity and benefited zebrafish embryos in experiments. Nathan designed a prototype raft that could automate water quality monitoring and treatment.

Ankith Burki, a seventh-grader from BASIS Independent Silicon Valley, created an atmospheric water generator for his project. He utilized low-frequency sound waves to improve the efficiency of water collection. Testing revealed a 117 percent increase in water production under specific sound conditions. His work earned him a finalist position in the 2026 Thermo Fisher Scientific Junior Innovators Challenge.

Bailey Quinn Frank has created a groundbreaking air sampler designed to enhance health surveillance in rural areas. Utilizing basic materials such as fans and filters, this device collects airborne bacterial DNA. Findings revealed notable variations in bacterial composition between indoor and outdoor spaces. As a finalist in the Thermo Fisher Scientific Junior Innovators Challenge, Bailey exemplifies the use of practical tools in tackling public health issues.

Seychelles protected 30% of its ocean by 2020 through a debt conversion deal linked to long-term conservation. The plan safeguards 410,000 sq km of ocean, while allowing sustainable fishing, tourism and other economic activities. Leonardo DiCaprio Foundation was among the private funders supporting the financial transaction.

In a remarkable find during construction in Oceanside, California, fossilized remains were unearthed at a considerable depth. Expert paleontologist Joseph El Adli confirmed the identification of the bones, prompting a meticulous excavation effort. These fossils, dating back 40 to 45 million years from the Eocene Epoch, are under investigation to discern if they belong to brontotheres or amynodonts.

In 1963, scientist Maurice Hilleman collected a mumps virus sample from his five-year-old daughter Jeryl Lynn. Researchers weakened the virus to develop a vaccine, which was approved in 1967. The vaccine, based on the Jeryl Lynn strain, remains in use and helped transform the fight against mumps in the US.

Juan Sebastian Avila Perez has embarked on an innovative journey with his project, 'Wings of Inclusion', which empowers deaf individuals to connect with nature by identifying birds through vibrations. By translating bird songs into tactile sensations, this device not only enhances accessibility in birdwatching but also aims to address economic hurdles through field testing. His passion extends to conservation, striving to safeguard Colombia's rich bird diversity while fostering community engagement.

Wileidy Feliciano-Rivera, a seventh-grader from Puerto Rico, transformed discarded plantain peels into biodegradable mulch. This innovative project addressed plastic waste and showcased potential agricultural benefits. EcoMusa, the resultant mulch, effectively reduced weed growth during testing while retaining moisture and lowering soil temperatures. Wileidy's work has garnered recognition as a finalist in the 2026 Thermo Fisher Scientific Junior Innovators Challenge.

Recent surveys have revealed six new population groups of the Mojave poppy bee, surprising biologists with the species’ extended range and resilience. Despite this positive news, a population group in Utah was unfortunately noted as lost. Findings suggest that the Mojave poppy bee does not currently warrant protection under the Endangered Species Act, but conservation efforts will persist to enhance its habitat monitoring.

In a remarkable ecological achievement, Maryland has revitalized a significant expanse of oyster reef in Harris Creek, successfully planting over 2.49 billion oyster seeds to enhance the local oyster population. Recent monitoring indicates that a substantial portion of the restored reefs is meeting critical density and biomass benchmarks. This project is part of a broader collaborative initiative aimed at renewing oyster habitats crucial to the Chesapeake Bay's ecosystem.

Over a 35-year research project, scientists explored the population changes of the endangered Schaus' swallowtail butterfly. They discovered that hurricanes caused early reductions in population, followed by notable rebounds in subsequent years. While annual counts were quite variable, a stable long-term population trend emerged. Additionally, weather variables influenced wing size in relation to temperature and rainfall.

The Towaliga Preserve is about to launch an ambitious 10-year forest restoration project, backed by QTS Data Centres. This significant initiative aims to revitalize 132 acres, focusing on ecosystem management and biodiversity enhancement. Throughout the decade, contractors will engage in tasks like invasive species control and planting native trees. After the project, the Southern Conservation Trust will ensure the area remains cared for and healthy.

Michigan's Reclaim the Rivers initiative is set to invest $89 million to tackle pollution in the Detroit and Kalamazoo rivers. This funding is dedicated to sediment removal, restoring habitats, and increasing public access for recreation. State officials envision a significant transformation by 2040, working to reverse years of industrial damage and improve water quality and ecological health across communities and the Great Lakes.

In a groundbreaking deep-sea voyage off Argentina, scientists uncovered 57 brand new marine species alongside five previously unclassified genera. Using a remotely operated vehicle, they pulled samples from the Mar del Plata Submarine Canyon. Among these marine marvels was a unique and translucent sea cucumber whimsically dubbed Loki. A subsequent collaborative workshop was instrumental in accelerating the species identification process, highlighting the astonishing biodiversity of the South Atlantic's deep ecosystems.