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Updated: 13 min 49 sec ago

How Singapore turned garbage ash into a 350-hectare island where mangroves and coral now flourish

3 hours 18 min ago
Singapore has pioneered a remarkable 350-hectare landfill created from incinerated waste, known as Semakau Landfill. This innovative site not only manages the nation’s scarce land but also provides a habitat for diverse marine life. With migratory birds nesting and corals thriving, this man-made island exemplifies successful waste management, projected to remain operational until 2035.

Scientists built a sponge pulling water from dry air; yields 1.72L per kg/day

4 hours 32 min ago
Scientists have engineered a groundbreaking wood-derived material capable of extracting water from arid air, effectively capturing moisture even at humidity levels as low as fifteen percent. Featuring a solar thermal storage component, it enables water release under dark conditions. Field experiments yielded substantial quantities of potable freshwater daily, signifying a revolutionary advancement in atmospheric water collection.

In 2016, NSW began fencing feral cats and foxes out of three reserves; 10 years later...

13/09/2026
Thirteen native animal species have returned to New South Wales conservation reserves after a decade. These species had been locally extinct and are now breeding successfully within predator-proof fences. This conservation success is the result of a ten-year partnership involving government and scientific organizations. The state has now extended this vital conservation agreement for another ten years. Future efforts will focus on expanding these reintroductions beyond fenced areas.

In 2015, Hawaii rescued fragments of a coral found only in Kaneohe Bay; after its wild colonies...

13/09/2026
Marine biologists rescued rare Hawaiian coral fragments from Kaneohe Bay in 2015. These fragments were grown into mature colonies using a land-based nursery method. The grown corals were then returned to their natural habitat in Kaneohe Bay. Field checks confirmed the reintroduced corals successfully adjusted to their surroundings. This project demonstrates the effectiveness of coral arks for preventing species extinction.

28 Tasmanian devils were moved to an island; 3,000 penguin pairs later disappeared

13/09/2026
In 2012, 28 Tasmanian devils were introduced to Maria Island as an insurance population against facial tumour disease. The devils thrived, reaching up to 90, but experts say their presence came at a heavy cost to local wildlife. A survey later found Maria Island’s little penguin colonies had disappeared, wiping out an estimated 3,000 breeding pairs.

Once extinct in the wild, Przewalski’s horses return to China with population topping 900

13/09/2026
The Przewalski’s horse was once extinct in the wild in China. After 40 years of conservation work, its population has reached about 900, with herds in several protected areas now reproducing independently. The species’ return has become a major conservation success, while also preserving an important part of equine evolutionary history.

Feather found in dinosaur poop may explain how birds survived the asteroid that killed dinosaurs

13/09/2026
The 66-million-year-old feather found inside fossilised dinosaur poop may offer clues about why some birds survived the asteroid impact that killed most dinosaurs. Researchers found feathers, fish scales and bird bones in the coprolite. The feather’s primitive structure suggests insulation and moulting may have played a role in determining which birds survived.

Scientists used centuries-old aurora sightings: their method placed solar minima within 2 years with more than 90% reliability

13/09/2026
Ancient auroras are unlocking secrets of solar activity, offering scientists a glimpse into the Sun's behavior long before our time. By employing a new statistical method to analyze historical sky observations, researchers have pieced together eight distinct cycles of solar activity from 1560 to 1640. This intriguing study correlates well with various independent solar records, enhancing our understanding of solar dynamics pre-dating contemporary measurements.

MIT makes water filters from tree branches that remove over 99% of bacteria and viruses

13/09/2026
MIT engineers have pioneered an eco-conscious method of producing water filters from tree sapwood. These natural filters successfully eradicate more than 99% of bacteria and viruses found in water. During testing in India, researchers worked closely with local populations to create a user-friendly prototype that is both effective and cost-efficient. This sustainable solution is poised to enhance access to clean drinking water in numerous communities.

Scientists collected spider webs in Australia; their DNA revealed vertebrate species nearby

13/09/2026
Researchers have discovered that spider webs serve as fascinating collectors of genetic material from nearby vertebrates. In a comprehensive study in Australia, vertebrate DNA was detected across all samples, providing insights into thirty-two species at sanctuaries and sixty-one at zoos. The quantity of detectable DNA varied with animal size and distance, hinting that webs could offer an innovative approach to monitoring wildlife without the need for direct interaction.

Scientists removed trout from a California lake, and wildlife began to recover

13/09/2026
The introduction of trout in Sierra Nevada lakes has had a noteworthy impact on bird populations, leading to a reduction in their numbers. The fish also changed the diversity of bird species present near the water. Additionally, mayflies, an essential part of the birds' diet, declined in lakes with trout.

Scientists asked volunteers to live like earthworms and kestrels to rethink human landscapes

13/09/2026
A project involved volunteers experiencing wildlife senses near the River Tone. Participants observed risks to red deer, otters, and other animals. They identified threats like dog activity and train noise impacting wildlife. This approach helps recognize overlooked environmental dangers to animals. The methodology will be used in other communities and settings.

India needs to launch the space act it keeps scrubbing

13/09/2026
As India's space industry develops, it urgently needs a Space Act to provide stringent legal support. Initiated in 2020, the opening of this sector, alongside the establishment of IN-SPACe, has highlighted gaps in existing policies. A robust Space Act would not only outline company rights but also enhance regulatory clarity, paving the way for the sector's growth and improved global positioning.

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