Western snowy plovers have returned to nesting at California’s Coal Oil Point Reserve after about 40 years. A conservation programme involving the Santa Barbara Zoo, UC Santa Barbara and the US Fish and Wildlife Service has released 212 birds since 2016. This year, 11 released plovers were fitted with radio and Bluetooth tracking devices to monitor their movements and survival.

Scientists have identified two new sea spider species in the Salish Sea, nearly 100 years after the last new species was formally described there. One has hairy legs and red eyes and can groom itself with comb-like appendages. The other often carries debris and tiny parasites on its body. Researchers say more species may remain undocumented.

Two yellow-bellied marmots were separately found far from their mountain habitat in San Francisco and Antioch in September. Wildlife rescuers believe the animals may have travelled inside vehicles from the Sierra Nevada or Lake Tahoe. After 18 days, both were released nearly 7,800 feet up near Lake Tahoe, while the cases highlighted the risk of marmots entering vehicles.

In a remarkable feat illustrating tenacity and dedication, Syrian archaeologists embarked on a dangerous mission in 2014-2015 to salvage around 30,000 artifacts from the Deir ez-Zor Museum amidst the intense conflict with ISIS. Led by Professor Maamoun Abdulkarim, the operation faced significant challenges yet underscored the urgency of preserving Syria's cultural heritage and collective memory, reinforcing the crucial role historical artifacts play during times of crisis.

A study conducted at Purdue University reveals that scented cleaning products release compounds that react with indoor ozone, leading to the quick formation of ultrafine particles that may diminish air quality. During cleaning in confined areas, these particles can accumulate significantly. While maintaining cleanliness is essential, it is wise to minimize exposure to chemical byproducts through methods like opting for fragrance-free alternatives and ensuring adequate ventilation.

Vivien He has created an innovative IoT device called Qube, retailing for under $100. This device specializes in detecting earthquakes and alerts users through alarms or text messages. After a nine-month trial, it successfully identified quakes greater than M 3.0 in the Los Angeles region. The data collected indicated a reliable correlation between ground movements and quake magnitudes, underscoring the viability of affordable earthquake warning solutions in cities.

The Yellowstone to Yukon Conservation Initiative is proudly nominated for Prince William's Earthshot Prize in 2026. This groundbreaking effort aims to reinstate a vital 3,400-kilometre wildlife corridor through the majestic Rocky Mountains. Achieving over 200 wildlife crossings and safeguarding around 24 million hectares, Indigenous involvement is key to strengthening conservation practices here. Looking forward, the initiative hopes to secure an extra 20 million hectares by 2030.

California state officials secured 640 acres of desert land near Pioneertown for western Joshua tree conservation. Researchers identified this land as suitable for the species despite climate change. The California Department of Fish and Wildlife completed the acquisition with funds from the Western Joshua Tree Conservation Fund. Collaboration with Native American tribes is planned for long-term stewardship of the property.

Burmese pythons were radio-tracked in Big Cypress National Preserve from 2017 to 2024 to study habitat use. Researchers found that juveniles displayed greater arboreal behavior compared to adult pythons, with varying seasonal patterns. Adult pythons preferred trees during the cooler dry season, while juveniles showed similar trends in habitat usage. The study recorded different tree species preferred by various sized pythons during arboreal observations.

Reindeer experience a seasonal change in eye color that enhances their ability to see in dim Arctic light. This adaptation involves a shift in the tapetum lucidum from gold-turquoise in summer to deep blue in winter. The deep blue reflection helps reindeer forage and detect predators in low-light conditions. Changes in collagen fibril spacing within the eye's reflector contribute to this transformation.

A rare pyramid-shaped tomb has been uncovered at Bir Al-Shaghala in Egypt's Dakhla Oasis and dates back to the Roman period. The tomb, built from mud brick, combines Egyptian and Roman architectural styles and includes inscriptions. Among the findings is a Greek funerary poem dedicated to a man named Psychtis, indicating cultural exchanges. Archaeologists also discovered artifacts related to funerary rituals, including an offering table and a bronze coin.