A sandwich idea at 15 led Miami student Gabriella Rothberg to develop genetically engineered tomatoes designed to produce heme, an iron-containing molecule associated with meat flavour. Now 17, she is listed alongside her father on a US patent issued in June 2026. The project remains experimental, with taste and nutritional benefits yet to be established.

Archaeologists in Glasgow have uncovered remains of a 12-foot wall built by a wealthy distiller to block public access to the River Clyde in the 1820s. Residents tore down the wall in 1823, leading to arrests and a six-year legal battle. The excavation also revealed a rare 1791 trade token bearing the city's motto, "Let Glasgow Flourish".

Colossal Biosciences aims to resurrect the extinct dodo bird using cutting-edge gene-editing technologies. By leveraging their sophisticated AI platform, GenoMorph, the company has pinpointed essential genetic traits. With 95% of the dodo genome analysis complete, their ambitious project is on track, though a specific timeline for the living dodo remains undisclosed. This groundbreaking venture is part of a larger initiative to counteract the effects of human-induced species extinction.

A rare find in the form of a nearly 70 percent complete Nanotyrannus skeleton, affectionately named Jodi, has been unearthed by rancher Jodi Pierson in Montana and is set to go under the hammer at Sotheby’s in New York on October 27. This well-preserved specimen is anticipated to garner between $6 million and $9 million, creating a buzz among paleontologists and collectors alike due to its invaluable significance.

A groundbreaking approach has emerged, leveraging computer-generated recordings to rejuvenate the bird songs that nature has lost. Researchers successfully reintroduced the unique call of the rufous-collared sparrow back into its habitat in Argentina. This innovative conservation strategy seeks to bolster endangered species by preserving their vocal heritage and fostering communication skills, as demonstrated by positive outcomes in captive breeding for species such as the regent honeyeater.

At the University of Oxford, researchers have uncovered new stages of penicillin formation, employing cutting-edge ultrafast X-ray free-electron laser techniques for real-time observation. They documented the enzymatic action of isopenicillin N synthase, transforming a linear peptide into penicillin scaffolds. Key findings include a thioaldehyde intermediate and a monocyclic β-lactam, offering valuable insights for future antibiotic innovations and advancements in medical biology.

Weeds can significantly impact crop yield, leading to a need for effective control methods. A USDA-funded trial demonstrated that cardboard beds reduced weed coverage compared to tilled beds. Farmers found that using cardboard made weeding easier and more efficient after two growing seasons. The results from the trial showed varied crop yields when grown in different bed types.