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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.

Skeleton Found In Roman Jar: archaeologists uncover 1,600-year-old victim; find hints of desperate escape

13/09/2026
In a remarkable excavation at Deultum, Bulgaria, archaeologists uncovered the remains of a young man entombed within a sizable storage jar. The evidence indicates he sought refuge there during a devastating attack, likely after the flames had already engulfed the area. His plight, frozen in time as the jar was later rebuilt over, provides a poignant glimpse into the terror and desperation of ancient times.

Deer Learn To Ignore Deterrents: Human shouts scare best; habituation soon blunts effect

12/09/2026
Research indicates that loud human noises and bright lights were effective in driving deer and elk away from crops, while predator sounds and dog barks didn’t have the same effect. Over a period of six weeks, these animals became accustomed to the deterrents, especially those near human activity. Researchers recommend diversifying stimuli and introducing consequences to keep these animals from adapting.

In the 1850s, pigs brought to Santa Cruz Island became feral

12/09/2026
Feral pigs were eradicated from Santa Cruz Island, facilitating a resurgence in fox populations. With bald eagles no longer in the area, golden eagles preyed on the island's foxes. In response, conservationists captured the golden eagles and reintroduced the native bald eagles. A captive breeding initiative safeguarded the remaining island foxes from predators, resulting in a successful revival of the island's native wildlife and ecosystem.

For decades, scientists thought North America had a cheetah; DNA links it to pumas 2.6M years ago

12/09/2026
In a groundbreaking revelation, ancient DNA analysis has clarified that Miracinonyx trumani is more closely related to pumas than cheetahs. This extinct cat thrived in North America during the Pleistocene epoch and had the unique ability to fish in colder regions. While its structure suggested agility, evolutionary genetics indicated that convergence was at play, with low genetic variety likely contributing to its disappearance from the ecosystem.

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