Health & Fitness

In 1974, Spain imported two tons of American red crayfish for aquaculture; 50 years later...

Fifty years ago, American red crayfish were introduced to Spain's Guadalquivir River basin, and they have since established a permanent presence. These aggressive invaders have wreaked havoc on local wildlife and disrupted aquatic ecosystems. Yet, local communities have successfully built an economy around their harvesting and processing. This dependence has sparked legal disputes, resulting in a compromise that permits regulated harvesting, balancing ecological health with economic viability.

Florida's first flesh-eating bacteria death of 2026 raises concerns during beach season as warm waters fuel infections

Florida health officials confirmed the state's first 2026 Vibrio vulnificus fatality. This flesh-eating bacteria thrives in warm coastal waters during summer months. Individuals with weakened immune systems face significantly higher risks. Public awareness is crucial as cases double during the peak season.

Cambridge student Ahmed Abdelsalam, 12, builds energy harvesting system, eyes $25,000 prize

A 12-year-old Cambridge student, Ahmed Abdelsalam, has created VERDA, a system that captures energy from movement like walking, wind and waves. His clean energy idea has earned him a place among 10 finalists in the 2026 3M Young Scientist Challenge, where he will compete for a $25,000 prize.

Australia has built bridges just for crabs so millions of red crabs can safely migrate across Christmas Island every year

Houston student Aiden Jo, 14, and his origami-inspired answer reached a national science final

Aiden Jo, a bright fourteen-year-old, has ingeniously crafted a collapsible container called 'Squeeze-gami' aimed at minimizing waste volume. His innovative solution has earned him a spot among ten national finalists vying for a prestigious top prize along with mentorship from renowned 3M scientists. This competition emphasizes STEM-oriented solutions to tackle everyday challenges and environmental concerns, with winners set to be revealed following live challenges in October 2026.

In 2023, scientists turned part of San Diego's ocean bright pink

In 1987, Victoria began an A$26 million experiment inside a mountain ash forest; three decades later, the results surprised researchers

In a pioneering study within Victoria's mountain ash forests, surprising findings have emerged over extended periods. Intense thinning of trees fostered lush growth and increased diameters in the surviving trees. These enhanced specimens exhibit greater fire resilience and are likely to create hollows for various wildlife. Interestingly, Leadbeater's possums thrived in thinned and acacia zones, absent from untouched areas. This indicates that forest thinning may yield substantial ecological advantages.

After America's largest dam removal, the Yurok Tribe is bringing an entire river back to life by planting millions of native seeds

Costa Rica scientists placed an AI touchscreen in a wild forest; 16 capuchin monkeys used it for banana rewards

In a groundbreaking development, scientists created an AI system designed to explore the cognitive functions of capuchin monkeys in the wild. This state-of-the-art system leverages facial recognition and touchscreen interaction to perform automated cognitive tests. Dubbed CapuchinAI, it facilitates the tracking of unique learning and memory traits. Promising results were observed during tests in a Costa Rican forest reserve, providing a scalable approach to studying primate cognition in real-world settings.

How China's new two-stage plan aims to destroy Earth-bound asteroids before impact

Innovative Chinese scientists suggest a groundbreaking strategy for asteroid deflection by burying nuclear bombs deep within these celestial bodies. The plan involves deploying a high-speed penetrator to carve out a nest for the nuclear device, which, upon detonation, could obliterate a 100-meter-wide asteroid. This offers a promising new tactic for planetary defense against imminent threats from space.

Black mamba is the fastest snake on Earth: How it hunts, strikes and captures prey with remarkable efficiency

Renowned as one of Africa's deadliest inhabitants, the black mamba is a swift and aggressive serpent that can grow to an impressive fourteen feet. Its venom, rich in neurotoxins, results in a fatality rate of nearly one hundred percent if medical intervention is not administered promptly. In many remote regions, the difficulty of obtaining antivenin enhances the danger these snakes present.

Scientists claim the shrinking Pacific Ocean will lead to the formation of a new supercontinent 'Amasia'

The Pacific Ocean, which is the largest ocean on Earth, is gradually shrinking due to the convergence of tectonic plates. Subduction zones around its edges are consuming the ocean floor at a rate faster than new material is formed. Scientists estimate that in 200 to 300 million years, the Pacific could entirely close up, pulling continents together to create a new supercontinent.

Scientists survey Mount Ararat glacier to recover its first ice core

A German-Turkish research team has completed the first scientific survey of the glacier on Mount Ararat, Turkey's highest peak, to study its potential as a record of climate and human history. Scientists mapped the shrinking ice cap to identify the best site for drilling the mountain's first ice core, hoping it will reveal thousands of years of environmental and archaeological information before melting erases it.

Nearly 81 years after Hiroshima, scientists discover a hidden metal alloy created by the atomic bomb blast

Scientists found a new metallic alloy in Hiroshima shoreline sand. This alloy formed from extreme heat and rapid cooling during the 1945 atomic blast. Researchers identified its unique chemical makeup and crystal structure in microscopic particles. The discovery offers insights into matter behavior under extreme conditions. This finding could inspire future materials science research and nuclear forensics.

Engineers linked two deep wells through 629F rock beneath Oregons Newberry volcano; the experiment could unlock round-the-clock power without burning fuel

Mazama Energy connected two deep wells reaching 629 degrees Fahrenheit. This marks the world's hottest enhanced geothermal system ever built. The company plans three more wells in 2026 targeting hotter rock. This project aims to unlock superhot rock for cleaner energy production. Geothermal energy could become a significant player in the clean energy mix.

Study warns Northern Hemisphere lakes could lose around 40 days of winter ice by 2100

A new international study has found that lake ice across the Northern Hemisphere could shrink by about 40 days by the end of this century if emissions remain high. Researchers identified critical winter temperature thresholds beyond which ice loss accelerates sharply, raising concerns over water quality, freshwater ecosystems and communities that depend on stable winter ice.

13-year-old Oregon student designs a chamber that turns moisture in the air into water for drought-hit farms

In a remarkable feat of ingenuity, a young student has created technology that converts air moisture into potable water. This device stands as a sustainable beacon for farmers struggling with inadequate water supply. Featuring a Peltier module for condensation, it smartly monitors water delivery and environmental factors through advanced sensors. Roy Kim aspires for his invention to play a significant role in alleviating the global water challenges faced by agriculture.

How 832 solar panels help one farm produce food, energy and extra income

Since 1869, 120 fish species have crossed the Suez Canalthree more may follow

14-km iceberg cut off food supply, causing 69% drop in Antarctic penguin chicks

Minnesota's largest coal plant is now wiring 1.7 million solar panels powering 150,000 homes

The largest coal plant in Minnesota is transitioning to embrace renewable energy by hosting a substantial solar farm. Leveraging the existing transmission systems of the coal facility, the Sherco Solar project is now recognized as the most extensive solar installation in the state. This forward-thinking initiative accelerates grid connection for new energy innovations, with exciting plans for future development and battery storage integration.

A scientist buried himself in wet concrete to answer one question

South Africa released 11 formerly captive elephants onto wild reserves; five years later...

In an inspiring study, South African elephants reintroduced into reserves demonstrated remarkable behavior akin to that of free-roaming herds. Researchers observed that these elephants not only adapted seamlessly to their natural habitats but also maintained optimal stress hormone levels. This research underscores the potential for long-term captive elephants to regain their independence, offering a promising outlook for the conservation efforts throughout southern Africa.

Archaeologists discover 40,000-year-old bird figurines no bigger than a thumbnail that are rewriting the story of Ice Age art

The Amazons zombie fungus manipulates ants into biting plants before death; scientists have now found it living silently inside mosses more than 10 metres away

Researchers discovered the zombie-ant fungus may have a hidden life stage within mosses. This finding suggests a more complex relationship than previously understood by scientists. The fungus appears to live quietly inside plants before infecting ants for manipulation. This discovery indicates a multi-species ecological network involving plants and insects. The study reshapes how scientists view parasite evolution and survival in biodiverse systems.

Female mammals usually outlive males, but a 27-year study found the pattern was reversed among...

A comprehensive study spanning twenty-seven years has revealed that female birds face lower survival rates compared to their male counterparts. This trend has been observed in thirty-five distinct bird species throughout North America. The challenges posed by migration and reproduction seem to disproportionately affect females. Furthermore, genetic factors related to sex chromosomes may play a role in this issue.

Meet Lucas Tadao: 14-year-old Brazilian student who turned cassava peels into biodegradable trays that could help replace Styrofoam and reduce plastic pollution

In 1997, a mysterious sound echoed across the Pacific. Years later, scientists traced the 'Bloop' to Antarctica

A wild Himalayan spice is helping 200 families protect 100 sq km of forest while generating an income of Rs 39 lakh

Indigenous communities in Arunachal Pradesh are now earning livelihoods from a native spice. This wild Himalayan spice, known locally as Khagi, is helping over two hundred families. The community-led system for harvesting and marketing the spice supports forest patrols and biodiversity monitoring. This initiative provides a direct economic incentive for people to protect their forests and agricultural land. The project also contributes to the conservation of important transboundary wildlife habitats.

Texas engineers are building fish-like nano-robots that could harvest lithium from seawater and transform the future of clean energy

Texas A&M engineers are developing fish-like nano-robots to harvest lithium from seawater. These autonomous microscopic robots use specialised particles activated by light for movement. This innovative approach offers a sustainable alternative to traditional land-based mining methods.

After decades of drought, water is returning to the south of the Sahara Desert as ancient farming techniques and the Great Green Wall breathe new life into the Sahel

Tiny reef fish thrived near seabird islands; where rats wiped birds out, marine food chains changed

Tropical islands are facing a surprising ecological shift as invasive rats disrupt the balance of coral reef ecosystems. By decimating seabird numbers, these rats cut down on essential nutrient contributions to the reefs. As a result, tiny cryptobenthic fish flourish in nutrient-rich spots, while invertebrates find success in less fertile regions, reshaping the food web and highlighting the vulnerable nature of these priceless underwater habitats.