Monday, October 19, 2026

Kerala’s ‘suicide tree’: How a poisonous fruit became a forensic mystery

Othalanga, or the suicide tree, flourishes along Kerala's shores, but its perilous fruit contains cerberin, a lethal toxin that can disrupt heart rhythms, leading to potentially fatal outcomes. Between 1989 and 1999, numerous deaths were connected to othalanga poisoning, posing diagnostic challenges for medical professionals due to symptom overlap. Raising awareness about this dangerous plant is crucial for prevention and timely treatment.

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Sunday, October 18, 2026

Species Fund Beats Habitat Target: Evaluation finds 4,800ha restored; 51,000 people engaged

A transformative £25 million conservation initiative has revitalized wildlife across England. By restoring vast areas and planting over 127,500 trees, the programme fostered community engagement with nature for more than 51,000 individuals. Various projects played a critical role in reconnecting segmented habitats and enhancing wetlands and rivers, underscoring the necessity of strategic investment in preserving thriving ecosystems.

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SpaDeX sats re-enter Earth’s atmosphere after nearly 21 months in orbit

The satellites SDX01 and SDX02 completed their mission by re-entering Earth's atmosphere after 21 months. They were launched on December 30, 2024, and achieved significant milestones in autonomous docking and power transfer. During their operation, they demonstrated important capabilities for future missions, including lunar exploration and human spaceflight. Their orbital altitude progressively decreased, leading to their eventual re-entry.

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Scientists develop 98-gram hopping robot that climbs stairs, crosses six terrains and swims



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Saturday, October 17, 2026

Michigan engineers use adjustable golf-ball dimples to cut drag by 50%



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Drone LiDAR reveals three unregistered Aboriginal rock shelters in Australia's rugged Blue Mountains

Researchers utilized drone technology to discover three previously unregistered Aboriginal rock shelters in the Blue Mountains region, revealing significant cultural heritage. Collaboration with the Dharug Custodian Aboriginal Corporation ensured accurate documentation of red hand stencils and stone artifacts. This innovative approach may improve archaeological surveys in difficult-to-navigate areas, thereby preserving cultural heritage. Ongoing efforts will assess the method's applicability to different Australian landscapes, ensuring continued protection.

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