Thursday, October 8, 2026

New extinct crocodile found in Sphinx rocks, with a missing snout tip



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Study links anger to crunchy foods and anxiety to softer textures when eating



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Scientists find African elephants can distinguish visual clues linked to food quantity

African elephants can distinguish food availability visually when they are within 5 metres of potential food sources. Researchers tested elephants using canvases depicting different tree sizes and leaf densities to assess their choices. Findings suggest that these animals rely primarily on olfactory cues for food decisions beyond 5 metres. The study highlights the significance of both visual and olfactory information during foraging.

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Oxford study suggests animals may have evolved 200 million years earlier



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Wednesday, October 7, 2026

Meet Filip Lajciak, the Slovak student who built an affordable 3D microscope

Filip Lajciak has developed an innovative and cost-effective microscope capable of producing non-invasive 3D models of minute samples. By employing a stereo camera within the microscope, the device captures images from various angles and processes them into intricate point clouds and disparity maps. This cutting-edge technology holds great promise for the analysis of micro-particle structures and biological specimens. Lajciak's outstanding work was acknowledged at ISEF 2026, earning several prestigious awards.

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Australia grew a Madagascar vine for WW2 rubber. It became a major invasive weed



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Sharks’ Long-Range Hearing: Study finds 74m sound detection; sharks turn away

A team of researchers from Florida Atlantic University discovered that wild blacktip sharks possess the ability to detect low-frequency sounds from considerable distances. This groundbreaking study sheds light on how these sharks navigate their aquatic environments, as they exhibited keen directional hearing by making sharp turns in response to sound sources.

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Tiny wireless device records animal brains in the wild, lighter than a dime



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Monday, October 5, 2026

Native plants are helping restore habitat in Florida's Saint Sebastian River



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D’Arros shearwater colony grew nearly 10-fold after rats were eradicated

D'Arros Island's Wedge-tailed Shearwater population rose dramatically after rats were eradicated in 2003. Researchers recorded 2,768 breeding pairs in 2016 and 2,406 pairs in 2021. The colony spread across a larger area and exhibited higher breeding burrow density during later surveys. The study utilized direct counts and area-based estimates to determine breeding pair numbers. Identifying the peak incubation period in November was crucial for future population comparisons.

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After losing her mother to MS, J.K. Rowling gave £10m to research

J.K. Rowling opened the Anne Rowling Regenerative Neurology Clinic in memory of her mother, who died of multiple sclerosis. The clinic focuses on research and treatment of various neurological diseases, including multiple sclerosis and Parkinson's disease. The funding aims to attract world-class researchers to develop new therapies and potentially find a cure. It has already hosted numerous clinical appointments and research projects since its inception.

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Scientists found at least 10 likely new species of bizarre branching worms inside sea sponges

Researchers have identified ten likely new species of branching marine worms found within sea sponges. These unusual worms exhibit a unique tree-like body structure, which has evolved over time. Genetic analysis and museum specimens helped resolve the long-standing classification issues of these marine organisms. The study indicates these worms' diversification relates closely to their sponge hosts and geographic locations.

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Sunday, October 4, 2026

Magenta solar panels made broccoli use sunlight 4.5 times more efficiently



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Meet Nathan, the Texas seventh-grader who turned shellfish waste into a water-cleaning project

Nathan Gael Montelongo, a seventh-grader from La Joya, Texas, created a project using chitosan. He collected discarded shellfish shells to produce chitosan powder and tested its effectiveness on polluted water. Studies showed that chitosan improved water clarity and benefited zebrafish embryos in experiments. Nathan designed a prototype raft that could automate water quality monitoring and treatment.

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Meet the Indian-origin seventh-grader who boosted atmospheric water output by 117%

Ankith Burki, a seventh-grader from BASIS Independent Silicon Valley, created an atmospheric water generator for his project. He utilized low-frequency sound waves to improve the efficiency of water collection. Testing revealed a 117 percent increase in water production under specific sound conditions. His work earned him a finalist position in the 2026 Thermo Fisher Scientific Junior Innovators Challenge.

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Meet the eighth-grader who built a low-cost air sampler to study rural health surveillance

Bailey Quinn Frank has created a groundbreaking air sampler designed to enhance health surveillance in rural areas. Utilizing basic materials such as fans and filters, this device collects airborne bacterial DNA. Findings revealed notable variations in bacterial composition between indoor and outdoor spaces. As a finalist in the Thermo Fisher Scientific Junior Innovators Challenge, Bailey exemplifies the use of practical tools in tackling public health issues.

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Saturday, October 3, 2026

Maryland planted 2.49 billion oyster seeds in Harris Creek, creating 343 acres of healthy reef

In a remarkable ecological achievement, Maryland has revitalized a significant expanse of oyster reef in Harris Creek, successfully planting over 2.49 billion oyster seeds to enhance the local oyster population. Recent monitoring indicates that a substantial portion of the restored reefs is meeting critical density and biomass benchmarks. This project is part of a broader collaborative initiative aimed at renewing oyster habitats crucial to the Chesapeake Bay's ecosystem.

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Cats wearing anti-hunting bibs cut activity 15%, but roaming stayed unchanged



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Scientists revive 160-million-year-old proteins to fight drug-resistant bacteria



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Scientists tracked a Florida butterfly and found that hurricanes helped its population recover

Over a 35-year research project, scientists explored the population changes of the endangered Schaus' swallowtail butterfly. They discovered that hurricanes caused early reductions in population, followed by notable rebounds in subsequent years. While annual counts were quite variable, a stable long-term population trend emerged. Additionally, weather variables influenced wing size in relation to temperature and rainfall.

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A signal from beyond: Astronomers detect radio waves from a planet 63 light-years away



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RHS Rocket Science Experiment: ISS flight slows seed growth; Mars food plans still viable

In 2015, ESA astronaut Tim Peake carried rocket seeds to the International Space Station, launching a groundbreaking research project. Upon his return, 8,600 UK schools engaged in a citizen science experiment analyzing the seeds. The outcomes indicated that while the seeds' growth and aging were influenced by space conditions, they remained viable.

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Friday, October 2, 2026

Military clothing fabric placed over strawberries produced 3.56 times more fruit



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London sent 3 million tonnes of railway soil to rebuild Essex wetlands; bird numbers hit 39,000

More than three million tonnes of soil excavated for London’s Elizabeth line were transported to Wallasea Island in Essex to help create coastal wetlands. Ten years after seawalls were breached, the restored RSPB reserve has recorded a record 39,000 wintering birds, including thousands of Knot, Avocets, Grey Plovers and Bar-tailed Godwits.

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Thursday, October 1, 2026

Astronomers spot giant bow shock around magnetic white dwarf 730 light-years away



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Nile perch introduced to Lake Victoria years ago transformed its fishery and threatened cichlids



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Effort to bring back the rapids of Grand Rapids that disappeared after industrial development

After nearly two decades of planning, construction is underway in downtown Grand Rapids to restore the historic rapids that gave the city its name. The first phase will remove four low-head dams and replace them with natural rock features designed to improve fish passage, habitat and river access. The project also includes measures to protect mussels and control invasive sea lampreys.

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Tuesday, September 29, 2026

12-million-year-old fossil leaf from the Himalaya reveals a previously unknown fungal species

Researchers have made a significant find with the identification of Vizellopsidites miocenicus, a previously unknown fungal species, preserved in fossilized leaves from Himachal Pradesh. Dating back to the Late Miocene epoch, about 12 to 8 million years ago, this ectoparasite reveals crucial insights into ancient ecological interactions within tropical Siwalik forests, highlighting the intricate relationships between flora and fungi in prehistoric environments.

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Judi Dench named an eagle GoldenEye as southern Scotland’s golden eagle population tops 50



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4,000-year-old Egyptian tomb reveals secrets of powerful royal official



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Coffee may change gut microbes linked to mood and brain function



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Monday, September 28, 2026

Scientists left bamboo forests alone for 30 years; biomass rose 161%, phosphorus stocks grew 379%



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Artificial beaver dams raised bat activity 3.9 times; amphibians returned



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Rice husk ash could make asphalt more resistant to high-temperature damage

Rice husk ash from rice mills has been shown to improve the properties of asphalt mixtures. The incorporation of varying ash amounts led to increased stiffness and higher resistance to permanent deformation. Higher ash content resulted in better performance at elevated temperatures but raised concerns about workability and low-temperature brittleness. Research indicates a trade-off between performance benefits and risks associated with increased ash amounts.

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She found a baby raccoon on her ship; 7 years later, her Mississippi rescue has 76 orphaned kits

In Pass Christian, Mississippi, a wildlife center dedicates its efforts to training orphaned raccoon kits for their return to the wild. Through engaging, hands-on methods, staff members equip these young raccoons with essential survival techniques, such as foraging, swimming, and evading dangers. After around six months of training, the young raccoons are released back into their natural forest environments, significantly improving their chances of thriving in the wild.

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Sunday, September 27, 2026

Vivien He developed a device that detects earthquake signals and sends warnings through alarms

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.

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In 1993, a project set out to reconnect wildlife habitat from Yellowstone to Canada's Yukon

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.

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California acquired 640 acres near Pioneertown for western Joshua tree conservation

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.

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Burmese pythons are climbing trees, revealing differences between adults and juveniles

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.

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Ohio solar farm becomes home to 3 million honey bees across 50 hives



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