Researchers have developed an AI-powered, buttock-tracking robot designed to deliver needle-free vaccines to pigs, boasting a 93.3 per cent success rate to reduce labor intensity in large-scale farming.
Asfoora, a top sprinter, placed fourth in the King George Stakes, prompting trainer Henry Dwyer and owner Akram El-Fahkri to reconsider her planned retirement to Australia. The article also covers Talk Of New York's upset defeat and previews other upcoming races.
Hawaii's native tree snails, once abundant, face total extinction due to the invasive rosy wolf snail introduced in 1955. Scientists at the Snail Extinction Prevention Program in Honolulu are racing to save 40 species through captive breeding and predator-proof enclosures, highlighting a global conservation challenge.
Sri Lanka is experiencing a severe dengue outbreak with 76,044 infections and 53 deaths since January, approaching 2017 levels. Hospitals in areas like Negombo are overwhelmed by a rapid influx of patients, forcing them to add beds and increase staff hours.
A University at Buffalo study found that wildfire smoke from Canada's record seasons reduced bird sightings in New York State during breeding seasons (2021-2023). Researchers suggest birds changed behavior, becoming harder to spot, rather than declining in numbers, highlighting an overlooked impact on wildlife monitoring.
Escaped flowerhorn cichlids, human-bred hybrid fish, are integrating into Lake Sampaloc's ecosystem in the Philippines, threatening native species like the endangered ayungin. Research highlights their resilience in polluted waters and potential health risks, urging collaborative solutions.
A new study reveals the British swallowtail butterfly (Papilio machaon britannicus) is genetically distinct with 20% less diversity than European relatives. Despite low diversity and high inbreeding, harmful mutations are not accumulating, but long-term survival faces challenges.
A new study reveals the British swallowtail butterfly (Papilio machaon britannicus) is genetically distinct with 20% less diversity than European relatives. Despite low diversity and high inbreeding, harmful mutations are not accumulating significantly, but long-term survival faces challenges.
Typhoon Maysak caused severe flooding and tornadoes in China, leaving 11 dead and thousands of houses damaged. India experienced heavy rainfall leading to building collapses in Mumbai, killing at least 13. Meanwhile, Tristan da Cunha was hit by a winter storm with 124mph winds.
A Greater Painted-Snipe with two chicks has been documented in Uttarakhand's Corbett Tiger Reserve, marking the first scientific evidence of the species breeding there. This rare sighting highlights the health of the reserve's wetland ecosystem and is crucial for understanding species distribution and conservation effectiveness.
Hundreds of snakes, including cobras, escaped from flooded breeding farms in Hengzhou, southern China, after Typhoon Maysak caused severe storms and flooding. Warnings have been issued to residents, with reports of snakebite victims and increased anti-venom supplies.
A new genetic study reveals the endangered British swallowtail butterfly (Papilio machaon britannicus) is a distinct subspecies with origins dating back 200,000 years, challenging previous theories and highlighting the need for renewed conservation efforts against habitat loss due to climate change.
Research teams in Hainan's Yazhou Bay are leveraging the free trade port to advance crop breeding and deep-sea exploration. A new AI-powered rice genome model and research into deep-sea microorganisms for pharmaceuticals are key developments.
SCMP presents a selection of seven recent news stories. The first highlight details US and Iran talks in Switzerland, which reportedly cooled tensions and led to assets being returned to Iran, though key issues remain unresolved. Other mentioned highlights include a deadly school shooting in the Philippines and a Chinese man jailed for breeding snakes.
Devastating bushfires in Victoria have destroyed 70% of the core habitat for endangered pink cockatoos in Wyperfeld National Park. The fires, which burned 440,000 hectares across the state, have decimated ancient native cypress pines crucial for the birds' nesting hollows, raising concerns for the species' survival.
Two rare brown wood owls have successfully hatched and grown flight feathers at Kadoorie Farm and Botanic Garden in Hong Kong. The chicks, still white and downy, were kept undisturbed for weeks before the announcement. The brown wood owl is one of the largest owl species in Hong Kong, naturally arriving from southern China within the last two decades.
Two rare brown wood owl chicks successfully fledged last month at Kadoorie Farm and Botanic Garden in Hong Kong. The forest-dependent species, one of the largest native owl species, naturally dispersed into Hong Kong from southern China within the past two decades.
1,500 beagles were released from Ridglan Farms, a Wisconsin breeding facility, after it was found to have mistreated animals. Rescue groups are now rehoming the dogs, but adopters are warned they require significant patience due to their past experiences.
Taichung DARES uses AI models like ChatGPT and Gemini to significantly shorten orchid breeding time, leading to award-winning varieties like Oncidesa sp and Taichung No. 5. This AI application helps identify optimal breeding conditions and parent plants for market competitiveness.
Cruise ships are prone to disease outbreaks due to close quarters, diverse passenger origins, and mobility. Experts discuss hantavirus, norovirus, and Covid-19 incidents, highlighting challenges in ventilation, food safety, and diagnosis onboard.
Ancient protein analysis from Homo erectus teeth reveals interbreeding with Denisovans, with inherited DNA present in modern human populations, particularly in the Philippines and India.
A green group has spotted people landing on an uninhabited island in the southern Hong Kong waters known to be a regular breeding site for a seabird species during mainland China’s Labour Day “golden week” holiday, which coincides with its breeding season. Terns, known as “sea swallows”, are seabirds with typically white or light grey streamlined bodies, long pointed bills and forked tails. While about 40 tern species exist globally, one-third of them, or 12, have been recorded in Hong Kong....
A green group has spotted people landing on an uninhabited island in the southern Hong Kong waters known to be a regular breeding site for a seabird species during mainland China’s Labour Day “golden week” holiday, which coincides with its breeding season. Terns, known as “sea swallows”, are seabirds with typically white or light grey streamlined bodies, long pointed bills and forked tails. While about 40 tern species exist globally, one-third of them, or 12, have been recorded in Hong Kong....
The first 300 beagles have been rescued from Ridglan Farms in Wisconsin, a research facility that faced protests and legal battles over animal treatment. Big Dog Ranch Rescue and the Center for a Humane Economy purchased all 1,500 dogs through a confidential agreement. The first dogs showed immediate signs of trust, approaching rescuers within hours and seeking attention. Over 700 adoption applications have been received, though screening and preparation will take time.
