A study in Vertebrate Zoology identifies seven new diamond frog species in Madagascar, using genetic and anatomical analysis to reveal hidden biodiversity and aid conservation efforts.
Alfred Drummond-Herdman, a 27-year-old trainee lawyer in Edinburgh, has gained millions of views on social media for his time-lapse videos of brightly coloured fungi growing from animal faeces. He has formally identified two new species and hopes his work inspires greater appreciation for nature conservation and taxonomy's role in biodiversity research.
Cape Verde goalkeeper Vozinha, lauded for his World Cup performances, has a new species of red sea slug, Aldisa vozinha, named after him by biologist Jesus Ortea in the Caribbean. The discovery honors Vozinha's prominent role and the slug's red color, reminiscent of his team's performance against Spain.
Costa Rican scientists may have identified a new species of ghost shark near Cabo Blanco and Cano Island. The potential new species features a shorter snout, darker coloration, and a longer dorsal fin spine. Genetic analysis suggests no reproductive contact with other ghost sharks, though comparisons with specimens from Peru and Chile are ongoing.
Six scientists and six crew will embark on an eight-month Arctic expedition from Kirkenes, Norway, aboard the French-built Tara polar station. Their mission is to gather crucial data on climate breakdown and pollution's impact on the central Arctic Ocean's unique and fragile ecosystems before irreversible changes occur.
A marine biology expedition in international waters off Brazil discovered 31 new species in two weeks, utilizing cutting-edge technology like the "Squid" microscope. The findings contribute to understanding ocean life, though concerns arise over the Trump administration's plans to dismantle a key deep-sea observation system.
Conservationists propose a protected area for Ernest Shackleton's Endurance wreck in the Weddell Sea, fearing climate change and increased shipping may damage the historic site. The proposal passed a key meeting but awaits final approval from CCAMLR.
May's science roundup features a potential prehistoric copper smelting site in the Pyrenees, a new species of tiny blue octopus from the Galapagos, insights into why cats prefer silver vine over catnip, and a study suggesting political polarization behaves like a phase transition.
Researchers identify Nagatitan chaiyaphumensis, a 90ft long, 30-ton sauropod from Thailand's late Early Cretaceous period, shedding light on evolutionary trends towards larger sauropods.
