German scientists have discovered that collagen and calcium work together to give grove snails the ability to tune their mucus for five distinct functions, according to a study in Science.
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.
Bug Hunt Australia, a citizen science initiative, has recorded over 1 million invertebrate observations since October 2025, engaging Australians in tracking insects, spiders, and snails. Led by the Invasive Species Council, the project uses the iNaturalist app to gather data, aiding scientists in identifying native species and detecting invasive threats like the Asian honey bee, crucial for biodiversity protection.
An ambitious experiment in Senegal's River Valley introduces tilapia and African bonytongue fish into rice fields to combat food insecurity, poverty, and schistosomiasis. The fish fertilize crops, prey on disease-carrying snails, and offer a source of income, potentially transforming local agriculture.
An environmental engineer in Senegal is experimenting with adding fish to rice farms to tackle food insecurity, poverty, and schistosomiasis. Tilapia fertilize crops with their waste, while African bonytongue fish eat snails that carry the disease.
The latest IUCN Red List reveals many species, including deep-sea molluscs and the desert rain frog, are threatened by human activities like deep-sea mining and diamond mining. Conservation efforts have helped the numbat rebound, but five Australian marsupials are now extinct.
Viral videos featuring child live-streamers, some engaging in disturbing acts like extreme eating or simulated intimacy, have sparked controversy in China. State media has criticized the trend, leading to the removal of problematic content under new regulations.
UK pubs and restaurants are criticizing a temporary VAT cut on children's meals, calling it "laughable" and a "token gesture." One venue launched an expensive "kids" menu with snail salad to highlight the scheme's perceived inadequacy.
