wildlife
community
environment
92/100
Wild spaces for butterflies to be created in Glasgow
Glasgow is embarking on an ambitious two-year project to create 40 new wild spaces designed to support butterflies, moths, and other urban wildlife. Butterfly Conservation, working alongside Glasgow City Council, will establish habitats in parks, schools, and community centers, recruiting at least 40 volunteers to help maintain them. The £250,000 initiative aims to combat the decline of common butterfly and moth species while enriching local green spaces that already comprise over a fifth of the city. Participants will receive wildflower seed packs to create miniature havens, and organizers hope to eventually share their approach with five neighboring councils. A previous project in Perth and Stirling successfully engaged over 1,000 people.
Simple recipes to celebrate autumn and enjoy the cosy kitchen
As autumn settles in, the cooler weather invites a return to the warmth of the kitchen. ABC Australia has gathered five approachable recipes designed to make seasonal cooking both simple and satisfying. The collection spans meals throughout the day, from a quick spiced lentil and tomato soup that comes together in thirty minutes to a tandoori chicken tray bake reminiscent of biryani. A vegetarian pasta features kale pesto and golden halloumi, while a protein-rich chickpea and pumpkin smash offers make-ahead lunch solutions. For bakers, a chocolate cherry loaf cake with sour cream icing provides a sweet finale. Each recipe emphasizes pantry-friendly ingredients and straightforward techniques, aiming to reduce mealtime stress while bringing comfort to home cooking during the changing season.
space
science
nature
88/100
Rare ‘blood moon’ total lunar eclipse to loom over North America, Australia and New Zealand
A total lunar eclipse will grace the skies over North America, Australia, and New Zealand on Tuesday, transforming the moon into a striking copper-red color. This "blood moon" occurs when Earth passes between the sun and moon, with sunlight filtering through Earth's atmosphere and painting the lunar surface in sunset hues. Astrophysicists recommend finding dark locations for optimal viewing, noting that Jupiter will also be visible alongside the eclipsed moon. This marks the last opportunity to witness this celestial event until 2028, as total lunar eclipses occur only every 18 months to three years. The phenomenon offers what scientists describe as a breathtaking reminder of our planet's movement through space.
health
science
community
82/100
Wāhine Māori acknowledged with awards for cancer research
Three Māori women researchers have received awards for their work on improving cancer outcomes for Māori communities. Their projects span diverse approaches: one explores how traditional papakāinga living and Rongoā Māori practices can protect families facing environmental contamination linked to cancer risk; another develops advanced immunotherapies combining different immune cells for more effective treatment with fewer side effects; and a third enhances genomic prediction tools for Māori and Pasifika patients. The awards, now in their fifth year, reflect both scientific innovation and deeply personal connections—each researcher has witnessed cancer's impact within their own whānau, driving their commitment to future generations.
culture
tradition
community
88/100
Fijian Flying Circus wows New Zealand crowd in debut tour
The Fijian Flying Circus completed their first New Zealand tour to enthusiastic crowds, blending indigenous storytelling with contemporary circus arts. Performers Stuart Tuidela and Evangeline Kumar bring Fijian myths and legends to life through acrobatics, aerial silks, hair-hanging, and tightrope walking. Originally created to engage school children with their cultural heritage, the show has resonated deeply with Fijian communities abroad and wider audiences alike. Both performers transitioned from traditional dance with VOU company after training with Cuban circus artists. The troupe plans to expand their tour to New Caledonia and Australia, continuing to share their unique fusion of folklore and spectacle.
wildlife
human-animal
community
88/100
Elusive crocodile captured by reptile wranglers in Newcastle creek
Reptile experts have successfully captured a freshwater crocodile after it was spotted in Ironbark Creek, a suburban waterway in Newcastle, Australia. Locals first noticed the sub-adult crocodile on Saturday afternoon, prompting police to secure the area. Australian Reptile Park keeper Billy Collett and his team spent more than a day searching before locating and catching the crocodile on Sunday evening. The capture required a dramatic dive into dark water. Experts believe the crocodile was likely an escaped pet, as the species doesn't naturally occur in the region. The reptile is now being assessed by veterinarians, with authorities investigating how it arrived in the suburban creek.
wildlife
community
environment
92/100
Justin Claude Rakotoarisoa, a guardian of Madagascar’s amphibians, has died, aged 45
Justin Claude Rakotoarisoa, a conservation guide from Madagascar's Andasibe region, dedicated his life to protecting the island's unique amphibians. Working with the community organization Mitsinjo, he helped establish and manage a captive-breeding facility that maintained threatened frog species as safeguards against habitat loss and disease. Largely self-taught, Rakotoarisoa translated scientific resources into Malagasy and served as a vital link between international researchers and local communities. His patient, steady work exemplified how effective conservation often depends on persistent local effort rather than distant institutions. Madagascar holds exceptional frog diversity found nowhere else on Earth, making guardians like Rakotoarisoa essential to species survival. He died at age 45.
books
culture
language
88/100
Inside a Japanese bookshop: Words you need to browse in Jimbocho
Tokyo's Jimbocho district, recently named the world's coolest neighborhood, offers book lovers a unique glimpse into Japan's vibrant literary culture. With over 10,000 bookshops nationwide—nearly five times the per capita rate of the United States—Japan provides remarkable opportunities for bibliophiles. The neighborhood features atmospheric used bookstores, smoky coffeehouses, and stacks of vintage volumes. Visitors can explore various shop types, from multi-floor chains like Tsutaya and Kinokuniya to intimate antiquarian stores. While language barriers may challenge non-Japanese readers, the district's charm and Japan's growing global literary presence make it an inviting destination for anyone curious about the country's deep relationship with books and reading culture.
health
innovation
science
78/100
'Good sleep' is the new flex for 2026
Sleep tracking has become the latest wellness trend, replacing older boasts about functioning on minimal rest. Sports physiologist Matt Driller notes that where "the sleepless elite" once bragged about few hours of sleep, people now compete for better rest quality. Wellington gym owner Brian Sciascia and Auckland shift-worker Kelly both use devices to monitor their nightly patterns, finding the data both motivating and occasionally anxiety-inducing. Researchers emphasize that poor sleep affects nearly every bodily process, making it "the big rock of recovery." With emerging science on sleep's impact on brain health and the proliferation of wearable technology, achieving quality rest has become a modern status symbol and fitness goal.
music
culture
language
82/100
2026 Taite Music Prize finalists announced
Ten independent albums have been named finalists for the 2026 Taite Music Prize, celebrating exceptional music-making in Aotearoa New Zealand. The award honours journalist Dylan Taite and recognizes diverse musical expressions, from Marlon Williams' te reo Māori folk album to Geneva AM's bilingual R&B-electronic debut. Finalists span punk, dream-pop, hip-hop, and indie rock, representing artists from Auckland, Wellington, and Christchurch. The winner, to be announced April 29 in Auckland, receives $12,500. The selection showcases the breadth of New Zealand's independent music scene, with works exploring personal stories, cultural identity, and sonic experimentation across genres.
community
health
innovation
85/100
How flipping the school lunch break reduced classroom 'angst'
A public school on the New South Wales Central Coast has restructured its lunch break, inviting students to play for 30 minutes before eating. The Entrance Public School introduced structured activities like soccer and dance, allowing children to release energy before settling down for their meal. Since the change, behavioral incidents have dropped by 71 percent, and students now waste less food because they're not rushing to play. NAPLAN scores also improved, with students performing above average compared to peers from similar backgrounds. Parents report children are more willing to try new foods when eating together after play. Nutrition experts suggest the approach shows promise but emphasize that schools should tailor lunch routines to their unique communities rather than adopting a one-size-fits-all solution.
ocean
environment
community
88/100
The power of cities over the seas
Coastal cities may shape ocean health more than commonly realized through everyday decisions about ports, purchasing, and regulations. Major ports like Los Angeles have reduced emissions by requiring cleaner fuels and updated vessels—rules shipping companies follow because access to trade hubs is too valuable to lose. Municipal food procurement also creates ripples: when cities adopt seafood sustainability standards or respond to public concerns, supply chains adjust and fisheries face new incentives. These urban levers operate beneath the visibility of international treaties yet complement national policy. Philanthropic groups are beginning to recognize that supporting city-level actions—port electrification, procurement reform, data systems—may offer practical pathways to marine conservation even when broader cooperation stalls.
wildlife
community
nature
82/100
Crocodiles spotted in Newcastle creek
Several juvenile freshwater crocodiles have unexpectedly appeared in Ironbark Creek near Newcastle, New South Wales—well outside their natural northern habitat. Local resident Lionel Saunders first spotted five of the reptiles, initially mistaking them for lizards or logs. Australian Reptile Park rangers traveled from the Central Coast to search for the animals over the weekend. Wildlife experts believe the crocodiles were likely illegally transported from Queensland and released when they grew too large to keep. Authorities have asked residents to stay away from the area, as crowds and disturbances make the crocodiles harder to locate and could cause them to hide underwater for extended periods.
Healy scores century in ODI farewell as Aussies thrash India
Alyssa Healy marked her final One Day International match with a brilliant 158 runs, leading Australia to a commanding 185-run victory over India in Hobart. The Australian captain's century was the highest women's ODI score against India and in Australia, featuring 27 fours and two sixes. Beth Mooney added an unbeaten 106 as the hosts posted 7-409, their highest domestic total. India's guard of honour celebrated Healy's distinguished career as she prepares to retire after next week's Test match in Perth. The comprehensive win secured Australia's sweep of the three-match ODI series.
science
health
community
88/100
‘I clicked on a button – and everything changed’: how a DNA test turned my life upside-down
A woman's casual curiosity about her adopted father's ancestry led her to purchase a DNA test, hoping to quietly explore family origins without raising sensitive questions. Three years after receiving unremarkable initial results, she logged back into the website and discovered a half-sister she never knew existed—someone conceived through IVF at the same clinic where she and her triplet siblings were born. The revelation upended her understanding of her own conception and biological parentage, transforming what began as a simple genealogical inquiry into a profound personal mystery about fertility treatment, family secrets, and identity.
culture
sports
community
88/100
How To Dad's Jordan Watson: 'Cheap and cheerful is what's worked for me'
Jordan Watson, the creator behind 'How To Dad,' has spent eleven years building a social media presence rooted in authenticity rather than polish. The Tainui content creator's 'cheap and cheerful' approach—spontaneous videos shot without elaborate production—has resonated with audiences since his first comedy parenting video went viral in 2015. Watson now hosts 'Out of My League,' an RNZ show where he attempts sports alongside New Zealand's Olympic athletes, including Dame Lisa Carrington and Ellesse Andrews. From early work on shows like 'Jono and Ben' to going full-time as a content creator in 2017, Watson has maintained creative control, carefully selecting brand partnerships and staying true to his comedic style. Living in Papamoa with his wife Jody and three daughters, he continues creating content with an openness to new experiences.
nature
science
environment
88/100
New fungal research to support woodland creation
Researchers in Cumbria are studying underground fungal networks to support England's ambitious woodland creation goals. At Wild Haweswater, scientists are examining mycorrhizal fungi—microscopic organisms that form partnerships with tree roots, helping them access nutrients and water in exchange for carbon. The site is particularly interesting because its fungi shifted from tree-supporting varieties to grassland types after centuries of grazing. By identifying which fungi are present in the soil, conservationists hope to determine optimal planting locations and tree species, improving survival rates. Without the right fungal partners, newly planted trees struggle to establish and may die. The collaborative project aims to work with natural processes to create resilient, ecologically rich woodlands across upland landscapes.
nature
environment
community
88/100
Young trees planted to expand temperate rainforest
Volunteers have planted 800 young trees at Wistman's Wood on Dartmoor, helping to expand one of southwest England's rare temperate rainforests. The effort, led by Natural England alongside the Duchy of Cornwall, Moor Trees, and the Woodland Trust, follows an earlier planting of 450 saplings in March. The young trees are protected within fenced plots to help them establish. Project leaders emphasized that restoring this iconic woodland requires sustained, long-term commitment rather than single interventions, reflecting a broader dedication to creating nature-rich landscapes in the region.
wildlife
science
nature
90/100
‘Who’d guess they’re the same species?’ What Italy’s wall lizards reveal about genetic diversity and why it matters
Researchers studying Italy's common wall lizards have uncovered a dramatic shift in biodiversity within a single species. Despite being the same species, these lizards display stunning differences in color, size, and behavior—from charcoal bodies with fluorescent blue spots to smaller brown forms with dark stripes. For millions of years, three color variations coexisted in delicate balance. Now, a fourth, more aggressive form appears to be disrupting this ancient equilibrium, potentially driving the original three toward extinction. The study of 2,506 lizards across Italy reveals how new traits can rapidly reshape diversity within species, offering insights into evolution and the complex nature of biodiversity beyond simple species counts.
craft
community
tradition
92/100
'By the end of the year, they're making their own clothes'
Heather Black teaches South Aucklanders to sew in an accessible, hands-on program that welcomes those uncomfortable in traditional classroom settings. Starting at age 12 making clothes from whatever fabric she could find, Black now runs classes across multiple communities, using recycled machines and donated materials. She employs what she calls Māori methods—teaching through visual learning and hand measurements rather than written instructions. Students pay only a gold coin donation and progress from beginners to creating garments for their families within a year. Beyond practical skills, the classes foster connection and community, though rising costs threaten some of the venues where these valuable sessions take place.
innovation
environment
community
88/100
The British company taking many steps to produce power
Laurence Kemball-Cook's company Pavegen transforms footsteps into electricity using kinetic energy technology. After realizing that solar and wind power struggle in dense urban settings, he developed flooring tiles with flywheel systems that spin for up to 10 seconds per step. Now installed in 250 locations across five countries, the technology powers phone charging stations at train stations, lights parks near the White House, and illuminates buildings in Hong Kong. While costs remain high, the company aims to make the tiles price-competitive with standard flooring, with particular opportunities in new urban developments where large-scale implementation is easier.
food
culture
tradition
95/100
Memory of Island: Kadeau
At Kadeau restaurant, chef Nicolai Nørregaard transforms Bornholm Island's preservation traditions into refined modern cuisine. The Danish Baltic island's harsh winters and brief summers historically demanded salting, drying, and fermenting—not as culinary trends, but survival necessities. Nørregaard's techniques reflect childhood memories of his grandfather preparing food stores, resulting in dishes where ingredients are safeguarded rather than simply consumed. Summer tomatoes appear in February through careful preservation; raw scallops rest on rye with kelp salt; shrimp accompany dried summer tomatoes. The restaurant's partnership structure mirrors island solidarity, suggesting terroir extends beyond ingredients to relationships. This is cuisine rooted in place and memory, where geography determines method and restraint honors natural flavors.
wildlife
nature
exploration
95/100
Young country diary: A new find for my collection – a fox skull
Nine-year-old Jasmine discovered an animal skull during a winter walk in the woods behind her home. Initially mistaking it for broken stones among the leaf litter, she brought her find home for closer examination. Through careful observation—measuring its 14cm length, counting 42 teeth, and noting the long slender snout and meat-eating incisors—she identified it as an adult fox skull. Her research revealed that Bristol, her home city, has the third-largest urban fox population in the UK, with about 16 foxes per square kilometre compared to just two in rural areas. The skull now rests in her family's cabinet of curiosities alongside other treasures she and her sister have collected.
nature
community
exploration
95/100
I went to rural Wales to bathe in starlight and the Milky Way blew me away
A visitor to rural Wales discovers the profound experience of star bathing, lying under the pristine night sky of Ceredigion's dark sky countryside. Guided by Dafydd Wyn Morgan of astrotourism company Serydda, participants gaze at Jupiter, Orion's Belt, and the Milky Way while learning myths and legends. Similar to forest bathing, the practice emphasizes emotional connection over scientific knowledge. With 98% of UK residents living under light pollution, Wales's two International Dark Sky Reserves draw travelers seeking rare glimpses of true darkness. Demand is surging—one dark skies officer reports overwhelming waiting lists, with visitors sometimes moved to tears by their first sight of shooting stars.
wildlife
innovation
community
95/100
Turtle 'panel beater' saving lives with 3D printer and dental glue
In Victoria's Gippsland region, electrician-turned-wildlife carer Josh Neille has developed an innovative approach to helping injured turtles. Using dental resin—the same material found in tooth fillings—he repairs cracked shells on animals hit by vehicles. The process involves careful cleaning, layering primer and resin, then curing with UV light. For severe damage, Neille employs 3D scanning and printing to create custom shell replacements. Local dentist Yana Stevens supplies the materials, noting they can last five years or more. Neille has treated nearly 15 turtles in the past year at his Tinamba farm, which also shelters around 200 native animals including wombats, possums, and emus. His social media presence helps connect road users with injured wildlife, turning potential roadside tragedies into recovery stories.