The Wild League aims to turn sports mascots into conservation champions

A new study reveals that 727 professional sports teams across 50 countries feature wild animals in their branding, with lions, tigers, and wolves—species facing threats in the wild—topping the list. With over a billion combined social media followers, these teams represent an untapped opportunity for conservation. Researcher Ugo Arbieu has launched The Wild League, a framework encouraging sports clubs to invest in protecting the species they profit from representing. Clemson University's Tigers United program already demonstrates this model in action, channeling school spirit into tiger conservation efforts in India. The initiative suggests that even small contributions—0.01% of match-day earnings—could significantly impact biodiversity protection while strengthening team brands.

‘My lovely distraction’: Live stream of kākāpō – world’s fattest parrot – and her chicks captivates New Zealand

Over 100,000 people worldwide have tuned in to watch a live stream of Rakiura, a kākāpō parrot, raising her chicks on a remote New Zealand island. The kākāpō—the world's fattest, only flightless and nocturnal parrot—once faced near extinction with just 51 birds remaining in 1995. A dedicated recovery program has since grown the population to 236. This breeding season, triggered by abundant native rimu berries, could be record-breaking, with 78 nests and 57 chicks hatched so far. Viewers from around the globe have found joy and wonder in watching the rare birds, describing the stream as a heartwarming distraction and a reminder that conservation efforts matter.

How elephants experience time, and what this tells us about protecting them

Researcher Khatijah Rahmat is exploring how elephants experience time—a concept she calls animal temporality. By examining elephants' eco-cultural heritage, their responses to human-impacted time, and individual histories, she argues that recognizing animals as temporal beings could deepen our empathy and transform conservation approaches. Her work relies on indirect observation rather than laboratory experiments, since temporal experience can't be easily replicated in controlled settings. Rahmat believes this perspective could expand conservation beyond population numbers to include considerations of intangible heritage and trauma. The research might also help scientists express observations they've traditionally felt constrained from sharing due to scientific rigor.

South Australian man sails around the world in homemade boat

South Australian Dan Turner has completed a 16-month solo journey around the world, finishing second among 15 competitors in the Mini Globe Race. The remarkable achievement becomes even more impressive considering he built his 5.8-meter yacht, The Immortal Game, in his own garage. Turner navigated 28,000 nautical miles through storms with 70-knot winds, near-disasters including a snapped forestay, and profound homesickness. Yet he also discovered remote islands like the Marquesas and connected with local cultures. His wife Nikki tracked his progress from Adelaide, balancing fear with pride. The boat will sail again—Turner has sold it to another Australian competing in the 2029 race, ensuring its legacy continues.

Otago Peninsula officially declared possum free

After more than 15 years of community-led effort, New Zealand's Otago Peninsula has been declared possum-free, with over 24,000 possums removed from 10,000 hectares of challenging terrain. The final phase employed innovative tools including AI traps, thermal drones, and a specially trained detection dog named Scout to track down the last possums hiding in cliff faces and backyards. Native birds like tūī and bellbirds are already returning, spreading seeds across the landscape in what conservationists describe as a "human-induced mast event." The achievement represents a significant milestone toward New Zealand's ambitious Predator Free 2050 goal, demonstrating how sustained community commitment combined with modern technology can restore ecosystems.

Alfredo Bryce Echenique, the writer who acidly portrayed Peru's elite in 'A World for Julius,' dies at 87

Muere a los 87 años Alfredo Bryce Echenique, el escritor que retrató con acidez a la élite de Perú en "Un mundo para Julius"

Peruvian writer Alfredo Bryce Echenique has died at age 87, leaving behind a literary legacy that captured the complexities of human nature with sharp wit and tenderness. Best known for his 1970 debut novel "Un mundo para Julius" ("A World for Julius"), he portrayed Lima's wealthy elite through a child's innocent eyes, earning immediate acclaim and Peru's National Literature Prize. His subsequent works, including "La vida exagerada de Martín Romaña," showcased his signature irony and psychological insight. The author received the prestigious Premio Planeta in 2002 and published his final novel in 2012. Peru's literary community mourns one of its most representative contemporary voices.

Promising breakthrough creates plastics that self-deconstruct on cue: Study

Chemists at Rutgers University have developed a promising approach to tackle plastic pollution by creating materials that can be programmed to break down on schedule or in response to triggers like sunlight. Drawing inspiration from how natural polymers such as proteins and DNA decompose, researchers embedded self-destructing mechanisms directly into plastic's molecular structure. This innovation could resolve the long-standing trade-off between durability and degradability, allowing plastics to remain strong during use but automatically deconstruct afterward. With over 8.3 billion metric tons of plastic produced since the 1950s still polluting ecosystems, and billions more tons expected by 2050, such breakthroughs offer hope for moving away from the linear "take-make-waste" model toward more circular, nature-inspired manufacturing systems.

Women of the Rosenstrasse protest challenged the Nazi regime for their detained Jewish husbands’ freedom – and won

In February 1943, hundreds of non-Jewish women gathered on Berlin's Rosenstrasse to demand the release of their Jewish husbands, who had been arrested in a Nazi roundup of over 9,000 Jews. For nearly a week, these wives and mothers protested publicly—a rare act of defiance under Hitler's regime. On March 6, most of the nearly 2,000 detained men were released, while 7,000 other Jews arrested in the same sweep were deported to Auschwitz. Scholars continue to debate the protest's influence, though American intelligence at the time suggested the action was discontinued due to public outcry. The event raises enduring questions about resistance, family bonds, and the limits of Nazi power.

The Desert Lives: Sea of Flowers in Death Valley

Die Wüste lebt: Blütenmeer im "Tal des Todes"

Death Valley, one of the world's hottest and driest deserts, is experiencing its most vibrant wildflower bloom in a decade. Golden desert sunflowers, along with purple, orange, and white blooms, have transformed the stark landscape following record rainfall since October and the wettest November on record. Seeds that lay dormant in the soil for years have finally germinated, creating a temporary sea of color. Scientists note that desert plants have evolved remarkable survival strategies, waiting decades if necessary for ideal conditions. The spectacular display is expected to last only until late March, when summer heat will return the valley to its typical extreme conditions.

The Spiritual Movement Saving a Gentle Giant

Off the coast of Gujarat, India, fisherman Ganeshbhai Varidum cut his expensive trawling net to free an entangled whale shark—an act unthinkable just 25 years ago. Once hunted for oil and meat, whale sharks are now cherished by local fishing communities, thanks to an unlikely conservation partnership. After the species gained legal protection in 2001, the Wildlife Trust of India enlisted spiritual leader Morari Bapu, who compared the gentle giants visiting Gujarat's coast to beloved daughters returning home to give birth. The metaphor struck a chord, transforming the previously nameless "big fish" into the "vhali," or beloved one, in the hearts of fishers who now release them at personal cost.

Testing the waters: can pumping chemicals into the ocean help stop global heating?

Scientists deliberately released 65,000 liters of alkaline chemicals into the Gulf of Maine to test ocean alkalinity enhancement, a technology designed to help oceans absorb more carbon dioxide. The experiment, which turned the water maroon with dye, measured around 10 tonnes of carbon absorption and raised local pH to preindustrial levels over five days. The approach mimics natural weathering but works faster, potentially addressing both global heating and ocean acidification. While preliminary results showed no significant harm to plankton and larvae, critics worry about unforeseen consequences at scale. The technique resembles agricultural liming practices used for millennia, and several startups now sell carbon credits based on this method, though its safety and effectiveness at climate-relevant scales remain uncertain.

Pilbara artist's work taken on 5,000km road trip for Sydney show

Wendy Hubert, a respected Yindjibarndi elder and artist from Ngurrawaana in Western Australia's remote Pilbara region, is sharing her community's story at the Biennale of Sydney. Her work explores both the impacts of colonisation and mining on her people, and celebrates more than 50,000 years of Yindjibarndi culture. Rangers and family members drove 53 hours across 5,000 kilometres to deliver her paintings and materials—including rocks, dirt, and ceremonial items—from her ancestral lands. The journey embodies the cultural principle of Nyinyart, or reciprocity, and provided an opportunity to connect younger generations with their heritage. For Hubert, creating art on her homeland has been personally transformative and a way to preserve knowledge for future generations.

Can Singapore rewild its lost reptiles?

Singapore has lost roughly a third of its terrestrial vertebrate species since the 19th century, but reptiles have shown surprising resilience. A recent study reveals snakes and lizards declined in two waves—first during plantation-era deforestation, then through late-20th-century urbanization. Forest specialists suffered most, while adaptable species persist in degraded habitats. Though around 17% of native reptile species have disappeared, many survive in fragmented populations. Because reptiles cannot easily cross the sea barrier from Malaysia, scientists are exploring rewilding through translocation. Maturing secondary forests and restoration efforts now create opportunities to reintroduce lost species like the forest gecko Gekko hulk, potentially restoring ecological functions even if the original ecosystem cannot be fully recovered.

Birdwatching will have guided outings during COP15 in Campo Grande

Observação de aves terá saídas guiadas durante a COP15 em Campo Grande

During the UN's COP15 wildlife conservation conference in Campo Grande, Brazil, residents and visitors will have the opportunity to join guided birdwatching outings, known locally as "passarinhadas." Specialized guides will help participants identify local and migratory bird species in the city's parks and green spaces. The activity is part of a growing birdwatching movement in the region, coordinated by the Mamede Institute for Environmental Research and Ecotourism. Free outings are organized by participants themselves, with binoculars provided for beginners. Environmental educator Maristela Benites notes that birdwatching is becoming an established cultural practice in Campo Grande and throughout Mato Grosso do Sul state.

Fire knife warriors light up Auckland at Siva Afi Festiva

Auckland's Siva Afi Festival brought together fire knife dancers from across the Pacific to celebrate and share the ancient Samoan art form. Competitors from Samoa, Tahiti, Niue, and the Cook Islands spun blazing nifo oti in a vibrant display of skill and cultural pride. Festival director Amo Ieriko emphasized the art's inclusive spirit, noting how it builds confidence and enables intergenerational learning across cultures. Tahitian champion Hikitahi Pokoe claimed his second consecutive title, while newcomer Vandross Pere won the intermediate category after just one year of training. Judges and participants alike highlighted the welcoming community, where knowledge flows freely and performers of all backgrounds connect with Pacific heritage through flame and movement.

Ecuador’s new ecological corridor connects Andes and Amazon ecosystems

Ecuador has established a new 2,159-square-kilometer biological corridor linking Llanganates National Park in the Andes with Yasuní Biosphere Reserve in the Amazon Rainforest. The corridor is notable for its "altitudinal connectivity," bridging ecosystems from 4,000-meter mountain peaks to lowland rainforests. Conservation organizations and local governments collaborated on the project, which aims to help species like the black-and-chestnut eagle migrate between elevations and adapt to climate change. The initiative also supports local communities whose livelihoods depend on healthy ecosystems, balancing conservation with sustainable economic practices in an area historically affected by agriculture and extractive industries.

Human trials about to take place on universal flu vaccine

A universal flu vaccine that could protect against all strains of influenza—past, present, and future—is entering human trials in Australia. Unlike current flu vaccines, which must be updated annually as viruses evolve, Centiflu 01 targets parts of the flu virus that remain constant across thousands of years. Dr. Jacob Glanville, the immunoengineer leading the trials, reports that animal studies showed stronger immune responses than commercial vaccines, which are typically 10-60 percent effective. The vaccine demonstrated protection against viruses 15 years after initial testing. Phase one will involve roughly 300 volunteers across both hemispheres, with subsequent phases planned for 2026 and 2028.

Help a toad across the road – and five more ways to save these endangered amphibians

Common toads, charming amphibians with copper eyes and pest-eating habits, have declined by 41% in the UK since 1985. Road mortality during their dramatic spring migration—when hundreds of thousands journey to ancestral ponds—is a major threat, along with lost habitat, pollution, declining invertebrate prey, and climate impacts. Volunteers can join toad patrols to help these creatures cross roads safely during wet spring evenings. One patrol in Bath has reduced toad casualties from 60% to 3% and saved 50,000 toads over two decades. These citizen scientists gather valuable data while protecting wildlife, finding fulfillment in collective conservation efforts that give toads a fighting chance.

What does the appendix do? Biologists explain the complicated evolution of this inconvenient organ

Long dismissed as a useless evolutionary leftover since Darwin's time, the appendix turns out to be far more fascinating. New research reveals it evolved independently at least 32 times across mammalian species—a pattern suggesting genuine survival advantages. The small pouch supports immune system development, especially during childhood, by helping the body distinguish friendly gut bacteria from harmful pathogens. Scientists also propose it serves as a microbial refuge, sheltering beneficial bacteria during severe infections so they can repopulate the intestines afterward. This convergent evolution across marsupials, primates, and rodents indicates the appendix isn't an accident—it's an organ evolution kept reinventing under different ecological conditions.

Large tortoiseshell butterfly confirmed no longer extinct in UK

The large tortoiseshell butterfly has been confirmed as a resident UK species again after becoming extinct in Britain by the 1960s. Recent sightings across southern England, from Kent to Cornwall, show the insect emerging from hibernation in woodlands, bringing Britain's native butterfly count to 60. Unlike its garden-dwelling cousin, this tree-dwelling butterfly feeds on elm, willow, and other trees as a caterpillar. Scientists believe warming temperatures and growing populations in the Netherlands and France have helped the species migrate back across the Channel. Wild caterpillars discovered since 2020 confirm successful breeding, though experts remain cautiously optimistic about the butterfly's long-term establishment in British landscapes.

‘In Romania now, you don’t see a bottle anywhere’

Romania has transformed its recycling landscape with a remarkably successful deposit return scheme launched in 2023. Consumers pay a small deposit on bottles and cans, then reclaim their money at reverse vending machines in stores. The results have been striking: over 8 billion containers collected, with 90% of Romanians participating at least once. The not-for-profit system ensures full traceability, with collected materials sorted and sold to recyclers who provide certificates proving proper processing. While beverage containers represent only 5% of Romania's waste, neighboring countries are watching closely, and the UK plans to launch its own scheme next year.

Starwatch: patience is needed to observe Cancer’s beehive cluster

Cancer, the crab constellation, currently rides high in the southern evening sky, offering stargazers a chance to spot M44, the beehive cluster. Though Cancer lacks bright stars, this ancient star cluster—spanning roughly three times the width of a full moon—rewards patient observers. To find it, locate Cancer between Gemini and Leo, then look to the constellation's center. The cluster appears as a faint patch of light visible to the naked eye under dark skies, preferably away from city lights after allowing about twenty minutes for eyes to adjust. From the southern hemisphere, Cancer sits lower in the northwestern sky.

Ten years without Naná Vasconcelos: the work of the Pernambuco artist who won eight Grammys continues to inspire generations in Brazil and worldwide

Dez anos sem Naná Vasconcelos: obra do pernambucano que ganhou oito Grammys continua a inspirar gerações no Brasil e no mundo

Ten years after his passing, Brazilian percussionist Naná Vasconcelos continues to inspire musicians worldwide. The Recife native, who opened his city's carnival for 15 years, won eight Grammy Awards and was named best percussionist in the world nine times by Down Beat magazine. A giant mural and statue now honor him in Recife, though his widow notes these tributes only hint at his profound artistic legacy. Shortly before his death from lung cancer in 2016, he received an honorary doctorate from a local university, performing on his signature berimbau despite his illness. Friends remember him as a generous teacher who connected people and musical styles, fostering talent through example and collaboration.

After years of kidney problems, Jackson Antunes receives kidney from wife and celebrates recovery

Após anos de problemas renais, Jackson Antunes recebe rim da esposa e comemora recuperação

Brazilian actor Jackson Antunes has spent decades managing health challenges with quiet determination and humor. After suffering thromboses in the 1990s, he discovered he had only one kidney—a revelation he initially took lightly. Years later, chronic kidney disease progressed, and by 2024 he was balancing television work with regular dialysis sessions. When doctors recommended a transplant, his wife Cris of 33 years tested as a match and donated her kidney. The couple now celebrates recovery together, their story highlighting both the power of love and Brazil's broader transplant needs: 42,000 people await kidney donations, while an estimated 20 million Brazilians live with undiagnosed kidney disease.

Bitter times for cocoa farmers as chocolate market slumps

West African cocoa farmers face a painful paradox: while chocolate prices soared for consumers, a subsequent crash in global cocoa prices has left hundreds of thousands of growers unpaid for months. Ghana and Ivory Coast, which produce much of the world's cocoa, set prices a year ahead—but when markets dropped due to abundant harvests and reduced demand, their beans became too expensive to sell internationally. One Ghanaian farmer lost her husband when she couldn't afford medical care, her cocoa payments frozen. Ghana's Cocoa Board now carries $3 billion in debt, and while it's lowering guaranteed prices, farmers say costs for labor and supplies haven't fallen. The crisis ripples through remote jungle villages already lacking basic infrastructure, threatening livelihoods across the region.

What it's like living with cancer, rather than dying from it

Paula Miles and Karen Barnett are living with incurable metastatic cancer, navigating what oncologist Dr. David Okonji describes as a challenging middle ground—neither cancer-free nor immediately dying. Miles, five years past her initial prognosis, finds joy in her Golden Bay garden, bare feet on dewy grass, and the song of native birds. Barnett, who has outlived her timeline by six months, pursues adventures with growing defiance. Okonji observes that many in their situation struggle with "the guilt of living," a paralysis that can steal life's joy. Both women exemplify his hope: learning to live moment to moment, discovering calm and delight amid uncertainty, and finding meaning in the time they have.

'Amazing' generosity helps bushfire survivors back on their feet

When a bushfire swept through Koolewong on Australia's Central Coast in December, renters Paula Jones and Ringo Hansen lost everything in minutes—too fast to save documents or belongings beyond their dog. With no insurance and minimal savings, the couple feared homelessness. But their community stepped in with remarkable generosity: friends traveled hours to buy clothes, strangers donated appliances, and fundraising efforts helped them secure and furnish a new rental. The couple, who moved from the US nine years ago, found the support overwhelming and distinctly Australian. As renters rather than owners, their path forward looked different—no land to rebuild on, just the need to quickly find shelter and begin again.

From sugarcane cutter to adult education manager: education transforms woman's life in São Paulo interior

De cortadora de cana a gestora da EJA: educação transforma vida de mulher no interior de SP

Maria Alice Zacharias spent her childhood cutting sugarcane in São Paulo's interior, working grueling days under the sun before attending night school. Daughter of farm workers who couldn't read or write, she persevered through interrupted studies and exhausting labor. Returning to education as an adult through a youth and adult learning program, she completed her teaching degree and discovered her calling. For 30 years, she's volunteered in literacy education, recognizing her students' stories mirror her own. Now 55, she manages São Paulo's adult education program and serves as a regional coordinator for a national literacy initiative, proving that education offers not just skills, but autonomy and transformation.

Who was Urraca, the first woman to reign in Europe

Quem foi Urraca, a primeira mulher a reinar na Europa

Nine centuries ago, Urraca I of León and Galicia became the first woman to rule a European kingdom in her own right—not as a queen consort. Born in 1080, she was her father's eldest child but initially passed over for her half-brother Sancho. When he died in battle in 1108, King Alfonso VI named Urraca his heir, though nobles insisted she remarry. She ascended the throne and held the title "Empress of All Hispania," governing for nearly 17 years amid constant challenges to her authority. Historians note that while medieval law permitted female succession, her reign was exceptional, and many details of women's roles in this era were omitted from historical records.

Matriarch and activist of the samba family, Tia Ciata has long deserved to be the theme of a Rio de Janeiro Carnival samba school

Matriarca ativista da família do samba, Tia Ciata há muito merecia ser enredo de escola do Carnaval do Rio de Janeiro

Tia Ciata, born Hilária Batista de Almeida in 1854, will finally be honored as the theme of Rio's Paraíso do Tuiuti samba school parade in 2027—over a century after her death. A spiritual leader, cook, and matriarch who migrated from Bahia to Rio in 1876, she opened her legendary home in Praça Onze to sambistas at a time when playing samba was criminalized. There, in what became known as Little Africa, she nurtured the genre's early development through gatherings and mentorship. Though male musicians dominate official histories, Ciata's pioneering activism and cultural leadership were essential to samba's birth, making this long-overdue recognition a meaningful acknowledgment of women's contributions to Brazilian musical heritage.

Marrow donated by mother 'takes' on daughter's birthday

Medula doada por mãe 'pega' no dia do aniversário da filha

A young woman in Brazil received remarkable news on her 25th birthday: the bone marrow donated by her mother had successfully engrafted in her body. Sabrina Duarte is being treated for leukemia in Natal, where her mother Dayane—whose compatibility was 50%—donated marrow just over two weeks earlier. The 16-day waiting period was the most delicate phase, requiring complete isolation. The timing of the confirmation made the moment especially meaningful for both mother and daughter. While the engraftment is an important milestone, doctors will continue close monitoring for three months to ensure the transplanted marrow functions properly without rejection.

Kitty O'Neil, the 'true Wonder Woman' who defied death, survived fire and broke records

Kitty O'Neil, la "verdadera Mujer Maravilla" que desafió a la muerte, sobrevivió al fuego y batió récords

Kitty O'Neil, born deaf after a severe infant illness, became a legendary Hollywood stuntwoman in the 1970s who shattered the women's land speed record in a desert run that captured global attention. Her mother taught her to speak by having her feel vocal vibrations, enabling O'Neil to even recognize music through touch. After a promising diving career was cut short by injury, she channeled her fearless spirit into skydiving, water skiing, and motorcycle racing. Known for her extraordinary courage—once nearly losing a finger in a crash yet wanting to continue—she became one of the first women to join the elite stunt group Stunts Unlimited, breaking barriers for women and deaf performers alike.

Indigenous woman from Amazonas becomes first female doctor of Baniwa ethnicity to care for her own community: 'I returned to help my people'

Indígena do AM se torna primeira mulher médica da etnia Baniwa para cuidar da própria comunidade: 'voltei para ajudar a minha gente'

Ilzinei da Silva has become the first Baniwa woman to graduate as a medical doctor, returning to serve her indigenous community in the Amazon. Inspired at age eight by military doctors, she overcame significant barriers—including late literacy and her parents' lack of formal education—to complete medical school in 2020 during the pandemic. Now working at an Indigenous Health Support House and military hospital in São Gabriel da Cachoeira, she provides care in the Baniwa language, bridging cultural understanding with medical expertise. She dreams of specializing in gynecology to offer compassionate prenatal and birthing care to women in remote areas, and hopes to inspire other indigenous youth to pursue education as a path to strengthening their communities.

The first of all: who was Maria Quitéria, Bahian pioneer of the Brazilian Army 200 years ago

A primeira de todas: quem foi Maria Quitéria, baiana pioneira do Exército brasileiro há 200 anos

Two hundred years ago, Maria Quitéria disguised herself as a male soldier to join Brazil's army during the independence wars. Cutting her hair and borrowing her brother-in-law's clothes, she fought in three notable battles and earned recognition from Emperor Dom Pedro I himself. Despite her bravery and military honors, she returned to anonymity after the war, eventually dying in poverty. Her pioneering path remained largely forgotten for generations. This year marks a historic shift: over 1,000 women officially joined the Brazilian Army as soldiers for the first time, and the institution's first female general was nominated—milestones that echo Quitéria's courage two centuries later.

The heartwarming tale of a father, a daughter, and a wedding band wowing India

A short promotional film from India is touching hearts nationwide by challenging the traditional expectation that married daughters must endure hardship in their marital homes. The three-and-a-half-minute story follows a father who rescues his daughter from domestic violence, celebrating her return with a wedding band—just as her departure was celebrated. The film resonates deeply in a country where one in three women experience domestic violence and cultural pressures often discourage parental intervention. Viewers have called it revolutionary, with millions sharing emotional responses online. The director hopes the film sparks necessary conversations, encouraging families to support daughters unconditionally rather than advising them to "adjust" to abusive situations.

Spectacular images reveal unique sea creatures and corals off Caribbean islands

Scientists exploring the deep waters around Britain's Caribbean territories have discovered an underwater world that had remained largely unknown. During a six-week expedition around the Cayman Islands, Anguilla, and Turks and Caicos, researchers diving as deep as 6,000 meters documented nearly 14,000 specimens and 290 marine species. Their findings include bioluminescent creatures like pelican eels with glowing tails, previously unmapped underwater mountains, and remarkably healthy coral reefs seemingly untouched by the disease and warming that have damaged much of the Caribbean's shallow-water corals. The expedition revealed that 146 species exist only in these territories, with many more likely to be added. Researchers emphasize the urgency of protecting these pristine environments.

Offshore wind farm survey solves 150yo coal supply-ship mystery

A 150-year-old maritime mystery has been solved off Australia's Gippsland coast, where the iron steamer City of Hobart sank in 1877 while carrying coal from Newcastle to Melbourne. Divers had searched unsuccessfully for the wreck since 2008, coming within 47 meters without finding it. The breakthrough came when a renewable energy company surveying the seabed for an offshore wind farm detected the wreckage. Technical divers then confirmed the discovery in February 2025. Built in Glasgow in 1853, the ship represents a fascinating transitional period in maritime history—designed as a sailing vessel but constructed as a steamship. Its unique rear-rudder propeller design adds to its historical significance. The site is now protected under federal heritage laws.

Free dance school run by 12yo champion pirouettes to success

In Armidale, New South Wales, twelve-year-old dance champion Annabelle Arkit has created something remarkable: a free dance school for families who can't afford lessons. After competing internationally and placing second at the Dance World Cup at age ten, Annabelle recognized that many children miss out on dance due to cost. What began with three students has grown to over twenty, aged nine to nineteen. The weekly classes, run with her mother at a local church, require only modest costume fees for performances. Students describe how the program builds confidence and community, with Annabelle noting that for some foster children, dance provides vital consistency. Her school recently celebrated its first student reaching national competition level.

Unlikely team of volunteers beats the odds to reopen community pool

In the small town of Glenthompson, Australia, a determined group of around 250 residents refused to let their community pool close without a fight. After the local council voted to decommission the facility in 2024, citing high costs and low usage, volunteers formed a committee and negotiated a creative solution. The council agreed to lease the pool for one dollar per year and provided funds for urgent repairs, while the community took on daily operations, fundraising, and maintenance. The pool has now reopened under this community-led model, offering hope to other struggling regional towns watching to see if grassroots management can succeed where traditional models have failed.

First shore plover fledgling born on Pitt Island in 150 years

A shore plover chick has fledged on Pitt Island in the Chatham Islands for the first time in 150 years, marking a conservation milestone for this critically endangered bird. The species, known locally as tūturuatu or tchūriwat', was eliminated from Pitt Island and mainland New Zealand by feral cats in the 1870s. With only 250 birds remaining worldwide, the successful fledgling resulted from a community-led feral cat control programme initiated after COVID-19. Recovery coordinators hope sustained cat management—or ideally eradication—could double the global population to 500 birds, offering a promising glimpse of what dedicated local conservation efforts can achieve.

The long (and fortunate) journey to photograph an eclipse on a glacier in Chile

La larga (y afortunada) travesía para fotografiar un eclipse en un glaciar en Chile

Photographer Liam Man embarked on a determined journey to capture a total solar eclipse over Chile's Leones Glacier, despite forecasts predicting complete cloud cover. After losing sponsorship due to the weather outlook, he self-funded the expedition with a team of ice climbers and local guides deeply connected to the glacier. The crew endured a grueling trek—five hours by road, ten hours hiking, and a boat journey—camping for seven days on the ice. On eclipse day, the skies miraculously cleared. For Man, witnessing the moon cover the sun for the first time offered a profound shift in perspective about our place in the universe, making the risky venture worthwhile.

How button football united father and sons, and became a tradition at home in the interior of São Paulo: 'There's magic'

Como futebol de botão uniu pai e filhos, e virou tradição em casa no interior de SP: 'Rola uma magia'

In Ribeirão Preto, Brazil, button football—a tabletop game played with disc-shaped pieces—has become a cherished tradition bridging three generations of the Tagliacolli family. Ocimir played as a child on kitchen tables and doorsteps, but the game faded during his adult years. Decades later, his son Lucas unexpectedly reignited the passion by purchasing a set while away at university. Now, Ocimir and his sons Lucas and André gather every Saturday around an official table in their living room, phones set aside, polishing buttons and playing matches. The trio has joined a local league and will even compete as rivals representing different countries at an upcoming Button Football World Cup in June.

The Neighing of Horses and Mizmar Melodies: 'Marmaḥ' — A Ramadan Ritual Reviving Upper Egypt's Heritage

صهيل الخيل وأنغام المزمار.. "المرماح" طقس رمضاني يحيي تراث الصعيد

In Egypt's Upper Saïd region, the Marmaḥ—a vibrant display of horsemanship accompanied by traditional mizmar music—remains a cherished Ramadan and communal tradition. Families and tribes gather in open fields to watch decorated horses and their riders perform, not in competition but as a living link to heritage. Rooted in Arab military traditions dating to the Islamic conquest, the Marmaḥ has evolved into festive occasions at weddings, religious festivals, and saints' celebrations. Researchers note that ownership of horses remains common, especially in Qena, where families pass down equestrian skills across generations. The events blend celebration, social bonding, and cultural memory, affirming identity in a rapidly changing world.

Retired police officer who beat cancer brings joy to elderly as Sidney Magal tribute artist and prepares for triathlon competition

Policial aposentado que venceu câncer leva alegria a idosos como cover de Sidney Magal e se prepara para competição de triatlo

Rogerio Peres Cunha, a 64-year-old retired prison guard from Brazil, refused to let a multiple myeloma diagnosis define him. After enduring 48 chemotherapy sessions and a bone marrow transplant during the pandemic, he created an imaginary companion named "Maria Vitória" from medical equipment to lift his spirits during hospitalization. Now cancer-free, Rogerio volunteers with three cancer charities and brings joy to nursing home residents by performing as a tribute artist to Brazilian singer Sidney Magal, complete with costumes and curly wigs. The former athlete isn't slowing down—he's currently training to compete in an Ironman triathlon in 2027, embodying his conviction that he's stronger than the disease.

Hero teen reunited with rescuers who saved family swept out to sea

Thirteen-year-old Austin Appelbee reunited with rescue crews who saved his family after they were swept 14 kilometers offshore in Western Australia. When rough swells separated them from shore during a kayaking trip, Austin swam four kilometers to land and ran another two to call for help. His mother Joanne and siblings Grace and Beau drifted for up to ten hours, clinging to tethered paddleboards while singing songs to stay hopeful. The family returned a month later to thank the marine rescue volunteers, police, and ambulance crews. Though called a hero, Austin deflected praise to the rescuers and his family. The siblings continue processing the physical and mental aftermath of their ordeal.

Pascale Moehrle pressed Europe to take its seas seriously

Pascale Moehrle, who led Oceana's European office from 2019 to 2025, dedicated over four decades to ocean conservation and wildlife policy before her death in March 2026. She worked to close the gap between Europe's environmental commitments and actual outcomes, pressing governments to follow scientific advice on fisheries, end destructive practices like bottom trawling in protected areas, and enforce marine protections meaningfully. Moehrle argued that marine reserves shouldn't be mere "lines on a map" and emphasized the broader ecological impacts of fishing, including how seabed disturbance releases stored carbon. Her approach combined scientific research, legal action, and persistent advocacy to transform pledges into enforceable policy that could restore marine ecosystems.

Historic 143-year-old lighthouse shines again after decades in darkness

After more than 30 years of darkness, Australia's first concrete lighthouse has been recommissioned on the New South Wales coast. Built in 1883, the Green Cape Lighthouse near Eden was decommissioned in the early 1990s and replaced by a temporary lattice tower. When that structure neared the end of its life, authorities chose to restore the original 29-meter tower rather than build anew. Specialists carefully refitted the historic lens and mercury pedestal to accommodate modern LED technology. The lighthouse now guides recreational sailors and commercial fishers alike, its four beams sweeping across the horizon every 30 seconds—a practical navigation aid and a cherished piece of maritime heritage brought back to life.

Endangered buffy-tufted-ear marmoset recorded in conservation unit in Petrópolis

Sagui-caveirinha ameaçado de extinção é registrado em unidade de conservação em Petrópolis

A family of buffy-tufted-ear marmosets—an endangered species endemic to Brazil's Atlantic Forest—has been spotted in a conservation area in Petrópolis, in Rio de Janeiro's mountain region. Researchers identified three individuals during a February trail monitoring session. The tiny primates, recognizable by their white faces against dark fur, face threats from invasive marmoset species that compete for resources and can interbreed with them. These native marmosets play a vital role as seed dispersers in their mountain forest habitat. The nearly 8,000-hectare reserve was established in 2022 to protect Atlantic Forest biodiversity and strengthen ecological corridors in the region.

The little-known team representing Australia in powerchair hockey

The Australian Sliders, Australia's national powerchair hockey team, are preparing for the 2026 world championships in Finland with renewed energy. Kieran Watts, who discovered the sport by chance sixteen years ago, will represent his country for the third time. The modified hockey game uses motorized wheelchairs controlled by joysticks and welcomes players without manual chair mobility. Despite geographic challenges that limit training to a few interstate gatherings yearly, the revamped team has brought in experienced Dutch coaches and new players. With over $55,000 needed for travel and equipment, the underdogs are working to overcome funding gaps and raise awareness for their intense, competitive sport.

Restoration of Brazil’s Atlantic Forest may hinge on market for native plants

Brazil's Atlantic Forest, home to 5% of Earth's vertebrate species, has been reduced to less than a quarter of its original size. New research explores how native plants with economic potential could transform restoration efforts. Scientists found that nearly 60% of native species in recovering forest areas have bioeconomic value—their leaves, bark, and fruits can be harvested sustainably for medical, cosmetic, and industrial uses. This approach could provide income to landowners, Indigenous communities, and local residents while supporting forest recovery. With 75% of the biome privately owned, researchers hope demonstrating economic benefits alongside environmental restoration will encourage participation in reforestation projects across the region.