China has essentially monopolized rare earth elements (REEs), the unsung heroes of modern technology, for decades. Although these 17 metals run everything from fighter planes to cell phones, their supply chain has long been a geopolitical flashpoint. Now, a ground-breaking discovery from Australian company Lynas Rare Earths has industry leaders and scientists humming: the first ...
For decades, an invisible force, a strong ocean current, has guarded Antarctica’s icy stronghold as a natural barrier against the invading warmth of northern seas. New studies, however, show this shield is failing and the results could be disastrous. Meltwater from the collapsing ice sheets of the continent is accelerating the little-known but important Antarctic ...
Romulus and Remus, two snow-white canids with powerful shoulders and wide jaws, look like something out of myth. In a way, they are. Born in the fall of 2024 through cutting-edge genetic engineering, they are the first living examples of what scientists believe to be true dire wolves in over 10,000 years. The species once ...
For centuries, historians and scientists have speculated about the physical appearance of our ancestors. What color were their eyes? Did they have dark or light skin? Were early Europeans blond, brown-haired, or redheaded? Thanks to advancements in genetics, researchers can now analyze ancient DNA to reconstruct these traits, offering us a vivid glimpse into the ...
The Greater Mekong region, a sprawling landscape of lush forests and winding rivers, has recently unveiled one of nature’s most awe-inspiring secrets. In a spectacular revelation, scientists have discovered 234 new species, a testament to the area’s incredible biodiversity. This discovery not only highlights the region’s rich biological tapestry but also underscores the importance of ...
In the heart of Malaysia lies Taman Negara, a sprawling sanctuary of tropical rainforests that whispers the secrets of ancient biodiversity. This verdant expanse, home to a myriad of flora and fauna, has long been a haven for wildlife. However, beneath its lush canopy, a battle rages against illegal poaching and wildlife trafficking. The recent ...
A surprising discovery has emerged from within California’s Briones Regional Park, challenging our traditional understanding of squirrel behavior. Researchers from the University of California, Davis, and the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire have documented California ground squirrels (Otospermophilus beecheyi) actively hunting and consuming voles—despite their being considered herbivores. A Shift in the Squirrel Diet? California ground ...
