UNIVERSE OF NATURE – Wildlife, Science & Space Facts.

Sea urchins, particularly species in the Diadema genus, play a crucial role in maintaining the balance of marine ecosystems. These spiny creatures are key herbivores that graze on algae, preventing it from overgrowing and smothering coral reefs. Without them, reefs can shift from vibrant coral-dominated systems to barren, algae-choked landscapes. In recent years, a devastating pandemic has been silently sweeping through sea urchin populations across the globe. Starting in 2022, mass mortality events have decimated Diadema species in regions as diverse as the Caribbean, the Mediterranean, the Red Sea, the Indian Ocean, and the Canary Islands. Scientists describe it as a "silent ocean pandemic" because it unfolds beneath the waves, largely unseen until populations collapse. What is Happening to Sea Urchins? The affected sea urchins exhibit clear and heartbreaking symptoms. Infected individuals become lethargic, moving abnormally or not at all. They lose responsiveness to ...

In a breathtaking archaeological breakthrough, thousands of dinosaur footprints dating back approximately 210 million years have been uncovered in Italy's Stelvio National Park. This massive track site, one of the largest and oldest in Europe, offers a rare glimpse into the lives of ancient prosauropods during the Triassic period. The discovery was made by wildlife photographer Elio Della Ferrera in September 2025 while he was capturing images of deer and vultures in the remote Fraele Valley. What caught his eye was a series of unusual patterns on a near-vertical rock wall, high above the nearest road. Upon closer inspection with a telephoto lens, he realized he had stumbled upon an immense collection of fossilized footprints. Paleontologists, led by Cristiano Dal Sasso from Milan's Natural History Museum, confirmed the find as extraordinary. Estimates suggest up to 20,000 individual footprints spread across several kilometers on steep dolomite rock faces. Some prints measu...

For decades, sleep experts have repeated the same rule: adults need seven to nine hours of sleep each night to stay healthy. Yet, scattered across the world, there exists a rare group of people who seem to break this biological law. They sleep just four hours per night and wake up alert, productive, and mentally sharp. No coffee dependence. No chronic fatigue. No health collapse.   Are these people lying? Are they secretly napping? Or is human biology more flexible than we once believed? Modern biology and neuroscience now provide answers that surprise even seasoned researchers. The truth is both fascinating and deeply misunderstood. Who Are Natural Short Sleepers? Scientists call these individuals natural short sleepers . They are not insomniacs, night owls forced by work schedules, or people running on stress hormones. Instead, they naturally require less sleep to function optimally. ...

The Mediterranean Sea is one of the world’s most treasured natural regions. Its beaches and coastal resorts attract hundreds of millions of visitors every year, while its waters host extraordinary biodiversity shaped over thousands of years. However, intense tourism, urban development, climate change, and pollution place growing pressure on Mediterranean beach ecosystems. Understanding beach ecology and supporting cleanup efforts are essential steps toward preserving these fragile coastal environments for future generations. Understanding Mediterranean Beach Ecology Mediterranean beaches are not just stretches of sand for recreation. They are complex ecosystems where land and sea interact. Sand dunes, rocky shores, seagrass meadows, wetlands, and shallow coastal waters all work together to protect coastlines, filter water, and support wildlife. One of the most important ecological features of the Mediterranean coast is Posidonia oceanica , a seagrass species found only in the Med...

What Is Happening and Why It Matters New Mexico wildlife officials recently captured a gray wolf that naturally dispersed from neighboring Colorado, drawing national attention to the complex relationship between wildlife conservation, state borders, and human land use. This event highlights how recovering predator populations are expanding into historical habitats—and how management policies are struggling to keep pace with nature. The wolf was not part of New Mexico’s official reintroduction program. Instead, it traveled hundreds of kilometers on its own, demonstrating the natural dispersal behavior that is essential for healthy wolf populations. Such movements are biologically normal but politically and socially controversial. Understanding Gray Wolf Dispersal Gray wolves ( Canis lupus ) are highly mobile animals. Young wolves often leave their natal packs between one and three years of age in search of new territories and mates. This process, known as dispersal, prev...

Wireless Power on the Moon: Firefly and LightGrid Humanity’s return to the Moon is no longer just about landing spacecraft or collecting samples. The new era of lunar exploration focuses on building long-term infrastructure that can support science, industry, and eventually human presence. One of the most critical challenges in this effort is reliable energy supply. In this context, American company Firefly Aerospace has announced a significant addition to its Blue Ghost Mission 2 : the LightPort wireless power receiver developed by the Canadian firm Volta Space Technologies . This technology demonstration will take place on the far side of the Moon and represents an important step toward a future lunar energy network known as LightGrid . What Is Blue Ghost Mission 2? Blue Ghost Mission 2 is part of Firefly Aerospace’s broader effort to provide commercial luna...

Each year, as seasons shift and temperatures change, millions of birds take to the skies following ancient migratory routes. Among them is one of North America’s most iconic birds—the bald eagle. Known for its strength, sharp vision, and symbolic power, the bald eagle is often seen as a master of the skies and a flawless navigator. Yet in recent decades, scientists and naturalists have been increasingly surprised by a strange and consistent phenomenon: some bald eagles migrate in directions that appear to be completely wrong.   Instead of heading south for warmer wintering grounds or north toward breeding territories, certain populations of bald eagles fly against expected patterns. These unexpected journeys have sparked fascination, debate, and intensive research, challenging long-held assumptions about how birds navigate and adapt to a changing world. What Is “Wrong-Way” Migration...

How and What Is It? Korea’s Offshore Wind Energy Strategy South Korea has unveiled a comprehensive offshore wind energy strategy that places a strong emphasis on expanding and modernizing port infrastructure. This plan is designed to support large-scale marine wind projects, strengthen energy security, reduce carbon emissions, and position the country as a leading offshore wind hub in Asia. Unlike short-term policy announcements, this strategy represents a long-term vision aligned with global climate goals and industrial transformation. Offshore wind energy is widely recognized as one of the most promising renewable energy sources for coastal and island nations. For South Korea, a country with limited land availability but extensive coastlines, the ocean offers vast untapped potential. By focusing on port expansion, Korea is addressing one of the most critical bottlenecks in offshore wind development: logistics, installation, and mainten...

How U.S. Military–Funded AI Is Transforming Viral Outbreak Modeling Predicting how a virus spreads through populations has always been one of the most complex challenges in science. Traditional epidemiological models require vast datasets, expert input, and long processing times. Today, this process is being radically accelerated. The U.S. military, through its advanced research agency DARPA, is funding artificial intelligence tools that can simulate viral outbreaks in a matter of days rather than weeks. These AI-driven systems are designed to help scientists and decision-makers respond faster to emerging disease threats. By combining machine learning, high-performance computing, and real-world data, researchers can now explore thousands of outbreak scenarios with unprecedented speed and accuracy. What Is DARPA and Why It Invests in AI Health Modeling The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (D...

What Is the Middle East Climate Adaptation Plan? The Middle East Climate Adaptation Plan refers to a broad collection of national and regional strategies aimed at helping countries across the Middle East cope with the accelerating impacts of climate change. While each nation has its own policies, most adaptation approaches share common priorities: securing water supplies, protecting food systems, strengthening infrastructure, improving public health resilience, and preparing cities for extreme heat. Because the Middle East is one of the world’s most climate-vulnerable regions—experiencing record temperatures, chronic water scarcity, increasing desertification, and rising sea levels—adaptation is not optional. It is a long-term survival strategy for millions of people and a foundation for future economic stability. Why Adaptation Is Critically Important for the Middle East The Middle East is warm...

Pets are naturally curious. Just like babies and toddlers, dogs and cats explore their surroundings by sniffing, touching, and often tasting whatever they find. This instinct makes everyday environments potentially dangerous if pet owners are unaware of toxic plants, harmful foods, and hidden household risks. Many emergency veterinary visits happen not because of accidents outdoors, but because of dangers already present inside the home or yard. Creating a safe living space for pets is not complicated, but it does require awareness, preparation, and informed choices. This evergreen guide explains how and why pets get into trouble, identifies common toxic plants and human foods, and offers practical tips to pet-proof your home and garden. With the right knowledge, many emergencies can be prevented before they happen. Why Pets Explore With Their Mouths Dogs and cats rely heavily on their senses to understand the world. While humans use hands, pets use their mouths. Puppies ...