UNIVERSE OF NATURE

A Cry from the Arctic Caribou, the majestic reindeer of the northern wilderness, are raising global alarm. A new study shows a chilling prediction: climate change could reduce their population by as much as 80% in the coming decades. For scientists and indigenous communities, this is more than just a statistic—it’s a warning that entire ecosystems are at risk. Why are caribou disappearing? Caribou depend on vast, cold landscapes where lichens, mosses, and tundra vegetation thrive. But rising global temperatures are changing these habitats: Thawing permafrost is transforming wetlands and feeding grounds. Warmer winters are bringing icy snow, making it harder for caribou to find food. Changing plant cycles are disrupting migration routes and calving seasons. Researchers have estimated that if warming trends continue, millions of caribou across Canada, Alaska, Russia, and Greenland could disappear within a century. The cost of extinction The cost of losing caribou is not only ecological, ...

They once claimed they had no time or interest in pets, but life had other plans. These five actors prove that even Hollywood’s busiest stars can’t resist the charm of a wagging tail or a pair of soulful eyes. 1. George Clooney – The Bulldog Who Won Him Over For years, Clooney said his schedule was “too busy for pets.” Then he met Einstein, a rescued bulldog. Adoption fee: about $250. Deposit? Priceless.   “He looked at me with those sad eyes, and I couldn’t leave.” — George Clooney 2. Charlize Theron – From Furless to Greyhound Advocate Theron once admitted that she “didn’t like dogs.” Today, she cares for and owns retired greyhounds, who are typically adopted for $400 to $600.  “They teach me patience, loyalty, and unconditional love.” — Charlize Theron 3. Chris Evans – The Rescue That Changed Everything Evans admitted that he was afraid of the responsibility of owning a pet. Then along came Dodger, a boxer mix who was adopted for about $300.   “I didn’t rescue him. He ...

Human pressure on seas reaches tipping point The world’s oceans, once thought to be boundless, are under unprecedented strain. According to a recent study by the Global Ocean Science Institute, human impact on marine ecosystems could double by 2050 unless urgent action is taken. The dire forecast is causing concern in Australia, one of the countries most vulnerable to climate change in the Pacific. From coral reef destruction to overfishing and plastic pollution, the signs of ocean distress are becoming impossible to ignore. What are the impacts? The threats are wide-ranging: Warming waters are bleaching coral reefs, including the Great Barrier Reef, causing massive biodiversity loss. Industrial fishing is depleting tuna stocks in the Pacific Ocean, threatening both marine life and local economies. Plastic pollution continues to suffocate marine life—from turtles to seabirds—with an estimated 11 million metric tons entering the ocean each year. Why the Pacific Ocean and Australia are a...

A groundbreaking discovery in the foothills of Central Asia could rewrite the history of one of humanity’s most revolutionary inventions: the bow and arrow. Archaeologists excavating the Obi-Rakhmat rock shelter in Uzbekistan have unearthed nearly 200 miniature stone arrowheads, some measuring just a few centimeters. The tiny artifacts, recently analyzed and described in the journal PLOS One (August 2025), have fracture patterns and microscopic impact marks that suggest they were used as arrowheads. Why this matters Until now, the oldest known evidence of archery came from Africa, dating back about 64,000 years. However, the Uzbek finds appear to push the technology back almost 80,000 years, suggesting that early humans in Asia may have been the true pioneers of long-range weapons. Key details of the discovery Location: Obi-Rakhmat rock shelter, Tien Shan foothills, Uzbekistan Artifacts: More than 190 “microblades,” or points Dating: Approximately 80,000 years old Evidence: Fault lin...

The Pleasure and the Risk Jacuzzis, or hot tubs, are often seen as symbols of luxury and relaxation. Warm water, soothing bubbles, and hydromassage jets promise stress relief and muscle recovery. Yet, medical experts are sounding the alarm: frequent use of a jacuzzi may harm your health in unexpected ways, especially when it comes to intimate well-being. What Doctors Say According to urologists and dermatologists, prolonged exposure to hot water and high humidity can create the perfect environment for harmful bacteria and fungi. These microorganisms may trigger: Skin infections such as rashes and folliculitis. Urinary tract problems caused by altered microflora. Reduced fertility in men due to overheating of the testicles. Vaginal infections in women, linked to disrupted pH balance. Dr. Michael Andrews, a New York–based urologist, explains: "Many patients don’t realize that spending 20–30 minutes in a hot tub can raise scrotal temperature enough to affect sperm quality. For women,...

Plastic has become one of the most persistent forms of pollution in our planet’s waters. For years, scientists have studied its toxic effects on individual organisms and species. But now research is revealing a deeper truth: plastic is not just harmful—it is becoming a new habitat that is changing entire ecosystems. From Pollution to Habitat Plastic debris is now present in almost every aquatic ecosystem: from the vast pelagic zones of the ocean to deep-sea benthic plains, from freshwater lakes to winding rivers. Unlike natural materials, plastic does not decompose easily. Instead, it lingers for decades, creating new surfaces where organisms can attach, grow, and even reproduce. This shift means that plastic is more than just a pollutant; it is an ecological modifier. Microbes, algae, and invertebrates colonize the floating fragments, forming what some researchers call the “plastysphere.” Over time, these microcommunities can influence the feeding behavior, reproduction, and even mig...

The future of the controversial badger cull in the UK is under renewed scrutiny as a government report suggests that the Labour Party could end the mass culling of badgers if it commits to large-scale testing and vaccination programmes similar to those deployed during the Covid-19 pandemic. The report warns that while ministers’ plans to end the cull are feasible, they come at a significant financial cost. Bovine tuberculosis (bTB), which badgers can transmit to cattle, is already estimated to cost the UK economy around £150 million each year in losses to taxpayers and the farming industry. Since culling began in 2013 , more than 210,000 badgers have been killed in an attempt to contain the disease. But experts are still divided, with conservationists arguing that culling is cruel and ineffective, while many farmers see it as a necessary measure to protect their livelihoods. In its 2024 election manifesto , the Labour government pledged to phase out badger culling entirely by 2029. H...

In a quiet corner of Brazil , the world’s largest mosquito “factory” literally buzzes with life. Millions of mosquitoes breed here every week. But unlike the ones that keep you up at night, these insects have a mission: to stop the spread of dengue fever, one of the fastest-growing mosquito-borne diseases in the world. Why fight mosquitoes with mosquitoes? Dengue affects an estimated 400 million people every year, overwhelming hospitals in tropical and subtropical regions. Traditional solutions, such as spraying pesticides or draining water sources, have had limited success. The Aedes aegypti mosquito—the primary vector of dengue—has developed resistance to many insecticides. Scientists realized they needed a smarter weapon. That weapon turned out to be a different mosquito. By infecting lab-grown mosquitoes with Wolbachia, a naturally occurring bacteria that is harmless to humans, researchers have created insects that cannot transmit dengue, Zika, or chikungunya. Releasing these modif...

An unexpected alliance in the world of energy The global energy transition has taken an unexpected turn. Equinor, the Norwegian state-owned oil and gas giant, has announced financial support for Ørsted, the Danish company known as the world’s leading developer of offshore wind. The move comes after Ørsted faced a deep financial crisis caused by skyrocketing costs, project delays and volatile energy markets. But why would a traditional fossil fuel giant bail out a renewable energy pioneer? The answer lies in strategy, economics, and the future of sustainable energy. The Oersted Crisis Oersted, once known as the symbol of Europe’s green revolution, has reported multi-billion-dollar losses for 2023-2024. Rising interest rates, inflation, and disruptions to the global supply chain have pushed costs for offshore wind projects to record highs. Estimated project cost : $3,000-$4,000 per kilowatt of offshore wind capacity. Impact on Oersted’s balance sheet : More than $3.5 billion in write-do...

Why Martian Rocks Matter For decades, scientists have asked: Could life have once existed on Mars? The answer may lie hidden deep within the red planet's rocky crust. Recent analyses of Martian rock samples collected by NASA's Perseverance rover offer the most detailed clues yet. What Scientists Discovered By drilling into ancient layers of Jezero Crater, researchers have found: Mineral structures that indicate ancient interactions with water. Organic molecules—carbon compounds often associated with life. Chemical formulas such as sulfates (SO₄²⁻) and carbonates (CO₃²⁻), which form in an aqueous environment. These discoveries support the theory that Mars once had rivers and lakes, which may have provided conditions favorable for microbial life. How the analysis works The Perseverance rover is equipped with advanced instruments, including: PIXL (Planetary X-ray Lithochemistry Instrument) – scans rocks at microscopic levels. SHERLOC (Scanning of Habitable Environments by Raman an...

When the first tube trains began running in London in 1863 , few could have imagined that climate change would one day test the very foundations of subway systems around the world. Today, from Washington, D.C. to Paris and Rome, subways are on the front lines of a battle they were never designed to handle. Climate Underground While the streets above ground battle heat waves and storms, underground tunnels are compounding the problem. Trapped heat creates stifling conditions, moisture breeds mold and floodwaters can turn stations into dangerous reservoirs. Passengers often describe the summer air in the subway as “an oven underground.” The formula is simple: Rising global temperatures + aging infrastructure = high health and financial risks. Health at stake Doctors warn that prolonged exposure to subterranean heat and polluted air can worsen respiratory and cardiovascular diseases. In Paris, studies have shown that particulate pollution levels in some stations are 3 to 5 times higher th...

In Switzerland , animal shelters and veterinary associations are sounding the alarm: too many cats and dogs are being abandoned and homes are running out. Their solution? A strong call for spaying and neutering — a practice that some pet owners still avoid but is now seen as crucial to combating overpopulation. A problem no one wants to face Shelters in Zurich, Geneva, and Bern are reporting overcrowding. According to the Swiss Animal Protection Association (SAP), hundreds of cats and dozens of dogs arrive each month, many from unplanned litters. Veterinary organizations warn that without preventive measures, the situation could worsen. “Each unneutered cat can give birth to dozens of kittens in just two years. We simply cannot keep up,” says Dr. Martina Vogel, a veterinarian in Zurich. Organizations and companies taking action Swiss Animal Welfare (SAP) – Leads campaigns for responsible ownership. “Tier im Recht” Foundation – Advocates for legal responsibility in pet ownership. Local ...

The world’s oceans are warming , and Australia’s iconic Great Barrier Reef is paying the price. Scientists report that the reef has suffered a record decline in coral cover after an unprecedented ocean heatwave. Once considered one of the most vibrant ecosystems on Earth, it is now struggling to survive. Why is it continuing to happen? Coral bleaching, caused by extreme ocean temperatures, is becoming an alarmingly common occurrence. Warmer waters are forcing corals to shed the algae they depend on for food and color, leaving behind ghostly white skeletons. Without time to recover between heat waves, many corals die. The ripple effect: ocean, wildlife, humanity The damage is not limited to corals. Entire marine ecosystems—from fish and turtles to dolphins—are losing their habitat. For humans, the impact is both financial and ecological: Tourism losses from reef degradation are estimated to be in the billions of dollars each year. Fisheries that support local communities are facing shar...