Author: Andrew Rogers

A carnivorous pitcher plant has been found to lace its sugary nectar with a chemical nerve agent that incapacitates its prey before killing it. The plant, Nepenthes khasiana, secretes a sweet liquid around the rim of its pitcher-shaped traps, attracting insects such as ants. Researchers have discovered that this nectar contains isoshinanolone, a toxic compound that disrupts the insects’ nervous systems, slowing their movements, weakening muscles and triggering excessive grooming. Affected ants often lose coordination, fall into spasms and eventually tumble headfirst into the pitcher, where some die outright. The nectar also contains three water-absorbing sugars that make the pitcher’s…

Mini vegetable plants are set to replace bouquets of cut flowers in British homes next year, according to new trend predictions from the Royal Horticultural Society. The RHS says compact, decorative varieties of tomatoes, chillies, peppers and aubergines will be grown on tables, windowsills and balconies, offering both visual appeal and fresh produce. The shift reflects changing habits as gardeners adapt to climate breakdown. After one of the driest springs and summers on record, demand has grown for plants that can cope with heat and limited water. Rose breeders are responding by developing new drought-tolerant varieties, using genetics from central…

The U.S. federal government is making significant progress on sustainability, reducing greenhouse gas emissions and expanding the use of electric vehicles across its operations. Officials say these initiatives are helping cut costs, protect the environment, and create new jobs in the clean energy sector. Under current sustainability programs, emissions from federal operations have dropped noticeably in recent years. Energy efficiency upgrades, renewable energy adoption, and modernized building systems are all contributing to this decline. Experts note that the reductions demonstrate the government’s commitment to climate action and set an example for private and local sectors. One of the most visible…

A former royal hunting ground in Essex is being transformed into a wildlife-rich nature reserve with the help of three pigs. Harold’s Park Wildland, a 509-acre site near Waltham Abbey, is being rewilded after failing as arable land and a Christmas tree plantation. The project, run by conservation company Nattergal, uses “soft engineering” to restore natural processes. Three Iron Age pigs – a mix of wild boar and Tamworth – have been introduced to root through the soil, helping regenerate ancient woodland. Cattle and ponies are expected to follow, aiding habitat recovery and managing deer numbers. Once used by the…

Miracle on Ice heroes were celebrated at the White House in a special ceremony honoring their 1980 Olympic hockey victory. The team received the Congressional Gold Medal, one of the nation’s highest civilian honors. The 1980 U.S. Olympic hockey team stunned the world by defeating the heavily favored Soviet Union team in Lake Placid. Their unlikely win became known as the “Miracle on Ice” and remains one of the most iconic moments in sports history. At the White House, officials praised the team’s determination, teamwork, and resilience. They highlighted how the victory symbolized hope and unity for the country during…

The raccoon that famously broke into a Virginia liquor store, smashed bottles and passed out drunk in a bathroom had already carried out two earlier break-ins, local officials have revealed. Before entering the Ashland ABC store on 29 November, the animal had forced its way into a nearby Department of Motor Vehicles office and a karate studio on the same block, according to Hanover county animal protection officer Samantha Martin. At the DMV, the raccoon reportedly helped itself to snacks. Speaking on the county’s Hear in Hanover podcast, Martin said the raccoon appeared to know how to re-enter buildings and…

Once close to extinction, otters have made a remarkable comeback in the UK and are now found in almost every river system. Still rare just 20 years ago, the charismatic mammals are increasingly being spotted in towns and cities, from London’s Canary Wharf to garden ponds near York, and even wandering through city centres at night. Conservationists say the recovery reflects decades of effort to improve water quality after industrial pollution and toxic pesticides devastated otter populations in the mid-20th century. Targeted reintroduction programmes, particularly in eastern England, have also played a role. While exact numbers are unknown, some estimates…

Researchers have discovered that northern resident orcas in British Columbia are cooperating with Pacific white-sided dolphins to hunt salmon — a partnership never documented before. Using drones, underwater video, and acoustic tags, scientists observed dolphins leading the chase, moving quickly through the water toward large Chinook salmon. The orcas followed behind, catching and breaking apart the fish. The dolphins then scavenged the leftovers, while the whales showed no aggression. Recordings captured alternating echolocation from both species during dives, suggesting they may even be listening to each other’s sonar to expand their ability to track prey. The behavior cannot be explained…

Leading educator organizations, including the National Education Association, have called on lawmakers to support the Protect America’s Workforce Act, a bipartisan bill aimed at restoring labor rights for public-sector employees. The announcement reflects broad civic engagement across party lines. The legislation seeks to reinstate collective bargaining rights for federal workers, giving employees the ability to negotiate wages, benefits, and workplace conditions. Supporters argue that protecting these rights strengthens public service and ensures fair treatment for millions of federal employees. Educators and advocacy groups emphasize that restoring workforce rights is essential to maintaining a motivated and effective government workforce. They note…

A new underwater sound system is set to be installed on the River Dee in Aberdeenshire in an effort to protect critically endangered Atlantic salmon from growing seal predation. The University of St Andrews has secured £160,000 to develop a “detect and deter” speaker system that emits noise designed to keep seals from swimming upstream to hunt salmon. Previous deterrents, including water-scooter sound devices, proved ineffective. However, similar technology tested on the North Esk has shown promising early results, raising hopes that it can be adapted for larger rivers like the Dee, where sonar tracking is more challenging. The Dee…