Caribbean coral reefs have lost 48% of their hard coral cover in the last four decades, according to research from the Global Coral Reef Monitoring Network. The primary cause is intense marine heatwaves driven by climate change, which damage the microalgae that corals depend on for food and colour. When stressed, corals expel these microalgae, leading to bleaching and often death. Between 2023 and 2024, the region experienced the most destructive thermal stress ever recorded, resulting in a further 16.9% decline in coral cover in just one year. Once vibrant ecosystems filled with fish, turtles, sharks, and colourful reefs are…
Author: Andrew Rogers
Andrew Rogers
Andrew Rogers is a freelance journalist based in the USA, with over 10 years of experience covering Politics, World Affairs, Business, Health, Technology, Finance, Lifestyle, and Culture. He earned his degree in Journalism from the University of Florida. Throughout his career, he has contributed to outlets such as The New York Times, CNN, and Reuters. Known for his clear reporting and in-depth analysis, Andrew delivers accurate and timely news that keeps readers informed on both national and international developments.
A new treatment could change life for people with CDKL5 deficiency disorder (CDD), a rare form of epilepsy. Fenfluramine, a drug being tested in a Phase 3 clinical trial, has shown major reductions in seizure frequency for patients. UCB, the company behind the trial, reported that patients taking fenfluramine experienced a median 47.6% drop in motor seizures. This is a significant improvement compared to those who received a placebo. The findings suggest that fenfluramine could be a promising new option for managing this challenging disorder. CDD is a rare genetic condition that often causes severe seizures, developmental delays, and other…
Forty years ago, pioneering primatologist Dian Fossey was murdered in her cabin in Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park — a violent end to a life dedicated to protecting mountain gorillas. Though her work transformed global understanding of the species, the identity of her killer remains unknown. Fossey arrived in Rwanda in 1967 with no formal zoology training and suffering from chronic lung disease, yet her determination led her to found the Karisoke Research Centre. At the time, gorillas were seen as dangerous brutes and were rapidly disappearing due to poaching and habitat loss. Fossey slowly gained the trust of gorilla groups…
Far from the Himalayan trekking circuits and the bustle of Kathmandu, Nepal’s southern Terai region offers travellers a vastly different experience – one defined by dense wildlife reserves, lush farmlands, cultural festivals, and a tradition of heartfelt hospitality embodied in the saying “Atithi devo bhava” – the guest is god. In the village of Bhada, near the Indian border, visitors can immerse themselves in Tharu culture through the Community Homestay Network, which connects travellers directly with local families. Staying with Shyam Chaudhary, the author helped prepare dishes for Auli, a Tharu harvest festival marked by drumming, dancing and the symbolic…
Red squirrels have expanded their range in the Scottish Highlands by more than 25% after a 10-year reintroduction programme that relocated hundreds of animals to new habitats. Once close to extinction in the UK due to habitat loss, culling and competition from invasive grey squirrels carrying a deadly virus, the species now shows strong recovery signs thanks to conservation efforts. The charity Trees for Life has established more than a dozen new thriving populations from Ullapool to Morvern and Lairg. Project manager Becky Priestley welcomed the progress, calling it “a rewilding success story” offering hope for the species’ long-term future.…
More than 60,000 African penguins starved to death after sardine numbers off South Africa’s coast plummeted, according to new research. The collapse, driven by climate change and overfishing, wiped out over 95% of penguins in two major breeding colonies on Dassen Island and Robben Island between 2004 and 2012. The paper, published in Ostrich: Journal of African Ornithology, warns that similar declines are happening across the region. Sardines (Sardinops sagax) are a vital food source for African penguins, especially during moulting — a 21-day period when they remain on land and cannot hunt. Penguins must fatten up beforehand, but with…
A magnitude 3.3 earthquake struck near Silverdale in Lancashire late Wednesday night, rattling homes across Lancashire and Cumbria and marking the strongest quake in England for two years. Tremors were felt up to 30 miles away, including in Blackpool, shortly after 11.23pm. Residents described houses shaking and windows rattling, with some saying it felt like an “underground explosion”. Emergency services received numerous calls, though police reported no injuries or significant damage. The British Geological Survey confirmed it was England’s strongest quake since a similar 3.3 event in Staffordshire in 2023. While the UK experiences 200–300 quakes annually, only around 10%…
Cirrus clouds—thin, high-altitude streaks that paint the sky—may be forming in a surprising way. New research shows that some of these delicate clouds are seeded by storm systems thousands of miles away on the opposite side of the planet. Scientists traditionally recognised two types of cirrus: “anvil” cirrus spreading from storms, and “in-situ” cirrus that appear to form independently. But a new computer analysis of satellite data revealed that supposed in-situ clouds actually respond to massive atmospheric waves generated by distant storms. According to a study in AGU Advances, these waves travel across the equator and subtly alter upper-atmosphere temperatures,…
The Antarctic ozone hole this year was the smallest and shortest-lived since 2019, according to the EU’s Copernicus Atmosphere Monitoring Service (Cams). Scientists called the finding a “reassuring sign” of ongoing recovery. The hole reached a peak size of 21 million sq km in September—far below last year’s 26 million sq km—and closed earlier than usual. It marks the second consecutive year of improvement after several unusually large holes recorded between 2020 and 2023. Cams attributes the progress to the global ban on ozone-depleting substances under the 1987 Montreal protocol. The ozone layer, which protects Earth from harmful UV radiation,…
Travelers in the US can take advantage of major savings this week as “Travel Tuesday” arrives on December 2, 2025. The nationwide event brings deep discounts on flights, hotels, and vacation packages, making it one of the biggest travel sales of the year. Airlines are offering reduced fares on domestic and international routes. Many carriers have announced limited-time promotions, including last-minute deals and flexible ticketing options. Passengers are encouraged to book early to secure the lowest prices before seats sell out. Hotels across the country are also participating. Discounted room rates are available in popular destinations, including beach resorts, city…