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    In a remarkable discovery, scientists have identified tiny ruby-like crystals embedded within rocks on Mars, marking the first time such mineral formations have been found on the Red Planet. The finding was made by Perseverance rover, which continues to explore Mars in search of clues about its geological history and potential for past life. The crystals, discovered inside Martian pebbles, are composed of corundum a mineral that forms rubies or sapphires depending on the trace elements present. On Earth, corundum is known for its hardness and brilliance, commonly used in gemstones and industrial applications. The discovery was led by Ann Ollila and her team at Los Alamos National Laboratory. Researchers first detected signs of corundum while analyzing a rock named...

    A new global study has identified India as one of the four largest contributors to rising pesticide toxicity worldwide, raising concerns about environmental damage and human health risks linked to intensive agricultural practices. The research, published in the journal Science by scientists from University of Kaiserslautern-Landau, analysed 625 pesticides used globally and found that India, along with China, Brazil and the United States, accounts for 53–68 per cent of total global pesticide toxicity. The study assessed pesticide impact using a metric called “total applied toxicity” (TAT), which considers not just the volume of chemicals used but also their harmful effects on different species. This benchmark aligns with global biodiversity goals set under the Conv...

    A remote forest community in Gabon has successfully defended its ancestral rainforest from industrial logging by using participatory mapping to document its cultural and historical significance, highlighting the growing importance of local knowledge in global conservation efforts. The case centers on the village of Massaha, located in northeastern Gabon, where residents mobilised to protect a forest known locally as Ibola Dja Bana Ba Massaha, meaning “the reserve of all Massaha’s children.” The forest, long used for hunting, fishing, farming, and cultural practices, had been allocated as part of a logging concession, putting it at risk of large-scale destruction. What made the community’s effort unique was its use of “biocultural mapping” a collaborative process t...

    Scientists from Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf have made a major breakthrough in clean energy research by developing an advanced method to convert sunlight into fuel and useful chemicals. This discovery is expected to significantly accelerate the global search for sustainable energy solutions and reduce reliance on fossil fuels. The research was carried out by a team at the Center for Advanced Systems Understanding, focusing on a special class of materials known as polyheptazine imides. These materials are part of the carbon nitride family and have a unique ability to absorb visible sunlight, making them highly effective for driving chemical reactions such as hydrogen production, carbon dioxide conversion, and hydrogen peroxide synthesis. One of the long-sta...

    A new study has found that climate change is significantly contributing to the decline of Japanese chum salmon, as warming oceans and changing marine conditions reduce the availability of suitable habitats for the species. The research, conducted by scientists at Hokkaido University, highlights how environmental changes in the North Pacific over the past 25 years have disrupted the natural migratory patterns and survival of chum salmon, known locally in Japan as “shirozake.” Once a major part of domestic seafood consumption in Japan, chum salmon populations have seen a noticeable drop in recent decades. Today, much of the salmon consumed in the country is imported from nations such as Chile and Norway, reflecting the declining local supply. The study analysed e...

    A major geological breakthrough has been reported in Argentina, where scientists have discovered one of the largest deposits of copper, gold, and silver found in the past three decades. The find, located in the Andean highlands near the Argentina–Chile border, is expected to significantly reshape the country’s economic future and strengthen its position in the global mining sector. The discovery was made by a joint venture involving global mining giants BHP and Lundin Mining, operating under a partnership known as Vicuña. The site is estimated to contain over 80 million ounces of gold and silver, along with more than 12 million tonnes of copper, making it one of the most significant mineral finds in recent history. Industry experts believe the discovery could unlo...

    Authorities have intensified efforts to address rising safety concerns along the Delhi–Mumbai Expressway, with the National Highways Authority of India and the Nuh district administration planning a joint operation to remove illegal roadside eateries operating along the high-speed corridor. The move comes after multiple incidents linked to vehicles halting along the expressway to access unauthorised dhabas, creating dangerous conditions for fast-moving traffic. Officials believe that removing these encroachments will significantly reduce the risk of accidents, especially on stretches where vehicles travel at high speeds. Under the coordinated plan, NHAI will deploy bulldozers and demolition machinery to clear illegal structures, while the district administration w...

    Scientists from Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf have made a major breakthrough in clean energy research by developing an advanced method to convert sunlight into fuel and useful chemicals. This discovery is expected to significantly accelerate the global search for sustainable energy solutions and reduce reliance on fossil fuels. The research was carried out by a team at the Center for Advanced Systems Understanding, focusing on a special class of materials known as polyheptazine imides. These materials are part of the carbon nitride family and have a unique ability to absorb visible sunlight, making them highly effective for driving chemical reactions such as hydrogen production, carbon dioxide conversion, and hydrogen peroxide synthesis. One of the long-sta...

    Environmental experts have challenged Australia’s claim that it is on track to halt biodiversity loss by 2030, arguing that the government’s latest self-assessment paints an overly optimistic picture that does not reflect the reality on the ground. The criticism follows the release of Australia’s Seventh National Report to the Convention on Biological Diversity, where the government rated its own progress under the global biodiversity framework as largely “on track.” However, researchers from the Australian National University and the University of Queensland say the report relies heavily on future intentions rather than measurable outcomes. According to the analysis, ecosystems across the country continue to deteriorate, while several species remain at risk of ex...

    Communities in northern Philippines are showing how early preparation and coordinated action can significantly reduce damage from extreme weather, as repeated typhoons continue to threaten lives and livelihoods in the region. In Cagayan province, one of the country’s key agricultural and fishing hubs, farmers and fishers have faced increasing losses due to frequent and intense storms. In 2024 alone, six tropical cyclones hit the region, causing widespread damage to boats, crops, and infrastructure. By September 2025, losses to agriculture and fisheries were estimated at over $13.7 million. However, when Super Typhoon Fung-Wong (Uwan) approached later that year, communities adopted a different strategy acting before disaster struck. With support from the Food an...