Naked mole-rats have been discovered to actively choose air with lower-than-normal oxygen levels, a remarkable trait that sets them apart as the first mammals known to prefer such conditions. This ability highlights their unique adaptations to underground life, where oxygen levels can be significantly reduced.

A recent study indicates that elephants may raid farms not merely for food, but in search of medicinal plants, specifically parts of bananas and papayas, when afflicted by gut parasites. This behavior suggests a complex understanding of their environment and potential self-medication practices among these large mammals.

Black soldier fly larvae, known for their efficiency in converting waste into protein, are being considered as a potential superfood for human consumption. These larvae are already utilized in the diets of livestock and pets due to their low cost and high nutritional value.

NASA's Artemis 2 mission is on track for a scheduled launch in early 2026, marking a significant step in the agency's efforts to return astronauts to the lunar surface as part of its ambitious 21st-century exploration agenda. The Orion crew module has been successfully integrated with the Space Launch System, indicating that preparations are well underway.

Paleontologists are uncovering the secrets of extinct sharklike fish known for their unique buzz-saw jaws, which once dominated the seas but have since vanished. Recent CT scans and studies of their closest living relatives, the big-eyed ratfish, are providing new insights into their biology and ecology.

Whooping Cranes, once on the brink of extinction, are facing new threats at their wintering grounds in Texas due to development, saltwater intrusion, and bird flu. Some Gulf Coast residents are attempting to create habitats for these endangered birds on their properties to support their recovery.