Researchers clipped a few wing and tail feathers of wild black-legged kittiwakes in Alaska to make flying more energy-intensive and tracked them for several years. The birds struggled to raise chicks during that breeding season, and fewer survived to return the next year. However, those that did return migrated farther and were more likely to breed successfully, showing how energy spent in one season can affect the next.

Elon Musk believes a Mars colony can protect humanity from global disasters. He argues the vast distance offers a crucial buffer against pandemics and cyber threats. A six-month journey to Mars acts as an automatic quarantine period for diseases. Digital attacks also face significant delays, providing time for mitigation efforts. This expansion ensures human civilization is not solely confined to one planet.

A new study has found that some Antarctic tour guides left their dream jobs because they struggled to balance their love for the continent with the environmental impact of growing tourism. After interviewing 25 former guides, researchers found many were deeply affected by witnessing climate change, rising visitor numbers and wildlife disturbance, leading them to leave the industry despite their strong connection to Antarctica.

Astronomers have confirmed four hidden white dwarfs orbiting nearby red dwarf stars. Ultraviolet observations from the Hubble Space Telescope enabled this significant detection. These stellar remnants were previously concealed by their brighter companion stars. The findings refine estimates of the local white dwarf population. This discovery offers new insights into binary star system evolution.

Fainting goats do not actually faint. Also known as myotonic goats, they have a rare inherited muscle condition called myotonia congenita that causes their muscles to become temporarily stiff when they are startled. The breed is valued for its heavy muscling, meat production, strong maternal instincts and ability to thrive on forage-based farming, making it much more than its unusual behaviour.

Innovative Chinese scientists introduced a self-cloning hybrid rice system that ensures impressive yields while allowing farmers to reuse seeds. This groundbreaking method cuts down on the need for yearly seed purchases, significantly lowering production costs for agricultural operations worldwide. Consequently, this advancement plays a crucial role in enhancing food security on both national and global scales, promising to bolster China's agricultural strength.

A joint US-Russian crew safely returned to Earth after completing their mission. They spent over eight months aboard the International Space Station orbiting the planet. This safe return highlights continued space cooperation between the two nations despite geopolitical tensions. The crew landed in Kazakhstan after their successful 241-day journey. Another crew arrived at the ISS earlier this month for their own mission.