Scientists planted 40,000 native sedge seedlings in Yosemite National Park's Tuolumne Meadows to restore soil damaged by sheep grazing over a century ago. After three years, researchers found improvements in soil organic matter, but the meadow continued to lose more carbon than it gained. Scientists estimate that full recovery could take 25 to 50 years.

Florida’s Lone Cabbage Reef, once a vibrant oyster habitat, faced severe decline before restoration efforts. Researchers rebuilt the reef in 2018 using dolomite limestone to create suitable surfaces for oyster larvae. Subsequent studies documented significant increases in oyster populations over five years, reaching densities of 244 oysters per square metre. The restoration benefited local fisheries, generating substantial economic impact and employment opportunities.

During his doctoral research, Prof Suneel Kateriya made significant contributions to the understanding of light-sensitive proteins, specifically channelrhodopsins found in Chlamydomonas. His pioneering work not only clarified the DNA sequences encoding these proteins but also formed a crucial basis for the field of optogenetics, enabling the manipulation of nerve cells with light.

In a significant move for environmental conservation, a 27-acre forested area near Pittsburgh will receive lasting protection thanks to $277,200 in funding. This investment will facilitate the Lowries Run Expansion Project, essential for forest preservation. The woodland is expected to manage 22.5 million gallons of rainwater each year and eliminate more than 100,000 pounds of carbon.

In 2004, Kris Tompkins played a pivotal role in securing a Chilean ranch aimed at ecological restoration. This significant initiative targeted the revival of native ecosystems, minimizing livestock grazing impacts, and dismantling barriers that hinder wildlife. By 2018, the successful culmination of these efforts led to the formation of Patagonia National Park, enhancing the conservation footprint to cover 15 million acres combined across Chile and Argentina.

Billionaire real-estate developer Donald Bren transformed a significant part of the historic Irvine Ranch into protected public lands. After becoming chairman of the Irvine Company, he spearheaded major conservation milestones over the years. The Irvine Ranch now has over 57,000 acres preserved, providing habitats for diverse wildlife. In 2005, the Irvine Ranch Conservancy was established to ensure the ongoing care of these protected areas.

African elephants can distinguish food availability visually when they are within 5 metres of potential food sources. Researchers tested elephants using canvases depicting different tree sizes and leaf densities to assess their choices. Findings suggest that these animals rely primarily on olfactory cues for food decisions beyond 5 metres. The study highlights the significance of both visual and olfactory information during foraging.

Scientists have identified a 165-million-year-old mammal predecessor from China that had a broad tail for swimming and throat bones similar to those of modern mammals. Named Megacauda sungei, the Jurassic-era animal could chew and swallow food using specialised structures. Published in Nature, the findings offer new insights into how early mammals developed different feeding abilities.

In a remarkable advancement, Stanford researchers have unveiled Orca-T therapy, which has recently received FDA approval. After two decades of rigorous development, this innovative treatment was administered to its inaugural commercial patient, a high-risk leukemia sufferer. Notably, Orca-T significantly minimizes the chances of graft-versus-host disease post-stem cell transplants, offering reduced chemotherapy requirements and lower side effects. Future studies are anticipated to investigate its relevance for broader patient demographics.