Did you know that approximately 200 species go extinct every day?

On March 20th, the world’s last male northern white rhino, Sudan, was euthanized, ending his suffering as he faced a cluster of viruses at age 45.

Since Sudan’s birth in 1972, the northern white rhino population has rapidly declined, mostly due to human conflict.

This population, of about 1,000 at the time, was largely concentrated in Sudan, Congo, and the Central African Republic, all countries that were troubled with war at the time.

The Northern White Rhino

Diamonds are among the most valuable materials on the planet. Their strength, unparalleled by any other naturally occurring mineral, gives them practical uses in cutting and polishing tools.

But of course, they are best known for their appearance; they’ve earned a reputation on high-end jewelry and engagement rings, in particular.

But now, they may provide us with a value of a different kind: scientific discovery. How can the discovery of new diamonds yield insights into the Earth’s water? Read more to find out.

How Diamonds Are Formed

Last week we had discussed various food labels and what they mean in our article HERE.

We also talked about what it means for a product to be a genetically modified organism (GMO). This week, we will go more in-depth as to the pros and cons of GMO products.

Despite FDA approval, there is still much debate over the effects of GMOs. A recent analysis by Italian researchers looked at 6,006 studies dealing with the effects of genetically modified corn on the environment as well as human health.

It’s alive! Pelican spiders, once thought dead, have made a reappearance.

The discovery sounds like something out of a Hannibal Lecter story. Why? Because of the spiders' special diet.

The first pelican spider was first discovered in 1854, dead in fossilized amber. Amber is a resin that is a secretion from trees, and when it becomes a fossil, it traps all sorts of things within its sticky confines. And these get preserved for millions of years. The amber can be dated to the era of the dinosaurs.

The Live Pelican Spider

You have probably noticed the "non-GMO", “All Natural”, “Organic”, and “Free Range” labels that are appearing in increasing numbers on your favorite products in the grocery store.

Some people associate these labels with health foods, but do you actually know what these labels mean?

You would be surprised to find out that just because something has these labels does not necessarily mean they are better for you or the environment.

All Natural

Danger Islands are a group of islands near the tip of the Antarctic Peninsula known for treacherous waters and thick sheets of ice.

But, thanks to the Landsat satellite, we now know they are also home to the biggest colony of Adélie penguins -- a species that is considered “near threatened." 

As the population of Adélie penguins has declined by nearly 70 percent over the past few decades, this recently discovered colony gives us hope that the species can still be saved.

Following the Poop

Did you know that some of the products used every day in your homes such as cleaning sprays and perfumes could be causing air pollution?

Scientists from the NOAA (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration) were intrigued by the air quality in cities like Los Angeles. These cities had strict regulations in place to improve vehicle emissions, yet they were seeing high levels of smog.

Can you imagine a cloned army of invaders? It may sound like something straight out of science fiction, yet it is true in the world of the marbled crayfish. 

These crayfish have been spreading wildly through Europe, Japan, and Madagascar.

A recent genome study has concluded that these fish have all descended from slough crayfish native to Florida, and are genetically almost identical!

An Aquarium Accident

Which animals come to mind when you think of the Arctic? Perhaps whales, polar bears, arctic fox, or reindeer...

But there is one oft-overlooked animal -- the musk ox considered one of the largest land mammals of the Arctic. In fact, these animals roamed our planet at the same time as the mammoths and managed to survive the Ice Age.

Have you ever thought about how much water you use in a day?

Starting February 1st, each person in Cape Town, South Africa will receive a daily allowance of 13.2 gallons of water, a supply easily exhausted by a 10-minute shower!

This restriction was introduced in preparation for April 22nd, also known as Day Zero, on which the city will turn off all municipal water taps due to the depletion of freshwater supplies.

What Happened to the Water?