Science news

New snake discovered in Ethiopia after seven years of research

17-09-2026 18:30 via timesofindia.indiatimes.com

A snake found in Ethiopia’s Harenna Forest has been identified as a new species after seven years of research. Initially mistaken for the montane egg-eater, the snake was distinguished through physical comparisons, captive breeding and DNA analysis. Named Dasypeltis albigularis, it lives in high-elevation forest and feeds on birds’ eggs.

Meet Tilcayo: Tiny wild cat discovered in Bolivia's forests after more than a century

17-09-2026 18:30 via timesofindia.indiatimes.com

Scientists have identified a new wild cat species in Bolivia's cloud forests.This small, slender cat is known locally as Tilcayo and has been formally named.Genetic analysis revealed it is distinct from other known tiger cat species.Local communities have known about this cat for generations, passing down its name.Conservation efforts are needed as its population size remains unknown.

Why don't we remember being babies? The science behind it

17-09-2026 18:20 via timesofindia.indiatimes.com

We all experience infantile amnesia, meaning we can't remember our very first years. Although babies do create lasting memories, adults find it tough to recall them. The hippocampus and developing neural connections are crucial for these early memories. Brain development throughout childhood also influences how long these memories remain accessible.

Millions of vultures vanished after a cattle drug, followed by 500,000 human deaths

17-09-2026 16:10 via timesofindia.indiatimes.com

For generations, vultures were part of the everyday landscape, clearing livestock carcasses before they could linger. In the 1990s, diclofenac caused their numbers to collapse from around 50 million. Their disappearance was linked to rising stray dog numbers, water contamination and an estimated 500,000 additional human deaths between 2000 and 2005.

Eggshell powder replaced 10% of cement and strengthened mortar after 28 days

17-09-2026 13:30 via timesofindia.indiatimes.com

Researchers found waste eggshells can become a fine powder for mortar.This powder replaced cement, showing no reduction in compressive strength.The strongest results occurred when ten percent eggshell powder was used.Higher amounts increased porosity and weakened the mortar's internal structure.This study highlights a sustainable method for construction materials.

Three African wild dog brothers travelled 4,126 km; the longest recorded African mammal dispersal

17-09-2026 12:16 via timesofindia.indiatimes.com

A trio of African wild dog brothers undertook a remarkable odyssey covering 4,126 kilometers across Zambia. This unprecedented trek marks the longest documented dispersal by a mammal in Africa. Their journey through various terrains, including natural reserves and areas impacted by humans, highlights the crucial need for habitat connectivity beyond national park borders, revealing pressing conservation issues faced by species that require large ranges.

In 1986, captive-bred bearded vultures returned to the Alps; by 2021, 344 lived there wild-born

17-09-2026 12:00 via timesofindia.indiatimes.com

Bearded vultures have returned to the Alps after decades of absence.A reintroduction program successfully established a self-sustaining population by 2021.Wild-hatched birds increasingly drove this population growth and recovery.However, recovery has been uneven across the Alpine range.Ongoing threats and survival differences still shape the species' future.

Colorado buys 2,100-acre ranch to help save lesser prairie-chickens from decline

17-09-2026 10:33 via timesofindia.indiatimes.com

Colorado’s lesser prairie-chicken population has fallen from more than 80,000 birds in 1975 to only 89 breeding males in 2024. The Southern Plains Land Trust has acquired nearly 2,100 acres for just under $2 million to restore grassland habitat. The property, near an active breeding site, will be restored with Colorado Parks and Wildlife to support the species’ recovery.

In 2013, St Agnes and Gugh began rat eradication; 12 yrs later, Manx shearwater sites hit record 225

17-09-2026 09:30 via timesofindia.indiatimes.com

A rat eradication project on St Agnes and Gugh in the Isles of Scilly began in 2013 after invasive brown rats were found to be threatening nesting seabirds. The islands have remained rat-free since the operation, while Manx shearwater breeding numbers have increased from 22 pairs before eradication to 225 apparently occupied breeding sites recorded in 2025.

Former Australian miner spotted Saturn ripple in 2024; two years later, co-authored 10-sided wave

17-09-2026 07:30 via timesofindia.indiatimes.com

An Australian amateur astronomer made a groundbreaking observation in their backyard, discovering a colossal ten-sided atmospheric wave. This unique finding corroborated the existence of a decagon around Saturn's south pole, as confirmed by years of data from the Hubble Space Telescope. The decagon, intertwined with fierce jet streams, spans numerous atmospheric levels, shedding light on the circulatory processes within the atmospheres of these gas giants.

Britain’s butterfly boom comes with a warning for next year

17-09-2026 06:24 via timesofindia.indiatimes.com

Britain experienced a significant butterfly boom during the record heat of summer 2026. Over 100,000 volunteers counted nearly 1.4 million butterflies and moths across the nation. Painted ladies, a migratory species, saw their numbers surge by 335 percent this season. Experts warn this boom could lead to a population crash for caterpillars next year. Drought conditions that benefited adult butterflies harmed their offspring and food sources.

New snake discovered in Ethiopia after seven years of research

Meet Tilcayo: Tiny wild cat discovered in Bolivia's forests after more than a century

Why don't we remember being babies? The science behind it

Millions of vultures vanished after a cattle drug, followed by 500,000 human deaths

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Eggshell powder replaced 10% of cement and strengthened mortar after 28 days

Three African wild dog brothers travelled 4,126 km; the longest recorded African mammal dispersal

In 1986, captive-bred bearded vultures returned to the Alps; by 2021, 344 lived there wild-born

Colorado buys 2,100-acre ranch to help save lesser prairie-chickens from decline

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In 2013, St Agnes and Gugh began rat eradication; 12 yrs later, Manx shearwater sites hit record 225

Former Australian miner spotted Saturn ripple in 2024; two years later, co-authored 10-sided wave

Britain’s butterfly boom comes with a warning for next year