HISTORICAL FACTS: 9 | History Defined

Octopus grabs fisherman’s face in shocking viral video as he fights to break free

A fisherman off the coast of Mexico had a terrifying experience when an octopus attached itself to his face. The incident was recorded by his friend, showcasing the struggle to remove the creature. After several tense moments, the fisherman finally broke free and discarded the octopus back onto the boat.…

The Economic Times · Sep 24

Why octopus camouflage is so hard to explain: They cannot see colour as we do, yet they can blend into their surroundings with stunning precision

Octopuses possess specialized skin structures that allow them to change their color and texture to blend in. Their visual systems detect light and patterns, but they have poor color vision. Neural signals control skin cells rapidly, enabling quick adaptations to the environment. Research continues to explore how octopuses interpret visual…

The Economic Times · Sep 24

800,000 bees stolen in Australia; thieves left honey and took colonies

More than 800,000 bees have been stolen from commercial hives across Far North Queensland in a series of unusual thefts that appear to have targeted the living colonies rather than their honey. The stolen bees belonged to at least three beekeepers on the Atherton Tablelands, west of Cairns, with 44…

The Times of India · Sep 24

‘Cash to trash’ levy on house developers too low to offset damage to Norfolk Broads, say critics

Exclusive: Levy that allows almost 16,000 houses to be built on Norfolk Broads will not cover cost of mitigating environmental damage, critics say

The Guardian - UK · Sep 24

India's Smooth-Coated Otter Is a Living Indicator of River and Freshwater Health

The animal that only shows up when the river deserves itThe smooth-coated otter (Lutrogale perspicillata) does not adapt to a broken river. It leaves. This is what makes a sighting, a mother with pups, a family group working a pool in coordinated formation, ecologically significant in a way that most…

Times Life · Sep 24

In historic first, tropical turtles spotted nesting on California beaches

What caused the turtles to begin nesting farther north than usual is the ‘million dollar question’

The Guardian - US · Sep 23

Floating Amazon Forest Islands: Study reveals how matupás sustain life; local knowledge shapes science

The captivating floating islands of the Amazon, called matupás, are created through layers of plant matter and sedimentation. These unique ecosystems embrace towering trees and boast rich soil capable of supporting agriculture. They are vital for local communities who fish for prized arapaima and provide a sanctuary for wildlife like…

The Times of India · Sep 23

Beluga whale rescued from closed Canadian marine park dies in US

Osiris, one of 30 belugas removed from Ontario’s shuttered Marineland, struggled to acclimate to her Illinois home

The Guardian - US · Sep 23

Bee theft in Australia: Over 800,000 bees stolen from Queensland farms, beekeepers face heavy losses

Commercial beekeepers in Queensland’s Atherton Tablelands are dealing with major losses after dozens of established colonies disappeared from their properties. Some hives had been stripped of bees, brood and frames, prompting police to consider whether the people responsible had specialist beekeeping knowledge. The missing colonies were used for honey production…

The Economic Times · Sep 23

Instagram Moth Becomes New Species: casual post uncovers clearwing from Guyana; highlights citizen science

In 2024, a Welsh ecologist’s Instagram post led scientists to identify a previously unknown moth species from Guyana. Experts at London’s Natural History Museum determined that Carmenta brachyclados had travelled more than 4,300 miles hidden in muddy footwear and plant material. DNA analysis confirmed the new species, highlighting how citizen…

The Times of India · Sep 23