Welcome to In the Spotlight, where each month we shine a light on something exciting, timely, or simply fascinating from the world of science.

This August, we're exploring the science behind the animals that share our planet. From the behaviors and adaptations that help species thrive to the conservation efforts protecting wildlife around the world, animal awareness days like World Lion Day, World Elephant Day, International Cat Day, and International Wolf Day are an opportunity to celebrate biodiversity and discover the research helping us better understand and protect the species that call our planet home.

Latest News Releases

Updates every hour. Last Updated: 21-Oct-2026 02:17 ET (21-Oct-2026 06:17 GMT/UTC)

20-Oct-2026

 

Listen up: 18 years of whale calls reveal key habitat of mysterious species

Curtin University
Peer-Reviewed Publication

In a boost for the conservation of one of the world's most elusive and least-understood whale species, researchers analysing more than 18 years of underwater acoustic recordings collected off northwest Australia have discovered that Omura's whales are most likely to be found in warm, food-rich waters.

Journal

Marine Mammal Science

19-Oct-2026

 

Northern Australia is a ‘lifeboat’ for critically endangered green sawfish

Murdoch University
Peer-Reviewed Publication

A comprehensive review of decades of research on the critically endangered green sawfish led by Murdoch University has revealed that Northern Australia, particularly the Pilbara, could play a crucial role in the species' recovery.

Journal

Reviews in Fish Biology and Fisheries

Funder

BCI Minerals, Western Australian Marine Science Institution, Leichhardt, Chevron Australia, Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development, Save Our Seas Foundation, Ecological Society of Australia

19-Oct-2026

 

Bee hives found to be ‘living immune systems’ that protect bees

University of Sydney
Peer-Reviewed Publication

Researchers have discovered honey beehives act as ‘living immune systems’ that help protect the bee colony, their offspring, and food supplies from disease. The finding underlines the need to protect bee habitat, to ensure their health.

Journal

ISME Communications

Funder

Australian Research Council, New South Wales Bushfire Industry Recovery Package Sector Development Grant

19-Oct-2026

 

New ‘hunter-killer’ chemistry captures and destroys forever chemicals

Arizona State University
Peer-Reviewed Publication

Researchers at Arizona State University and their collaborators have developed a palladium-coated membrane that uses hydrogen to break down highly persistent PFAS “forever chemicals.” The system successfully treated six PFAS of regulatory concern, removing more than 90% of each compound in continuous operation while chemically stripping away much of their fluorine. The approach could eventually complement existing PFAS-removal technologies by destroying contaminants rather than simply concentrating or storing them.

Journal

Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences

19-Oct-2026

 

Many data centers are located where water resources are limited

American Chemical Society
Peer-Reviewed Publication

One-quarter of the world’s data centers are located in areas where water demand exceeds supply for at least one month each year, according to a new global analysis. Researchers reporting in ACS’ Environmental Science & Technology mapped data center locations against available water resources and found that, under a future climate scenario, the proportion of facilities in water-stressed areas could rise to one-third.

Journal

Environmental Science & Technology