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 03:16 ET (21-Oct-2026 07:16 GMT/UTC)

13-Oct-2026

 

Alpine peatlands under pressure

University of Göttingen
Peer-Reviewed Publication

Peatlands in the Alps are mostly small, scattered and difficult to access. As a result, up-to-date information on their extent and condition is often lacking. An international research team, including researchers from the University of Göttingen, has now developed a cross-border approach to identifying these particular areas. A comparison with official maps shows that the model identifies many peatlands as smaller than previously mapped – particularly in areas where aerial photographs reveal visible signs of disturbance. The findings were published in the journal Communications Earth & Environment.

Journal

Communications Earth & Environment

13-Oct-2026

 

FAU study finds Hawaiian corals respond differently to ocean heat

Florida Atlantic University
Peer-Reviewed Publication

As oceans warm, some corals may hold the key to reef survival. New research reveals that heat tolerance varies not only between coral species, but also among populations living in different environments. One Hawaiian coral species from cooler, wave-exposed waters withstood significantly more heat stress than its counterparts, while another showed similar tolerance across locations. The findings reveal why understanding coral diversity and environmental history is critical to identifying resilient corals and guiding restoration efforts as marine heat waves intensify.

Journal

Scientific Reports

13-Oct-2026

 

Tarantulas, trafficking and tourism: Exploring the illicit wildlife trade

Colorado State University

CSU researchers use Colorado's tarantula 'mate-gration' to examine how to break the the illegal wildlife trade's supply chain.

12-Oct-2026

 

Wild Bobwhite Quail spotted at UT’s Ames AgResearch and Education Center

University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture

Multiple coveys of wild bobwhite quail were recently sighted at the Ames AgResearch and Education Center, an encouraging milestone in an ongoing habitat restoration effort.

12-Oct-2026

 

Elephants continue to shape the savanna even after death

University of California - Santa Barbara
Peer-Reviewed Publication

Elephants shape the African savanna. They consume huge amounts of forage, dig for water, topple trees and undoubtedly affect all the animals around them. So, what happens to their outsized presence after these iconic animals pass away?

Journal

Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences