1. California launches satellite to track methane
This year, California turned to space technology to curb methane pollution, launching a new program that uses sensors on satellites to detect large leaks in near real time.
$100 million project financed through the state budget cap-and-trade programsends data to the California Air Resources Board when the satellite passes over the state. about five times week. One satellite is already in orbit, and seven more are expected to be launched in the coming years.
By November, the system helped identify and stop 10 major leaks colorless, odorless gas since May is the climate equivalent of taking about 18,000 cars off the roads in a year.
2. Hawaiian researchers identify fungi that feed on microplastics
Scientists at the University of Hawaii at Manoa discovered that many fungi living around the islands can naturally break down plastic, and some are even trained to absorb microparticles faster.
In February, after testing different types of sea fungi, researchers announced that more than 60% of them were able to break down polyurethane, a common plastic found in consumer and commercial products. By repeatedly exposing the fastest-growing mushrooms to plastic, the researchers also increased their decomposition rate by 15% in just three months.
With an estimated 625,000 garbage trucks entering the ocean each year, researchers are now determining whether plastic-eating species or other fungi can break down more persistent and less degradable plastics such as polyethylene.
3. Scientists have identified the culprits behind the decline in bee numbers in the United States
Scientists have determined key virus drivers is behind the mass honey bee die-off that has devastated US beekeepers since early 2025.
In the new USDA study awaits expert assessment and is carried out against the background Funding cuts in the Trump eraThe researchers found that almost all of the sampled colonies contained bee viruses spread by Varroa mites, parasites that are now resistant to amitraz, the main chemical used to control them.
These ticks quickly transmit infections that can also be transmitted to wild pollinators. However, the researchers also warn that resistant mites are only part of the problem, with the climate crisis, pesticide exposure and feed cuts also contributing. record losses of colonies.
4. Hypoxia levels in Long Island Sound reach lowest level in 40 years
Levels of hypoxia, or low oxygen levels, in bottom waters as a result of algal growth and decomposition have reached their limit. lowest in 40 years, marking a major milestone in the restoration of the second largest estuary on the US East Coast.
New status data show Sound “dead zones”which are oxygen-depleted and unsuitable for marine life, shrunk to 18.3 square miles and lasted just 40 days—one of the shortest and most insignificant events since monitoring began in the late 1980s. The figures reflect significant reject from 43 square miles in 2024 and 127 square miles in 2023.
Scientists celebrate decades local and state efforts reduce nitrogen pollution as well this year dry summer conditions which helped reduce algae growth throughout the strait.
5. San Diego researchers have developed a new gel to restore coral reefs
Researchers from the University of California, San Diego developed revolutionary Snap-X gel that could change the process of coral reef restoration.
Because coral larvae are particularly selective about where they settle, researchers announced in May the creation of a material that releases chemical signals that indicate suitable habitats.
Snap-X, composed of nanoparticles suspended in a UV-curing gel, gradually releases chemicals over the course of a month that attract corals. In laboratory tests of Hawaiian stony coral species. Montipora happened surfaces treated with Snap-X promoted coral settlement six times faster than untreated surfaces. In addition, in experiments simulating reefs with flowing water, Snap-X increased the population of coral larvae by 20 times, according to the researchers.
A scientific breakthrough occurred when more than 80% Earlier this year, the world's reefs were hit by the worst global bleaching event on record.
6. New Mexico invests $50 million in wildlife crossings
In April, New Mexico Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham committed $50 million to expand wildlife crossings as part of the state's efforts to reduce dangerous encounters with wildlife. Funding included in government House Bill 5notes largest one-year government appropriations for wildlife crossings in the United States.
It supports projects identified in the New Mexico Wildlife Corridors Action Plan, including the high priority US 550 corridor north of Cuba, commonly known as “Valley of Death” due to serious moose and deer collisions.
approximately 1200 wildlife related accidents in the state every year, officials and conservationists welcome investment, saying it would help reduce collisions and also protect the natural behavior of elk, deer, pronghorn, bighorn sheep, black bears and cougars.
7. Researchers reduce sea turtle bycatch with solar-powered fishing nets
Researchers from Arizona State University, Noaa Fisheries and the World Wildlife Fund developed solar-powered flashing LED lights for gillnets – the walls of nets designed to entangle fish – reduce sea turtle bycatch.
Developed in collaboration with local fishermen from the Gulf of California in Mexico, the lanterns also serve as buoys. Featuring a polycarbonate body, flexible solar cells, lithium polymer batteries and green LEDs, the lanterns can operate for up to five nights without direct sunlight.
As a result, researchers found that solar-powered nets reduced sea turtle bycatch by 63% compared to conventional meshes. The researchers also found that lighting did not reduce catch rates of target species such as yellowtail tuna.
Development occurs as bycatch is 40% of the world's total seafood catch, or 63 billion pounds per year, with much of the waste associated with endangered marine animals, including sea turtles, sharks and dolphins.
