🦬 Tundra Herbivores, Marine Protection, Synthetic Embryos

Large herbivores mitigate climate change in the Arctic, coastal protection benefits nearby communities, and researchers created synthetic embryos using human stem cells.

Herbivores mitigate climate change in the Arctic

Scientists conducted a 15-year study examining the impact of climate change and plant-eating animals on the diversity of plants, fungi, and lichens in the Arctic tundra. They discovered that while diversity declined over time, primarily due to sea ice loss caused by rising temperatures, large herbivores like muskoxen played a role in mitigating this decline. Encouraging a variety of plant-eating animals through rewilding initiatives can reduce the effects of global warming on tundra diversity.

Marine protection boosts communities

According to a recent study, coastal protection benefits both marine life and nearby communities. After analysing data for 13 years, researchers found that fish populations were 27 per cent more abundant in fully protected areas. They also revealed that children living within 10 kilometres of marine-protected areas were 40 per cent less likely to have their growth stunted by malnutrition. Additionally, households near fully protected areas had 33 per cent greater wealth compared to those farther away.

Scientists created synthetic human embryos

Biologists have made significant progress in developing laboratory models of early human embryo growth. Researchers successfully created synthetic embryos using various types of human stem cells, including genetically modified ones. These artificial embryos closely resemble real embryos that are up to 14 days old. The breakthrough enables scientists to study a critical period of human development that was previously challenging to investigate.

Elia Kabanov is a science writer covering the past, present and future of technology (@metkere)

Illustration: Elia Kabanov feat. MidJourney.