Researchers Challenge Misconceptions Associated with Dodo Birds
A new study is putting the spotlight on the dodo bird, which was discovered by sailors in the late 1500s. These large, flightless creatures became extinct in less than 100 years after humans arrived.
American Museum of Natural History notes that their extinction was caused by:
“deforestation, hunting, and destruction of their nests by animals brought to the island by the Dutch.”
A team of researchers representing the University of Southampton, Oxford University, and the Natural History Museum have published a paper that aims to give people a new—and more accurate—description of the dodo bird. Most people think of the dodo bird as “dumb,” as its very name has become synonymous with stupidity. But it turns out that these birds, last seen in 1662, were quite smart! The dodo bird and its closest relative, the Rodriguez Island Solitaire, were members of the columbid family, which includes pigeons and doves, species known for their impressive cognitive abilities. Educating people about dodo birds, and the reasons behind their extinction, can go a long way in helping protect birds that are currently at risk of the same fate
A Massive Cleanup Effort Targets Pittsburgh’s Iconic Three Rivers
Residents of Pittsburgh were treated to quite a sight the week of August 12, when a massive excavator began removing trash of all kinds from the bottom of the Allegheny, Monongahela, and Ohio rivers. According to Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, the dredging efforts are a joint initiative between Three Rivers Waterkeeper and Living Lands & Waters; the latter is an Illinois-based nonprofit whose crew leads “industrial strength” river cleanups, watershed conservation initiatives, workshops, tree plantings other conservation efforts.
The multi-day operation to remove trash and debris from Pittsburgh’s famous three rivers is being privately funded by Polyconcept North America, a nationwide promotional products supplier. The dredging efforts have brought lots of debris to the surface, including parts of submerged vehicles and boats. The cleanup operation, which is still ongoing, is meant to improve water quality, make the rivers safer for recreational use, and safeguard wildlife exposed to submerged items such as car batteries and fuel tanks.
Individuals and Groups Working Together to Protect the Mobile-Tensaw Delta
The Mobile-Tensaw Delta is located in Alabama—and in addition to being the state’s largest river delta and wetland, it’s the second-largest delta in the contiguous United States. Given its ecological importance, conversation groups are working hard to protect this lush piece of land. An article published by the Associated Press writes:
“It’s a spawning ground for many fish species. It’s home to hundreds of bird species, rare flowers and carnivorous plants.”
Residents, scientists, and environmentalists are working together to prevent development and logging, both of which could cause potentially irreparable harm to the cypress swamps, oxbow lakes, marshland, hardwood stands and rivers that make the Mobile-Tensaw Delta one of the most important delta ecosystems in the world.
Photographer’s Fascinating Caterpillar Photographs Publicized by National Geographic
National Geographic magazine’s September 2024 issue features stunning photographs taken by Sam Jaffe, a naturalist and photographer. Jaffe’s photographs encourage viewers to admire how caterpillars are “masters of metamorphosis.” National Geographic describes his photos by writing, “Before they transform into moths and butterflies, caterpillars must outwit, outplay, outlast.
Sam Jaffe’s images of the tubular creatures show just how: "through mimicry, defensive adaptations, and partnerships with plants.”
Jaffe is so passionate about caterpillars that he even founded The Caterpillar Lab, an educational nonprofit that
“continues to work towards our underlying mission of helping open people’s eyes to the natural value of their backyards, neighborhoods, and green spaces.”
Jaffe’s efforts toward encouraging people to understand the importance of moths and butterflies to the eco-system is commendable, especially considering that mid-August marks the beginning of fall migration for millions of monarch butterflies, and now is the time to start thinking about ways to help ensure a successful journey.
Just Like Magic, Aether Diamonds Turns Polluted Air Into Luxury Jewelry
Founded in 2018 in New York City, Aether Diamonds published a statement that reads as follows:
“Aether is a mission with a company, not the other way around.”
Their team has developed a patented thermochemical process that captures harmful CO2 from the air. After they purify it, pump it into high-pressure cylinders for storage, and combine it with green hydrogen, it produces high-purity Atmospheric Methane™, which gets pumped into specialized CVD growing chambers. Once the diamonds are grown, they are carefully cut, polished, and turned into jewelry such as necklaces, bracelets, earrings, engagement rings, wedding bands, and even custom pieces.
The Aether Diamonds website explains how they are a carbon-negative company:
“Combining direct air capture technology with diamond synthesis and powering the entire process with renewable energy allows us to go beyond carbon neutral and achieve a negative carbon footprint. That means for every diamond produced, there's a measurable reduction in atmospheric carbon.”
