In 2017, researchers working in the Ecuadorian Andes stumbled across a previously unknown species of hummingbird--but as documented in a new study published in The Auk: Ornithological Advances, its small range, specialized habitat, and threats from human activity mean the newly described Blue-throated Hillstar is likely already critically endangered.

On a recent expedition to the remote Brazilian archipelago of St. Paul's Rocks, a new species of reef fish--striped a vivid pink and yellow--enchanted its diving discoverers from the California Academy of Sciences. First spotted at a depth of 400 feet beneath the ocean's surface, this cryptic fish inhabits rocky crevices of twilight zone reefs and is found nowhere else in the world. Upon discovery, the deep-diving team was so captivated by their finned find that they didn't notice a massive sixgill shark hovering above them in an exciting moment captured on camera. The new fish description published today in Zookeys.

A quick look at the fossil record shows that no species lasts forever. On average, most species exist for around a million years, although some species persist for much longer. A new study published in Scientific Reports from paleontologists at the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute in Panama shows that young species can take advantage of new opportunities more easily than older species: a hint that perhaps older species are bound to an established way of life.

Used motor lubricating oils are currently considered one of the most important pollutant liquids in the European Union. Little more than 60% can be recycled, the rest is incinerated with the objective of taking advantage of its energetic power, which entails high environmental contamination risks. Researchers from the University of Salamanca are working to innovate in this field. In particular, they intend to use a very advanced technology, oil gasification with supercritical water, to transform them into other valuable compounds.

Deforestation remains the biggest threat to animals that call the rain forest "home." However, even measured, sensible development projects can have unforeseen effects because there's no model to follow.