The Asiatic lion (Panthera leo persica), once on the brink of extinction, has experienced a significant revival in India.

In 1880, there were reportedly only around 12 individuals left, confined to the Gir Forest in Gujarat. Due to intensive conservation efforts, habitat protection, anti-poaching measures, and community involvement, their numbers have steadily increased over the years.

As of the 2020 census conducted by the Gujarat Forest Department, there are now 674 Asiatic lions in the region, a 29% increase from the previous count in 2015.

The Gir National Park and surrounding protected areas remain their only natural habitat in the world.

This success is considered one of the most remarkable wildlife conservation recoveries globally. However, experts still warn that the lions' limited range in a single geographic region leaves them vulnerable to disease outbreaks and natural disasters. Plans to translocate some of the population to other regions, such as Madhya Pradesh's Kuno-Palpur Wildlife Sanctuary, have been proposed but face legal and logistical hurdles.

Astronaut's eye view — Mount Fuji from space.

Captured by astronaut Soichi Noguchi aboard the International Space Station (ISS), this stunning image shows Japan’s iconic Mount Fuji rising like a beacon through the clouds.

At 400+ km above Earth, the ISS offers a rare perspective of our planet’s natural wonders — and this is one of the most breathtaking.

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Researchers at ETH Zurich, a leading science and technology university in Switzerland, have developed an innovative glow-in-the-dark wood using bioluminescent fungi.

The fungi used, such as Armillaria mellea (commonly known as honey fungus), naturally emit a greenish glow in the dark.

By integrating the fungal mycelium into the wood’s structure, scientists created a hybrid material that glows without the need for external power sources like electricity or batteries.

The project is part of a broader movement in sustainable design and living architecture, where biological systems are incorporated into buildings and public infrastructure.

The wood-fungi composite remains biodegradable and renewable, making it a highly eco-friendly alternative to traditional lighting solutions.

It offers a soft, natural light ideal for pathways, parks, or residential streets, especially in places aiming to reduce energy consumption and light pollution.

This research showcases how biodesign could shape the future of urban environments, blending nature with modern needs.

Beyond aesthetics, it also holds practical value for off-grid areas, emergency lighting, and artistic applications in urban planning.

Engineered from natural timber, this "superwood" isn't just hype—it’s a sustainable breakthrough. Developed by researchers at the University of Maryland and commercialized by InventWood, this material boasts a tensile strength 50 times greater than steel while remaining incredibly lightweight.

What makes it revolutionary? The process strips away lignin (the stiffening compound in wood) and compresses the fibers into a dense structure, enhancing durability while reducing environmental impact. It’s also carbon negative, fire- and rot-resistant, and even stands up to ballistic impact—ideal for everything from construction to armor panels.

Production kicks off this year in Maryland with a capacity of 1 million square feet, expanding to 30 million soon after. As the world shifts toward greener materials, superwood may redefine how we build cities, vehicles, and even consumer products.

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