The Guardian · 16 Sept, 06:00
The 2026 heatwaves in Britain led to the second-best butterfly season in 16 years, with a significant increase in painted lady butterflies, but experts warn that the drought may cause a population crash next year.
The Big Butterfly Count, which involved over 100,000 volunteers counting almost 1.4m common butterflies and day-flying moths, found that the 2026 heatwaves in Britain resulted in the second-best butterfly season in 16 years. The painted lady butterfly, a migratory species, saw a 335% increase in numbers compared to the previous year. Other species, such as the holly blue and gatekeeper, also had their best ever Big Butterfly Count results. However, some drought-sensitive species, like the speckled wood and green-veined white, saw below-average numbers.
Why it matters: The increase in butterfly numbers may be short-lived, as experts warn that the drought in many parts of Britain could cause a population crash next year. The drought may have killed off this summer's caterpillars, which would produce adult butterflies next year. This highlights the need for continued monitoring and conservation efforts to protect butterfly populations.
1.4m, 100,000, 335%, 2010, 2019, 1976, 1995, 2018, 2022
Adult butterflies love hot, sunny weather for flying, feeding and breeding, and that's exactly why people saw so many this summer. But a good summer for adult butterflies is not the same as a good summer for butterfly populations.
The Guardian · 16 Sept, 05:00
New research has found that the Bank of England and the British financial system were deeply involved in the enslavement and transatlantic trafficking of millions of African people for centuries.
The Bank of England and the British financial system were for centuries deeply involved in the enslavement and transatlantic trafficking of millions of African people. Research by historians compiling the Register of British Slave Traders has found that the scale of the financial system’s involvement in enslavement is greater than previously known or acknowledged. The Bank of England had dozens of financiers involved in its foundation who were also significant investors in the transatlantic trafficking of enslaved Africans. 24 directors of the Bank of England were investors in the trafficking of enslaved African people, with four being founding directors in 1694 and the other 20 in office over the next century.
Why it matters: The findings highlight the significant role of the Bank of England and the British financial system in the transatlantic slave trade, and the wealth generated from it. This history has not been fully acknowledged by the government, and the findings may increase pressure on the government to discuss reparations and acknowledge culpability for the centuries of trafficking and enslaving.
24 directors of the Bank of England were investors in the trafficking of enslaved African people
Slave traders and their wealth were firmly embedded within Britain’s, especially London’s, private banks and financial corporations during the 17th and 18th centuries. They shaped the development of the financial system.
The Guardian · 16 Sept, 05:00
Nature and land defenders were murdered at a rate of one every three days in 2025, prompting communities to set up self-defence units. 124 defenders were killed last year, mostly in Latin America.
In 2025, 124 nature and land defenders were killed, with organised crime groups or professional killers implicated in over a third of the cases. Latin America accounted for 85% of the deaths, with Colombia, Brazil, and Honduras having the highest tolls. Since 2012, there have been 2,375 deaths and disappearances of defenders globally. Many communities are now setting up self-defence units due to the increasing threat, with some countries and companies also carrying out non-lethal attacks on defenders.
Why it matters: The killings of nature and land defenders are significant because they are often the ones protecting forests, rivers, and other ecosystems. The increasing threat to defenders is also a concern for the global community, as it can lead to further environmental degradation and loss of biodiversity. The self-defence units set up by communities are a response to the lack of assistance from the international community, particularly after cuts by the Trump administration.
124 killings in 2025, 2,375 deaths and disappearances since 2012, 85% of deaths in Latin America, 39 killings in Colombia, 26 in Brazil, 12 in Honduras, 12 in Philippines
Defending our territory is important to us as a community and as a people, and we’re proud to support the climate that we all depend on. In our culture, the work of defending our resources and territory is taught from an early age. But for this next generation coming up, the work is more dangerous than ever. - Segundo Ispón
Ars Technica · 16 Sept, 04:00
Chimpanzees learn to use tools by observing and imitating adults, who deliberately model and teach the behavior to their offspring.
According to a new study published in Frontiers in Psychology, chimpanzees learn to use tools by observing and imitating adults. Adult chimps deliberately model the behavior and then hand over their tools to youngsters, allowing them to mimic the same motions. This process, called tool transfer, appears to be a form of teaching, along with observation and supervised practice. Mothers are often the primary models and teachers for young chimpanzees.
Why it matters: This study highlights the complex social learning abilities of chimpanzees and challenges the notion that tool use is unique to humans. The findings also provide insight into the evolution of human technology and cognition.
"Receiving food and tools from experienced individuals, which we call food or tool transfer, may help chimpanzees learn to use technology to extract foods that are difficult to access,”
Ars Technica · 15 Sept, 22:26
The Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope has enough fuel to last at least 22 years, exceeding NASA's initial expectations of 10 years.
The Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope, launched by NASA, has exceeded its expected fuel lifetime. Originally planned for a minimum of 5 years with a potential 5-year extension, the spacecraft's precise trajectory and fuel load are estimated to last at least 22 years. This is attributed to the precise launch by SpaceX and the execution of the observatory's first post-launch course correction maneuver.
Why it matters: The extended fuel lifetime of the Roman Space Telescope is significant as it allows for a longer period of potential science operations, increasing the telescope's overall value and potential discoveries. This exceeds NASA's initial conservative estimates and demonstrates the success of the mission's planning and execution.
22 years, $4.3 billion, 5 years
"As a result of exquisite planning by our orbital dynamics team, brilliant execution by the operations team, and a precise launch from SpaceX, Roman has fuel for at least 22 years of potential science operations." - Jamie Dunn
Ars Technica · 15 Sept, 18:58
An 18-year-old in Pennsylvania died from a severe neurological complication of measles, marking the fourth measles-related death in the state. The teenager was unvaccinated and died from acute disseminated encephalomyelitis (ADEM).
An 18-year-old resident of Mifflin County, Pennsylvania, died from measles complications, specifically acute disseminated encephalomyelitis (ADEM), a rare but severe neurological condition. The individual was unvaccinated. This marks the fourth measles-related death in Pennsylvania, with previous deaths reported in Lancaster County (two infants) and Jefferson County (a 40-year-old woman).
Why it matters: This death highlights the severity of measles complications, particularly in unvaccinated individuals, and underscores the importance of vaccination in preventing such outcomes. The case also contributes to the growing concern over the measles outbreak in Pennsylvania, which is nearing 700 cases.
NPR News · 16 Sept, 03:03
Summary not available.
NPR News · 16 Sept, 00:55
Summary not available.
NPR News · 16 Sept, 04:06
Summary not available.