World’s Largest Iceberg A23a Grounds Near South Georgia
The world’s largest iceberg, A23a, has come to a standstill near South Georgia, a critical wildlife habitat in the South Atlantic. The British Antarctic Survey (BAS) confirmed on March 4 that the iceberg, comparable in size to Rhode Island, had run aground approximately 80 kilometres from the island. Having drifted through the Southern Ocean for months, its trajectory has been closely monitored by researchers. Scientists are now evaluating its potential impact on the region’s delicate ecosystem, particularly its effect on penguins, seals, and marine life.
Iceberg’s Journey and Previous Movements
According to the British Antarctic Survey, A23a initially calved from Antarctica’s Filchner Ice Shelf in 1986 but remained grounded on the seabed for decades. It began moving again in 2020, later getting temporarily stuck near the South Orkney Islands in early 2024. After breaking free in December, it continued northwards toward South Georgia. Scientists had previously raised concerns over its approach, fearing disruptions to the region’s biodiversity.
Impact on Wildlife and Marine Ecosystem
As reported by the BBC, Andrew Meijers, an oceanographer at the British Antarctic Survey, stated that if A23a remains stationary, significant threats to local wildlife are unlikely. However, should the iceberg shift closer to the island or fragment, challenges could arise. Meijers noted that disruptions to feeding pathways may force adult penguins and seals to travel longer distances, reducing the food supply for their offspring and potentially increasing mortality rates.
Potential Benefits and Risks
Marine ecologist Nadine Johnston told the BBC that the iceberg could also stimulate ocean productivity by introducing essential nutrients into surrounding waters. She described this phenomenon as a “nutrient bomb” that could enhance food availability for predators such as penguins and seals. On the other hand, commercial fishing operations may face obstacles. As per BAS reports, previous iceberg breakups have disrupted fisheries, and A23a’s eventual fragmentation could pose navigation hazards.
Ongoing monitoring will determine how A23a’s presence affects the South Georgia ecosystem in the coming months.
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Three live dire wolf pups have been born using reconstructed DNA. The extinct species had last roamed North America around 12,500 years ago. The milestone was reached by a Dallas-based biotech firm that focuses on genetic conservation. Ancient DNA samples from fossilised remains were analysed. Modern gene-editing tools were used to mimic key characteristics of the extinct predator. These pups were brought to life by implanting modified embryos into domestic dog surrogates. The young wolves have been named Romulus, Remus and Khaleesi.
Ancient DNA edited in lab to recreate species
According to a study shared by Colossal Biosciences, DNA samples had been collected from two ancient dire wolf fossils. One was a 13,000-year-old tooth, while the other was a 72,000-year-old skull fragment. These fragments were compared to modern wolf relatives and grey wolves were chosen for DNA alteration because of their evolutionary proximity. Gene sequences that were found only in dire wolves were isolated. These were introduced into the DNA of grey wolves through targeted editing.
Cloning technique used to implant embryos
The altered genetic material was inserted into grey wolf egg cells after removing their original nuclei. These prepared cells were placed inside domestic dogs. Each surrogate received multiple embryos. Interestingly, only one embryo survived in each of the first two dogs. Both gave birth by caesarean section, while the third pup was born in a second round of implantation.
Physical traits match fossil record
The new pups have been observed to develop features consistent with known dire wolf fossils. Thick white coats, larger teeth and body structure have been reported. These results came from identifying changes in 14 genes. The gene edits were introduced using CRISPR technology.
The same company had previously cloned red wolves. The team had also created “woolly mice” as part of a mammoth revival effort. The successful dire wolf birth marks a new phase in gene-driven species restoration.
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Lightning is commonly considered a sign of disaster in the forest, as lightning kills or damages trees. On the lowlands of Panama, the tonka bean tree (Dipteryx oleifera) might have evolved to capitalize on this natural occurrence. New research suggests that lightning strikes could help the tonka bean tree (Dipteryx oleifera). According to Live Science research, these trees not only survive these electrical interactions unharmed, but the lightning also harms their competitors and the parasitic vines that cling to the tonka bean plants.
The researchers published their findings on March 26 in the journal New Phytologist. Lightning is a major cause of tree mortality in tropical forests, particularly among the largest and oldest trees, which play important roles in carbon storage and biodiversity.
Lightning as a Canopy Weapon
On average, each lightning hit destroyed over 2.4 tons (2 metric tons) of adjacent tree biomass and approximately 80 percent of the lianas (parasitic vines) that plagued the tonka bean canopy. As per Gora’s assumption, the key to these trees’ lightning resistance comes from their physical structure.
A few studies describe the tree as having strong internal conductivity, letting lightning current flow through without building up damaging heat like a well-insulated wire. Because they tend to grow large — up to 130 feet (40 meters)—and live for centuries, a single tonka bean tree is estimated to be struck at least five times after reaching maturity. Each strike helps to clear out vines and competitors, opening up the canopy to help it thrive.
Ecological Impact and Evolutionary Marvel
Gregory Moore, a horticulturalist from the University of Melbourne who was not involved in the study, thinks the results will apply to other species. “The sort of work could also apply to other tree-dominated plant communities, such as woodlands or low woodlands where trees are widely separated, so it’s nothing like a tropical forest,” he said, adding that other tall trees are also possible targets of lightning strikes.
More Than Just a Tree
“We have long known that some trees can withstand multiple lightning strikes,” Moore said, noting that some tall trees survive Australian bushfires and grow up towering over their neighbors, making them prime targets for lightning strikes. “They are often referred to as stags because the top of the crown has been blown out, but they can survive for centuries after being hit by lightning,” he added.
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