Ruth Thornton
@rthornton28.bsky.social
Should nature have rights? Read about that and other nature news, including the "insect apocalypse," connecting the loss of frogs with malaria, climate summit (non-)results, copper mine waste in Norway and more in my newest compilation of readworthy stories!
ruththornton.substack.com/p/weekly-bio...
ruththornton.substack.com/p/weekly-bio...
Weekly biodiversity and sustainability news #6
11/26/2025: Should nature have rights? A looming "insect apocalypse," connecting the loss of frogs with malaria, climate summit (non-)results, copper mine waste in a Norwegian fjord, and more...
ruththornton.substack.com
November 26, 2025 at 3:02 PM
Should nature have rights? Read about that and other nature news, including the "insect apocalypse," connecting the loss of frogs with malaria, climate summit (non-)results, copper mine waste in Norway and more in my newest compilation of readworthy stories!
ruththornton.substack.com/p/weekly-bio...
ruththornton.substack.com/p/weekly-bio...
Reposted by Ruth Thornton
Invasive species cost the U.S. economy an estimated $10 billion annually in damage to crops, forests and ecosystems. Climate change is expanding their range and making them harder to control, yet the federal funding supporting research to combat them has been cut
From invasive species tracking to water security – what’s lost with federal funding cuts at US Climate Adaptation Science Centers
The people who manage America’s aquifers, wetlands, shorelines and recreation areas rely on federal science as they face new and rising risks in a changing climate.
buff.ly
November 25, 2025 at 9:26 PM
Invasive species cost the U.S. economy an estimated $10 billion annually in damage to crops, forests and ecosystems. Climate change is expanding their range and making them harder to control, yet the federal funding supporting research to combat them has been cut
“It’s quite possible that thoughtful, original, human-generated writing will become even more valuable.”
I loved this analysis of what will happen to writing as AI proliferates and takes over the internet. The good news - it's not necessarily all bad news!
theconversation.com/more-than-ha...
I loved this analysis of what will happen to writing as AI proliferates and takes over the internet. The good news - it's not necessarily all bad news!
theconversation.com/more-than-ha...
More than half of new articles on the internet are being written by AI – is human writing headed for extinction?
As AI floods the internet with text, it could mean human voices will matter more – not less.
theconversation.com
November 24, 2025 at 4:30 PM
“It’s quite possible that thoughtful, original, human-generated writing will become even more valuable.”
I loved this analysis of what will happen to writing as AI proliferates and takes over the internet. The good news - it's not necessarily all bad news!
theconversation.com/more-than-ha...
I loved this analysis of what will happen to writing as AI proliferates and takes over the internet. The good news - it's not necessarily all bad news!
theconversation.com/more-than-ha...
Biologists in Australia used AI to go through 36 years’ worth of audio recordings to help find animals in Australia. Check out my newest Substack post to learn about this neat new method that could make conservation funding more efficient!
substack.com/@ruththornto...
substack.com/@ruththornto...
AI listens in: New acoustic tool helps researchers monitor mammals
AI-powered survey finds vocal mammals, freeing up resources to find species that stay silent.
substack.com
November 22, 2025 at 2:25 PM
Biologists in Australia used AI to go through 36 years’ worth of audio recordings to help find animals in Australia. Check out my newest Substack post to learn about this neat new method that could make conservation funding more efficient!
substack.com/@ruththornto...
substack.com/@ruththornto...
I found some fascinating stories for this week's biodiversity news, including a seal that escaped orcas by jumping into a boat, spiders that built giant decoys to trick enemies, a wolf that raided crab traps in deep water to get at the bait, check it out!
ruththornton.substack.com/p/weekly-bio...
ruththornton.substack.com/p/weekly-bio...
Weekly biodiversity and sustainability news #5
11/18/2025: Harbor seal escapes attack by orcas, beaver-built ponds attract pollinators, spiders build giant decoys to trick enemies, ocean bacteria break down plastics and more.
ruththornton.substack.com
November 19, 2025 at 3:21 PM
I found some fascinating stories for this week's biodiversity news, including a seal that escaped orcas by jumping into a boat, spiders that built giant decoys to trick enemies, a wolf that raided crab traps in deep water to get at the bait, check it out!
ruththornton.substack.com/p/weekly-bio...
ruththornton.substack.com/p/weekly-bio...
Did you know that orcas hunt great white sharks, eating only the livers? Or that golden mussels are threatening the water supplies of farms and cities in the California Delta? Read up on these and other nature news in this week’s edition!
ruththornton.substack.com/p/weekly-bio...
ruththornton.substack.com/p/weekly-bio...
Weekly biodiversity and sustainability news #4
11/15/2025: Orcas hunt great white sharks, golden mussels overrunning the California Delta, more action needed for climate change, Louisiana communities lead pollution monitoring, and more…
ruththornton.substack.com
November 15, 2025 at 5:12 PM
Did you know that orcas hunt great white sharks, eating only the livers? Or that golden mussels are threatening the water supplies of farms and cities in the California Delta? Read up on these and other nature news in this week’s edition!
ruththornton.substack.com/p/weekly-bio...
ruththornton.substack.com/p/weekly-bio...
Sea otters, once hunted nearly to extinction for their dense fur, are making a comeback. But now researchers found toxic PFAS chemicals in all examined otters in British Columbia, potentially causing illness.
substack.com/@ruththornto...
substack.com/@ruththornto...
Tainted Tides: The Hidden Threat Facing Canada’s Sea Otters
Sea otters survived hunters and near-extinction. But they can’t hide from “forever chemicals.”
substack.com
November 13, 2025 at 9:00 PM
Sea otters, once hunted nearly to extinction for their dense fur, are making a comeback. But now researchers found toxic PFAS chemicals in all examined otters in British Columbia, potentially causing illness.
substack.com/@ruththornto...
substack.com/@ruththornto...
Besides nature's intrinsic value, there are lots of economic reasons to protect biodiversity. This article illustrates the many contributions of "bioinspiration" to our lives and how cuts to the National Science Foundation could endanger future innovations.
www.nytimes.com/interactive/...
www.nytimes.com/interactive/...
How Inventors Find Inspiration in Evolution (Gift Article)
Soft batteries and water-walking robots are among the many creations made possible by studying animals and plants.
www.nytimes.com
November 10, 2025 at 6:55 PM
Besides nature's intrinsic value, there are lots of economic reasons to protect biodiversity. This article illustrates the many contributions of "bioinspiration" to our lives and how cuts to the National Science Foundation could endanger future innovations.
www.nytimes.com/interactive/...
www.nytimes.com/interactive/...
Curious about what’s been happening in biodiversity and sustainability news? Turns out lots: six new bat species discovered, lobster population declining, concerns about PFAS in WI farm fields, Texas met nearly 40% of electricity through renewables, and more
ruththornton.substack.com/p/weekly-bio...
ruththornton.substack.com/p/weekly-bio...
Weekly biodiversity and sustainability news #3
11/4/2025: Six new bat species described, protecting puffins in Maine, microplastic effects on soil health, eco-friendly agricultural practices in Chesapeake Bay, and more....
ruththornton.substack.com
November 4, 2025 at 3:17 PM
Curious about what’s been happening in biodiversity and sustainability news? Turns out lots: six new bat species discovered, lobster population declining, concerns about PFAS in WI farm fields, Texas met nearly 40% of electricity through renewables, and more
ruththornton.substack.com/p/weekly-bio...
ruththornton.substack.com/p/weekly-bio...
Have you heard that we are causing the “sixth extinction?” It seems things aren't quite that dire. A study examined extinct species and found that while biodiversity loss is serious, it doesn't rival the five “big ones" - at least not yet.
ruththornton.substack.com/p/hold-the-s...
ruththornton.substack.com/p/hold-the-s...
Hold the Sixth Extinction - For Now
A new study finds biodiversity loss is slowing, but not enough to celebrate yet.
ruththornton.substack.com
November 1, 2025 at 1:29 PM
Have you heard that we are causing the “sixth extinction?” It seems things aren't quite that dire. A study examined extinct species and found that while biodiversity loss is serious, it doesn't rival the five “big ones" - at least not yet.
ruththornton.substack.com/p/hold-the-s...
ruththornton.substack.com/p/hold-the-s...
Check out news about a "RattleCam," bats replacing pesticides in a Texas orchard, and how climate change is affecting a rural Thai fishing village in my newest weekly compilation of biodiversity and sustainability news on Substack:
ruththornton.substack.com/publish/post...
ruththornton.substack.com/publish/post...
Weekly biodiversity and sustainability news #2
A mix of hopeful and concerning news - a rattlesnake webcam, bats replacing pesticides in an orchard, climate change effects on a Thai village, microplastics, pesticides and more...
ruththornton.substack.com
October 28, 2025 at 8:10 PM
Check out news about a "RattleCam," bats replacing pesticides in a Texas orchard, and how climate change is affecting a rural Thai fishing village in my newest weekly compilation of biodiversity and sustainability news on Substack:
ruththornton.substack.com/publish/post...
ruththornton.substack.com/publish/post...
PFAS - aka “forever chemicals” - are often in the news, with headlines that they’re contaminating drinking water, areas around military bases and cookware. But what are they and should you worry? What can you do to avoid them? Read my post to find out!
ruththornton.substack.com/p/sunny-side...
ruththornton.substack.com/p/sunny-side...
Sunny Side Up - and Laced with Forever Chemicals?
A California bill that would have banned PFAS in cookware was vetoed by Gov. Newsom. But what are PFAS and should you worry?
ruththornton.substack.com
October 25, 2025 at 1:06 PM
PFAS - aka “forever chemicals” - are often in the news, with headlines that they’re contaminating drinking water, areas around military bases and cookware. But what are they and should you worry? What can you do to avoid them? Read my post to find out!
ruththornton.substack.com/p/sunny-side...
ruththornton.substack.com/p/sunny-side...
Sea otters stealing surfboards? Water buffalo restoring old ag land in England? Hiking boots shedding microplastics in wilderness areas? Check out my first compilation of interesting biodiversity and sustainability news stories on Substack:
ruththornton.substack.com/p/weekly-bio...
ruththornton.substack.com/p/weekly-bio...
Weekly biodiversity and sustainability readings #1
10/21/2025: Wild oysters returning to Maine, water buffalo enhancing biodiversity in England, sea otters stealing surfboards, microplastics in natural areas, World Conservation Congress and more.
ruththornton.substack.com
October 21, 2025 at 8:25 PM
Sea otters stealing surfboards? Water buffalo restoring old ag land in England? Hiking boots shedding microplastics in wilderness areas? Check out my first compilation of interesting biodiversity and sustainability news stories on Substack:
ruththornton.substack.com/p/weekly-bio...
ruththornton.substack.com/p/weekly-bio...
To continue my series exploring why butterflies are disappearing, here's the story of a local Michigan township restoring habitat necessary for a rare prairie butterfly. But recent leadership changes and a proposed gravel mine could stall the momentum. ruththornton.substack.com/p/a-township...
A township's struggle to save a rare butterfly from extinction
This southeastern Michigan township has been restoring habitat necessary to save the Poweshiek skipperling and other rare species, but recent leadership changes could change things.
ruththornton.substack.com
October 17, 2025 at 7:04 PM
To continue my series exploring why butterflies are disappearing, here's the story of a local Michigan township restoring habitat necessary for a rare prairie butterfly. But recent leadership changes and a proposed gravel mine could stall the momentum. ruththornton.substack.com/p/a-township...
Do you feel anxious and hopeless about climate change and the biodiversity crisis? Well, here is story of hope for a prairie butterfly that almost went extinct. Read about an international coalition rallying behind it and the hopeful signs of recovery: ruththornton.substack.com/p/signs-of-r...
Signs of recovery for tiny butterfly after near extinction
A story of hope for the Poweshiek skipperling after a coalition of zoos, biologists and a Michigan township worked together to breed it in captivity and restore its habitat.
ruththornton.substack.com
October 16, 2025 at 4:42 PM
Do you feel anxious and hopeless about climate change and the biodiversity crisis? Well, here is story of hope for a prairie butterfly that almost went extinct. Read about an international coalition rallying behind it and the hopeful signs of recovery: ruththornton.substack.com/p/signs-of-r...
I just launched Nature Signals, a brand-new substack newsletter about environmental issues. The first few posts will be about the drastic decline of butterflies over the past 20 years, with future posts about biodiversity, pollution, climate change, etc.
ruththornton.substack.com/subscribe?pa...
ruththornton.substack.com/subscribe?pa...
Subscribe to Nature Signals
A newsletter about nature, the animals and plants that share the world with us and the human actions affecting it - both good and bad. Click to read Nature Signals, by Ruth Thornton, a Substack public...
ruththornton.substack.com
October 9, 2025 at 9:10 PM
I just launched Nature Signals, a brand-new substack newsletter about environmental issues. The first few posts will be about the drastic decline of butterflies over the past 20 years, with future posts about biodiversity, pollution, climate change, etc.
ruththornton.substack.com/subscribe?pa...
ruththornton.substack.com/subscribe?pa...
Did you know that butterflies have declined by more than 20% in the past 20 years in the U.S. alone? I recently finished a three-part series of articles about the decline of butterflies and efforts of zoos to prevent the extinction of a rare prairie butterfly, check them out here: ruththornton.com
Ruth Thornton
ruththornton.com
September 30, 2025 at 8:00 PM
Did you know that butterflies have declined by more than 20% in the past 20 years in the U.S. alone? I recently finished a three-part series of articles about the decline of butterflies and efforts of zoos to prevent the extinction of a rare prairie butterfly, check them out here: ruththornton.com
Biosolids – fertilizer derived from sewage sludge and applied on nearly 35,000 farm acres in Michigan in 2022 – can contain forever chemicals. But banning them could cost municipalities and farmers millions of dollars. Check out my story:
planetdetroit.org/2025/02/fore...
planetdetroit.org/2025/02/fore...
Biosolids use by Michigan farmers sparks PFAS fears
Michigan's use of biosolids as fertilizer poses contamination risks from forever chemicals, highlighting safety and research needs.
planetdetroit.org
February 27, 2025 at 5:34 PM
Biosolids – fertilizer derived from sewage sludge and applied on nearly 35,000 farm acres in Michigan in 2022 – can contain forever chemicals. But banning them could cost municipalities and farmers millions of dollars. Check out my story:
planetdetroit.org/2025/02/fore...
planetdetroit.org/2025/02/fore...
A recent study found dozens of unknown PFAS chemicals – often called “forever chemicals” because of their persistence in the environment – in fish, mussels, and the waters of Lake Huron.
greatlakesecho.org/2025/02/13/r...
greatlakesecho.org/2025/02/13/r...
Researchers scrambling to understand implications of forever chemicals found in fish, waters of Lake Huron
By Ruth Thornton
A recent study has found dozens of previously unknown “forever chemicals” in the fish, mussels and waters of Lake Huron, revealing more contamination than previously realized.
Resea...
greatlakesecho.org
February 15, 2025 at 4:16 PM
A recent study found dozens of unknown PFAS chemicals – often called “forever chemicals” because of their persistence in the environment – in fish, mussels, and the waters of Lake Huron.
greatlakesecho.org/2025/02/13/r...
greatlakesecho.org/2025/02/13/r...