As scientists have established, a decrease in precipitation on the island of Flores, as well as a volcanic eruption about 50,000 years ago, could have caused the extinction of "hobbits. "
Oceanographers from MBARI recorded a live seven-armed octopus weighing up to 75 kg at a depth of 700 meters, marking the fourth such instance in 40 years. This octopus, known as Haliphron atlanticus, actually has eight tentacles, but males conceal one for reproduction.
The icebreaker "Noosfera" delivered another group of scientists and researchers to the Ukrainian Arctic station "Academician Vernadsky". Also, for the first time, scientists from Mexico were delivered to the station along with Ukrainians.
Trial tests of deep-sea mining lead to a significant decrease in biodiversity. The number of animals in the tracks of mining equipment decreased by 37% compared to untouched areas.
A volcanic eruption around 1345 caused a climate shock that led to poor harvests. This forced Italian cities to import grain from the Black Sea, spreading the plague that killed up to half of Europe's population.
Spain, the largest pork exporter in the EU, has deployed soldiers and drones to contain swine fever near Barcelona. Due to the outbreak, Mexico and Japan have suspended purchases of Spanish pork, and 91 cities have been locked down.
As of November 25, 1,630 cultural heritage sites and 2,437 cultural infrastructure objects have been destroyed and damaged in Ukraine. This happened as a result of Russian aggression, with the Kharkiv, Kherson, and Odesa regions being the most affected.
French President Emmanuel Macron met with Chinese leader Xi Jinping in Beijing, where he sought to achieve a ceasefire in Ukraine and discussed trade relations. Macron called for a rebalancing of trade ties and cooperation with the G7.
In Virginia, liquor store employees found a drunk raccoon in the restroom. The animal broke bottles and drank alcohol, after which it was taken to a shelter.
The prosecutor's office sent an indictment to court against the former head of the State Emergency Service of Ukraine in Ivano-Frankivsk region. He organized the illegal logging of 329 trees in the "Chornyi Lis" reserve, causing damages to the state of over UAH 7.3 million.
The Saeima of Latvia has adopted amendments to the law on supporting citizens of Ukraine, reducing funding and revising the set of services. The changes will affect one-time employment benefits, travel benefits, and medical services.
The first penguin of the new season was born at the Ukrainian Antarctic station "Akademik Vernadsky". This happened earlier than the traditional time, which may indicate warming in Antarctica.
In the temporarily occupied territories of Donetsk region, stray dog attacks have become a daily occurrence due to the collapse of communal services. Dogs feed on the bodies of the dead, and the occupation authorities are not solving the problem.
The number of possible cases of African swine fever among wild boars is increasing in Spain, threatening pork exports. Countries are already imposing import restrictions, and a third of export certificates have been blocked.
On November 30, Ukraine celebrates the Day of Radio-Technical Troops of the Air Force of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, established in 2010. On the same day, the world celebrates World Pet Day, International Sex Day, Day of Remembrance for All Victims of Chemical Warfare, and Eternal Youth Day.
Catalonia has closed the Collserola natural park near Barcelona after six wild boars were found dead from African swine fever. This is the first outbreak of the disease in Spain since 1994, leading to restrictions on Spanish pork imports by some countries.
In the village of Khotiv, Obukhiv district, rescuers pulled a kitten from under the rubble, which had been under a floor slab for ten hours after a Russian shelling. The animal was scared but unharmed after being rescued with a special tool.
On April 29, the world celebrates a number of important dates, including International Women Human Rights Defenders Day, World Anteater Day, and International Jaguar Day. Also on this day, an unofficial ironic holiday is celebrated - "The Customer Is Not Always Right" Day.
A woman from Bavaria unintentionally sent her cat by mail when the animal fell asleep in a box. A bakery employee heard meowing, which allowed the animal to be returned to its owner.
African swine fever has been detected in wild boars near Barcelona, Spain, marking the first case since 1994. This incident threatens pork exports to China, although the agreement allows restrictions only for the affected region.
Ukraine is completing the 2025 harvest, having collected 52. 58 million tons of grain crops from 89% of the sown areas. In total, up to 60 million tons of grain and up to 20 million tons of oilseeds are expected.
The study showed that domestic cats arrived in Europe from North Africa approximately 2,000 years ago, contradicting the previous theory that they were introduced by farmers 6,000–7,000 years ago. The spread of cats is linked to maritime trade and ancient Roman military forts.
Veterinarian Yelyzaveta Babiy explained when sleeping with animals is safe and when it is better to leave the shared bed only for humans. She emphasized the minimal risks for vaccinated and well-groomed animals, but warned about possible sleep disturbances and allergic reactions.
A man who returned from Indonesia was diagnosed with dengue fever at the Lviv Regional Infectious Diseases Hospital - a viral disease common in tropical and subtropical regions of Southeast Asia. The patient sought medical attention with a rash and high fever after being bitten by insect vectors.
Fighters of the Special Purpose Police Regiment in the Kupyansk direction rescued an owl that got entangled in an anti-drone net. The police carefully freed the bird and released it into the wild.
The American magazine Time included five Ukrainian photographs in its annual list of the 100 most significant shots of 2025. They reflect the consequences of the war and the daily lives of Ukrainians.
Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade took place in New York, where thousands of spectators watched giant balloons featuring Buzz Lightyear and Pac-Man, as well as floats with Labubu. The event proceeded despite cool weather and strong winds reaching 40-48 km/h.
French experts from the Pasteur Institute warn that the bird flu virus could cause a pandemic worse than COVID-19 if it mutates and spreads between humans. Despite this, the risk of a human pandemic is currently assessed as low, but the world is now better prepared for a potential pandemic, with vaccines and antiviral drugs ready.
On an Australian beach, a shark attacked two tourists from Switzerland: the woman died, and her husband was taken to the hospital in critical condition. Witnesses provided first aid, and the beaches were closed for 24 hours to search for the shark.
In Lviv, police are investigating the possible cruel killing of two dogs after a local resident's appeal. Criminal proceedings have been opened under the article on cruel treatment of animals.
