Month: September 2026

  • Urgent message for humanity: Sea kelp(!)

    Urgent message for humanity: Sea kelp(!)

    David Helvarg’s “Forest of the Sea” emphasises the significance of kelp ecosystems and their perilous decline, paralleling the challenges faced by coral reefs. The book interweaves the biology of kelp with human stories and ecological narratives, urging readers to recognise and advocate for the preservation of these vital underwater forests,…

  • Dead men’s shoes don’t walk, but they do talk…

    Dead men’s shoes don’t walk, but they do talk…

    Macarena Bustamante-Álvarez et al., uncovered ancient sandals made from esparto grass at an Iron Age mining site in Spain, dating back 2,400 years. The footwear exhibits skilled craftsmanship with precise design, demonstrating the significance of plant fibres in ancient economies. Unique preservation conditions allowed these artifacts’ survival. [But! there’s so…