A recent fossil discovery sheds new light on the giant dinosaurs that inhabited South America. Paleontologists were able to identify a previously unknown species of titanosaur based on two exceptionally well-preserved tail vertebrae found in northern Uruguay more than forty years ago.
The new species, named Mesetasaurus protector, lived between 86 and 72 million years ago during the Late Cretaceous period, when titanosaurs dominated the landscapes of the southern continent. The research findings were published in the journal Ameghiniana on July 8, 2026.
Although these fossils were found in the 1980s at the Meseta de Artigas site within the Guishon Formation in Uruguay, scientists have only now confirmed that they belong to a previously unknown species. Two tail vertebrae were found nearby in reddish sandstone, suggesting they originate from the same animal. Researchers consider these specimens among the best-preserved sauropod fossils ever found in Uruguay.
Mesetasaurus protector belonged to the group Aeolosaurini—long-necked herbivorous titanosaurs that thrived throughout South America during the final stages of the Cretaceous period. Titanosaurs were among the largest creatures to walk the Earth and represented the last surviving line of sauropods before the mass extinction that ended the dinosaur era about 66 million years ago.
By comparing the fossils with dozens of other titanosaurs, scientists determined that the new species is closely related to dinosaurs previously discovered in Argentina and Brazil, including Aeolosaurus rionegrinus and Arrudatitan maximus.
This find indicates that Uruguay may have been home to greater diversity of giant herbivorous dinosaurs than previously assumed. Until now, only one other sauropod species, Udelartitan celeste, had been officially identified in the country. The addition of Mesetasaurus protector suggests that several different lines of titanosaurs coexisted in the region during the Late Cretaceous period, rather than a single isolated population.
Researchers also note that the characteristic shape of the Aeolosaurini tail vertebrae makes these dinosaurs relatively easy to identify, helping scientists better understand the distribution of various species across ancient South America. As museum collections are re-examined and new sites are explored, discoveries like this continue to reveal that some of the continent's greatest prehistoric treasures waited decades to tell their stories.
Coastal food gathering is gradually shifting from random seasonal harvesting to organized coastal farming. Farmers are beginning to use resilient, marine plants to diversify local food systems.
One striking example is dune spinach (Tetragonia decumbens). This nutritious species, historically valued as a beach stabilizing plant, is gaining recognition in South African agronomy. Due to its exceptional climate resilience, this wild plant has successfully moved from the coastline to research agricultural plots, indigenous chefs' kitchens, and modern restaurant menus as a sustainable crop.
The journey of cultivating dune spinach began in 2016. At that time, Lubi Rush, a food innovator, activist, author, and coordinator of the Local Wild Food Hub program at the Sustainability Institute (SI), established the Cape Wild Food Garden experimental garden on the Moya weKhaya urban farm in Hout Bay, Western Cape. This initiative received support from SI and Abalimi Bezekhaya.
Rush recalls that funding was available at SI 'by pure chance.' She notes that, to her knowledge, this was the first attempt to cultivate dune spinach alongside six other Cape wild plants she observed in nature and wished to test the viability of intentional cultivation for.
These early trials led to the establishment of the Local Wild Food Hub at SI in 2022. Today, the organization conducts field trials with Edible Futures in collaboration with the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, at SI and Grootbos Foundation. Researchers collect data using soil moisture sensors and weather stations to develop practical growing recommendations, including planting densities, watering schedules, and expected yields.
Rush explains that laboratory analysis confirmed the high mineral content in the selected wild plants, which could aid in combating malnutrition. Dune spinach is not only found in the Western Cape; it grows far into Gqeberha and along the Wild Coast in the Eastern Cape.
One woman speaking the Khoisan language, who sold jewelry near a local hotel, recounted taking a piece of dune spinach from a basket and calling it 'Morogo, imifino' (wild leafy greens), which was a 'surprising living confirmation' for her.
Research has also shown that dune spinach can help in soil desalination and adapt to both hot, dry conditions and wet seasons. This makes it a promising crop for year-round production with minimal irrigation.
Although human nutrition remains a priority, Rush believes dune spinach can also be used as livestock feed. She shared an experience where several carts of it were given to pigs, and they 'almost fought each other to get to the dune spinach,' leading her to consider it a potential pasture plant.
However, creating a market remains the biggest challenge. Rush emphasizes that 'the supply flow depends on the farmers who grow it and the chefs interested in using it.' To bridge this gap, she wrote guides for farmers and chefs, trained farmers and educators through the Local Wild Food Hub, and helped integrate this crop into school nutrition programs and restaurant kitchens.
For an indigenous chef and cultural food system practitioner, Shihan Domingo from Retreat, Cape Town, this coastal plant is a living ingredient that changes its profile depending on the time and place of harvest. Domingo asserts that the plant's versatility allows it to be used in both raw and cooked dishes. The tender tips provide a crunchy texture in salads or as sandwich toppings, while the broader leaves hold their shape well when fried, baked, or slow-cooked in traditional stews.
Beyond culinary appeal, Domingo introduces participants of her cultural 'Dream Walks' to dune spinach as a vital historical food source and building material along the coast. She highlights the unique, practical connection to this species that goes beyond simple foraging. Domingo explains that the dense foliage acts as a natural insulator, keeping the soil cool under the scorching sun. Thus, on a hot day, one can shelter under the dense canopy of leaves or dig into the sand beneath it if protection is needed. The reverse effect is observed when temperatures drop: the thick mat of leaves retains heat, protecting roots from cold coastal nights. 'It's warmer at night, and there's wind protection, plus a nutritious snack nearby.'
Uzbekistan authorities have confirmed their intention to implement a large-scale project to form a 'green belt' around the capital. According to the plan, no less than 50 million drought and heat-resistant trees and shrubs will be planted in this area by 2045.
This project was initiated by presidential decree and is overseen by the National Committee on Ecology and Climate Change. The main objectives of the initiative are to improve the ecological situation in Tashkent, reduce dust, and increase the area of green zones around the city. It is planned that the protective forest plantations will cover an area of at least 58 thousand hectares, using plant species capable of effectively retaining dust and adapted to the local climate. The survival rate of the new seedlings is expected to reach 85%.
Greening efforts are already underway: over 1.35 million trees have been planted in the capital and neighboring districts over the past years. During 2025–2026 alone, new plantings were carried out in Bektemirsky, Yangihaotsky, Tashkent, and Kibray districts. In the future, the project will be expanded, with new green areas appearing in Yangihaotsky, Sergeli district, and Bektemirsky districts. Additionally, a green area of about 100 hectares is planned along the Chirchik River.
In addition to creating the green belt, over 385 hectares have been allocated in Tashkent and the region for botanical and dendrological gardens, as well as nearly 140 hectares for public parks. Authorities emphasize that the 'green belt' concept goes beyond simple planting; it includes implementing irrigation systems, ensuring continuous care for vegetation, monitoring air quality, and protecting these areas from construction development.
Specialists will assess trees growing along roads: if they meet established standards and do not impede traffic, they will be preserved and integrated into the general green infrastructure. Responsibility for preventing illegal logging or damage to trees rests with the ecopolice, the Ministry of Internal Affairs, and the National Guard. Previously, Uzbekistan updated the regulations for the use of trees and shrubs not included in the state forest fund. Now, the felling of large trees within the framework of state or major investment projects is possible only by presidential decision. The new document also establishes rules for replanting, introduces paid permits, and strengthens requirements for the care of green spaces.
India has announced the creation of a digital tool to track seafarers in the Persian Gulf. This decision was made after a recent attack that increased the total number of Indian nationals killed to 13 since the conflict between US supporters of Israel and Iran began.
India's Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, Sarbananda Sonawall, stated that this digital platform will allow monitoring the location, crew size, safe zones, and threats for any vessel passing through the Persian Gulf, Strait of Hormuz, and Gulf of Oman, regardless of the ship's flag.
The system provides round-the-clock support, assigning a dedicated officer to accompany each affected seafarer. This officer will serve as a single point of contact for families, handling matters of medical care, repatriation, and compensation.
The program is named 'Seafarer-First' and has been characterized by the Government of New Delhi as an 'unprecedented state approach to protecting all Indian seafarers working in the region affected by the current conflict,' which impacts shipping in the Persian Gulf.
These measures followed attacks on the tankers 'MT Al Bahiyah' and 'MT Mombasa' in the Strait of Hormuz. These vessels were carrying a total of 30 Indian seafarers out of 46 crew members.
According to Sonawall, one Indian citizen died aboard the 'MT Al Bahiyah,' and another was injured. Meanwhile, nine people were injured on the 'MT Mombasa,' two of whom were in serious condition.
In addition to the 13 deceased Indian seafarers in the Strait of Hormuz since late February, three other seafarers have gone missing from the region.
