A survey of two remote Marshall Islands atolls found exceptionally intact, wildlife-rich ecosystems—and a rare baseline for conservation. Their differences remain unexplained, while rats, warming and acidification pose threats; a marine sanctuary was designated in 2025.

Rising seas could shrink suitable habitat for more than 42% of 34,120 amphibian, reptile, bird and mammal species by 2100, a global study estimates. Threatened and island species face outsized risks, while over 96% of identified wildlife refuges lack protection.

Tiny clay figurines from ancient Israel suggest adults and children made art together as early as 15,000 years ago. The finds also push back evidence of sophisticated clay art to before farming and pottery.

A study of nearly 100,000 Americans found everyone carried genetic variants that could alter medication effects, and nearly one in four had taken a potentially affected drug. The findings bolster calls for broader genetic testing, though cost, clinical awareness and funding remain hurdles.

An Italian study of more than 80,000 people with type 2 diabetes found those who stopped GLP-1 drugs had about twice the annual rate of serious heart events or death as those who continued. The observational findings don’t prove stopping caused the added risk.

Democratic wins have revived Medicaid expansion fights in Texas, Georgia and Wisconsin, with millions potentially gaining coverage. But legislative hurdles and new federal work-reporting rules could limit expansion and put eligible patients at risk.

A study of 213 pharmacists across 64 hospitals found ICU patients had higher odds of death when pharmacist coverage was absent or workloads were heavy. The findings suggest round-the-clock staffing may matter, but don’t prove it prevents deaths.

Florida’s Amendment 3 could leave Manatee County facing major budget cuts, with losses estimated at up to $150 million. Officials are weighing lower service levels, delayed projects and new fees as residents brace for impacts.

Democrats swept Michigan’s top races and regained full control of the state Legislature, while also securing both chambers of Congress. Obama rallied Detroit supporters before Election Day, but the results don’t show how much his visit mattered.

Sediment cores show Thwaites and Pine Island glaciers repeatedly retreated far inland during warm periods over 800,000 years. Today’s faster human-driven warming could accelerate ice loss, though its pace is uncertain.