Microeledone galapagensis, a tiny blue octopus discovered 1,770 meters beneath the waters of Galápagos, highlights how much remains unknown about the deep sea. Its identification as a new species was made possible by years of preservation in the Charles Darwin Foundation’s marine collections, underscoring their importance for scientific research.

Scientists in Galápagos are tracing the origin of the invasive avian vampire fly to find a safe, long-term solution. This story follows a decade-long scientific journey into biological control—where patience, precaution, and nature itself may offer new hope for endemic birds on the brink.

In 1969, during relentless rains on Santa Fe Island, scientist Tjitte de Vries discovered a small, well-preserved tortoise skull. Taken to the Charles Darwin Research Station, the find intrigued researchers, who believed it might belong to the island’s long-extinct giant tortoise.