We discovered viruses, called phages, that are capable of killing an antibiotic-resistant superbug lurking in intensive care units (ICUs). When the superbug tried to escape from phages it lost the protective layer that made it antibiotic-resistant. We forced the super-bug into the dilemma of death by phages or death by antibiotics.

Growing economic use of the oceans may help determine the achievement of global conservation goals. In looking to see where this capacity rests, we find that the 10 largest companies in 8 core ocean-based industries generate, on average, 45% of each industry’s total revenues. This level of concentration presents both risks and opportunities to sustainability.

Reports that wildlife declined by more than 50% in recent decades grabbed headlines, but calculating an average global decline is trickier than it might seem. We show that seemingly catastrophic global declines were driven by less than 3% of total populations. We provide a better way to assess biodiversity trends, revealing both, a need for acute regional conservation and some improving trends.

Animals with no limbs (like snakes) are expected to have a disadvantage when handling their food. Although most snakes swallow their prey whole, we found that a species of snakes manoeuvres its split jaws to overcome the indigestible parts of its food.