July 2026

Illustration by artist Peter Trusler depicting the interaction between an ichthyosaur, a pterosaur, and a pliosaur. (Image courtesy Peter Trusler)

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An article published in the journal “Gondwana Research” reports the discovery of an ichthyosaur fossil in present-day Australia that preserved the contents of its stomach, which includes the remains of a pterosaur. The ichthyosaur itself shows remarkable signs of having been bitten by a pliosaur, which literally broke its bones. A team of researchers led by Dr. Matt White of the University of New England studied these fossils and reconstructed this snapshot of the ecosystem in which these animals lived during the Cretaceous Period. The result reveals a portion of the food chain that existed in that area approximately 100 million years ago.

The Return of Santiago by Mike Resnick

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The novel “The Return of Santiago” by Mike Resnick was published for the first time in 2003. It’s the sequel to “Santiago.”

Danny Briggs is a petty thief who wants to make a name for himself but must first evade justice. During his escape, he hides in a house where he discovers the original manuscript of the great poet Black Orpheus. Specifically, the manuscript contains a poem about the legendary outlaw Santiago and the revelation that he wasn’t a single man but a sort of title used by various men in the course of decades.

Inspired by his discovery, Danny Briggs decides to become the new Black Orpheus under the pen name Dante Alighieri. He decides that he needs to find a new Santiago to give meaning to his work. He finds the thief who uses the pen name Waltzing Matilda, a descendant of one of the Santiagos, and convinces her to help him find the right man to revive the legend.

Scheme of cacao fruit and beans

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An article published in the journal “PLoS ONE” reports the discovery of four previously unknown cacao lineages in Peru. A team of researchers conducted an analysis of 390 cacao trees representing traditional Amazonian varieties, and the results led to the discovery of the previously unknown lineages. This also provides a better understanding of the genetic characteristics of cacao in different regions. Two of the lineages discovered through this study also offer new potential for achieving improved flavor in chocolate.

Treason by John Walker

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The novel “Treason” by John Walker was published for the first time in 2020. It’s the second book in The Descendants War series and follows “Triton”.

The archaeologists aboard the starship Triton are trying to figure out how to access the information contained in the ancient Kahl artifact they found. Meanwhile, a Rhulin outpost, allied with the Prytin, is under attack, apparently by pirates equipped with the best Kahl weapons. Their target appears to be a scientist conducting research on the planet.

General Renz Divol is offered a new chance to prove his worth, but the situation becomes complicated for him. A Kahl base where highly classified information is store is attacked by a highly trained group, also thanks to the knowledge of the base systems. The group’s members are mostly Kahl, perhaps connected to the mysterious Prophet whom Milna Lithe is investigating undercover.

Deceit by Peter Darvill-Evans

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The novel “Deceit” by Peter Darvill-Evans was published for the first time in 1993. It’s No. 13 in the “New Adventures” range by Virgin Publishing and follows “The Pit”.

The Seventh Doctor seems more lost than ever. Bernice Summerfield is concerned, also because the TARDIS appears to be having some stability issues. An infection is plaguing the TARDIS and, by extension, the Doctor, who must find a way to eliminate it. A contact from an old friend leads the travellers to the planet Arcadia.

Agent Isabelle Defries of Earth’s Office of External Operations leads an expedition to the planet Arcadia. Her team includes a so-called Dalek Killer, a criminal used to fight the Daleks. However, there are no Daleks on Arcadia, but a more sinister threat. It’s not the kind of threat that can be attacked with weapons like those wielded by the group’s explosives expert, Ace.