Surprise discovery could pave the way for new treatments against drug-resistant infections.

Three Arctic seal species – Bearded, Harp and Hooded – have been moved into higher threat categories on the IUCN Red List following dramatic sea-ice losses in the region. The assessment warns of collapsing breeding habitats, increased disturbance and shrinking prey access, and calls for urgent action to safeguard the seals and the wider Arctic ecosystem before key marine predators vanish.