Thanks to drones, scientists have discovered a dangerous virus in whales living in the icy Arctic.
In the cold Arctic Ocean, scientists have made an important discovery. For the first time, they found a harmful virus in whales living north of the Arctic Circle. To do this, they used a smart and gentle tool: flying drones.
When a whale breathes out, it releases tiny drops of air and water called a “blow.” Drones carefully fly above the whale and collect this blow without touching or disturbing it.
The virus found is called morbillivirus. It can make whales very sick and has caused large die-offs in the past. Finding it in the Arctic worries scientists because the region is warming quickly and more animals are meeting each other there.
Watching whale health helps protect the oceans. Today, drones act like silent helpers, keeping an eye on the giants of the sea.
