Scientists at MIT are hoping to prevent Lyme disease on the Vineyard by releasing large numbers of genetically engineered mice into the wild. The project would still be years down the road.

A large roughtail stingray was seen swimming in shallow water about 50 yards off State Beach on Sunday morning. The gentle creatures are common in New England waters but rarely seen close to shore.

Nashaquitsa Pond has become a laboratory for eelgrass restoration, although poor water quality and other factors appear to be keeping the aquatic species from re-establishing.

There was the osprey, perched on a pole at Lobsterville, with its talons completely wrapped up in a snarl of monofilament fishing line.

Norton Point Beach was the host of seven different species of terns on July 16. Yes, you read that right: seven species of terns.

Nature is full of curiosities and interesting objects. Two natural mysteries had my attention last week.