Deep-Sea Discovery: Researchers identified Rhinochimaera costaricana, a new “ghost shark” species, from deep Pacific waters off Costa Rica, using physical traits and DNA—highlighting how little we still know about deep ecosystems under pressure from fishing, mining, and climate change. Volcano Watch: Costa Rica issued a preventive green alert around Rincón de la Vieja after more than 100 eruptions in July–August, with officials monitoring for possible lahars and no evacuation orders. Conservation & Restoration: In Golfo Dulce, communities planted 12,000+ mangrove seedlings; early results suggest 75–80% survival, aiming to rebuild coastal protection and habitat. Local Housing Reality: A new study says 81.4% of Costa Rican renter households face major barriers to formal mortgage financing, driven by down-payment and income gaps. STEM & Research Infrastructure: Costa Rica’s first medicinal cannabis manufacturing lab in Cartago (and related efforts) marks a medical milestone as the country expands lab capacity. Business & Investment: PROCOMER’s Costa Rica Trade & Investment Summit drew 1,000+ companies and buyers from 40+ countries for thousands of meetings. Education Funding Protest: Students across Costa Rica’s public universities marched against a proposed FEES freeze for 2027, warning scholarships, research, and services could be hit.