Scientists study animals in the wild to learn how to protect them. But it can be hard to get close to them. Drones can more easily approach some animals than scientists can in person. Researchers with the group Ocean Alliance use drones to collect data about whales without disturbing them, says Andy Rogan, the group’s scientific director.

One of the drones used by Ocean Alliance has a special name: SnotBot! When whales breathe out, they spray a mix of seawater and snot into the air. The SnotBot flies through the spray and captures snot droplets. Studying the samples helps scientists track the whales’ health.

Scientists study animals in the wild. Often, it’s to learn how to protect them. But it can be hard for scientists to get close to some animals. Drones can do this more easily. Scientists with the group Ocean Alliance use drones. They collect data about whales without bothering them, says Andy Rogan. He’s the group’s scientific director.

One drone used by Ocean Alliance has a special name. It’s called SnotBot! Whales spray a mix of seawater and snot into the air when they breathe out. The SnotBot flies through the spray. It collects snot droplets. Studying the samples helps scientists track the whales’ health.

In 2024, wildfires burned about 960 million acres of land around the world. That’s an area about half the size of the entire U.S. Intense wildfires destroy not only trees but also many of the seeds in the trees and the ground. Without these seeds, forests can take many decades to regrow.

To help healthy forests grow back faster, some companies are using drones to drop seeds on burned areas. Using drones is quicker and safer than planting by hand, especially in places that are steep or difficult to reach, says Jeanethe Falvey. She works at Mast Reforestation, one of the first U.S. companies to restore forests using drones. “Drones can reach areas that are dangerous or impossible for humans to get to,” she explains.

Wildfires were a big problem in 2024. They burned about 960 million acres of land around the world. That’s an area about half the size of the entire U.S. Intense wildfires destroy not only trees. They also wipe out the trees’ seeds. Forests can take decades to regrow without them.

Some companies are using drones to help forests grow back faster. The drones drop seeds on burned areas. It’s quicker and safer than planting by hand. And it’s easier for steep or hard to reach places, says Jeanethe Falvey. She works at Mast Reforestation. It’s one of the first U.S. companies to restore forests using drones. “Drones can reach areas that are dangerous or impossible for humans to get to,” she explains.

When someone is seriously ill, getting treatment quickly can mean the difference between life and death. But in remote parts of the world, keeping hospitals stocked with lifesaving supplies is a challenge. That’s why some companies are using drones to deliver these important items.

One company, called Zipline, uses drones to transport vaccines, medication, and donated blood to local hospitals. Zipline operates in five African countries, four U.S. states, and Japan. Minutes after a doctor places an order, the Zipline team loads a drone with the medical items.

The drone is equipped with a global positioning system (GPS) device to locate its destination. It flies autonomously (aw-TAH-nuh-muhs-lee), meaning it travels without being controlled by a pilot. Once it arrives, it drops the order. A paper parachute opens, and the package floats safely to the ground.

People who are very ill need treatment quickly. It can mean the difference between life and death. But that’s a challenge in remote parts of the world. It’s hard to keep hospitals stocked with lifesaving supplies. That’s why some companies are using drones. They deliver these important items.

One company is called Zipline. It uses drones to carry goods to local hospitals. That includes vaccines, medication, and donated blood. Zipline works in five African countries, four U.S. states, and Japan. A doctor places an order. The Zipline team loads a drone with the medical items minutes later.

The drone has a global positioning system (GPS). This device finds the drone’s destination. It flies autonomously (aw-TAH-nuh-muhs-lee). That means it travels without being controlled by a pilot. It drops the order once it arrives. A paper parachute opens. And the package floats safely to the ground.