At the bottom of the world, scientists work to protect the kingdom of krill.

Jackson Ryan

May 4, 2022 5:00 a.m. PT

https://www.cnet.com/science/climate/features/the-quest-to-save-antarcticas-most-important-species/

14 min read

Stephen King unfurled a map on the hood of a colleague’s car in Winchester, England. Traveling across the countryside, in the middle of World War II, the car’s crankshaft had given out, stranding the pair of crop researchers on the side of a dusty back road. On his map, King carefully began to trace lines with his index finger, looking for a route home. In the distance, a motorcycle roared.

As the two-wheeler approached, King noticed it was moving at warp speed — and it was entirely horizontal. The driver, an Army dispatch writer, had lost control. The bike came sliding in King’s direction and slammed into the car. He jumped a nearby hedge, avoiding a fatal collision.

The hedge was so tall King…