We take a look at some of the places where wildlife continues to thrive. Doctors consider a new solution to diabetes. And futurists imagine how the cities of the future may be greener and better. It's Earthy Thursday, our weekly segment on science and Earth-related news! All this and more for the Pagan News Beagle!

With deforestation, global warming, and pollution still widespread problems it is a sad but unsurprising fact that many species are in danger throughout the world. But in a few places, wildlife still roams free and unthreatened. And some of these places, as it turns out, are cities.

But as aforementioned, not all species are doing great. And one such species that's beloved by many is the firefly. Environmentalist website Grist outlines some of the dangers facing fireflies and what you can do to help.

A century ago, diabetes was close to a death sentence. Today, it's still a debilitating and life-threatening disease but many have learned to live with it thanks to advances in medicine, including the development of artificial insulin. But now doctors believe surgery might actually be more effectual in the long term.

Space exploration often carries with it a certain degree of romanticism. There remains to this day some pride among Americans that their country was able to put a man on the Moon. But some believe the romanticism obscures the costs of space travel and that it's really just not worth our time. Is that so? Not so fast, argues astronomer Phil Plait.

It's an undeniable fact. Everywhere, cities are growing and people are moving out of the country. The truth is that urban living is just more economical. But can it also be a greener, better way of living? While we often associate cities with pollution and rampant industrialism, there's no reason we can't refashion them into smart, ecological living spaces.