The problem: Chytrid fungus has been wiping out frogs for over 25 years, causing at least 500 species to decline in population. As many as 90 of those species are considered to be extinct.
The solution: Researchers built small saunas after noting that, much like cold and flu in humans, chytrid fungus seems to thrive in cooler temperatures and in the winter. After only a few hours in the steamy sauna, infected frogs were cleared of the fungus — and developed an immunity from being reinfected. It was also easy to get the frogs to take their spa day since, given the option, they naturally moved towards warmer areas.
What’s next: The researchers are building shelters in Australia’s Sydney Olympic Park, which has one of the largest remaining populations of green and golden bell frogs. They’ve also put instructions online for how to build one yourself: All you need are some bricks painted black, cable ties, and a thick plastic sheet to create a greenhouse effect.