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Surtsey, Iceland

Surtsey Iceland is one of those islands entirely reserved for science. After quite a dramatic volcanic eruption from 1963 up to 1967, this island was formed, making it the world's youngest island. But ever since its inception, the place has been closed off to the public due to the unique opportunity it gave scientists: they can study how ecosystems form without the interference of humans. Sounds super cool, right?

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The catch is that the researchers who end up on the island must be extra careful regarding what they bring with them on their scientific expeditions. Science is serious business.