A species of Culex modestus, known to transmit West Nile virus in Europe, has been found breeding in the UK's marshes after a 60-year absence. The discovery highlights the need to investigate mosquito-borne risks to human health and informs efforts to track the mosquitoes' spread.
Researchers at the Max Planck Institute for Chemical Ecology have successfully silenced insect genes in a high-throughput manner using plant-mediated RNA interference. By targeting specific genes, such as CYP6B46, the scientists demonstrated that the gene silencing worked with high specificity and no collateral damage.
Researchers found that birds prioritize specific tree species over others when searching for caterpillars, with the healthiest trees harboring the most caterpillars. This preference puts caterpillars at a higher risk of predation.
The UCLA-developed integral projection model improves predictions for species facing climate change by analyzing multiple data sources simultaneously. The model reveals that gradual environmental changes have a greater impact on populations than fluctuating changes.
Researchers tracked Dusky Large Blue butterfly movements to discover that long-distance travel is crucial for landscape-level effects, informing more efficient conservation methods. The study, published in Journal of Animal Ecology, sheds light on butterfly mobility in fragmented landscapes and has implications for habitat design.
Invasive false brome grass has spread rapidly in Oregon, thanks to its ability to evade fungal and mollusk enemies, with generalist insects being the primary attackers. The grass now threatens ecosystems and forests across the state, highlighting the need for public awareness and cleanup efforts to control its spread.
The southern pine beetle is the most destructive forest pest in the US, causing significant economic and ecological harm. The new synthesis, Southern Pine Beetle II, updates research on the insect's biology, ecology, and management, providing current state-of-the-art knowledge.
Carla Atkinson, a University of Oklahoma graduate student, received the EPA's STAR Fellowship to study freshwater mussels in North America. Her research will explore the role of mussels in altering riverine ecosystems and their impact on human well-being.
A recent study published in Science found that tropical forests' variability is attributed to historical and geological processes rather than current ecology. The research team collected data at sites worldwide, revealing similarities in biodiversity patterns between tropical rainforests and temperate regions.
A new CU-Boulder study assesses 69 historical sites in the Southern Rockies and finds that 65 of them are still occupied by pikas, contrasting with a recent Great Basin study showing local extinctions increasing five-fold. The team found that drier conditions at abandoned sites may be driving pika disappearance.
Researchers found that evolutionary changes in aphid populations led to rapid increases in population numbers, up to 42% faster than non-evolving populations. This rapid evolution has important implications for predicting pest densities and outbreaks in various applied areas.
A new study reveals that enhanced tree growth in tropical forests can stimulate soil micro-organisms, leading to the release of stored soil carbon. Researchers found that extra litterfall triggers a process called priming, which stimulates the decomposition of carbon stored in the soil.
Scientists present research on healthy microbes, mosquito-borne diseases prevention and E. coli food contamination. Researchers shed light on standing water mosquito breeding in cities and its impact on controlling larval mosquitoes. They also examine the complex relationships between humans and microbes in food production systems.
Dr. Ray Semlitsch has been awarded the 2011 Fitch Award for Excellence in Herpetology for his groundbreaking research on amphibian ecology and wetland conservation. His studies have shown that tolerance to contaminants varies among species, and he established the importance of aquatic environments for semi-aquatic amphibians.
The Ecological Society of America honored seven distinguished ecologists with awards, recognizing outstanding contributions to research, education, and public service. Thomas G. Whitham received the Eminent Ecologist Award for his work on individual variation in ecology, while Donald Strong was recognized for his editorial leadership a...
In a study published in Ecology, researchers found that banded tetras play a keystone role in nutrient recycling due to their diet composition and excretion rates. This finding highlights the importance of conservation efforts in maintaining ecosystem function.
A 100-million-year-old mayfly fossil has provided valuable insights into the ecology of ancient ecosystems. The discovery of a rare ovipositor and long antennae sheds light on the life cycle and adaptations of this ancient species.
The University of Arizona has received a $2.95 million grant to study the ecological processes influenced by the monsoon phenomenon. The five-year project will use advanced computer modeling approaches to understand how summer rains affect plant growth and spread invasive grasses, as well as explore connections between lower elevation ...
Clemson University is conducting a design-feasibility study for a vertical farm in downtown Charleston, powered by solar and wind energy. The project aims to promote sustainable food systems and community connectivity.
A comprehensive study of British soil biodiversity has been conducted, mapping bacterial distributions for the first time. The research found that acidic soils are dominated by few taxa, while bacterial diversity is strongly related to soil pH.
A new study reveals that dinosaurs, like velociraptors, were nocturnal hunters, while plant-eaters were active during the day and night. The research uses eye measurements to separate ecological and phylogenetic signals, providing insight into how environment influences evolution.
Researchers use computer simulations to study clonal plant communities and their impact on ecosystems, aiming to design ideal prairies for pollution cleanup and species preservation. The project utilizes volunteer computing resources from over 10,000 volunteers worldwide.
A study published in Ecology Letters found that seemingly mindless survival strategies can be more effective than adapting to changes. This 'multiplier effect' states that individuals will thrive in their optimal environment if they follow what their parents did, leading to the success of their genes.
Aeroecology is a new discipline that focuses on the aerosphere and its influence on airborne organisms. Organisms such as bats, birds, and insects rely on this aerial environment for their existence, but are also affected by human-altered landscapes and climate change.
Researchers are using radar technology to monitor and study airborne organisms, requiring collaboration between disciplines like ecology, computer science, and engineering. This advancement offers insights into animal migration patterns, invasive species, and ecosystem sustainability.
Biologists at UC Berkeley have developed a new 'reverse-ecology' tool that analyzes genomes to identify an organism's adaptive traits. The study, using Neurospora crassa bread mold, found variations in two genome regions linked to natural selection and cold tolerance.
A new appreciation of the ecology-evolution dynamic reveals that environmental factors can influence evolutionary changes and shape ecological traits. This emerging field of study highlights the interconnectedness between ecology and evolution, suggesting a feedback loop where ecological changes affect evolution and vice versa.
A new study found that kittiwake's summer breeding performance affects their winter distribution, with failed breeders migrating over 3000km to Canada. Successful breeders remained closer to Britain.
A joint US-Swedish expedition will study the Amundsen Sea, one of Antarctica's least-explored bodies, to gauge climate change effects. The research aims to determine nutrient availability, phytoplankton blooms, and sea-ice coverage.
A new study published in Molecular Ecology found that hares with genetic variation at a specific gene locus have higher reproductive success, including increased fertility and fecundity. The research suggests that variability at the individual level can provide advantages for survival and reproduction.
A special section in Ecological Economics analyzes ecological distribution conflicts, linking them to political ecology and social metabolism. The research explores the impacts of resource extraction and waste disposal on economic, environmental, cultural, and social conflicts.
A special issue of Yale's Journal of Industrial Ecology examines innovative ICT applications for energy efficiency, smart irrigation, and carbon reduction. The research assesses the environmental impacts of ICT and entertainment sectors, estimating their net environmental impact and potential for reducing carbon emissions.
Lyme disease expert Dr. Richard Ostfeld assesses the ecological factors contributing to its expanding range, shifting focus from deer to white-footed mice as critical hosts for black-legged ticks. He recommends steps to prevent Lyme disease expansion and highlights links between land-use planning and biodiversity loss.
Mutualist systems may play crucial roles in global ecosystem health, but human impacts are forcing them down unprecedented evolutionary paths. Research suggests that small changes or shifts in mutualistic relationships could be the most potent global disruptions.
A region-wide study found that toxic pollution falling onto Puget Sound's waters has significantly decreased since 1991, with some pollutants decreasing by as much as 99%. However, industrial areas like Tacoma still have high air-deposited contamination levels, with the Port of Tacoma site recording the highest deposition rates.
Research reveals that seamounts have comparable levels of diversity and endemism to continental margins, but their ecological communities are distinct in structure and higher in biomass. Seamount ecosystems are highly vulnerable to disturbance by bottom trawling and require decades for recovery.
Research reveals that farm management choices significantly influence arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi distribution, with organic farming showing higher AMF richness. This understanding can improve crop production and promote sustainable agricultural practices to address food security and climate change challenges.
Scientists studied Scots Pine genes to discover they still harbor genetic variation from their continental ancestors, which could aid future populations' adaptation and survival under changing climate conditions. The research found Scottish pine tree populations are genetically diverse enough to cope with future change.
The new book 'Urban Ecosystem Ecology' aims to understand the complexities of urban ecosystems and provide solutions for managing their environmental impacts. The book covers topics such as wildlife, water quality, air quality, and climate change, and offers practical guidance on green infrastructure planning and urban forestry.
To eradicate malaria, it is essential to comprehend the private lives of mosquitoes beyond their usual habitats. The authors emphasize that current vector control measures are insufficient to break the Plasmodium falciparum transmission cycle in highly endemic areas.
A new teaching model using real data and relevant videos engages high school students in conservation biology research, improving understanding of ecological concepts. Students develop a better grasp of normal ecological processes and how human actions affect the natural world.
A new study published in Marine Ecology Progress Series found that cleaner water improves the resilience of coral reefs to climate change in the Florida Keys. Corals living in cleaner waters with fewer nutrients were shown to be more resistant to warming and bleaching, while those in dirtier water became sick.
The Ecological Society of America honors seven distinguished ecologists for their outstanding contributions to the field. The awards recognize achievements in ecological research, education, and sustainability, including Simon A. Levin's Eminent Ecologist Award and Martin Lindegren's Sustainability Science Award.
Scientists found that reforestation can decrease the ability of forests to combat climate change by reducing carbon stock. The study suggests implementing forest management practices, such as site preparation without burning, to minimize negative effects on ecosystems.
Researchers from the University of Sheffield discovered that female damselflies choose hot males based on their body temperature. Males that have warmed themselves in the sun are more likely to copulate and benefit females by providing access to warm territories for egg-laying.
A new study suggests that reducing nitrogen pollution in the Sacramento-San Joaquin Bay-Delta could help restore the endangered California delta smelt population. The research found that high levels of nitrogen from wastewater treatment plants are affecting the food web and altering the ecology of the system.
Researchers at the Max Planck Institute for Chemical Ecology have discovered that the plant hormone jasmonic acid regulates nectar production in rapeseed flowers, a critical process for pollination. The study found that jasmonic acid triggers nectar accumulation in response to floral development, regardless of herbivore attack.
A six-year study by ecologists at Rice University and Indiana University found that a symbiotic fungus living inside fescue can have far-reaching effects on plant, animal, and insect communities. The research suggests that cooperative microorganisms play a significant role in ecological diversity.
Researchers at the Max Planck Institute for Chemical Ecology discovered that desert ants can locate odour sources in a map-like manner and use this information for navigation. The ants need both antennae to smell the scenery in stereo, enabling precise location of their nests after foraging for food.
Scientists at UH found that better food from high-latitude plants may explain why animals grow bigger in cold climates. The study suggests considering ecological interactions beyond traditional physiological responses to temperature.
A new Excel-based application, Spatio-Temporal Animal Reduction (S.T.A.R.), aims to optimize culling strategies for invasive species in Australia. The model was developed by ecologists at the University of Adelaide to improve the success of wildlife managers tasked with eradicating feral animals.
May R. Berenbaum, a renowned entomologist, has been awarded the AAAS Public Understanding of Science and Technology Award for her extraordinary ability to integrate scientific discovery with public outreach. Her work has had a significant impact on fields such as chemical ecology, agriculture, and environmental conservation.
A new study by UK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology and colleagues found that diverse landscapes with varying habitats help maintain stable butterfly populations. This can aid conservation efforts, as stable populations are better equipped to withstand extreme weather conditions.
Carnegie scientists Kenneth Caldeira, Yingwei Fei and Steven Shirey have been elected AGU Fellows for their exceptional contributions to climate science, geological research and Earth sciences. Their work has significantly advanced scientific understanding of the internal structure of Earth and other planets.
A UC Riverside study reveals that ecology and evolution are reciprocally interacting processes, with evolutionary processes influencing ecology in turn. The research found that guppies adapted to different stream communities exhibited distinct impacts on their ecosystems, including differences in diet and nutrient cycling.
Scientists discovered that tobacco plants alter their flower opening time in response to insect herbivory, reducing scent emission and attracting hummingbirds as an alternative pollinator. This adaptation helps protect the plant from harm while still allowing for fertilization and reproduction.
A recent increase in winter mortality among Atlantic puffins could be attributed to worsening North Sea conditions, according to a new study. Geolocation technology tracked puffins from the Isle of May National Nature Reserve, revealing that some birds make long trips into the Atlantic during winter.
The U.S. Department of Education has awarded Kansas State University a $783,000 grant to support a new graduate fellowship training program in ecology, evolution, and genomics. The program aims to train seven graduate fellows in integrative learning and training across the disciplines of ecology, evolution, and genomics.
The researcher aims to understand the nesting ecology of bog turtles in southwestern Virginia and evaluate factors limiting nesting success. Diagnostic ultrasound is used to examine ovarian cycle and clutch characteristics.
K-State's Research Experience for Undergraduates program is one of the longest running in the country, providing students with independent research projects on ecology and evolution. The program aims to study the biota of the tallgrass prairie and its implications for global change.