Researchers found that invasive plants reduce biodiversity in smaller areas, but the effect diminishes when studying larger ecosystems. The study provides new insights into the complex relationship between invasive species and local biodiversity.
A study found that invasive plant invasions can create 'extinction debts' in native plant species, leading to slow extinctions but delayed actual extinction events. Native plants are often relegated to marginal habitats unsuitable to their non-native competitors.
Researchers found that invasive plants will likely extinguish native plants in the wild over time, contrary to recent reports. The 'extinction debt' occurs hundreds of years after initial invasion, where native species slowly go extinct but not immediately.
Researchers mapped large stands of invasive Phragmites along the US Great Lakes coastline using satellite technologies. The resulting dataset provides a highly accurate picture of the extent of Phragmites invasion, allowing for targeted control efforts and future range extension modeling.
An international team of scientists has discovered a new species of slow loris in Borneo, recognizing four existing species as distinct from previously considered subspecies. The discovery highlights the need for urgent conservation efforts due to human activity threats and the pet trade.
Exposure to second-hand smoke significantly increases the risk of invasive meningococcal disease in children, with doubled risks at home and tripled risks for those born to smoking mothers. The study estimates an extra 630 cases of childhood invasive meningococcal disease per year.
African American women with early-stage invasive breast cancer were 12% less likely to receive the minimally invasive axillary sentinel lymph node biopsy compared to Caucasian women. The study found higher rates of lymphedema among African American women who underwent the older, more invasive procedure.
A study found that DCIS patients with combined RB and PTEN loss are at high risk of progressing to invasive breast cancer. Women lacking both genes are over 5 times more likely to develop invasive breast cancer.
A study found that it takes an average of 20.7 years for a newly collected species to be described, with some species taking up to 12 years. This long 'shelf life' poses a significant challenge for conservation efforts, which may come too late if not addressed promptly.
A comprehensive register of marine species reveals approximately 226,000 identified species and up to 65,000 awaiting description. This comprehensive inventory provides a foundation for conservation efforts and estimates of extinction rates.
A new study suggests that up to one million marine species may inhabit the world's oceans. The current number of identified species is around 230,000, but estimates vary widely, ranging from 540,000 to 972,000. Despite this uncertainty, researchers agree that only about 1/3 of ocean biodiversity has been discovered.
Researchers found that genetic imbalances in most cases determine the evolution from noninvasive to invasive disease. The study identified patterns consistent with known aberration profiles for breast cancer, including the loss of tumor suppressor CDH1 and gain of oncogene MYC.
The River Thames has been invaded with over 96 non-native freshwater species, according to a recent study published in Biological Invasions. The research suggests that globalisation and shipping activity have facilitated these invasions, resulting in significant biodiversity loss and ecosystem service degradation.
The University of Notre Dame has received a $599,931 EPA grant to develop early detection technology for invasive species using environmental DNA. The research will test the efficacy of this method across diverse groups of high-risk invasive species, including mussels, snails, crayfish, and plants.
The IUCN World Conservation Congress has adopted a motion to create a Green List for Species, which will include species identified as 'fully conserved', thriving in ecologically significant numbers. The list aims to emphasize that conservation is about more than just preventing extinction and highlight successful species conservation.
The incidence of invasive cervical cancer has declined dramatically over the past several decades, thanks to increased use of Pap smears and prevention programs. However, disparities persist, particularly among underserved racial and ethnic minorities, rural areas, and low-income women.
The Rasberry Crazy Ant, an invasive species in Texas, has been identified as Nylanderia fulva, which will aid in controlling its spread. The species is now known to be distributed more widely than initially thought and may have invaded all Gulf Coast states.
Yuk Ming Dennis Lo received the Illy Trieste Science Prize for developing non-invasive prenatal diagnosis technology that can scan a fetus's genome from a pregnant mother's blood sample. This technology has reduced reliance on invasive methods and offers concrete benefits to both mothers and fetuses during pregnancy.
The Endangered Species Act focuses on boosting species' numbers, but many will require continued management actions. Individual conservation agreements can help such 'conservation-reliant species',
A recent study by UCLA researchers found that beetle diversity exceeds that of crocodiles, contradicting the long-held theory that older lineages produce more species. The team proposes that adaptive zones, which determine a lineage's ecological limit, play a crucial role in shaping species richness.
Researchers at University of Minnesota develop new non-invasive brain scan technique to study seizures immediately after they occur. The method could lead to breakthroughs in identifying the brain regions responsible for seizures and finding effective treatments.
The NYBG has developed a streamlined method for evaluating the conservation status of large numbers of plant species using Geographic Information Systems technology. This approach identifies which plant species are widespread in a region and those with restricted ranges, making them more susceptible to extinction.
The invasive Ophiothela mirabilis has established populations in the Atlantic, threatening coral reefs near Brazilian and Caribbean ports. Its ability to clone itself increases its proliferating capacity and dispersal, altering the ecology of Atlantic coral reef habitats.
A study finds that citizens do a better job of picking threatened species than the US Fish and Wildlife Service. Citizen-initiated listings are more likely to pose conflicts with development, but those species are also significantly more threatened on average.
According to a study by Noel M. Burkhead, North American freshwater fish extinctions have increased noticeably after 1950, with at least 57 species and subspecies going extinct since 1898. The rate of extinction is estimated to be at least 877 times the background extinction rate over geological time.
A survey of nearly 2,000 US and Canadian science teachers found that one out of four released live animals into the wild, posing a significant risk to invasive species. The study highlights the need for educators and biological supply house owners to be aware of the potential consequences of releasing non-native species.
A recent study found that native plant restoration alone is not enough to prevent non-native species invasion in Hawaii's tropical dry forests. Instead, long-term sustainability measures are needed to manage non-native species and ensure ecosystem resilience.
A University of Georgia study reveals that native clearweed plants have evolved resistance to invasive garlic mustard, and the invasive species is countering with its own chemical warfare. The study provides evidence of coevolution between native and invasive plant species, suggesting a potential for ecosystem equilibrium over time.
Obese appendectomy patients who undergo minimally invasive laparoscopic procedures experience fewer complications, longer hospital stays, and higher rates of infectious complications compared to open appendectomy. This study suggests that minimally invasive operations may be less risky for obese patients, reducing morbidity by up to 57%.
The EVINCI study found that non-invasive imaging tests, such as multi-slice CT and radionuclide imaging, can accurately diagnose coronary artery disease in most patients. This approach could safely avoid invasive procedures in 75% of cases, reducing unnecessary treatments.
A Stanford University Medical Center study found that minimally invasive weight-loss surgery is safer and more effective than open surgery, with lower mortality rates, complication rates, and hospital stays. The study examined 156,271 Roux-en-Y gastric bypass cases and confirmed the superiority of minimally invasive techniques.
A continent-wide assessment of Antarctica's biogeography proposes dividing the landmass into 15 distinct conservation regions to safeguard native species. The 15 identified areas will serve as a basis for biosecurity measures to prevent invasive species transfer.
The University of Nevada, Reno is supporting the commercial harvesting of invasive crayfish at Lake Tahoe to improve clarity and take away a food source for other invasive species. The estimated 220 million crayfish could be harvested, stimulating local tourism and providing a new market for restaurants.
Researchers found that terrestrial species are less responsive to warm temperatures than marine species, which allows them to expand their ranges towards the poles. Climate change is also causing rare heat waves to set boundaries on where species can live.
Researchers from the Heliconius Genome Consortium sequenced the Postman butterfly's genome and found promiscuous sharing of large DNA regions among closely-related species. This study reveals how hybrids can introduce new genes that help populations adapt, changing our understanding of adaptation in evolution.
Research shows bacteria adapt by sharing waste and resources with each other to improve community functioning, contrary to competing for individual benefits. This cooperative behavior leads to better collective resource breakdown and improved ecosystem performance.
A new Yale study found that hospitals performing expensive cardiovascular procedures are more costly for all heart failure patients. The median cost per hospitalization was $5,259 at low-procedure hospitals and $6,965 at high-procedure hospitals, with similar length of stay.
A new study conducted at Elizabeth Wende Breast Care in Rochester, NY found that women aged 40-49 with no family history of breast cancer are still at a high risk of developing invasive disease. The study included 211 women who underwent screening mammography and found that 64% had invasive disease.
A recent study has identified 24 new species of skinks, a type of lizard, on Caribbean islands. The newly discovered species are threatened with extinction due to the introduction of invasive mongooses that have been responsible for their decline.
A new study shows that magnetically-controlled growing rods can treat scoliosis in children without the need for repeated invasive surgery. The non-invasive procedure, called MCGR, allows for frequent outpatient distractions and has been shown to be effective and safe.
A study found that over 10 years, 30.8% of women had diagnostic mammograms, while 61.5% underwent ipsilateral invasive procedures following BCS. The high rates may be due to concerns about recurrence, and the authors highlight the need for better prognostic biomarkers to minimize overtreatment.
Studies of 32 ecological communities reveal that a species' role depends on its evolutionary history, not geographic location. This knowledge allows conservationists to focus efforts on vital parts of an ecosystem and predict species' responses to changes.
A new study by University of Notre Dame researchers estimates the annual economic cost of ship-borne invasive species in the Great Lakes at $138 million, with potential costs as high as $800 million. Replacing shipping with alternative modes could bring net benefits to society within 30-50 years.
A recent study by USDA Forest Service researchers found that removing the invasive Tamaligi tree greatly improves the health of its diverse native forests in American Samoa. Native tree species quickly recover and persist after control efforts, while biomass levels are restored to equivalent pre-invasion levels.
A team of ecologists found that Central European meadows and long-grazed grasslands are the most species-rich areas on Earth, with some regions boasting over 942 plant species per hectare. The study's findings predict a total of 219,204 species globally, remarkably close to current estimates of 275,000 species.
Biologists at Bielefeld University have developed a new method to quantify the impact of non-native species on ecosystem functioning. The study found that invasive species like the Sydney Golden Wattle can fertilize surrounding soil with nitrogen, extending beyond their occupied area and affecting native plants.
A study by Queen Mary University of London found that common carp have driven Louisiana red swamp crayfish away from Lake Naivasha, leading to a shift in the food web. The carp's dominance has resulted in the crayfish being forced to eat lower-quality diets, making it nearly impossible to catch them.
A new study identifies nearly 130 bird species at risk due to climate change, with 72% of threatened and endangered species projected to be further impacted. The research provides a comprehensive list of vulnerable species for conservation action, prioritizing wetland birds and those dependent on sea or near-shore habitats.
The newly discovered Antispila oinophylla species, originating from eastern North America, is found to infest Italian vineyards, particularly on Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Muscat grapes. The leafminer's life cycle and distribution have been studied in detail, highlighting the potential economic impact of this invasive species.
A team led by Dr Steven Le Comber used computer simulations and historical data to compare geographic profiling with existing methods for monitoring invasive species. The technique outperformed others, particularly when multiple sources were involved, suggesting its potential for controlling the spread of invasive species.
Researchers at Ohio State University have discovered a pattern of microRNAs that distinguishes early-stage breast tumors from deadly, invasive cancer. The findings suggest a potential biomarker for identifying high-risk DCIS tumors that may become invasive.
A new study shows that the arrival of the Harlequin ladybird has led to a rapid decline in historically-widespread species of ladybird in Britain, Belgium, and Switzerland. The research found that five out of eight studied species declined substantially since the Harlequin's arrival.
Invasive crane fly species threaten northeast US sod industry quality and shipment safety. Recommended IPM strategies include monitoring, cultural management, and chemical control to prevent infestations.
A comprehensive review examines how climate change affects invasive alien species in Canada, highlighting the urgent need for policy development and further investigation. The study predicts profound consequences for environments, economies, and societies worldwide, including the spread of infectious diseases in the Arctic.
A Kansas State University researcher is studying the genetic basis of natural variation in sunflowers, a process known as ecological or evolutionary genetics. The study has found that massive proliferation events of LTR retrotransposons contribute to the increase in genome size of hybrid species.
A Wayne State University researcher is studying the signaling process that triggers breast cancer transformation. The objective of his three-year study is to evaluate the potential roles of two small proteins in breast cancer progression.
A recent study has found that many US species at risk of extinction are not on the country's official Endangered Species Act (ESA) list. The IUCN Red List, a leading global threatened species list, reveals that up to 95% of certain species groups are missing from the ESA.
Invasive species like ship rats and non-native birds can become essential to ecosystems when native pollinators disappear. Researchers found that these 'alien' species perform similar functions as extinct native pollinators in New Zealand's North Island.
A team of ecologists challenges the idea of a universal species-area relationship, finding that geometric constraints and biological effects shape the connection between species richness and plot size. They discovered specific geometric limits that restrict how quickly the number of species can increase with area.
A team of researchers, led by Tufts University scientists, discovered a new species of fungus in an invasive paper wasp nest. The fungus, named Mucor nidicola, is fluffy and fast-growing, resembling bunny fur.