New study finds that popular ornamental woody plants sold as non-invasive may actually retain invasive potential. The offspring of these cultivars often 'breed true' and can be more fecund than their parents, making them potentially more invasive.
Researchers found that invasive species like the European green crab may have a major advantage when starting at the upstream edge of their range, particularly in environments with strong prevailing directions of water or wind currents. This can help inform control efforts and conservation strategies for native species.
Scientists have discovered a key to predicting emerging diseases like HIV, SARS, and flu by studying how viruses infect different species. By analyzing the relationships between species and viruses, researchers found that closely related flies are more susceptible to certain viruses.
A new study led by a University of Florida researcher verifies that the pet trade is the No. 1 cause of invasive amphibian and reptile introductions in Florida. The study documents 137 non-native species, with about 25% traced to one animal importer.
Wayne State University researcher Jeffrey Ram is using EPA grants to develop effective ballast water treatment systems and an early warning system for invasive species in the Great Lakes. The goal is to minimize the impact of existing invasive species and prevent new ones from entering the lakes.
The study estimates $1.7 billion in local government expenditures and $830 million in lost residential property values each year from invasive tree-feeding insects like the emerald ash borer and Asian longhorned beetle. Strengthening regulations and enforcement are crucial to mitigate future costs.
Invasive tree-feeding insects cause significant economic damage to homeowners, local governments, and the federal government, resulting in estimated annual losses of over $2 billion. The study highlights the need for strengthened regulations and enforcement to protect forests and economies from invasive pests.
A recent study by Stanford University researchers found that preserving just 9 key sites could protect habitat for 84% of all marine mammal species on Earth. The study identified critical conservation locations off the coasts of Mexico, Canada, Peru, and other countries as areas with high species richness.
A team of researchers at UConn has developed a seedless variety of the invasive plant Euonymus alatus, known as 'burning bush', which retains its attractive foliage but eliminates its ability to spread. This breakthrough could help restore the plant's popularity in commercial markets and mitigate its environmental impact.
Recent research investigates the effects of invasive velvetgrass on a native daisy, revealing direct competition as a key mechanism. The study found that removing invasive species can alter soil communities, leading to lingering negative impacts on native plants.
The new field guide highlights 91 nonnative invasive plant species affecting forest lands in California, Oregon, and Washington. The guide provides detailed information for identification and has significant economic implications for landowners and local governments.
Researchers found that 22 non-native species in Chile pose a high risk to Argentina, with yellow glandweed being the most dangerous. The study highlights the need for cooperation between neighboring countries to counter invasive plant species and prevent severe damage to agriculture.
Researchers found that sea urchins have limited effect on controlling invasive seaweeds like Caulerpa racemosa and Lophocladia lallemandii in the Mediterranean. High sea urchin densities can limit their establishment, but they exert no control in highly invaded areas.
A Czech University of Life Sciences team identified four new species of jewel beetles from local people in Southeast Asia. The discovery expands the genus Philanthaxia to 65 known species, emphasizing the need for biodiversity inventory and conservation efforts.
A Purdue University study finds that climate change allows yellow starthistle to outcompete native species, leading to economic and ecological damage. As carbon dioxide levels rise, the invasive weed grows up to six times its normal size, while native grassland species remain relatively unchanged.
A global analysis of invasive plant impacts found that 135 species cause a 40% reduction in native plant abundance and a 50% decrease in species diversity. This study highlights the context-dependent nature of invasions, with impacts varying by species traits, ecosystem type, and duration.
A new mathematical model shows that species pairs can reemerge after collapse if the disturbance is removed. Hybridization between closely-related species can lead to population decline and biodiversity loss. The study suggests that ecosystem managers may be able to refill ecological niches, but not resurrect lost species.
A new model of island ecology suggests that most unique island species should be common on their island, contradicting the common perception of rarity. The researchers used data from 35 islands and archipelagos to develop the model, which predicts how many individuals of each species can be expected to see in their natural habitat.
Hebrew University researchers have discovered a new mechanism by which tumor cells become invasive, involving a program of genes that confer invasive properties on epithelial cells. The study suggests that p53, a key tumor suppressor, may play a critical role in cancer prevention through its inhibition of cell invasion.
Researchers studied three species of shootingstars to understand their response to global warming. They found that some species migrated while others adapted in place, with rare species exhibiting distinct genetic histories. This study provides valuable clues for predicting how plants will respond to climate change.
A meta-analysis found that invasive plant species cause large losses in biodiversity at small scales but have a negligible impact at broader scales. This contradicts the common view of invasive plants as major threats to native biodiversity. The study suggests that the effect of invasive plants on native species extinctions decreases w...
A new index called SAFE (Species Ability to Forestall Extinction) measures how close a species is to extinction. The index provides a formula for calculating the minimum viable population size, allowing conservationists to prioritize resources on species most likely to be brought back from the brink of extinction.
Biologists from University of Texas at Austin suggest focusing on interactions between climate change and human activities like air pollution, invasive species, and habitat fragmentation. Local factors like host plant competition and water pollution are critical in understanding species decline.
Scientists at the Max Planck Institute for Demographic Research propose targeted captive breeding programmes to supplement wild animal protection. The study reveals that up to 25% of endangered mammal species and 20-25% of bird species are kept in zoos, with specialist zoos showing greater breeding success.
Women with DCIS who develop invasive breast cancer in the same breast have higher mortality rates, study finds. Radiation treatment after lumpectomy reduces risk of ipsilateral invasive breast cancer, while treatment with tamoxifen also offers protection.
Research reveals invasive plant species do not become more abundant in new habitats than their native ranges, challenging long-held assumptions. Only a small percentage of introduced plants cause problems and spread widely.
A team of scientists found that invasive fruiting plants, such as honeysuckle, can form mutually beneficial relationships with native birds and other species. In the Happy Valley region of Pennsylvania, honeysuckle increased the abundance of fruit-eating birds and facilitated seed dispersal for nearby native plants.
A global collaboration found that invasive plant species have similar or lower abundance at introduced versus native sites, challenging the 'abundance assumption'. This study used standardized protocols across over 60 sites worldwide to collect population and community data, providing a new approach to address critical ecological issues.
A €12 billion annual economic impact of invasive species worldwide and a new $4 million project will control invasive plants like giant hogweed in Ireland and Scotland's river catchments. The CIRB project aims to restore biodiversity and prevent environmental damage.
A global collaboration found that invasive plant species often have similar or lower abundance at introduced and native sites, challenging a common assumption. This suggests that biosecurity screening procedures need to be revised to address how species behave in non-native communities.
Researchers at the University of Gothenburg have used DNA technology to describe and register a new species of ribbon worm. The development of this method could lead to faster and more efficient species registration, with potential benefits for understanding biological diversity.
Researchers found that 31 non-native freshwater species have established themselves in Galicia, including fish, amphibians, and plants. The study highlights the growing threat of invasive species to biodiversity in the region.
A team of researchers from the University of Notre Dame and The Nature Conservancy has successfully validated their environmental DNA (eDNA) technique for detecting invasive Asian carp in the Chicago-area waterway. This breakthrough method, which uses genetic material from aquatic organisms to identify species presence, has been hailed...
Invasive species can halt natural speciation processes, leading to mass extinction events. The Late Devonian ecosystem collapsed due to dominant invasive species, wiping out locally adapted species and preventing new life forms from arising.
Scientists confirm environmental limits to species diversity, extending the concept over a million years through lizard study in the Caribbean. Larger islands tend to support more distinct species of lizards.
A systematic review and meta-analysis found that second-hand smoke exposure doubles the likelihood of invasive meningococcal disease in children, with strongest effects seen in youngest age groups. The study suggests reducing second-hand smoke exposure can reduce deaths and illness caused by invasive bacterial diseases.
A study by Michigan State University associate professor Elena Litchman reveals the potential impact of invisible microbial invaders on terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems. Climate change is expected to exacerbate microbial invasions, leading to significant ecosystem changes.
A study reveals that many rare coral species in Hawaii may interbreed with more common species, making it challenging to determine their individual species identity. This uncertainty affects conservation efforts and taxonomy of the coral genus Montipora.
Researchers identified top 100 known insect pests most likely to establish in the US and individual states, finding that many pests are missing from neighboring states. The study found significant negative relationships between state size, biodiversity, domestic air passengers, and GDP and absent pest species.
A study found that 75% of Spanish zoos have insecure animal housing, putting invasive species and the environment at risk. Birds are most likely to escape from these areas, emphasizing the need for improved zoo security measures.
The research team aims to create hybrid ecosystems with a mix of native and non-native species, optimizing carbon storage and supporting native biodiversity. The project will begin in April 2011 and be conducted over five years, focusing on finding ways to co-exist with invasive species.
A species-rescue program for Haiti's threatened frogs and other species is being established, with captive-breeding and gene-preservation efforts. The goal is to preserve species in case they become extinct due to habitat loss, with a focus on releasing offspring in Haiti when the forest habitat improves.
A new study confirms medusahead has growth advantages over most other grass species, suggesting it will spread across the West, disrupt native ecosystems, and make millions of acres worthless. Researchers identify potential competing species to reduce its spread and preserve grazing lands.
A recent study found that invasive species and over-exploitation of water resources are the biggest threats to fish in the Mediterranean basin. The researchers used data on 232 fish species and their distribution range to show that fish communities are exposed to the greatest threat of extinction when these pressures are present.
Clement Loo, a University of Cincinnati doctoral student, presented his research on invasive species and the Shifting Balance Theory at an international conference. His paper argues that this theory is more nuanced than traditional Fisherian gradual mass selection in understanding the evolution of invasiveness.
A new assessment reveals that 20% of the world's vertebrates are currently threatened with extinction, with 52 species moving closer to extinction each year. The study highlights the alarming rate of decline among vertebrate species globally.
Researchers found that people with periodontal disease are at high risk for cardiovascular disease and that invasive dental procedures may raise this risk. However, studies have not consistently shown a link between these procedures and cardiovascular events. Meanwhile, peer support programs improved diabetes management in patients, su...
A study found that removing 2mm around invasive breast cancer tumors reduces residual disease in 98% of patients, according to a research published in the International Journal of Clinical Practice. The study also showed that patients with non-invasive cancer have higher rates of residual disease.
Computational biologists at the University of Pennsylvania found that species diversification rates have typically decayed over time, suggesting a limit to species diversity. The study used phylogenies from various groups and found relatively little extinction in the evolutionary trees, contrasting with the fossil record.
Researchers found hundreds of rhododendron species could be derived from hybrids, explaining rich biodiversity and ancient cross-breeding. Ancient pairings of wild plants led to development of new species over millions of years.
USDA scientists Jon Bates and Tony Svejcar found that burning cut juniper trees in winter helps protect native perennials from invasive cheatgrass. After 10 years, burned areas showed 1.5-2 times greater herbaceous and perennial grass cover than unburned areas.
Economists Santanu Roy and Lars J. Olson analyze the balance between controlling invasive species and free trade, finding that some restrictions may be necessary to prevent economic damage while allowing for entry when damages are low. Their study provides a qualitative framework for policymakers to determine optimal response strategies.
A study published in Science reveals that molecular sequence data can be used to quantify cross-species transmission rates, with bats being the most common source of human infections. The analysis found that rabies viruses are more likely to jump between closely related bat species than distant ones.
A $2.5 million grant from NOAA will support research on invasive species in the Great Lakes, aiming to predict future invasions and develop effective control measures.
A new species of beetle, Himalusa thailandensis, has been found to feed on the invasive skunk vine, causing significant foliar damage. This discovery presents a potential biocontrol solution for controlling the spread of this invasive weed in the southern United States.
Researchers found that adult trees harbor pests and diseases that harm seedlings of their own species more than others, leading to stabilizing mechanisms that maintain diversity. The study suggests that plant interactions with soil biota are powerful enough to explain co-existence and abundance patterns in tropical forests.
Researchers gathered daily birding activity reports from over 1,000 ornithologists to study the spread of non-native plants. The study found that specific birds are contributing to the dispersal of certain invasive plant species through their feeding habits.
A new study found that wealth and population density are the primary factors driving invasive species in Europe, surpassing climate and geography. Human activities like trade and travel have led to a surge in introduced species, causing ecosystem disruption and native species displacement.
Invasive mosquitofish Gambusia holbrooki will expand northward due to climate change, affecting native species and ecosystems. The study found temperature affects the abundance and reproductive cycle of the species.
A new method has been developed to predict which women with DCIS are at high risk of developing more invasive tumors. The study found that two factors - the method of detection and biomarker expression - can identify patients who are most likely to develop invasive cancer within eight years.