The invasive orange pore fungus has won the third BMC Ecology and Evolution image competition, highlighting its potential threats to Australian ecosystems. The winning image depicts bright orange fruiting bodies growing on deadwood in the Australian rainforest.
A new study reveals that biodiversity research is unbalanced, with attention focused on certain species over others. The study analyzed over 3,000 species and found a four-fold difference in scientific papers between the most studied species and those with no publications. Societal interest was more spread out, but still had significan...
Researchers found that occasional long-distance dispersal events between North and South Brazil allow red mangrove trees to exchange genetic material, maintaining their unique populations. Mangroves play a vital role in coastal ecology and carbon storage, making conservation efforts crucial.
Eric Quaempts, Tribal member and Department of Natural Resources Director at Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation, has been recognized for his work on First Foods management approach. He received the 2023 ESA Regional Policy Award for integrating tribal ecological approaches into natural resource management.
A newly discovered turtle fossil from the Upper Jurassic period provides valuable information on the species' limb taphonomy and habitat ecology. The fossil, Solnhofia parsonsi, was found in Bavaria, Germany, offering a unique perspective on the ancient environment.
The Pacific Northwest and Cascadia Bioregion are home to diverse ecosystems, including temperate rainforests and marine environments. Research presented at the ESA Annual Meeting explores topics such as restoration efforts, plant community recovery, and climate change impacts on salmon populations.
Researchers found daily movements and metabolic rate increased by up to 55% due to tourism, with a suggested daily food intake of 220kg to offset high activity. Feeding whale sharks may have negative effects on movement and activity if not managed properly.
A study by the Netherlands Institute of Ecology found that great tits are struggling to adapt their breeding timing to cope with climate change, leading to a decline in population numbers. The researchers used innovative methods to speed up evolution and predict the impact of climate change on natural selection.
A groundbreaking study found that elephants' lack of testicular descent may have driven the evolution of potent anti-cancer genes. The research suggests that this adaptation allows elephants to safeguard their sperm production and DNA stabilization in the face of elevated temperatures.
A study by University of Georgia researchers found that monarchs with larger white spots fly more efficiently, making long trips easier. The team discovered a correlation between increased solar radiation and the evolution of larger white spots on the butterflies' wings.
Scientists at the UK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology are trialling crushed rock dust to remove large amounts of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. The Enhanced Rock Weathering project has the potential to boost crop yield while reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
A new study from the University of Georgia found that Joro spiders, despite their intimidating appearance, are gentle giants, mean no harm to people or pets. They remain immobile for over an hour after a disturbance, unlike other spider species that resume normal activities within a minute and a half.
A new framework for collaboration, developed by Elizabeth Borer and her NutNet colleagues, overcomes key barriers to meaningful contributions from all authors. The approach ensures substantive contributions by all co-authors, promoting a more inclusive authorship model.
A recent study in Trends in Ecology & Evolution has identified key characteristics to differentiate insect pollinators from fossil records. The researchers found that a mutualistic relationship involving insect pollination originated at least 163 million years ago, long before the emergence of flowering plants.
Research on eastern rainbowfish reveals that water flow and temperature shape local genetics, morphology, and ecology in tropical rainforest areas. Environmental factors drive genetic diversity, suggesting that future changes could impact the fitness and diversity of these species.
An interdisciplinary team of researchers at the University of Oklahoma advocates for integrating biogeography and behavioral ecology to develop a more comprehensive understanding of how to leverage existing biodiversity knowledge into predictive frameworks for addressing biodiversity loss. The authors argue that combining these two fie...
A three-year randomized trial found that double-anonymous peer review reduces reviewer bias, with outcomes similar across author demographics. Single-anonymous review, where authors' identities are known to reviewers, resulted in biased ratings and more invitations for revision.
Researchers found strong seasonality in blue whales' foraging and breeding behavior, with changes in vocalizations based on environmental conditions like marine heatwaves. The study's findings can inform conservation management of this endangered blue whale population.
An international research team from the Global South emphasizes the importance of diversity, equity and inclusion in tropical ecology and conservation. They suggest ten actions for researchers living in the Global South to improve their inclusivity and participation in international research collaborations.
The EEB Language Project aims to revise harmful terminology in ecology and evolution, promoting inclusivity and precision. The project provides a repository of words with suggested alternatives, allowing community members to submit their suggestions and engage in dialogue.
A global comparison of soil transplantation projects reveals significant improvements in restoring vegetations with high conservation value. The treatment increased species count and diversity by an average of 40% compared to hay addition, particularly on loamy soils over larger areas.
The Ecological Society of America showcases the contributions of Black scholars to 21st-century ecology, exploring historical erasure and public health injustices. The virtual collection features open-access articles addressing disparities in environmental engagement and conservation.
Purdue University researchers are developing new applications for 3D technologies, including lidar and drone-mounted sensors, to measure ecosystems and analyze their structural diversity. The research has the potential to inform land management decisions and improve ecological theories.
The endangered Amami rabbit plays a key role in dispersing seeds for the non-photosynthetic Balanophora yuwanensis plant. Researchers observed that the rabbit consumed both dry fruits and vegetative tissue from the plant, suggesting it serves as a major seed disperser incentivized by the plant's vegetative tissues.
Researchers propose a new framework to address place-based biases in environmental scholarship, recognizing that historical events and social contexts can influence research outcomes. By acknowledging and overcoming these biases, scientists can design more inclusive and culturally sensitive conservation efforts.
Researchers tracked puffins with tracking devices, revealing they lose flying ability during 1-2 month molting period, making them vulnerable to severe weather conditions. The study suggests this timing is significant as climate change increases winter cyclones in the North Atlantic.
Researchers found a close correspondence between bat species' wing shapes and their echolocation vocalizations, with both linked to foraging ecology. The study reveals distinct 'foraging syndromes' that have evolved repeatedly in each family, matching optimal evolutionary solutions for different habitats.
Researchers at UC Santa Barbara discovered that the ecology of small mammals upon which ticks feed can explain rates of human Lyme disease in California. The study found a clear link between infected ticks and their frequent hosts, such as dusky-footed woodrats, with diverse species playing a role in transmission.
A new study suggests that genetic sequencing can detect emerging COVID-19 variants with enough time to contain them at their source. This approach requires coordinated global efforts to prevent the spread of new variants.
A new review article by Brown University biologist Dov Sax and colleagues aims to shift the focus from non-native species' negative consequences to their benefits. The authors argue that most research focuses on threats and harm, clouding public understanding and hindering scientific progress.
A new study analyzing data from 57 coral reefs in French Polynesia found no correlation between fish populations and coral recovery. Instead, the researchers suggest that other location-specific attributes are critical for reef resilience and should be considered when managing fisheries.
A new study developed an analytical model that can predict Lyme disease bacteria distribution and abundance on the landscape. The research found that climate and habitat disturbance were key factors in determining infectivity rates.
Scientists argue that shallow-water mining is not a sustainable alternative to deep-water mining due to the removal of habitat and biodiversity loss. The authors caution that the extraction of valuable materials requires rigorous environmental evaluation before it can be declared safe and sustainable.
The study quantifies the impact of human activity on the Atlantic Rainforest's carbon storage capacity, highlighting that forest degradation leads to significant losses and increased greenhouse gas emissions. Conservation efforts are crucial to reverse these effects and protect the biome's carbon stocks.
Archaeoecology examines the past 60,000 years of human-ecosystem interactions, revealing how humans impacted nature and ecosystems shaped human culture. By integrating data from archaeology, ecology, and palaeoecology, this emerging field can provide crucial insights to solve today's environmental challenges.
Research waste in ecology is estimated to be between 82-89% due to issues with study design, publication, and result reporting. The largest loss occurs at the beginning of the research lifecycle, highlighting the need for urgent action to optimize scientific processes.
A decline in botany education is hindering environmental improvements and exacerbating climate crises. Basic plant identification skills are lacking among scientists and professionals.
Researchers found that flower shape is a key predictor of parasite transmission to bees, with wider, shorter flowers increasing the risk. The study suggests that identifying floral traits and species associated with lower parasite transmission rates could help create pollinator habitats with reduced disease risk.
Research from the University of Georgia shows that monarch populations have remained relatively stable over the past 25 years due to summer breeding growth. The study suggests that population growth during the summer compensates for losses due to migration, winter weather, and environmental factors.
Research finds that exotic tree plantations can affect the biodiversity of dung beetles and other insects in neighboring Amazonian forests. The study highlights the importance of considering the proximity to such plantations when restoring tropical forest ecosystems.
Researchers have discovered that soil microbes use distinct metabolic pathways to metabolize carbon in different soils, challenging long-held assumptions in the field of soil ecology. The study suggests that these differences may be related to protection against oxygen stress in certain environments.
A Yale University study found that a mange outbreak in vicuñas had unique effects on vegetation and biodiversity in the Argentine Andes. The research tracked the cascading effects of the disease on the ecosystem, revealing diverging outcomes based on which was the dominant source of mortality for the vicuñas.
New research suggests Joro spiders could colonize the entire East Coast of the US due to their ability to withstand cold temperatures. The spiders' fast metabolism and high heart rate also contribute to their potential spread.
Seed dispersal rates by Central American agoutis are lower in ocelot habitats with high scent presence. This change allows bruchid beetles to attack seeds for longer periods, promoting forest diversification. The study's findings have implications for understanding the ecology of fear and its effects on ecosystems.
A review by Nathan et al. showcases big-data revolution in movement ecology, revealing new insights into animal behavior and habitat use. Reverse-GPS systems, such as ATLAS, track animals with high accuracy, while acoustic telemetry tracks aquatic life, providing crucial data for conservation.
New research reveals that up to 90% of medieval English heroic or chivalric stories have been lost, with only 38% of similar works in Irish surviving today. The study found significant differences in survival rates for medieval works and manuscripts in different languages.
A team of researchers used an 'unseen species' model to estimate the original population of medieval European literature and discovered surprising differences in persistence across languages. The study found that island literatures were more resilient, with Icelandic and Irish works showing high survival rates.
The study found that parent birds cut earthworms into smaller pieces and feed them to their nestlings, suggesting a specialized prey preparation behavior. The researchers believe this helps younger nestlings swallow food better.
A new study finds that changes in precipitation can determine whether Miami blue butterfly populations grow or shrink. The research simulated future conditions using climate models to test how butterfly populations would respond to shifts in rainfall patterns.
Researchers at the Max Planck Institute for Chemical Ecology identified a chemical substance responsible for the resistance of Nicotiana attenuata plants to sucking leafhoppers. The study used field research, molecular biology and chemical analyses to uncover a new defense mechanism in tobacco plants.
Soil algae play a crucial role in the global carbon cycle, capturing approximately 30% of human-caused CO2 emissions. The research found that these microorganisms sequester around 3.6 gigatonnes of carbon annually.
Waldan Kwong, a researcher at Instituto Gulbenkian de Ciencia, has received an EMBO Installation Grant to investigate the mechanisms and ecology of inter-microbial interactions in gut microbiomes. The project aims to understand the genetic factors underlying microbiome organization using a social insect model.
The excessive use of road salts in winter is contaminating drinking water sources and mobilizing harmful chemicals, according to a new UToledo study. The research suggests that reducing salt application can help mitigate negative environmental impacts, while also protecting human health.
A new study found that the loss of ancient grassland grazers led to an increase in fire activity globally. Fire extent increased after megagrazer extinctions, with continents that lost more grazers experiencing larger increases.
A study by the University of Georgia's Center for the Ecology of Infectious Diseases identified contaminated water as the most common driver of large-scale zoonotic disease outbreaks. The researchers analyzed over 4,400 outbreaks and found that unusual weather patterns and changes in vector abundance were also significant contributors.
The National Science Foundation has awarded a $2.5 million grant to Cornell University to study the transmission pathways of seagrass wasting disease in coastal meadows. The researchers aim to understand how climate warming affects the spread of the disease, which can have devastating effects on marine biodiversity and human health.
Researchers used flight efficiency estimates from museum specimens to predict bird dispersal distances, revealing that species with elongated wings can disperse farther. This study has applications in biodiversity conservation, as reduced flight capabilities may threaten bird populations.
The winning image by Kristen Brown depicts a school of jack fish in a spiral formation, symbolizing the beauty and bounty of oceans as well as the spiralling crisis of coral reef decline. The competition celebrates Earth's biodiversity and its evolutionary origins through six categories.
Researchers found that certain personality types excel in specific countries and years due to environmental factors like predator presence and beechmast availability. This suggests that spatial and temporal variation in selection promotes the maintenance of behavioral differences within species.
A recent study published in Forest Ecology and Management found that creating deadwood in coniferous forests can promote the abundance of aboveground nesting bees. The researchers created artificial structures with standing timber in six sample plots in the Black Forest National Park, leading to an increase in wild bee populations.