The Hong Kong Biodiversity Genomics Consortium has launched a project to sequence the genomes of its eukaryotic biodiversity, which is rich in species but threatened by climate change. The first five genomes have been published in GigaByte Journal to coincide with International DNA Day.
A study published in Nature found that changes in marine plankton communities can precede mass extinctions. Researchers used a database of fossil records to analyze how plankton responded to climate change over millions of years, revealing that community shifts often occur before losses of biodiversity.
A research team at TUM and University of Hohenheim developed a promising approach to reconciling biodiversity conservation with agricultural productivity. Hybrid intelligence leverages collective human judgment and artificial intelligence to simulate biodiversity measures and support joint decision-making.
The event standardised and improved accessibility of biodiversity data, enabling informed policy-making and conservation efforts. Ten teams showcased their solutions to a jury of experts, with winning projects illustrating the versatility of data cubes in facilitating biodiversity conservation.
Researchers argue that human interaction with nature is more complex than previously thought, suggesting a positive effect on biodiversity. Studies of past human interactions with ecosystems reveal both negative and positive impacts, highlighting the need for a nuanced understanding of human influence.
A scientific review found only 128 studies investigating inter-connected drivers across infectious disease spread, biodiversity loss and climate change. Researchers highlight the need for interdisciplinary collaboration to identify win-win-win solutions and avoid unintended consequences.
A study from Technical University Berlin suggests 'sufficiency' as a key strategy for protecting biodiversity by reducing consumption and resource use. The research proposes a detailed sufficiency typology to integrate the term in biodiversity conservation efforts.
A recent study found that China's insect species diversity is highest in the Southeast and Southwest regions, as well as the Hengduan Mountains and Hainan Island. The researchers also discovered a positive correlation between human population density and insect biodiversity on a regional scale.
The Integrating Finance & Biodiversity for a Nature Positive programme aims to build knowledge, tools, and collaboration to support sustainable investments. By incorporating biodiversity impact into financial decision-making, the programme seeks to reduce the global economy's damage and improve sustainability.
A new study published in Trends and Ecology & Evolution recommends using absolute abundance to monitor biodiversity, providing a more precise estimate of species population sizes. This method is harder to collect but offers a more accurate picture of biodiversity, enabling effective conservation actions and policy decisions.
The rapid assessment of the Kakhovka Dam breach has estimated that half a million hectares of protected habitats have been exposed to hazards, including nutrients and pollutants. The study will support international action to restore a biodiversity hotspot in southern Ukraine.
A new study by Oxford Brookes University has found that shade-grown coffee increases biodiversity and provides a home to more plant and animal species. The research also highlights the benefits of preserving biodiversity for farmers, including improved natural pest control and soil quality.
A new study identifies conservation priority areas for vascular plants in Madagascar, highlighting uneven distribution of taxon richness and phylogenetic diversity. The researchers found that arid and semi-arid regions lack protected areas, presenting additional conservation challenges.
A new study maps the potential impact of renewable energy on biodiversity in the southwestern US. Joshua trees and kit foxes are expected to lose significant habitats by 2070 due to climate change. The study suggests advanced computer modeling can help site renewable energy resources without overlapping with biodiversity hotspots.
Researchers propose a new method for calculating biodiversity conservation costs, which considers the increase in monetary value of nature over time. This approach aims to make biodiversity loss and nature conservation more visible in political decision-making, potentially increasing the likelihood of projects passing a cost-benefit test.
The Ukraine-Russian war is spurring farmers to expand their croplands, leading to deforestation and habitat destruction. Informed policy can prevent this rapid expansion and protect biodiversity hotspots like Brazil's Cerrado.
The EU-funded BiCIKL project has developed a flagship outcome - the Biodiversity Knowledge Hub - a one-stop portal for understanding biodiversity research infrastructures. The consortium has also created 12 services dedicated to FAIR and linked ready-to-use biodiversity data.
Researchers at McGill University found that biodiversity change measurements are uncertain in many places, making it difficult to evaluate the effectiveness of conservation efforts. To address this issue, they suggest proposing a risk framework and investing in national and international biodiversity monitoring systems.
A new study finds that biodiversity is becoming more similar through time, but an almost equal number of communities are becoming more distinct. The analysis of 527 datasets shows a balanced trend between homogenisation and differentiation across landscapes.
A study of 151 popular dishes found that those made with beef, chicken, legumes, and rice have a significant impact on biodiversity. Dishes from Brazil and India were found to have large biodiversity footprints due to the conversion of natural habitats to agricultural land.
A new framework for marine biodiversity protection in US waters has been developed by an international team, including NSU researcher Tracey Sutton. The framework identifies significant gaps in current protection measures, reflecting the need for a more comprehensive approach to safeguarding ocean life.
Scientists propose using online digital data from media platforms to complement monitoring efforts for biodiversity conservation. This approach aims to generate novel insights into human–nature interactions and their impact on biodiversity. The proposed framework integrates near real-time data with existing datasets, enabling real-time...
A new satellite mapping technique can aid in coral reef protection and restoration efforts by identifying areas of high habitat diversity, which are also home to high species diversity. The study found that these maps can be used as a proxy for biodiversity, guiding ecosystem protection and restoration.
The FAPESP School of Advanced Science on Biodiversity aims to train young environmental scientists and technicians to critically analyze biodiversity data. The school will bring together leading researchers with representatives from different user segments to cover topics such as conservation, climate change, and ecosystem services.
Researchers found that biodiversity data is concentrated in wealthy countries, with implications for conservation projects. This context should be considered to prevent inequitable implementation, Chapman argues. The team hopes to see more inclusive science policy collaboration to ensure that biodiversity data is applied justly.
Researchers found that arthropod diversity varies greatly in response to environmental factors such as land cover and temperature. Prioritizing green areas and reducing pesticide use can increase biodiversity, while microhabitats designed for species variety can also thrive.
A new study finds that conserving about half of global land area could maintain nearly all of nature's contributions to people and still meet biodiversity targets for tens of thousands of species. However, only 18% of priority areas are currently protected.
An international study classifies groundwater as a keystone ecosystem, emphasizing its critical role in sustaining both humanity and biodiversity. The researchers propose eight key themes for improved groundwater conservation to reduce biodiversity loss and counterbalance climate change.
Global biodiversity data reflects social and political inequities, influencing conservation policies. Human histories and processes are embedded in the data, highlighting the need for corrected policies to mitigate inequities.
A research project led by Charité aims to better understand the impact of biodiversity loss on zoonosis risks. The team will investigate native forests and degraded reforested areas in Europe and Central America to identify land use changes and species circulation.
A new statistical method developed by the DFG research group BETA-FOR can analyze the contributions of biodiversity between local ecosystems to the multifunctionality of entire landscapes. The study breaks down multifunctionality into two components, relating them to local biodiversity and habitat diversity.
The current emoji library underrepresents plant, fungus, and microorganism biodiversity while overrepresenting animals. This bias reflects known biases in biodiversity assessments and conservation analyses.
A new study suggests that Canada's ability to meet its 30 by 30 target relies on national coordination and prioritizing biodiversity-rich areas. If successful, this could protect over 65% of all species, but regional strategies hinder progress and result in lost biodiversity.
A scientific model published in Nature shows a striking correlation between landscape dynamics and the evolution of life on Earth. The study proposes that sediment pulses controlled by past landscapes have played a key role in shaping biodiversity.
The portal brings together genomic data from different biodiversity projects to aid conservation and biodiversity efforts. It allows researchers to understand genetic factors that make a species unique, including its vulnerabilities and strengths in adapting to changing environmental conditions.
A new study by the University of Zurich found that global shark and ray protection is inadequate, with crucial species playing vital ecological roles in maintaining biodiversity. The research identified 18 unique functional diversity hotspots concentrated along continental shelves and oceanic islands.
The EUDTO-BioFlow project aims to establish a digital twin of the ocean by making critical marine biodiversity data publicly available. This will enable the simulation and study of 'what if' scenarios for effective conservation and management.
Researchers urge concerted action to mitigate global warming's impact on polar ecosystems, which are both the most-threatened and least-understood areas. The study aims to map all biodiversity in these regions to sustainably manage unique habitats and their ecosystem services.
A new study has found that non-native species tend to mirror Earth's biodiversity patterns, with around 37,000 invasive species described worldwide. The researchers discovered that certain groups of species, such as mammals and plants, are disproportionately prone to establishing in new areas.
Researchers have successfully mapped thousands of animal species in Bangladesh using social media posts, significantly improving habitat conservation. The study also highlights opportunities for social media companies to automate biodiversity data collection, making it easier for scientists to access and utilize.
A new analysis of European Red List species reveals that 19% are at risk of extinction, including a large proportion of invertebrates. Agricultural land-use change poses a significant threat to these species, highlighting the need for conservation efforts to counter biodiversity loss.
A study of European river systems from 1969-2020 found that freshwater biodiversity improved until the 2000s but stagnated since then. The researchers attribute this decline to diminishing effectiveness of existing measures and emergence of new pollutants, climate change, and invasive species.
Researchers used sediment DNA to reconstruct a 100-year history of biodiversity, chemical pollution, and climate change levels in a Danish lake. The study found that pollutants like insecticides and increased temperatures had devastating effects on biodiversity, while suggesting some recovery over the last 20 years.
Researchers found that planting conditions impact diversity, particularly for perennial species, and that timing of establishment can increase biodiversity. This understanding has important implications for managing restoration projects to promote diversity and long-term resilience.
This study found that integrated rice-crayfish farming resulted in significant trade-offs in soil biodiversity, leading to increased supporting services but reduced regulating capacity. The findings highlight the need for attention on environmental risks for long-term sustainability of these systems.
A study by Chinese scholars reveals that human expansion is a significant threat to biodiversity in Asia, particularly in Southeast Asia. The research found that highland developments pose higher threats to biodiversity than lowlands, and that regions with protected areas are also at risk.
Researchers used AI models to analyze animal sounds in reforested areas, finding that vocalizing species communities mirror biodiversity recovery. The study suggests potential applications for monitoring biodiversity and could lead to certifications or credits for environmental projects.
The MOBIOS+ database is a comprehensive platform for Mindanao's biodiversity information, comprising over 12,813 specimen occurrences. It aims to support researchers and conservationists in identifying species and areas requiring immediate prioritization and action.
A new task group initiative bridges the gap between biodiversity and omics data standards, enabling sustainable interoperability and collaboration. The effort aims to facilitate data reuse, integration, and knowledge generation in biodiversity research.
A new study suggests that protecting large areas of land can help stem biodiversity loss, with vertebrates declining 0.4% per year inside protected areas compared to 1.8% outside. The study highlights the importance of proper governance for the success of protected lands and their role in conserving biodiversity.
A new study by UTA researchers found that vertebrate population declines are five times slower in conservation areas compared to those outside protected lands. Conservation areas help stabilize amphibian and bird populations, while also having a positive impact on reptiles in countries with good governance.
A study by Charité and Leibniz-IZW found that reducing biodiversity in rainforests leads to an increase in virus prevalence among mosquito species. This is because resilient species thrive in disturbed habitats, carrying viruses with them. The research reveals the importance of biodiversity in understanding infectious disease dynamics.
Researchers found that reducing biodiversity harms mosquito species, leading to more resilient species and increased virus prevalence. The study suggests that a decrease in biodiversity can lead to an increase in the spread of viruses carried by mosquitoes.
Agriculture can both facilitate and hinder pathogen spread through deforestation, habitat fragmentation, and biodiversity loss. Promoting agricultural practices that boost biodiversity and create barriers can prevent zoonotic spillover.
Researchers will develop new ecological models to analyze data from camera traps, satellite images, and DNA sequences to monitor biodiversity changes around the world. The project aims to detect early warnings of species moving north due to climate warming, providing insights into mechanisms of negative impacts on biodiversity.
Researchers found that protected areas help slow species decline rates but rarely reverse biodiversity loss, with only a small proportion of species benefiting from protection. Larger protected areas and longer protection times enhanced positive effects for more species.
The African BioGenome Project's Open Institute hosts widely-attended workshops across Africa, fostering grassroots knowledge exchange and developing biodiversity genomics and bioinformatics curricula. Over 700 participants learned about cutting-edge technologies shaping the biodiversity and genomics field.
Biodiversity researchers can now incorporate nanopublications into their manuscripts to future-proof their assertions on biological taxa and organisms. The newly released nanopublication workflow enables authors to create machine-actionable, FAIR data that can be easily traced back to its origin.
Research finds that water movement between lakes can transport environmental DNA, making eDNA a promising tool for tracking aquatic species and monitoring biodiversity. The study highlights the importance of considering landscape connectivity when designing eDNA surveys to ensure accurate biodiversity assessments.
Researchers from Michigan State University identify opportunities for win-win situations in land use, exploring the potential of legal reserves to balance agriculture with forest conservation. The study suggests an ecosystem restoration market could economically benefit regions with lower food production potential.