A new study reveals that bacteriophages can have a profound impact on the dynamics of the gut microbiome, causing a cascade of effects on other species and modulating metabolite levels. This finding has significant implications for therapeutic use and understanding the potential effects of other treatments.
A new study found that rain-filled tracks of Asian elephants provide temporary habitat for breeding and connect frog populations. The tracks can persist for a year or more, serving as stepping stones for the frogs during the dry season.
The ESMERALDA project has generated research insights and practical solutions on ecosystem service mapping and assessment. The open science collection shares tested methods, collected datasets, and case study experience directly applicable to practical situations.
A new study reveals that restoring degraded landscapes to biodiverse ecosystems favors more stable and specialist bacteria over opportunistic ones. This shift in bacterial composition has potential immune-boosting effects, suggesting a connection between healthy ecosystems and human health.
A new method has been developed to predict the vulnerability of ecosystems, focusing on predators' body mass and prey characteristics. The approach enables researchers to determine habitat structure and stability without comprehensive data on all organisms.
NOAA has selected the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution (WHOI) to host the Cooperative Institute for the North Atlantic Region (CINAR). CINAR will conduct innovative, multidisciplinary research on climate change and its impacts on the U.S. Northeast continental shelf ecosystem.
The IPBES Global Assessment Report reveals an alarming rate of species extinction, with 1 million threatened, and ecosystem degradation worsening. Human activities, including land use changes, climate change, pollution, and invasive species, are driving these declines.
Research found that nematode-infected horned passalus beetles process wood 15% faster than uninfected ones, leading to increased decomposition rates. The parasites are beneficial to the forest ecosystem, enabling the beetles to provide a more effective service
Hippos play a key role in transporting silicon from land to water through their faeces, influencing over 76% of the total silicon transported along the Mara River. This process is crucial for ecosystems like Lake Victoria, where a lack of silicon can lead to food shortages and ecosystem collapse.
Scientists argue that rewilding measures can restore damaged ecosystems by examining functions, analyzing disturbances, and deriving targeted measures. Successful rewilding projects like the Oder river delta demonstrate environmental and social benefits.
Invasive alien tree Prosopis juliflora has had devastating effects on the Afar Region of north eastern Ethiopia, causing losses in ecosystem service values estimated at US $602 million. The study found that the weed spread rapidly, leading to a decline in grassland and bush-shrub-woodland areas.
A new VR game, Butterfly World, aims to engage players in simulated exploration and education about relationships between butterflies, plants, and invasive species. The game fosters empathy for insect and ecosystem conservation, cultivating knowledge and reawakening latent curiosity.
Researchers at King Abdullah University of Science & Technology found that bacterial communities can homogenize even with slow flowing water and persistent conditions. They identified a precise flow rate of 3.85 microlitres per second for homogenization to occur.
Research on O'ahu reveals native plants rely heavily on invasive bird species for seed dispersal, forming dynamic networks similar to native communities. However, these birds also spread non-native plant seeds more frequently.
Researchers question the predictability of ecosystem changes when apex predators are reintroduced, citing climate change and invasive species as complicating factors. The study's findings have big implications for wildlife conservation in places like Yellowstone National Park.
A study by Syracuse University professor Mark Ritchie observed a 400% spike in human population and a 75% drop in larger wildlife species populations near the iconic ecosystem. The research highlights the need for alternative strategies to sustain coexistence between local people and wildlife.
Researchers discovered high concentrations of toxic heavy metals in blood samples from Great white sharks in South Africa. The study found no adverse effects on the sharks' immune system despite the presence of these toxins.
The study reveals that increases in soil biodiversity follow plant cover increases in less productive ecosystems, while acidification leads to declines in more productive ecosystems. These patterns differ from those observed in other communities.
Increased human activity along the boundaries of protected areas is degrading vegetation, altering grazing opportunities, and cascading down the food chain, favoring less palatable plants. This could make the ecosystem less resilient to future shocks such as drought or climate change.
A new study in the Serengeti-Mara ecosystem highlights how human activity near protected areas affects wildlife and ecosystem function. The results show that human pressure has caused wildlife to migrate to the core of the park, resulting in changes to fire regimes, grazing patterns, and increased vulnerability to droughts.
A University of Oklahoma study found that climate warming significantly impacts microbial biodiversity in tallgrass prairies, with warmer temperatures increasing phylogenetic diversity over time. This could have significant implications for ecosystem management and conservation strategies.
Fanny Ye aims to design methods and algorithms for automating the analysis of online underground markets. She will also develop a novel framework for cross-market user identification and profiling to gain insights into cybercriminal social networks and secure cyberspace.
Researchers developed a wireless sensor network capable of recording ecosystem sounds with high quality, while being energy-efficient and cost-effective. The system aims to streamline biodiversity monitoring and address the global need for new assessment methods.
Researchers discovered a bacterium in camel crickets that breaks down lignin, opening new pathways for biofuel production and chemical manufacturing. The study highlights the value of ecosystem analysis in identifying commercially valuable microorganisms with industrial applications.
A study from Florida State University found that coral reefs change can trigger significant ecosystem shifts, but ecologists and local fishing populations perceive those shifts in fundamentally different ways. The findings suggest that local perceptions of change and ecosystem health differ from those of scientists and resource managers.
A new study on Mozambique's Gorongosa National Park shows that the loss of top carnivores can have far-reaching consequences for prey and plant populations, turning 'landscapes of fear' into 'landscapes of fearlessness'. However, carnivore restoration in these areas could help reverse any ill effects of human activity.
A study by the German Centre for Integrative Biodiversity Research (iDiv) finds that technological advances in agriculture are not sufficient to address biodiversity loss, which is driven by population and economic growth. The research highlights the need for policies addressing these factors to mitigate biodiversity decline.
Researchers discovered that growing littoral zone species like arrow arum, blue-eyed grass, golden club, and lemon bacopa using standard containers, substrates, and controlled-release fertilizer can provide high-quality plants with good growth. These methods can benefit large-scale plant production and bolster ecosystem improvements.
A UCF study found that high general intelligence is not enough to stop ecological disasters, highlighting the importance of social intelligence in managing shared resources. The research used a digital game to simulate an ecosystem and found that teams with high social intelligence were more effective at optimizing resource use.
A recent study suggests that dam removals can be anticipated by understanding the unique environmental conditions at each site and their impact on aquatic species recolonization, sediment flow, and water quality changes.
A new study by the University of Exeter found that men and women value ecosystem services differently, with implications for sustainable development goals. The research, led by Professor Katrina Brown, identified how cultural and traditional gender roles influence resource use and management.
The study predicts three plausible future scenarios for the research ecosystem, driven by technology advancements and changing funding models. Researchers can expect benefits from faster publication, improved reproducibility, and greater career flexibility.
A new study has documented the unexpected consequences of great white shark decline on an ocean ecosystem. Sevengill sharks, a top predator with unique characteristics, have emerged as a result of great whites' disappearance. The researchers observed sevengill shark sightings increasing in number after great whites vanished from surveys.
Researchers developed a mapping tool that predicts the best locations for oyster bed reestablishment, maximizing water filtration benefits. The tool utilizes GIS tools and considers factors such as ecosystem services and population sustainability.
The eight largest countries account for 50 percent of Earth's land area but barely three percent of nations. Larger countries accumulate more ecosystem values, concentrating power in a few hands, and their domestic policies can have global environmental repercussions.
Researchers found that variations in a single gene led to changes in phosphorus release and calcium uptake in fish, potentially triggering ecosystem-wide effects. The study suggests a link between genetic variation and ecological implications, highlighting the importance of understanding how species adapt to their environments.
Researchers estimate carbon emissions from farmland reclamation in China over the past 300 years, with vegetation emissions ranging from 1.58 Pg and soil emissions from 1.35 to 4.03 Pg. Carbon emissions vary greatly across ecosystems, with forests releasing the most and deserts acting as carbon sinks.
A new book review clarifies the rewilding concept as an adaptive approach to regaining wildness in degraded ecosystems. The authors highlight similarities and differences between methods and discuss how they work in practice.
Forest termites play a crucial role in maintaining ecosystem function during droughts by decomposing organic matter, mixing soil nutrients, and regulating moisture. Their increased activity during drought helps buffer important soil processes critical for tropical forest survival.
A recent study by Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute scientists evaluated the economic viability of PES programs in the PCW, finding that reforestation efforts have a significant impact on ship transits and dry-season water flow. The researchers also identified market clearing equilibriums for such programs, highlighting their pot...
A new study reveals degradation of local coral reef ecosystem in Tan-awan, Oslob, due to intensive whale shark tourism. The research highlights the need for proper management strategies to mitigate reef degradation and promote sustainable tourism.
A new study finds that the Boston Harbor cleanup was economically justifiable, with an estimated value of restored ecosystem services between $30 and $100 billion. The analysis highlights the importance of considering the environmental value of an area post-cleanup rather than pre-cleanup.
Rates of deforestation in war zones increase dramatically once peace is declared, according to a University of Waterloo study. Forests and jungles provide ecosystem services like carbon sequestration and food provision, which are hindered by deforestation after conflict ends.
Researchers found that hybridization during eutrophication led to an expansion in biodiversity of the European whitefish species once the ecosystem recovered. This rapid niche expansion was made possible by genetic variation, demonstrating functional variation can quickly recover after ecosystem restoration.
A study focusing on iron in the North Pacific reveals its role in controlling primary productivity, carbon cycle, and marine ecosystem. The distribution of biologically available iron is influenced by factors like mixing, upwelling, and ocean acidification.
Researchers found that forest fragmentation decreases transmission of a parasitic nematode in the pale-flecked garden sunskink, with infected skinks being 75% less likely to carry the parasites. Habitat disruption can lead to dramatic changes in ecosystem dynamics.
A new study examined ancient ecosystems to understand what drives stability, finding that functional groupings are more important than the sheer number of species present. The team also found that ancient ecosystems were more stable than simulated systems, suggesting a strong imprint on history of how ecosystems are built over time.
A team of scientists found that herbivory has a complex relationship with plant diversity, but is crucial for maintaining biodiversity when dominant species are present. In some grasslands, herbivores help regulate the growth of fast-growing plants and promote smaller, slower-growing species.
A study by an international research group found that diverse and old forests are best able to perform multiple ecosystem services, including regulating climate and storing carbon. Foresters should focus on specific forest attributes to promote desired services, as no single 'perfect forest' exists.
A newly described tomato relative, Solanum kollastrum, boasts long thorns and sticky stems, but surprisingly starts as a beneficial species in its ecosystem. It's preferred by medium- to large-sized bees and has fruits that are eaten by bats.
A 30-year study found that warming waters caused rapid shifts in connected marine ecosystems, with smaller fish moving northward and entire communities inverting. The research suggests that future warming events could have major impacts on marine ecosystems and fisheries.
Researchers at CCNY use network theory to predict which species are most vulnerable to extinction under climate change and when an ecosystem may collapse. The K-core metric identifies peripheral species that are likely to go extinct first, providing early warning signals for ecosystem collapse.
The partnership will boost the Chicago-area innovation ecosystem by providing a new model for manufacturing high-tech start-ups. Argonne scientists will utilize mHUB's expertise and resources in manufacturing and business modeling to support energy tech-related companies.
Researchers found that antibiotics can almost completely eradicate gut bacteria in healthy adults, but most species recover over time. However, a significant portion of beneficial bacteria remain missing, and the diversity of the gut ecosystem is diluted.
A warming-induced shift in microbial community composition requires more biodiversity to maintain ecosystem function due to the increased likelihood that remaining species will not tolerate rising temperatures. The study suggests that warmer conditions may accelerate the impacts of biodiversity decline on ecosystems.
Researchers found that people's dislike of wasps is largely due to a lack of knowledge about their role in regulating pest populations and disease-carrying insects. The study suggests that changing public attitudes towards wasps could help protect the ecosystem's biodiversity.
A new study by Michigan State University establishes a baseline of organisms that play key roles in carrion decomposition, promoting the importance of death in ecosystems. The research also highlights the complex interactions between decomposer communities and their impact on nutrient cycling and ecosystem processes.
Researchers found that stronger connectivity alters how rainfall affects moisture, heat, and carbon fluxes in ecosystems, as well as the progression from early to late-stage drought. The study provides insights into how connectivity influences ecosystem responses to extreme events.
A Montana State University study examines 35 ecological vital signs in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem, finding increased human population and density, as well as a changing climate, are affecting its overall health. The research also highlights opportunities for citizen scientists to gather data and contribute to ecosystem assessments.
A team of scientists from the University of Leicester has explored the long-standing mystery of mass extinctions, revealing that abrupt transitions can occur due to 'ghost attractors' and 'crawl-bys'. This knowledge could help predict upcoming ecological catastrophes and inform efficient management.