A new viewpoint argues that field ecology's working conditions can heighten vulnerability to harassment, particularly for women of color and LGBTQ+ researchers. The author calls for prevention measures, including clear codes of conduct and team involvement, to ensure research team safety and prevent distortions in knowledge production.
A new viewpoint article in BioScience suggests using multiple working hypotheses and strong inference to break the logjam in the COVID-19 origins debate. The approach, inspired by a 1890 paper, aims to distinguish among competing explanations and improve analytical processes guided by an objective consortium of scientists.
A new coalition, SNAP, is reshaping the role of early-career researchers in their communities by equipping them with skills to engage in policy and public communication. The organization's initiatives include letter-writing campaigns, congressional advocacy, and a Science Policy 101 curriculum.
A new study proposes a comprehensive framework identifying distinct biophysical stewardship practices across three ecological levels. The authors argue that underrepresentation of Indigenous knowledge in conservation research and policy is detrimental to effective governance, and their framework aims to address this imbalance.
The American Institute of Biological Sciences has published a report showcasing the winners of its 2025 Faces of Biology Photo Contest. The contest aims to highlight biological research through impactful imagery, with this year's first place winner receiving $250 and a one-year subscription to BioScience.
The global fragrance industry has a significant impact on plant diversity, with an estimated 45% of flowering plants at risk of extinction. A new model, The Red List Project, pairs fragrance manufacturers with local conservation organizations to produce marketable products while supporting local environmental stewards.
Olivia Asher, a Ph.D. candidate in bioinformatics at UGA, has been selected for the 2026 AIBS & SURA Public Policy Fellowship. She will work with AIBS and SURA policy staff in Washington, DC, to gain hands-on experience with science policy and advocacy efforts.
Long-term ecological research faces severe threats from lack of funding, data manipulation, and political interference. The report highlights the need for institutional support to establish trustworthy facts and inform policy.
Dr. Julio J. Ramirez has been awarded the 2025 Innovative Leadership Award by AIBS for his exceptional leadership in mentoring and promoting inclusive science environments. Over his career, he has received numerous awards and mentored over 150 students, including a Presidential Award from President Obama.
The AIBS has selected four winners in its 2025 Faces of Biology Photo Contest, showcasing biological field research through powerful imagery. The contest highlights the importance of biological research and education, aiming to make it visible to the public and policymakers.
Research reveals that threatened species are overrepresented in professional sports emblems, offering a powerful new avenue for biodiversity conservation partnerships. Fans' emotional connections with team mascots can mobilize audiences to support conservation initiatives.
A new analysis challenges traditional conservation strategies by highlighting the importance of sustainable pastoralism in protecting global biodiversity. Rangelands harbor vast biodiversity and support millions of people, yet only a small percentage receive formal protection.
A new report published in BioScience reveals Earth's climate crisis is accelerating at an alarming rate, with 22 of 34 planetary vital signs now at record levels. The study emphasizes that climate change mitigation strategies are available and urgently needed to limit warming.
The project addresses data fragmentation in biodiversity sciences, connecting fragmented data to tackle biodiversity loss, climate change, and emerging public health threats. A collaborative effort developed five cross-cutting themes to guide data integration, emphasizing the need for large-scale community action.
A recent study suggests that teddy bears play a crucial role in shaping our early conception of nature. By analyzing morphometric and colorimetric data, researchers found that traditional teddy bears diverge significantly from their real-world counterparts. This gap may lead to warped or incomplete mental representations of animals and...
Amino acid mutation allows humans to efficiently burn calories from alcohol, enabling scrumping of overripe fruits. This adaptation is linked to contemporary human habits of feasting and sacred rituals, fostering community identity and cohesion.
Research reveals that endangered longleaf pine ecosystems face mounting threats from intensifying hurricanes driven by climate change. The study calls for adaptive management and sustainable practices to mitigate the impact of tropical cyclones on these critical ecosystems.
Researchers propose urban rewilding as a key strategy to combat biodiversity decline, focusing on reintroducing faunal species into urban areas. This approach aims to increase ecosystem function, optimize food webs, and foster more self-sustaining ecosystems.
A new study reveals that climate change is rapidly becoming a third major threat to Earth's wild animals, alongside habitat alteration and overexploitation. The research found that 5.1% of assessed animal species are threatened by climate change, with six classes having at least 25% of species at risk.
A new study reveals climate change is the leading cause of biodiversity loss among endangered species in the US. Climate change affects 91% of ESA-listed species, with many facing multiple threats simultaneously.
Researchers propose a shift from preserving static conditions to embracing natural ecosystem processes like wildfire. This approach aims to maintain drought- and fire-resilient forest conditions, counteracting the 'backfire effect' of suppressing natural disturbances.
Anna Rader Groves, a Ph.D. candidate in neuroscience at Georgia State University, has been selected for the AIBS & SURA Public Policy Fellowship. She will work closely with policy staff in Washington, DC, to gain first-hand experience with science policy and advocacy efforts.
John Patrick JP Flores has been selected to receive the AIBS EPPLA award for his leadership skills and science policy work. He will participate in an AIBS training program and meet with lawmakers, highlighting the importance of bridging policy and science.
The American Institute of Biological Sciences (AIBS) has selected three winners in its 2024 Faces of Biology Photo Contest. The contest aims to showcase biological research through impactful photography, highlighting its diverse forms and settings.
Expanding wild-harvested meat donation programs could provide a sustainable source of healthy protein to those in need while mitigating ecosystem damage. Such programs already have a substantial impact, with 48 US programs providing over 10 million meals annually.
A recent study by American Institute of Biological Sciences reveals that nonnative plant species are a major force behind the growing number of insect invasions worldwide. The research challenges traditional assumptions and highlights the importance of controlling the spread of nonnative plants in mitigating biological invasions.
A new report warns of an unprecedented climate emergency, with key findings including widespread forest dieback and major ice sheet collapse. The authors emphasize the need for decisive action to safeguard the natural world and ensure a livable future.
Long-term coral reef monitoring is essential for tracking changes in reef health, composition, and resilience. Ongoing monitoring provides valuable insights into the impact of acute versus chronic disturbances on reefs.
A team of researchers suggests creating a lunar biorepository to store cryopreserved samples of at-risk animal species, leveraging the Moon's natural cold temperatures for long-term storage. The facility aims to protect biodiversity from extinction threats and challenges such as climate change and geopolitical conflicts.
A recent study reveals that nearly 60% of ecological studies in national parks where gray wolves were extirpated overlooked the historical presence of these apex predators. This exclusion can lead to inaccurate assessments of ecosystem changes, which can have serious implications for conservation and wildlife management.
Citizen scientists uncover rare species in urban areas, increasing knowledge of urban biodiversity and guiding management. BioBlitzes provide a cost-effective tool for local governments to make informed decisions on environmental stewardship.
Scientists highlight tidal wetlands beyond mangroves, saltmarshes and seagrass as Blue Carbon ecosystems, offering biodiversity conservation and carbon sequestration benefits.
The American Institute of Biological Sciences has selected three winners in its 2023 Faces of Biology Photo Contest. The competition aims to communicate the process of scientific research through photography and showcase biological research in various forms and settings.
An international team of scientists has updated its influential report, warning that life on Earth is under siege due to climate change. The authors track 35 vital signs and find 20 at record extremes, including rising temperatures, wildfires, and food insecurity affecting 735 million people.
Researchers have developed an AI-based camera alert system to detect endangered species like tigers and elephants. The TrailGuard AI system transmits images to park managers in real-time, enabling rapid responses to poachers or human-tiger conflicts.
The recovery of gray wolf populations in the United States has been broadly successful over the past 30 years, with many regions now sporting robust populations. However, these growing populations face significant threats, including fragmented habitats, barriers to dispersal, and increased encounters with humans, pets, and livestock.
The American Institute of Biological Sciences (AIBS) has been awarded a workshop grant to develop a series of discussions on enabling interdisciplinary and collaborative science through the integration of biological and environmental data. The project aims to build an Integrated, Open, Findable, Accessible, Interoperable, and Reusable ...
The traditional rating approach has limitations, including relying solely on reviewer ratings and summary statistics to establish funding priorities. Researchers propose adding rankings to improve this process.
A new app called DRYRivERS allows citizen scientists to record data on ephemeral streams and intermittent rivers, filling a critical monitoring gap. The data collected have significant implications for river regulation, mapping, and modeling, particularly in the face of climate change.
Researchers highlight the importance of human observation of storm events to understand wet weather's impact on the natural world. Direct observation can enhance understanding, incite curiosity, and strengthen bonds with nature, enriching environmental education and inspiring research.
A novel technique using stable isotopes can accurately determine whether wood turtles are wild-caught or captive-bred, helping combat the illegal pet trade. The method was tested on 71 turtles and achieved a success rate of over 97%, providing conservation law enforcement officials with a valuable forensic tool.
A recent study highlights the importance of addressing negative human histories in shaping conservation practices. The authors propose a three-step approach to overcome social-ecological landscapes of fear, which constrain research and hinder ecological inquiry. By recognizing past injustices and engaging with local communities, scient...
Scientists warn that climate change is at the door and pounding hard due to rising global temperatures, natural disasters, and infectious diseases. The report highlights urgent need to protect nature, eliminate fossil fuel emissions and support socially just climate adaptations.
A literature review found that only 53% of primary research supported the association between land change and zoonotic disease risk. Webpage content often overstated the evidence, neglecting uncertainty. The authors recommend more accurate and nuanced science communication to improve understanding.
A special section in BioScience synthesizes insights from 40 years of long-term ecological research, highlighting the diversity of ecosystem responses to climate change. The study demonstrates that regional drivers, human activities, and interactions between climate drivers shape these responses.
A team of US scientists proposes a 'Western Rewilding Network' to conserve and restore ecosystems in the region. The plan aims to reintroduce keystone species like gray wolves and North American beavers to promote biodiversity and ecosystem health.
The Nature's Notebook platform has collected over 30 million phenological records, enabling data-driven natural resource management. The platform is well-suited for answering well-defined questions but faces limitations in addressing unplanned queries due to spatial and temporal unevenness and species biases.
Shorter winters have reduced ice coverage by 31 days over the past 165 years, leading to altered lake biota, increased evaporation and salinity. Climate change is expected to worsen these effects, threatening ecosystem services including water quality and human consumption.
Scientists argue that system thinking can better understand the world's rapidly changing dynamics, considering both social and ecological factors. The article highlights the importance of this approach in addressing climate change-induced natural disasters, such as increased frequency and danger of wildfires.
A study found that 77% of volunteers participated in multiple projects, but were overwhelmingly White and educated, suggesting existing programs may not be broadening public participation. Researchers suggest a shift to focusing on volunteers rather than individual projects to address these issues.