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.
China's existing protected areas are failing to conserve wild plants, which could be valuable sources of future crops and medicine. The country should develop accurate data on threats to its plant species and create well-enforced reserves in appropriate areas.
A new study of Swedish lakes suggests that power station emissions may have played a smaller role in acidifying the lakes than previously assessed. Organic carbon from living organisms has been found to be a significant contributor to lake acidity, and pre-industrial levels were likely even higher.
Despite participants' reports of adopting learner-centered teaching methods after professional development workshops, objective assessments revealed that most faculty continued using traditional teaching styles. The study suggests that self-assessment methods may be unreliable and recommends independent validated assessments instead.
Algal turf scrubbers use sunlight to extract excess nutrients from polluted waters, restoring oxygen levels and producing nutrient-rich fertilizer and biofuel. The technology has commercial potential and could help address global phosphorus supplies concerns.
A group of US biology educators advocates for better coordination of research efforts at undergraduate institutions to produce transformative contributions cost-effectively. Undergraduates can conduct high-quality research with close supervision, expanding the scope of studies conducted at these institutions.
Biological invasions are becoming more frequent worldwide, causing multiple extinctions of native species and economic damage. Hazard-reduction plans could minimize these impacts at a low cost, similar to those for natural disasters.
Agricultural diversification techniques can help farmers mitigate the effects of climate change by making it harder for pathogens and pests to spread. By growing a broader range of species or varieties, farmers can modulate climate extremes and reduce economic losses.
Wesley Brooks, a Ph.D. candidate at Rutgers University, received the AIBS Emerging Public Policy Leadership Award for his commitment to fostering dialogue between policymakers and scientists. He will receive a certificate, one-year membership, and a subscription to BioScience.
A new survey suggests that over 90% of former oyster reefs have been lost worldwide, with the majority being found in North America. The decline is mainly attributed to over-harvesting and disease, highlighting the need for improved mapping efforts and sustainable fishing practices.
A study published in BioScience finds strong correlations between energy consumption per person and gross domestic product per person across countries and over time. Researchers conclude that increasing energy supply is necessary to meet projected world population growth without compromising living standards.
A study published in BioScience found that nonindigenous insects are being detected at a rate of 2.5 per year, with high-impact insects and pathogens causing tree death and other effects every 2 to 2.5 years. The researchers advocate strengthening efforts to prevent arrivals of nonindigenous organisms.
A study by Lisette Cantú-Salazar and Kevin J. Gaston found that large protected areas are crucial for preserving natural species assemblages, while also being vulnerable to inadequate management and human activities such as logging and mining. The researchers suggest that these areas should be prioritized for conservation efforts
W. Jason Niedermeyer, a high school biology teacher in Oregon, received the 2010 Evolution Education Award for his innovative approaches to teaching evolution. His curriculum focuses on inquiry-based learning and utilizes hands-on labs, class discussions, and student activities to promote accurate understanding of biological evolution.
Researchers propose strategies to increase plant efficiency in absorbing light, altering root carbon conversion, and boosting bioenergy crops to combat climate change. The use of genetically engineered plants for carbon sequestration is part of a broader effort to enhance natural biological processes.
Despite evidence of ecosystem decline, global well-being shows improvement due to past food production increases and technological innovations. However, time lags and potential future effects on food production and personal security suggest that complacency is unwarranted.
Researchers observed 10 to 20 snailfish congregating at a depth of 7703 meters, suggesting that few species of fishes survive in the darkness of the hadal zone. The study, published in BioScience, provides evidence that liparids dominate the deep ocean's hadal environment.
A study of biodiversity changes over space and time reveals unexpected trends, contradicting previous assumptions that species mix turns over more in the tropics than closer to the poles. The data suggest that changes in climate over large distances and multi-year periods explain these paradoxical trends.
The American Institute of Biological Sciences recognizes scientists, educators, and organizations for their leadership and contributions to science. The LTER Network receives the Distinguished Scientist Award, while Duke University Professor Kathleen K. Smith receives the Outstanding Service Award for her work at NESCent.
A study on the Darwin/Wedgwood dynasty found a statistical association between child mortality and inbreeding. Charles Darwin's children faced health problems, with three dying before adulthood, due to inbreeding depression.
A recent analysis found a substantial and sustained net loss of forest cover in the eastern United States, with a 4.1 percent decline over three decades. The study attributed the decline mainly to mechanical disturbance for timber production and urban expansion.
Researchers found that increased production of maize-derived ethanol in the US could lead to significant land-use changes, resulting in higher carbon dioxide emissions. The study suggests that these indirect effects may cancel out any benefits from reducing global warming.
The American Institute of Biological Sciences (AIBS) has selected Meredith Niles, Ryan Richards, and Leslie Smith to receive the 2010 AIBS Emerging Public Policy Leadership Award. The awardees will meet with their Congressional delegations and attend a briefing on the federal budget for scientific research.
Researchers propose reintroducing small, managed populations of wolves into national parks to enhance ecosystem biodiversity, increase plant biomass, and boost tourism. Advances in animal tracking technology and management techniques may mitigate concerns about wolf behavior and human safety.
A study by C. Rhett Jackson and Catherine M. Pringle found that reducing water flow rates can create ecological benefits, such as protecting endangered species and mitigating pollution effects. However, restoring natural flows can also lead to detrimental changes in vegetation that harm animals.
Marine aquaculture has the potential to meet global food demand as freshwater resources are limited and terrestrial agriculture struggles. Expanding marine aquaculture operations using low-on-the-food-chain organisms like plankton and algae can achieve sustainable growth.
Two peer-reviewed articles by Kevin Padian and James T. Costa explore common inaccuracies and insights into Darwin's life and work, shedding light on creative scientific thinking and the origins of his theory
Professor Leonard C. Yannielli receives 2009 Evolution Education Award for his work promoting accurate understanding of biological evolution in the classroom and community. He has developed innovative instructional materials and organized discussions on evolution, working to educate colleagues across academic disciplines.
China has seen improvements in forest growth and marine ecosystem health, but severe pollution and biodiversity loss still threaten the country's environment. Despite major government efforts, China faces significant challenges in protecting its rich biodiversity.
A study outlines a strategy for growing bioenergy while protecting wildlife habitats. The approach involves using perennial-dominated prairies as feedstocks to minimize harm to wildlife. Harvesting diverse prairie can avoid loss of wildlife habitat and high fertilizer runoff associated with corn ethanol cultivation.
Sharp declines in freshwater species are often overlooked, affecting watershed planning and ecosystem restoration. Historical records suggest that species abundances were much greater than today, leading to underestimated effects of European colonization and habitat destruction.
Over 40% of mangrove-restricted vertebrates are globally threatened, including birds, reptiles, mammals, and amphibians. The study urges research on predicting the impact of mangrove forest changes on these species.
A new study by Eric Post and colleagues reveals that population responses to climate change vary significantly across different species and regions. The study's approach, which uses multi-stage analyses of fluctuating populations over time, shows a strong role for species interactions in buffering responses to climate.
Joseph Felsenstein and Louis J. Gross, both Central High graduates, received the 2009 and 2006 AIBS Distinguished Scientist Awards for their significant scientific contributions to integrative and organismal biology.
The American Institute of Biological Sciences (AIBS) recognizes Danielle N. Lee as a Diversity Scholar for her research on individual differences and behavioral syndromes in prairie voles. Lee plans to pursue an academic career emphasizing science outreach and participation of under-served audiences.
The American Institute of Biological Sciences (AIBS) recognizes Joseph Felsenstein, Robert T. Pennock, Bruce Alberts, Michael Pollan, Rita Colwell, and Chip Rowe for their significant positive contributions to the field of biology. The awards are presented to individuals who have made substantial scientific or educational impact.
A warmer, wetter climate poses a significant threat to Lake Baikal's biodiversity, with declining ice cover affecting iconic diatoms at the base of the food web. Stepped-up monitoring and international action are necessary to mitigate the impact of climate change on this unique ecosystem.
Researchers found that individual amphibians can develop resistance to chytridiomycosis, a deadly fungal disease. Innate and acquired immunity play a role in fighting off the disease.
Two graduate students, Adam Roddy and Anna Maria Stewart, receive AIBS Emerging Public Policy Leadership Award for their contributions to science and public policy. The award includes a certificate, membership, publications, and opportunities to meet with policymakers.
A study finds that nonindigenous fish species, such as catfish and largemouth bass, are preying on juvenile salmonids, posing a significant threat to native populations. The research highlights the need for more funding and attention to invasive species impacts on salmon.
The March 2009 issue of BioScience explores new tools for weed science, the role of field stations in cultivating biologists, and quantifying ecosystem services. Researchers argue that changes in connectivity drive desertification and highlight the importance of nonindigenous species affecting salmon populations.
The University of Oklahoma has received a $398,020 grant from the National Science Foundation to improve instruction in introductory biology courses. The AIBS will provide programmatic staffing and expertise in building an online communication network for the project.
A graphical analysis assesses the vulnerability of different US crops to pests, identifying soybean and maize as highly connected, while cotton and wheat are less connected. The study suggests encouraging cropping patterns that disrupt connectivity to minimize pest spread.
This issue of BioScience explores strategies for managing biological resources, including optimizing forest responses to climate change. The journal also examines the ecological roles of mesocarnivores and the impact of mercury contamination on sport fish in the Northeastern United States.
Recent research advancements reveal new techniques for studying leaf development, while also exploring the potential benefits of aquaculture when practiced sustainably. Large wetlands provide vital ecosystem services, including carbon cycling and freshwater supply, making them crucial for conservation planning.
A study suggests that aquaculture can be a sustainable way to meet growing demand for seafood, reducing pressure on wild stocks and enhancing depleted ones. Improved management techniques have diminished some harmful effects of the practice, but more comprehensive information is needed to guide its growth.
Research suggests that tributyltin, a persistent pollutant, affects gene activity and promotes the growth of fat storage cells in animals, potentially contributing to the obesity epidemic. The chemical's impact on retinoid X receptors, which regulate metabolism, is a recent discovery.
Research articles explore impact of endocrine-disrupting chemicals on aquatic vertebrates and humans. Studies reveal mechanisms behind reproductive abnormalities and ecological risks associated with environmental contaminants.
Recent studies in BioScience explore advancements in bacterial identification using genomics and proteomics. The journal also examines the ecological consequences of West Nile virus outbreaks and the importance of ecosystem services.
The rapid spread of West Nile virus in North America has had significant effects on wildlife, with many bird species still recovering from large population declines. Research is ongoing to understand the factors influencing species vulnerability and mosquito transmission, which could lead to better predictions and public warnings.