The California Academy of Sciences and Roatán Marine Park have been awarded a $1.5 million grant to construct the first coral rearing facility in Honduras, aiming to reverse the rapid decline of coral reefs by 2030. Researchers will test three promising therapies to enhance coral resilience.
Researchers found that plastic debris on coral reefs increases with depth, largely stemming from fishing activities, and is correlated with proximity to marine protected areas. The study, which surveyed over 1,200 reefs across 14 countries, highlights the need for increased protections to address this growing threat.
An international research team has developed a framework to evaluate government preparedness for ocean acidification, a pressing threat to marine ecosystems. The framework identifies six aspects of effective policy and specific indicators, enabling policymakers to assess their own preparedness and identify areas for improvement.
Researchers found that mesophotic reefs differ from shallower counterparts, suggesting a strong ecological filter between depths. The study highlights the need to expand marine protections for coral reefs beyond shallow waters, emphasizing the unique biodiversity and vulnerability of deeper ecosystems.
Researchers developed an economic-epidemiological model to assess the impact of no closures. The study found that California's unemployment rate would have been lower, but deaths and hospitalizations from COVID-19 would have increased significantly, exacerbating current inequities.
A recent study analyzed marine ecosystems before, during, and after the Permian-Triassic extinction event, revealing that biodiversity loss led to ecological destabilization. The researchers found that functional redundancy, or the presence of multiple species performing similar functions, was critical in maintaining ecosystem stability.
Researchers added 146 new animal, plant, and fungi species to the tree of life, including 44 lizards, 30 ants, and 14 sea slugs. This discovery highlights the importance of protecting island ecosystems and advancing biodiversity science for conservation action.
Researchers from the California Academy of Sciences developed a new modeling approach to understand how extinct species like the Steller's sea cow impact ecosystems. The study found that including the
Researchers developed a pedigree for aquarium-bred corals, revealing relationships between individuals and identifying genetic differences. The study provides insights into maximizing genetic diversity and adaptability in corals bred for conservation, crucial for their resilience to threats like ocean warming and acidification.
Two new-to-science scorpions, Paruroctonus soda and P. conclusus, are described by Bay Area high school students Harper Forbes and Prakrit Jain in collaboration with the California Academy of Sciences. The species are alkali sink specialists found only in playas from Central and Southern California.
A new species of fish, the Rose-Veiled Fairy Wrasse, has been described by a Maldivian researcher and colleagues as part of the California Academy of Sciences' global Hope for Reefs initiative. The discovery reveals that the species is actually two different species with potentially more restricted distributions.
Researchers discovered 70 new species, including beetles, sea slugs, ants, fish, scorpions, and flowering plants, from five continents and three oceans. The discoveries advance the Academy's mission to regenerate the natural world through science, learning, and collaboration.
A study by the California Academy of Sciences and colleagues found significant tissue abnormalities in oysters from the Gulf Coast, even years after the devastating oil spill. The researchers discovered higher rates of metaplasia in Eastern oysters, which can cause debilitating health issues.
A new framework for using community science data to monitor global biodiversity change has been developed by California Academy of Sciences researchers. The framework shows that community science data is not only useful, but necessary for uncovering real-time impacts of climate change and biodiversity loss.
Researchers confirm lionfish have invaded Brazilian waters, posing a significant threat to local ecosystems and species. The invasive fish can disrupt ecosystems and disperse quickly due to their broad diet and unique hunting style.
Researchers confirm presence of two distinct but interbreeding species of caecilians on São Tomé island. The study suggests that volcanic activity may have driven the divergence of the limbless amphibians around 300,000 years ago.
Researchers discovered four species of 'serpent coral' with distinct ecological differences, including varying depths and physiological traits. This hidden diversity has implications for reef conservation, highlighting the need for a holistic approach to protect vulnerable ecosystems.
The California Academy of Sciences has added 213 new species to the tree of life, including 101 ants, 15 fishes, and 11 flowering plants. These discoveries provide valuable insights into Earth's biodiversity and help inform global conservation efforts.
A recent study published in the Zoological Journal of the Linnean Society found nearly one fifth of all spider families associated with saltwater or freshwater habitats. Aquatic spiders display a range of adaptations, including dense hairs to repel water and specialized sensory systems.
A team of scientists has discovered a new species of fairy wrasse in the mesophotic coral reefs off the coast of Tanzania, dubbed the 'Vibranium Fairy Wrasse' due to its purple scales. The discovery sheds light on the unique ecosystems of the twilight zone, which are just as vulnerable to human threats as shallow reefs.
A recent study published in PeerJ: Life & Environment found that urban biodiversity still strongly reflects regional species, despite similarities across cities. The study analyzed over 65,000 wildlife observations and documented 5000 species across 14 US cities.
Researchers analyzed ancient ocean fossils to understand ecological transformation after mass extinctions. The study found that survivors shared similar traits with predecessors, but had a surge in modern traits like mobility and diverse feeding habits, driving recovery.
A scientific team warns that most signatory countries are not on track to achieve target goals, and some targets are structured to give a false sense of conservation achievement. The team recommends restructuring targets to incorporate adequate conservation incentives to instill hope for the future.
The California Academy of Sciences has added 229 new plant and animal species to the family tree, including 120 wasps, 34 sea slugs, and seven flowering plants. These discoveries were made over five continents and three oceans, highlighting the vast and dynamic planet's unexplored places.
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.
The California Academy of Sciences has described 17 new species of sea slugs, shedding light on the evolution of color patterns and their significance in coral reefs. The discovery highlights the importance of nudibranchs as indicators of ocean health and reveals diverse ecosystems across the Indo-Pacific region.
A catastrophic fire at Brazil's National Museum destroyed biodiversity and cultural artifacts, highlighting the need for improved museum infrastructure. Scientists are now calling on governments to safeguard collections before suffering further losses.
Scientists from California Academy of Sciences discover a new species of reef fish with vivid pink and yellow stripes, found in remote Brazilian archipelago. The discovery sheds light on the vast ocean habitats that remain unexplored and highlights the importance of protecting these ecosystems.
Researchers estimate only 3-4% of recorded fossil locations are documented in published literature, highlighting the need for museums to invest in digital preservation. The EPICC database compiles marine invertebrate fossils from the eastern Pacific, providing a vast resource for scientists.
A new study reveals that mass coral bleaching on the Great Barrier Reef impacted both shallow and deep reefs, highlighting the vulnerability of the ecosystem. The research found substantial bleaching effects on deep reefs, despite their depth providing some protection from thermal anomalies.
Deep mesophotic reefs are unique habitats facing the same threats as shallow reefs, including climate change, storms, and pollution. The study's findings contradict the 'refuge hypothesis' and highlight the critical importance of protecting twilight zone reefs.
A portable, pressurized chamber called SubCAS has been invented by the California Academy of Sciences and Monterey Bay Aquarium. The device allows scientists to collect and surface rare, deep-sea fish without rupturing their swim bladders.
Researchers discovered that flattie spiders can sense prey approaching from any direction and whip around in one-eighth of a second to strike. They achieve this feat by using their long legs to create leverage and torque, allowing them to spin up to 40% faster than previously thought.
The California Academy of Sciences has described 85 new plant and animal species, including flowering plants, sharks, fish, scorpions, and sea slugs. The discoveries were made over five continents and three oceans, highlighting the vast diversity of life on Earth.
During a two-week top-to-bottom survey of Penang Hill's rainforest, scientists discovered several previously unknown species, including a new scorpion and likely new fly, water bear, and bacterium. The expedition logged over 1,400 species observations, contributing valuable data for mapping the region's distribution of wildlife.
A survey of urban homes in Raleigh, North Carolina found that high-traffic rooms with many windows and doors harbor more insect diversity. The study also revealed that neighborhood affluence plays a role in hosting a greater variety of species. Human behavior, including tidiness, had a minimal impact on bug communities.
A newly described species of brown-and-white Philippine butterflyfish was found 360 feet beneath the ocean's surface. The discovery was made after a live specimen traveled from the deep reefs to an aquarium in San Francisco, where it was noticed by biologists due to its unique fin spine.
The California Academy of Sciences has assembled the first-ever animal genome of the northern spotted owl, a threatened species. The completed genome will help researchers track interbreeding between hybrid owls and inform conservation priorities in the West.
Researchers from California Academy of Sciences propose a new model of island biogeography for marine organisms, describing the surprising ways they fill niches and diversify. The study reveals that fast-dispersing marine species quickly colonize available ocean niches, leaving no chance for adaptation.
Researchers at the California Academy of Sciences used genetic information gathered from their vast mammal collection to elevate a subspecies of giant sengi to full species status. The team discovered that a white-tailed subspecies was genetically distinct enough to be recognized as a separate species.
Researchers have revised the understanding of a large group of Neotropical 'club-tailed' scorpions, revealing two new genera and three new species. The findings provide insight into the evolution and classification of these ancient arthropods, which are among the oldest living terrestrial species on Earth.
Researchers from the California Academy of Sciences' Hope for Reefs initiative recently returned from the Philippines, where they discovered several new species of fish, nudibranchs, and sand dollars. The team also documented evidence of human impacts on deep-sea reefs, highlighting the need for stronger protections.
The California Academy of Sciences has added 133 new plant and animal species to the world's family tree, including a deep-sea fish, sharks, ants, beetles, birds, and coral. These discoveries were made by over a dozen scientists and collaborators across five continents and three oceans.
Scientists have discovered a new species of colorful songbird in the Galápagos Islands, but it's extinct. The San Cristóbal Island Vermilion Flycatcher was elevated to full species status due to genetic differences, with research suggesting two invasive threats likely contributed to its extinction.
Researchers found that higher-income neighborhoods had more arthropod species, likely due to the presence of diverse plants. Despite individual homes with minimal outdoor plant life, these households still supported high insect diversity due to surrounding neighborhood features.
A novel picornavirus has been found to be a key suspect in the development of Avian Keratin Disorder, a debilitating condition causing beak overgrowth and impairing feeding and preening behaviors. The discovery provides a critical lead in understanding the emergence of this disease in wild bird populations worldwide.
A genetic study on 'Burnt Hot Dog' sea cucumbers reveals low genetic diversity in polluted areas, highlighting the need for increased fisheries management and protections. The study also finds that these sea cucumbers play a crucial role in maintaining marine ecosystems.
The California Academy of Sciences has added 102 new plant and animal species to Earth's family tree, enriching our understanding of the planet's complex web of life. These discoveries include tiny, blood-sucking Dracula ants, vibrant sea slugs, and eight new viruses from around five continents and three oceans.
A new study reveals that people from different regions host different mite lineages, supporting the 'Out of Africa' theory. The study found that mites follow families through generations and are not easily transferred between humans.
A new study explores how ancient South African ecosystems responded to the 'big 5' mass extinction, revealing that species with important roles in food webs were most vulnerable to extinction. The research highlights the critical importance of understanding food webs in predicting community stability during times of great change.