A new study published in the Journal of Medical Entomology found that West Nile virus infection risk varies with neighborhood income in Baltimore. The research revealed that lower-income urban neighborhoods are more prone to mosquito-borne diseases due to environmental factors.
Researchers found that flooding and invasive species alter mercury pathways through food webs, affecting top predators like fish and birds. Algae and blackfly larvae are key sources of mercury, which can be transported to land by flying adults.
A recent study found that whole-lake experiments can reveal the causes of hyperstability in recreational fisheries. Habitat aggregation and effort sorting are identified as drivers of hyperstability collapse. Limiting angler effort through policy changes is proposed to protect vulnerable fish stocks.
A new study published in Nature Communications reveals that nitrogen-fixing trees can double the amount of carbon stored in a forest's first 30 years of regrowth. Forests with these trees also take up 10% more carbon at maturity. Planting fixers as part of reforestation efforts could boost forest development and carbon accumulation.
A study by the Cary Institute of Ecosystem Studies found that mosquitoes in lower-income neighborhoods have larger bodies, which can transmit diseases more efficiently. The researchers measured wing length and habitat features to understand how socioeconomic conditions influence mosquito-borne disease risk.
A new study uses machine learning to identify bat species with the potential to host Nipah virus, focusing on India. Four new bat species are flagged as surveillance priorities, and their predictions aim to guide surveillance and prevent deadly outbreaks.
A new study has identified prime candidate primates with potential to transmit Zika virus. An innovative model combining multiple imputation and Bayesian multi-label machine learning techniques assigned risk scores to primate species, revealing the tufted capuchin, Venezuelan red howler, and white-faced capuchin as high-risk species.
Research detects 69 pharmaceutical compounds in stream insects, which can pass to predators in water and on land, exposing them to therapeutically-relevant doses. The study highlights the chronic drug pollution concentrated in aquatic insects and its potential ecological consequences.
A new study found that picaridin-containing insect repellents can be lethal to larval salamanders, causing severe mortality and developmental deformities. The research suggests that environmentally realistic concentrations of picaridin may increase the abundance of adult mosquitoes due to reduced predation pressure.
Researchers found that microbial diversity was higher during and after foggy conditions, with pathogenic microbes detected in fog at both study sites. The connection between fog and microbe transport has significant health implications and may be affected by climate change.
Researchers analyzed over 23,000 tree cores to investigate how adult trees respond to changes in climatic conditions. The study found that trees responded to variations in climate during a roughly 40 year period and adapted locally.
A new study finds that forest soils have been overestimated as methane sinks by up to 50% worldwide. Methane uptake by forest soils has declined globally, especially in regions with increasing precipitation.
A 19-year analysis of forest ecology reveals that high rodent densities and low predator populations contribute to increased Lyme disease risk. Acorn production also plays a significant role, as high abundance boosts rodent numbers and increases infected nymphal tick populations.
A study published in Nature Communications reveals that hippo waste can cause fish kills in Africa's Mara River due to depleted oxygen and nutrient levels. The research monitored water chemistry and flow downstream from 171 hippo pools over three years, finding that flushing flows can reduce dissolved oxygen concentrations.
A study by the Cary Institute of Ecosystem Studies found that distance to roads and amount of nearby pavement significantly influence well water salinity. Hotspots with high salinization were identified, particularly near sharp turns, steep grades, and narrow streets.
In a study on Baltimore neighborhoods, researchers found that mosquito bites vary by socioeconomic status, with rats being the primary blood meal source in lower-income areas. Humans and cats are also bitten, but proportionally more frequently in higher-income neighborhoods due to human behavior.
The use of wood pellets for clean energy is limited by the loss of carbon sequestration in forests and the impact on biodiversity. The process also requires fossil fuels during manufacturing and overseas shipping, negating any potential carbon neutrality.
The US has seen significant improvements in air and water quality since the Clean Air and Clean Water Acts were enacted in the 1970s. Long-term monitoring programs have tracked declines in pollutants like sulfur, nitrogen, mercury, and lead, leading to benefits for human health, economies, and environments.
Researchers found that urban streams have more pharmaceutical pollution than suburban counterparts, leading to changes in microbial communities. The study suggests that urban streams harbor resistant microbes that can maintain ecological function despite pharmaceutical exposure.
A new study finds that 37% of US drainage areas experienced significant increases in salinity and alkalization, with consequences for pipe stability and drinking water quality. Strategies like pre-wetting salt and monitoring aging pipes are recommended to mitigate effects on public health.
Scientists are developing tools to map areas at risk of zoonotic disease outbreaks using machine learning and big data. The project aims to predict when and where pathogens will make the leap from animals to people, enabling a proactive approach to managing zoonotic diseases.
A three-year study will explore how population growth, climate change, and lake-specific factors affect water quality in approximately 2,000 lakes in the Northeast. The research team will use satellite, drone, and mobile app data to identify patterns and understand relationships between complex systems.
The Baltimore Ecosystem Study is integrating local data into the city's high school chemistry curriculum, aligning with Next Generation Science Standards and incorporating Earth science concepts. The initiative aims to make chemistry more relevant and engaging for students by exploring local environmental concerns.
A $1.5 million NSF grant will investigate the social and ecological dynamics of freshwater fisheries in Wisconsin's Northern Highland Lake District. The project aims to understand how human activities and ecological processes impact fish populations, with a focus on effective governance and communication between anglers and lake managers.
A recent study explores how infectious hematopoietic necrosis virus (IHNV) spreads among juvenile hatchery-raised fish in the Pacific Northwest. Modeling reveals that returning adults and within-hatchery juvenile-to-juvenile transmission are efficient pathways of IHNV spread.
A study reveals that tiger mosquitoes thrive in low-income urban areas of Baltimore due to vacant lots, abandoned buildings, and inadequate waste management. This research underscores the need for targeted mosquito control strategies and urban greening initiatives to mitigate environmental injustices and protect public health.
A new study reveals how mass wildebeest drownings impact the ecology of the Mara River. The research found that wildebeest carcasses provide a rich source of nutrients to the river's food web, supporting fish and scavenger populations. This subsidy delivers terrestrial nitrogen, phosphorus, and carbon to the river.
New study finds that current IUCN range maps for birds endemic to India's Western Ghats are inaccurate and overestimate suitable habitat. By incorporating citizen scientist data and environmental factors, researchers have created more accurate models that flag 10 species in need of uplisting.
A study of 371 lakes found that proximity to roads and road salt predicts escalating salinization in North American freshwater lakes. Chloride trends were analyzed, revealing that 70% of lakes with high impervious land cover had increasing chloride concentrations, putting 7,770 lakes at risk of rising salinity.
A recent study analyzing 147 northern lakes reveals that many rely on nutrients from tree leaves, pine needles, and other land-grown plants to feed aquatic life. This underscores the importance of understanding how landscape changes impact lake food webs for effective freshwater management.
A new study finds that research on synthetic chemical pollution is severely lacking, despite its growing presence and impact on ecosystems. The study's authors call for increased funding and collaboration to better understand the environmental effects of these chemicals and mitigate their harm.
A new study reveals that amphetamine pollution in urban streams stunts biofilm growth, changes bacterial and diatom communities, and speeds up aquatic insect emergence. The research highlights the need for innovations in wastewater management to mitigate the effects of pharmaceutical and illicit drug pollution on freshwater resources.
A team of scientists has developed a model that can predict which bat species are most likely to transmit Ebola and other filoviruses. The study highlights new potential hosts and geographic hotspots worthy of surveillance, with the AI algorithm identifying potential carriers in Southeast Asia and Central and South America.
Scientists found that neutralizing acidic forest soils with calcium boosted tree growth, but also caused a significant increase in nitrogen export to nearby streams. This unexpected result sheds new light on watershed dynamics and highlights the complexity of mitigating acid rain.
A global early warning system for infectious diseases is proposed to use computer models to forecast disease risk and inform targeted responses. This system could shift the paradigm from reactive to pre-emptive management of risk, minimizing damages and improving global health security.
The Hubbard Brook Experimental Forest has been a hub for long-term ecological research, revealing the impact of acid rain, clear-cutting, and climate change on forest ecosystems. The research has informed policy measures and inspired collaborations among federal agencies and academic scientists.
A new study highlights the urgent need for the US to step up forest pest prevention measures, as imported pests cause over $2 billion in damages annually. Strengthening prevention efforts could alleviate economic burdens on homeowners and municipalities while safeguarding US trees.
The Cary Institute of Ecosystem Studies will conduct a five-year study in Dutchess County, New York, to reduce Lyme disease risk. Researchers will target feeding and questing ticks using commercially available products, aiming to make neighborhoods safer.
The paper inventories 1,268 biological field stations globally, highlighting their importance for long-term data collection, education, and public engagement. The author emphasizes the need for sustainable frameworks, improved governance, and increased public awareness to ensure these stations' success.
Researchers found that Wikipedia entries on acid rain, evolution, and climate change receive near-daily edits, resulting in egregious errors and distortion of consensus science. In contrast, non-controversial topics received fewer edits. The study suggests that users should critically evaluate Wikipedia source material and identify ent...
A new study uses machine learning to pinpoint rodent species effective disease reservoirs and identify geographic hotspots vulnerable to emerging diseases. The research provides a basis for targeted surveillance efforts, highlighting the importance of collaboration with experts on the ground.
Climate warming is leading to earlier spring feeding by blacklegged ticks, which can carry Lyme disease and other pathogens. This shift in tick activity highlights the need for public education campaigns to reduce the number of people affected by tick-borne illnesses.
Ticks that spread disease are emerging earlier and expanding their geographic range due to warmer spring temperatures. This shift may lead to increased risk of tick-borne illnesses like Lyme disease, with the potential for an earlier start date for Awareness Month.
A new study finds that small, fast-living mammals and high population densities can increase the risk of tick-borne illnesses like Lyme disease and anaplasmosis. Research suggests that animals with fast life history features and large populations are more effective at transmitting pathogens to ticks.
Researchers found that blacklegged ticks are almost twice as likely to be infected with two pathogens, Lyme disease and babesiosis. This increases the risk of exposure to multiple diseases, particularly in areas with high incidence of tick-borne illnesses.
A new study estimates that the global management of freshwater mussels, clams, and other clinging animals costs $277 million U.S. dollars annually due to their economic impact on shipping, power generation, and water treatment. Biofoulers are filter-feeders that readily colonize pipes and channel walls, causing extensive coverage and o...
White-footed mice are 'super hosts' that transfer disease-causing pathogens to feeding ticks, yet appear indifferent to larval tick infestations. Research found that heavy tick burdens did not reduce mouse survival or overwintering success, and may even enhance their chances of survival.
A new national study found that urban lawn care practices vary significantly across cities, despite uniformity in appearance. The research suggests that local climate and social factors play a more significant role than initially expected, requiring tailored solutions to address environmental challenges. Understanding these patterns is...
A new study reveals triclosan is fueling the development of resistant bacteria in streams and rivers, disrupting native bacterial communities and potentially diminishing the usefulness of important antibiotics. Urban sites are most impacted by high levels of triclosan pollution from combined sewer overflows.
A new study reveals that the Eastern US is experiencing a significant increase in river alkalinity, with two-thirds of streams and rivers becoming more alkaline over the past 25 to 60 years. This rise in alkalinity can lead to water quality issues, harm aquatic life, and exacerbate salinization of freshwater.