A study of the Colorado River found that dams like Glen Canyon Dam alter food webs, leading to reduced biodiversity and unstable ecosystems. Downstream sites had more native fish species and fewer mismatches in their food web.
Researchers link black-legged ticks to an increased risk of Powassan encephalitis, a rare but serious illness with a 10-15% fatality rate. The study found deer tick virus in over 13,500 ticks, with infected adult ticks concentrated east of the Hudson River.
A new study found that pharmaceuticals, including antihistamines, alter biofilm communities in streams, leading to reduced photosynthesis and microbial respiration. The most striking effect was observed with diphenhydramine, which caused a 99% decrease in photosynthesis and changed bacterial species present in the biofilms.
A new study reveals that climate change is altering the Northern hardwood forest ecosystem, affecting maple syrup production, wildlife health and timber resources. The research highlights the need for long-term studies to understand and manage these complex effects.
A study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences found that past disturbances, such as logging, can obscure the effects of climate change on forest ecosystems. Researchers used decades-long data from the Hubbard Brook Experimental Forest to uncover a complex legacy left by these historical events.
The Cary Institute of Ecosystem Studies and WAMC Northeast Public Radio have debuted Earth Wise, a two-minute daily radio show focusing on climate change, energy, sustainable living, agriculture, and wildlife. Each segment highlights how individuals can make a positive impact.
The Cary Institute of Ecosystem Studies has received a major grant to develop an innovative graduate training program in freshwater ecology, focusing on lake conservation and sustainability. The GLEON Graduate Fellows Program will train the next generation of scientists in leadership, research, and communication skills.
A recent study found that hydroelectric reservoirs emit significantly less carbon dioxide and methane than previously estimated, with an annual emission of 48 million metric tons. The research analyzed 85 globally-distributed reservoirs and concluded that these systems are not major contributors to the greenhouse gas problem.
Researchers have found that models used to assess catastrophic changes can also predict environmental collapse. By monitoring variability in key ecosystem processes, scientists can detect early warning signs of regime shifts and potentially prevent ecological breakdowns.
A new framework for understanding biogeochemical cycles highlights the importance of balancing human needs with the health of the planet. This integrated view could help predict and manage climate change, improve sustainable forestry practices, and balance agricultural needs with estuary health.
A new study reveals that nearly a third of zooplankton's diet comes from land-derived organic matter. The research provides insight into the complex interactions within aquatic food webs and the role of watershed inputs.
A study by scientists at Cary Institute of Ecosystem Studies reveals a critical connection between conservation and disease. Loss of species large and small can increase pathogens, leading to increased disease transmission. The authors call for careful monitoring of areas with high animal densities to prevent infectious disease outbreaks.
Lyme disease expert Dr. Richard Ostfeld assesses the ecological factors contributing to its expanding range, shifting focus from deer to white-footed mice as critical hosts for black-legged ticks. He recommends steps to prevent Lyme disease expansion and highlights links between land-use planning and biodiversity loss.
A study by the Cary Institute of Ecosystem Studies reveals that streams in the Midwest are contaminated with insecticidal proteins from genetically modified corn, which can persist in the landscape. The research highlights the need for further investigation into the effects of agricultural practices on freshwater ecosystems.
Mountaintop removal and valley fill mining are causing permanent alterations to Appalachian forests and streams, with devastating effects on diverse habitats and freshwater resources. Current mitigation efforts do not compensate for the losses, and scientists urge a shift towards renewable energy sources to protect the environment.
A team of scientists recommends a two-pronged approach to managing nutrient pollution, which includes reducing both phosphorus and nitrogen inputs along the land-to-ocean continuum.
A group of internationally recognized scientists urges the U.S. to adopt sustainable standards and practices for cellulosic biofuel production to minimize environmental harm. The experts emphasize the need for incentives to promote environmentally friendly growing practices among farmers.
Streams are effective nitrogen filters, but their capacity to remove pollutants is limited by high loading rates. Researchers used a tracer to track nitrate additions in 72 streams across the US and Puerto Rico.
Commercial fisheries play a crucial role in removing terrestrial nitrogen from coastal waters, but their contribution has decreased significantly over time. As a result, the global nitrogen balance is becoming increasingly skewed, leading to eutrophication and other environmental problems.
The Institute of Ecosystem Studies has been recognized for its innovative deer management program, which balances forest health with deer populations. The program's success has informed deer management initiatives across the northeastern US and beyond.
A recent analysis reveals that inland water bodies are significant areas of terrestrial carbon transformation, deserving inclusion in global carbon cycle assessments. The findings show that rivers transport complex transformations of carbon, with half entering the atmosphere and 12% stored in sediments.
Dr. Gene E. Likens and Dr. Steward T.A. Pickett are honored by the Botanical Society of America for their groundbreaking research on acid rain, freshwater ecology, and urban ecology. Their work has informed national legislation and transformed the Institute of Ecosystem Studies into a global leader in ecological research.
Long-term data shows that road salt is accumulating in ground water and aquifers, causing year-round increases in freshwater salinity. This has detrimental effects on aquatic ecosystems, even in rural areas with low road density.
The conference aimed to incorporate ecological methods into traditional epidemiological studies, exploring how environmental changes influence disease dynamics. Experts emphasized the need for building a bridge between ecology and epidemiology to address emerging pathogens effectively.
Recent Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences article highlights the alarming rate of vertebrate invasions between Europe and North America. With a 25% chance of invasion for each introduced animal, precautions like port inspection and exotic wildlife regulations are crucial to combat invasive species.
A recent study by Dr. Gene E. Likens and colleagues documents the neutralizing effects of calcium silicate on acidic streams at Hubbard Brook Experimental Forest. The research found that adding Wollastonite to the stream resulted in a long-lasting buffering effect, suppressing acidity for over four months.
The Baltimore Ecosystem Study (BES) has revealed unexpected patterns and processes in the city's ecosystem, including how plants influence air quality and forest cover affects water quality. Renewed funding will allow researchers to investigate urban ecology discoveries and share findings with educators and decision makers.
A study found that zebra mussel invasion leads to population declines in open-water fish like American shad, while sunfish species increase in abundance. The mussels' grazing on food particles and increased light penetration create more food for shoreline fish.
Pearly mussel populations are declining due to negative growth rates and environmental degradation. Researchers urge simultaneous research and conservation actions to protect these ancient freshwater organisms.
A new study reveals that a significant part of the aquatic food chain is supported by terrestrial organic matter originating on the shoreline. Aquatic plants produce organic carbon through photosynthesis, which supports fish and invertebrate populations.