The Path2Integrity project aims to boost research integrity by developing new educational methods, targeting students and researchers from five European countries. The initiative, funded by the EU Horizon 2020 program, promotes storytelling, role-playing, and dialogical learning to raise awareness about research integrity.
A new species of beetle, Iberoporus pluto, has been discovered in Portugal, exclusively inhabiting groundwater. The beetle was found in a cave system and features adaptations for life underground, such as depigmentation and elongated limbs.
Scientists have discovered a new treefrog species in Ecuador's Andes, characterized by an extraordinary enlarged claw-like structure. The species, Hyloscirtus hillisi, is already at risk of extinction due to its small distribution range near a large-scale mining operation and habitat destruction.
A new study by Australian researchers found that pinnipeds quickly react defensively to approaching boats, risking injury and death. The closer the vessel is, the more likely it is for the animals to rush into the sea, triggering a stampede that can be deadly.
The study reveals over 450 millipede fossils, including those from 13 main orders, with the oldest known fossils found within the studied amber. The discovery sheds light on the evolution of millipedes and their diversification over time.
A two-year study reveals pangolin hunting is a major conservation issue and devastating animal welfare concern in Assam. Interviews with local hunters found that pangolins are targeted for their scales, which are sold for a premium on the black market.
An Austrian-Danish research team discovered 44 new species of twirler moths in Europe, including 22 previously unknown species. The discovery highlights the need for further research into insect biology to identify their conservation status and preservation efforts.
A study from leading Dutch economists recommends increasing Dutch banks' equity capital to improve stability and solvency. By raising their equity ratios, banks can better cover future losses and manage risks efficiently.
A newly described tomato relative, Solanum kollastrum, boasts long thorns and sticky stems, but surprisingly starts as a beneficial species in its ecosystem. It's preferred by medium- to large-sized bees and has fruits that are eaten by bats.
The HOMED project aims to develop a full panel of scientific knowledge and practical solutions for managing emerging native and non-native pests and pathogens threatening European forests. Forest health will be considered broadly, including trees in forests, nurseries, urban, and rural areas.
A new pharmacological agent, SS-68, demonstrates significant activity in preventing heart rhythm disorders and conditions of reduced blood flow to the heart caused by obstructed arteries. The compound has also been found to reduce episodes of epilepsy in brain injury-induced arrhythmias.
Scientists developed an interactive database with 27 species, including a new species Pteromalus capito, to demonstrate the advantages of modern taxonomic software. The software Xper3 enables fast and efficient identification, reducing steps from 16 to 6 for one studied wasp species.
Scientists have recorded the first cave-dwelling centipede from southern China, a species that had been hiding away from biologists. The new cavedweller, Australobius tracheoperspicuus, is tiny and has pale yellow-brownish color with no eyes.
The FIT project aims to address high youth football injury rates in Sweden by combining biomedical and social science disciplines. The study analyzes multiple datasets to identify risk factors, including growth, training intensity, and pressure to perform.
The newly described African palm species, Zam, is a large and useful palm with applications in timber, medicine, and wine production. Its discovery highlights the importance of scientific description and conservation efforts to protect this group of palms, which are still being threatened by extinction.
A recent study by Prof. Natalya Ketenci found that CO2 emissions in Russia increase along with economic growth, but only up to a certain threshold, after which they decrease. The study supports the environmental Kuznets curve hypothesis, suggesting that cleaner technologies can sustain economic development.
A team of scientists used CT imaging to identify a new Panamanian species of thorn snail, Carychium panamaense. The study revealed details about the snail's shell and its potential for conservation.
A recent study of native wild bees in Mexico's tropical dry forest found that preserved vegetation areas support significantly greater bee richness and diversity. Urbanization and agriculture lead to major shifts in species composition, threatening local extinctions.
A recent analysis suggests that investments in education, healthcare, and infrastructure drive economic growth, while military spending has a negative impact. A budget maneuver could increase Russia's GDP by 25-35% in a single generation.
The IMPRESSIONS High-end Solutions Information Hub provides a scientifically robust understanding of the nature and scale of extreme climate change. The resource guides decision-makers in adaptation, mitigation, and sustainable development with interactive collections of results, recommendations, and methods.
Researchers uncover two new species of gigantic subterranean campodeid diplurans in Japan, one measuring over 10mm in length and named after the giant yökai creature Daidarabotchi. The discovery sheds light on the physical connection between Asia and America via a genus previously unknown in Japan.
A research team from the Federal University of Mato Grosso do Sul has published data on bird and reptile roadkill on Brazil's notorious BR-262 highway. The study found 930 animals representing 29 reptile and 47 bird species, with new records including the Black-and-white hawk-eagle.
The ReNature project aims to establish a nature-based solutions research strategy for innovation, economic growth and human well-being in Malta. The three-year collaboration will increase research capacity, develop practical solutions through international collaboration, and promote evidence-based environmental decision-making.
A newly-discovered moth species, Admetovis icarus, has been identified with a distinctive flame-shaped mark on its forewing. The moth prefers high-elevation habitats and can be spotted in the mountains of western North America during June and August.
A new drywood termite species has been discovered in Cameroon with snapping stick-like mandibles that deliver powerful strikes at enemies. The species, named Roisinitermes ebogoensis, challenges existing knowledge on the evolution of such defense mechanisms.
The ESMERALDA MAES Explorer is an online tool that helps EU member states map and assess ecosystems and their services. The platform provides practical guidance to policymakers, scientists, and businesses on implementing ecosystem services mapping.
A team of researchers observed an adult male praying mantis catching and devouring guppies in a pond in Karnataka, India. The insect returned five days in a row, catching a total of nine fish with impressive learning abilities.
A previously unknown pathogenic fungus, Liberomyces pistaciae, has been isolated from pistachio trees in Sicily, causing cankers and decline. The fungus is characterized by vascular necrosis and tree collapse, and its presence was detected in asymptomatic trees, suggesting a dormant growth phase.
A recently discovered pygmy moth species from Asia, Stigmella multispicata, has spread rapidly across Siberian elm trees in eastern North America. The species was first found in the US in 2010 and has since been identified in ten states and two Canadian provinces.
Researchers at the University of Kansas found that a recent large-scale analysis of population density was flawed due to biased sampling and missing data. Their study highlights the need to consider additional factors beyond geographic range and environmental niches when studying species abundance.
The study reveals 21 new parasitoid wasp species, updating the genus count to 27 and providing a systematic revision. The wasps' unique characteristics, such as large size and vivid coloration, suggest they likely parasitize orthopterans like grasshoppers and crickets.
Researchers observed 'antennal grabbing' behavior in three different cuckoo bee species in the genus Nomada, where males transfer pheromones during copulation. This phenomenon has been documented for the first time in this genus, shedding new light on the courtship and mating behaviors of these kleptoparasitic bees.
The PoshBee EU Horizon 2020 project aims to support healthy bee populations and sustainable beekeeping practices in Europe. The project will integrate knowledge from academics, beekeepers, and farmers to quantify the exposure hazard of chemicals on bees and determine their impact on health.
A new species of African pygmy toad was discovered on one of Angola's most underexplored mountains, the Serra da Neve Inselberg. The new species lacks ears and is distinct from its close relatives.
A novel lichen-patterned spider species, Araneus bonali, has been found on oak trunks in central Spain. The species' remarkable mimicry with lichens allows it to blend into its surroundings, raising questions about its behavior and habitat.
Researchers found unique chromosome rearrangements in mosquito larvae from the Caucasus region, indicating a complex genetic structure. The study suggests that the region's fauna has unified geographically but divided evolutionarily, with significant genetic distance between populations.
A new species of round fungus beetle was discovered in Malaysian Borneo with remarkably long genitalia. The species was named after actress and biologist Isabella Rossellini due to its unique reproductive characteristics, showcasing an evolutionary 'sexual arms race' between males and females.
Six new species of land snails with scaly shells have been identified in Malaysian Borneo, revealing a previously unknown species group. The researchers used DNA and 3D modeling to analyze the snails' shells and confirm their taxonomy.
A new grass species, P. laegaardiana, has been described after 28 years of collection, raising concerns about its survival due to habitat loss and agricultural use. Further studies are needed to search for the species in different locations.
The journal has published 4103 articles, 45 newly described animal families, and 8977 species, with a focus on open access and collaboration. Recent issues include a study on mid-sized carnivores in urbanized Europe and the discovery of a new shrub frog species in China.
A new species of sheet-web-building spider, Islandiana lewisi, has been discovered in a southern Indiana cave. The tiny spider is thought to feed on small arthropods and is the fifth known species to live exclusively in caves.
The Journal of Hymenoptera Research published its 64th issue featuring 14 new genera and 29 new species of microgastrine wasps. The team described five new species named after institutions holding prominent wasp collections, including the Canadian National Collection and the South Australian Museum.
A study identified 17 new genera and 29 new species of microgastrine wasps, including those named after Crocodile Dundee and Toblerone, published in the Journal of Hymenoptera Research. The discovery highlights the megadiverse fauna of these parasitoid wasps, with many more awaiting discovery.
Scientists discover six new goblin spider species in Sri Lanka, shedding light on the country's remarkable biodiversity. The spiders are named after famous fictional characters from Enid Blyton's books and are found to be highly endemic, with some species only present at a single forest patch.
The journal features two rare species, Poa laegaardiana and Sindora stipitata, and an extensive taxonomic review of genus Ceratozamia. PhytoKeys has accelerated research in botany with its innovative publishing workflow and open access platform.
Researchers have shed new light on the previously known geographical range of the extinct Carolina parakeet, a species officially declared extinct in 1920. The study provides unprecedented information on the bird's range and offers a window into its past ecology.
Five new species of snakes, including four at risk of extinction, were found in Ecuador. The international research team auctioned their naming rights to save a 72 ha plot of land and expand the protected Buenaventura reserve.
The project aims to add hundreds of thousands of figures and taxonomic treatments to the Biodiversity Literature Repository (BLR), a joint venture of Plazi and Pensoft. The BLR is an open science community platform that makes biodiversity data findable, accessible, interoperable, and reusable.
Two new species of tiny shrimps, Odontonia bagginsi and Odontonia plurellicola, are described as part of a research project at Leiden University. The shrimps are found in symbiosis with tunicates, with unique adaptations to their environment.
A new universal formula for determining species is presented to address the issue of identifying distinct populations as separate or subspecies. The formula uses statistical tests to measure differences between non-co-occurring and co-occurring populations, providing a more objective approach to taxonomy.