A new species of the elusive 'fairy lantern' genus Thismia has been discovered in eastern Peninsular Malaysia. The critically endangered species, Thismia aliasii, relies entirely on fungi for its nutrition and is threatened by habitat degradation due to increasing hiking activities.
The SpongeBoost project visualizes sponge functions in wetlands using a comic book, simplifying complex concepts for experts and non-experts. The first edition of the comic book is available online, promoting nature-based solutions to enhance landscape resilience.
The new service enables users to create and download customised reports summarising species occurrences in a format suitable for biodiversity modelling and indicators. This expansion of GBIF's capabilities aims to improve the usability of biodiversity data, particularly for Essential Biodiversity Variables (EBVs) and indicator workflows.
The new Individual-based Ecology journal publishes its first articles, offering a fresh perspective on how individual organisms and ecological systems dynamics are linked. The journal focuses on individual-based perspectives in ecology, complementing other ecological disciplines.
The IP4OS project aims to integrate Intellectual Property management with Open Science principles, ensuring research outputs are both protected and accessible. The 24-month project will create practical strategies for knowledge valorisation and empower researchers to navigate the complexities of knowledge sharing.
The discovery of a 522 mm male silver-cheeked toadfish with potent neurotoxin tetrodotoxin in the northern Adriatic raises concerns about its impact on marine biodiversity, fisheries, and public safety. The species poses a threat to local life and has been found to cause severe injuries.
The TUdi project has developed nine multilingual leaflets to provide information and share findings on various topics related to sustainable agriculture. The leaflets offer guidance on managing soil health, assessing soil structure stability, detecting erosion, and managing nutrient loss through water movement.
A new study reveals significant differences in appearance and behavior between the Indian and Sundaic one-horned Asiatic rhinoceros species, challenging long-standing classifications. The research highlights millions of years of evolutionary pressures shaping their distinct adaptations.
A team of researchers has rediscovered the elusive Alsodes vittatus frog species in Chile, providing critical ecological data and highlighting conservation concerns. The rediscovery is a significant milestone for South American herpetology, emphasizing the need to study and protect this rare species.
The AGRI4POL project aims to transform agriculture into a positive force for biodiversity and crop pollination services. It will deliver an integrated analysis of the crop-farming system-pollinator interplay across biological organisation levels.
The Biodiversity Data Journal has launched its own data portal on GBIF, providing seamless access to nearly 300,000 biological organism occurrences. The portal also offers direct access to over 800 datasets and 1,000 citations of associated journal articles.
The VALOR project aims to understand the cascading impacts of pollinator shifts on ecosystems, farm businesses, and local communities. It will develop a comprehensive approach to gaining insights into the effects of pollinator changes on human well-being.
The Libroscope initiative seeks to unlock and link data from scientific literature to support understanding of biodiversity. By 2035, the power of biodiversity knowledge will be fully leveraged within an open science framework.
A new plant species, Nasa katjae, has been discovered in Peru's Andean cloud forests through citizen science efforts. The species is characterized by its scarlet-red flowers and is potentially vulnerable due to habitat loss and climate change. The discovery emphasizes the importance of protecting remaining pristine habitats.
The flagship journal of the International Mycological Association has been published on the new ARPHA platform by Pensoft. The first ten manuscripts have now been published, featuring a broad spectrum of mycological subdisciplines and including articles on fungal evolution, ecology, and conservation.
The journal of the Italian Society of Vegetation Science has changed its name to Vegetation Ecology and Diversity, launching a new website and introducing new Topical Collections. The journal now offers publication fee waivers and discounts for young researchers.
A new study highlights the effectiveness of detector dogs in mitigating biosecurity risks posed by air passengers. The research found that dogs were particularly effective in detecting undeclared materials, including items linked to fruit fly outbreaks.
A new species of deepwater tilefish has been discovered in the South China Sea with distinctive facial markings, leading to its naming after Princess Mononoke's protagonist San. The study, published in ZooKeys, used genetic analysis to confirm the new-species status and highlighted the importance of marine biodiversity.
A recent study published in One Ecosystem reveals that vegetation succession occurs in solar parks, supporting a wide range of biodiversity. The research suggests that mowing alone is insufficient to manage woody plants, highlighting the need for alternative construction methods and consulting experts in dynamic vegetation processes.
Researchers have discovered a green-produced nanosilver-chlorhexidine complex with enhanced antimicrobial and anti-tumor properties. The complex exhibits 18-fold stronger anti-melanoma activity compared to non-functionalized silver nanoparticles.
Researchers document butterfly's complete life cycle, including two distinct pupation phases, influenced by environmental conditions. The species may show phenological plasticity in response to climate change, adapting its breeding timing and brood production.
Researchers have developed a method to produce polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA) from photosynthetic microorganisms, fully degrading in soil, water, and marine environments. The new approach uses sunlight, absorbs CO2, and requires minimal organic resources, creating a truly biodegradable plastic alternative.
Two new European projects, GuardIAS and OneSTOP, aim to tackle the threat of invasive alien species on endangered species, natural sites, and human health. The projects will use advanced scientific research, cutting-edge technology, and artificial intelligence to develop new tools for detection, prevention, and eradication.
The FORSAID project aims to develop a comprehensive framework for early detection of pests and pathogens affecting European forest trees. The project will employ novel technological solutions, including remote sensing, AI modelling, and DNA barcoding, to combat harmful species in forests.
A new caddisfly species, Tinodes lumbardhi, has been discovered in Kosovo's Bjeshkët e Nemuna National Park, emphasizing the region's high biodiversity and need for conservation. The discovery highlights the urgent need to protect fragile habitats and mitigate the impacts of human activities on freshwater ecosystems.
The Policy Engagement Forum brought together experts to discuss the Climate and Biodiversity-Smart approach to forest management. The conversation focused on policies conducive to CBS methodologies, addressing challenges such as climate-related risks, biodiversity decline, and administrative hurdles.
A new species of giant isopod, Bathynomus vaderi, has been discovered in Vietnamese waters, reaching lengths of up to 32.5 cm and weighing over a kilogram. The species was named after Darth Vader's iconic helmet and has become an expensive delicacy in Vietnam.
The partnership aims to enhance publication and dissemination of eDNA research, increasing visibility and impact. Pensoft will support SeDNAs conferences and publish special issues in its Metabarcoding and Metagenomics journal.
The eLTER PLUS project offers funding for researchers studying biodiversity, biogeochemistry, and socio-ecological systems. Over 50 projects have been funded across Europe, contributing to understanding long-term ecosystem dynamics.
A new moray eel species has been discovered in Central Indo-Pacific river mouths, characterized by its deep black coloration and ability to thrive in dim environments. The Hades' snake moray was found in southern Japan, Taiwan, the Philippines, and Fiji, and is considered an important addition to the study of freshwater moray eels.
A French research team has developed a method to manage animal-vehicle collisions by deploying camera trap networks and leveraging artificial intelligence and ecological modeling. The approach simulates animal movements, identifies collision hotspots, and estimates species abundance, providing a map of collision risk.
The Horizon Europe-funded PollinERA project has launched a new open-access collection in the Food and Ecological Systems Modelling Journal to tackle pollinator population declines. The collection provides ecotoxicological knowledge gaps datasets, pollinator pesticide risk indicators, and models for chemicals and pollinator populations.
The eLTER Science Conference will feature scientific sessions on various topics, including groundwater dynamics and ecosystem restoration. The event will also include keynote addresses and interactive workshops, with over 300 international participants expected.
A new study highlights the devastating impact of illegal ritualistic hunts in West Bengal, India, where over 5,000 animals are estimated to be killed annually. The research reveals that these large-scale events target more than 90 species, including those at risk of extinction.
The BioAgora project is launching a new funding call to support capacity development activities that bridge the gap between scientific knowledge and policymaking. Applicants are invited to propose initiatives that will enable knowledge exchange, collaborative practices, and shared values in biodiversity conservation efforts.
The journal welcomes Dr. Ana Novoa Perez, Prof. Tammy Robinson, Prof. Phil Hulme, and Dr. Andrew Liebhold to bring expertise in invasion science, aiming to expand global reach and impact.
The International Mycological Association has partnered with Pensoft to transition its flagship journal, IMA Fungus, to the ARPHA publishing platform. The new collaboration aims to improve and streamline the publication process, providing faster review cycles and more efficient communication.
The SOLO project held its second face-to-face stakeholder meeting in Sofia, Bulgaria, focusing on soil health research and innovation. The event brought together 60 participants, including project partners and external stakeholders, to facilitate collaboration and knowledge exchange.
Pensoft Publishers will host a side event at COP29, showcasing the impact of open science on effective policy-making. The event aims to demonstrate how open-access research informs evidence-based policies, enabling successful implementation of biodiversity and climate frameworks.
A recent study highlights that over one-third of Vietnam's 329 mammal species are threatened with extinction, with around 40% lacking ex situ conservation programs. Iconic species like the saola and silver-backed chevrotain are among those at risk.
Researchers have named two freshwater snail species, Idiopyrgus eowynae and Idiopyrgus meriadoci, after J.R.R. Tolkien's characters Éowyn and Meriadoc Brandybuck. The newly discovered species are troglobitic and have unique adaptations to their subterranean environment.
The journal has been indexed and archived in over 60 databases and received a Scopus CiteScore of 5.4, placing it in Q1 in several categories. Its inclusion in the Web of Science will further enhance its visibility and impact.
The ForestPaths project evaluates the effects of current legislation on European forests, focusing on climate change mitigation and biodiversity. The study identifies 17 green initiatives with prominent relations to forest conditions, emphasizing conservation, active management, afforestation, and wood processing activities.
The COP16 policy brief recommends implementing FAIR data principles to enhance biodiversity monitoring. This approach enables standardization of indicators, streamlined reporting, and improved global tracking.
The second ForestPaths Policy Lab brought together diverse stakeholders to share visions for forests by 2050, focusing on climate change, biodiversity, and ecosystem services. Participants explored policy actions necessary to achieve these visions through modelling and pathway analysis.
Researchers have discovered 48 lichen species at two Mars analog sites in North America and Canada. The study provides valuable information about the diversity of life on Earth as an analogue for understanding potential life on Mars.
A newly discovered species of carnation family has been identified and collected using drone technology on inaccessible cliffs in Hawaii. The discovery, published in PhytoKeys, highlights the potential for future discoveries through drone technology and advances conservation efforts in preventing plant extinctions.
A new species of clearwing moth has been identified from specimens found by a traveler returning from Guyana to the UK. The discovery was made possible through community science efforts involving a young ecologist and a photographer, leading to DNA sequencing and identification as Carmenta brachyclados.
Researchers develop novel workflows to digitize and future-proof biodiversity data using digital specimen DOIs and nanopublications. This enables scientists to link digital specimens to various databases, facilitating inter-institutional scientific work and saving time for AI systems.
The Safe-Hub platform provides a harmonized and standardized database for pollinator health, monitoring, distribution, and conservation. It offers various tools and resources, such as species distribution maps, knowledge library, and events calendar, to support recommendations and co-design solutions for wild pollinator decline.