A new scientific study suggests that dark 'eyeliner' feathers of peregrine falcons have evolved to reduce sunlight glare, thereby improving their hunting ability. The research found that the size and darkness of the malar stripe, directly beneath the eyes, vary positively with solar radiation levels.
Researchers propose five interventions to promote equitable ecology practices, including amplifying diverse expertise, addressing data sovereignty issues, and deconstructing biases in research teams. These actions aim to connect with existing anti-colonial and anti-racist struggles and promote ecological justice.
A new framework recognizes that response options can be a driver of risk, requiring a more integrated approach to climate risk assessment. This shift in perspective highlights the importance of considering interactions among multiple drivers of risk and responses.
Researchers have provided a timeline for fossils from the Cradle of Humankind, revealing that early hominins experienced big changes in local climate, from wetter to drier conditions, at least six times between 3 and 1 million years ago. The study corrects assumptions about the relationship between East and South Africa hominin species.
A two-year project found significant declines in birds of prey across Botswana, with 14 out of 29 species monitored showing decreases. The study suggests climate change and poisoning by poachers as potential causes, highlighting the need for urgent research.
Research in Botswana finds high levels of lead in African vultures, linked to hunting activity, with conservation efforts urging a national ban on lead bullets and awareness among policymakers.
Scientists have discovered evidence that early modern humans on the coast of South Africa thrived through a 74,000-year-old ancient supervolcano eruption. The team found cryptotephra shards with a distinct chemical signature linking them to Mount Toba, confirming human occupation during the event.
A new compound, MMV390048, has been discovered and shown to be effective against resistant strains of the malaria parasite across its entire lifecycle. The research holds great promise for a single-dose cure, potentially contributing to the eradication of malaria.