A global database of regional plant life has been developed to document and understand global plant diversity. The Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT) collates information about the plant species composition in nearly 2,900 regions, covering about 79% of the global land surface.
A global data resource has been developed to showcase the genetic diversity of chickens, featuring 174 breeds. The Synbreed Chicken Diversity Panel (SCDP) includes information on SNPs and provides a comprehensive family tree, highlighting the importance of preserving genetic variation for breeding sustainability.
Researchers compared traditional bird survey methods to modern sound recording devices, finding that machines can accurately measure population densities and map species territories. The study provides a systematic overview of available recording devices and user guides for scientists to sample animal populations acoustically.
Human cells use a mechanism to protect genetic transcripts from spliceosomes, preventing damage that can lead to cancer and neurodegenerative diseases. The researchers found that the snRNA of spliceosomes migrates into the cytoplasm in human cells, unlike in yeast, where it remains in the nucleus.
A German research team developed a framework to classify conservation objectives, highlighting key areas of consensus and shortcomings. The study found that stakeholders agree on protecting diverse forest ecosystems and species, but there is room for improvement in abiotic resource conservation and socio-cultural considerations.
Researchers developed an automated process to detect user-friendliness issues in virtual environments. This technology allows for more frequent, cost-effective, and efficient testing of virtual reality applications, leading to improved user experience and reduced errors.
Research reveals tree species with durable wood persist longer, but slow growth comes at the expense of reduced resources; Early stages dominate 'fast' pioneer species with soft wood.
Researchers at the University of Göttingen advocate coordinated approaches that combine nature conservation and agricultural production in sustainably managed landscapes. This approach enables the highest species diversity, promotes ecosystem services such as pollination and biological pest control, and benefits people.
Research from Göttingen reveals that wild red deer grazing in open landscapes can contribute to the conservation of protected habitats. The proportion of plant growth eaten by wild red deer is comparable to extensive grazing by farm livestock.
Researchers at University of Göttingen and Pasadena discovered hydrogen binding to graphene in 10 femtoseconds, forming a transient chemical bond. This reaction creates a bandgap, making graphene a useful semiconductor.
Genome editing enables crop development with resistance to pests, diseases, drought, and heat, reducing losses and chemical pesticide sprays. However, regulatory hurdles in Europe may hinder the adoption of these technologies, posing a risk to developing countries.
Researchers at University of Göttingen investigated how different data sources can be integrated for biodiversity research. They found that higher data resolution is crucial for accurate studies, but detailed data often have smaller global availability and representativeness.
In a breakthrough study, scientists have observed ions moving faster than atoms in the gas streams of solar prominences, challenging our understanding of plasma behavior. This phenomenon occurs when ions and neutral atoms flow independently in partially ionized plasmas without impact equilibrium.
A study found that consumers' purchasing intentions for sustainable chocolate are influenced by the 'warm glow' of giving, with fair-trade labels being particularly effective. The price is also a key factor, followed by country of manufacture and ethical claims.
A study by University of Göttingen researchers found that the village of Heckenbeck in southern Lower Saxony has successfully implemented sustainable infrastructure and initiatives to improve quality of life and create conditions for sustainable consumption, mobility, and education. Regular meetings between pioneers and residents have ...
An international team of researchers found that mycorrhiza-plant interactions hinder the colonisation of remote islands, acting as a brake on plant spread. This symbiosis is also linked to biogeographic patterns and preserving biological diversity.
The study found that Australian fairy circles were formed by physical processes such as weathering of the soil by heavy rainfall, extreme heat, and evaporation. The researchers also discovered that there is no causal relationship between termites and fairy circles.
A study published in PLoS ONE found that the type of pen a pig is shown in significantly affects how it is perceived by consumers. Straw bedding is rated as more natural and animal-friendly than concrete floors. The results suggest that even happy or sad expressions do not change perceptions of well-being.
A study by University of Göttingen researchers found that physical attractiveness does not correlate with extraversion in women. In contrast, more muscular men were indeed more extraverted and aggressive.
Microbiologists at the University of Göttingen developed a new method to detect novel enzymes that can release phosphate from environmental samples. This breakthrough has significant implications for industrial processes, biotechnology, and sustainable agriculture.
Research at the University of Göttingen found that mice growing up in stimulating environments transmit increased brain plasticity to their offspring, even if the young mice were raised in less enriching conditions. This transgenerational transmission affects primary sensory areas of the cerebral cortex.
A study published in Biological Conservation found that forest cover below 40% can lead to a decline in original bird communities and the replacement of specialized species with generalists. The research suggests that highly specialized birds begin to decline significantly at forest cover levels as low as 70%.
A study at the University of Göttingen found that people learn positive associations with words much faster than neutral or negative associations. The researchers used electroencephalography to analyze brain activity, revealing specific neuronal reactions after just 100 milliseconds for words associated with loss.
The Open Source Seed Licence safeguards plant germplasm by protecting it from patenting and exclusive rights. This allows for the free exchange of breeding material and knowledge, enabling the development of new varieties like 'Sunviva', a cherry tomato well-suited for gardens and balconies.
Scientists at University of Gættingen have developed an environmentally friendly strategy for drug and pesticide production, leveraging the properties of naturally occurring non-toxic metal manganese. The new approach reduces waste and uses water instead of toxic solvents.