Articles tagged with Applied Ecology
Researchers analyzed over 2,000 hours of underwater recordings to detect subtle shifts in red hind spawning behavior and population dynamics. The study found a notable shift in the balance of mating calls over the 12-year period, with calls linked to competition becoming dominant.
A new study reveals that Gulf of Aqaba corals have endured four consecutive and intensifying marine heatwaves without mass bleaching. The findings raise hopes for the future of this globally-significant coral reef amid worsening climate change, but highlight the urgent need for regional conservation policies.
A new white paper urges placing biodiversity at the heart of the UN Pact for the Future, highlighting its essential role in food security, public health, and climate stability. The authors propose a global alliance to integrate biodiversity conservation into the core priorities of the UN Summit of the Future.
Researchers at the University of the Sunshine Coast have developed a world-first vaccine to protect koalas from infection and death caused by chlamydia. The vaccine has been shown to reduce mortality from the disease in wild populations by at least 65 percent, offering protection through multiple generations.
New research reveals the origins of Continuous Cover Forestry (CCF) to 17th-century Central European farm forestry practices. This approach focuses on individual trees, emphasizing biological rationalization and low-impact management. CCF aims to establish resilient forests that last for generations with minimized costs.
Researchers studied two evergreen oak species in the Himalayan-Hengduan Mountains, finding that one adapts with loosely linked leaf traits and the other with tightly linked traits. Climate plays a major role in their differences, with one species having thicker leaves to reduce water loss in dry conditions.
As Arctic permafrost thaws, geochemical reactions unleash metals like cadmium, harming fish and disrupting ecosystems. The Salmon River's transformation poses indirect threats to Indigenous communities and other species.
Researchers developed a mathematical framework that shows economic growth and environmental sustainability are compatible in developing countries. A 'kindergarten rule' level of pollution abatement is necessary for successful implementation, depending on factors like clean technology availability and foreign aid.
Two researchers, Dr Anggi Hapsari and Dr Oliver Barnstedt, have been awarded ERC Starting Grants for their projects on the impact of sea level rise on coastal ecosystems and the neural mechanisms of memory formation in the mammillary body. The grants will fund five-year research projects exploring these topics.
The Earth BioGenome Project aims to create a digital library of DNA sequences to preserve and protect life on Earth. With over 2,200 scientists in 88 countries, the project is making discoveries that could help assure food security and advance medicine.
Researchers at RIKEN Center for Sustainable Resource Science identified ancient protein SCORE to help plants defend against various pathogens. By engineering synthetic SCORE variants, plants can be made resistant to multiple pathogen types.
A global assessment reveals that ocean plastics pose ecological risks in areas with dense marine life and pollutants, even in waters with modest plastic levels. The study identifies high-risk zones, including the North Pacific and North Atlantic oceans, where coordinated efforts can substantially lessen threats.
Researchers found that the island has enough trees, hedgerows, and seeds for the estimated 3500 red squirrels to thrive and grow. The study also discovered signs of genetic mixing between the east and west populations, suggesting a bright future for the island's squirrel population.
A new study analyzes over 31 million bird observations from eBird to show regional variation in bird responses to fire, revealing nuanced impacts on bird populations. The results can inform refined fire management techniques to support biodiversity and bird conservation.
A global review highlights the need for better tools to understand juvenile fish habitats, which are facing increased pressure from various factors. The study recommends incorporating metrics like growth, survival, and contribution rates to assess habitat quality.
A new study by Bournemouth University confirms that red squirrel populations across Europe are resilient to the effects of climate change, but highlights the need for conservation efforts to protect their habitat. The study found that temperature changes and low rainfall do not directly affect the survivability of red squirrels.
A recent study found that restoring large-scale bison migrations in the northern Yellowstone ecosystem unlocks the species' full ecological power. Bison herds enhance nutrient cycles, diversify habitats, and drive processes like nutrient cycling and productivity.
Fossilized marine invertebrates accurately reflect past ecosystems' functional diversity, offering a powerful tool for understanding long-term ecological change and informing modern conservation efforts. The study supports the growing field of conservation paleobiology by validating the use of functional diversity metrics in fossil data.
Researchers at RIKEN have developed a mechanochemical method to increase hydrogen saturation in perovskite powder, doubling its capacity. This discovery has significant implications for environmental sustainability and the potential for a hydrogen-based economy, as it enables more efficient production of ammonia fertilizer.
A new study reveals a 40% global increase in wildland fire exposures from 2002 to 2021, mainly driven by people living in the wildland-urban interface. In Africa, 85% of these exposures occurred, with devastating consequences for human health and life.
Researchers found that brown anole lizards can withstand extreme lead levels without impairment. Transcriptomic analyses revealed minor effects on brain and liver tissue, with altered genes linked to metal ion regulation.
A study from the University of Georgia finds that lake sturgeon are reproducing on their own in the Coosa River, with some fish estimated to be over 2 years old. This marks a significant step forward in the reintroduction project, which aims to establish a self-sustaining population of these ancient fish.
Scientists have uncovered the remains of a vast animal community that lived in the European Arctic 75,000 years ago. The bones represent the oldest example of an animal community in the region during this warmer period of the ice age, providing valuable insights into how wildlife responded to dramatic climate shifts.
A recent study found that urban forests and small green spaces have significant benefits for mental health conditions like depression and anxiety. Young adults experience greater benefits than the general population, and spending non-active time in greenspaces can be more effective than active time in nature.
The Rhisotope Project uses low-level radioactive isotopes in rhino horns to track and intercept trafficked horns, aiming to disrupt the illegal trade. Researchers have confirmed the process is safe for animals and effective in making horns detectable through international customs systems.
The book examines biodiversity, ecology, and conservation strategies across Mexico's deserts, focusing on the Baja California Peninsula, Chihuahuan Desert, Sonoran Desert, and Tehuacán-Cuicatlán Valley. Key findings include the ecological roles of natural products and traditional medicinal plants.
A study analyzing data from 10 species at 14 national parks found that animals avoid human infrastructure like roads, trails, and buildings. However, responses varied across populations, species, and individual animals, with some adapted to human presence.
Researchers analyzed 96 years of forest census data, revealing homogenization trends and loss of tree species. The study suggests that reduced forest diversity makes the ecosystem less resilient to future disturbances.
Researchers used generative AI models like ChatGPT and DALL-E to analyze men's fashion trends and create realistic fashion collection images. The study highlights the importance of expertly worded prompts for accurate fashion design implementation, enabling efficient and creative use of generative AI in fashion.
A new study led by Brown University biologists found that different species of large herbivores have diets that are more diverse and complex than previously known. Researchers analyzed fecal and plant samples to identify the types of plants consumed by each species, revealing smaller dietary differences between species than expected.
Researchers investigated symbiotic (SNF) and asymbiotic (ANF) nitrogen fixation in subtropical forests, finding distinct environmental controls. SNF rates declined with increasing altitude, while ANF rates showed a hump-shaped pattern, influenced by soil properties at lower altitudes and climatic factors at higher altitudes.
Researchers suggest early continental crust formed through deep Earth processes called mantle plumes, rather than plate tectonics. They analyzed ancient rocks and found evidence of a two-stage process involving mantle plume upwelling and gravitational sagduction of greenstones.
A new study found that hermit crabs with more sensory hairs on their claws recover faster from a startle response, indicating they are bolder. The research suggests a link between sensory ability and behavior, proposing a hypothesis called sensory investment syndrome.
The SEB Conference 2025 will feature over 500 talks on latest advances in experimental research across animal, plant and cell biology. The event highlights groundbreaking research in biomechanics, wildlife conservation, human disease and bio-inspired robotics.
Researchers are studying the effects of Hurricane Helene flooding on agricultural land in Tennessee, with a focus on managing contaminants in croplands. The team aims to provide actionable knowledge to farmers and communities affected by the disaster.
Sindhu Jagadamma, a UTIA associate professor of soil science, will receive the award for her research on sustainable soil management practices that mitigate environmental problems. Her work focuses on implementing conservation management techniques, such as no-till and cover crops, to maintain soil health.
A large-scale analysis of US water quality data reveals that many toxic chemicals remain poorly characterized or undetected. The findings suggest that the true scale of chemical risk to biodiversity and ecosystems may be significantly underestimated due to sparse monitoring data and detection limits.
Nearly half of Mesoamerica's 4,000+ tree species are at risk of extinction, primarily driven by agriculture and logging. Conservation efforts are urgently needed to protect these species.
Researchers argue that deliberate full extinction might be acceptable in rare cases, but only with careful consideration of ecological and moral implications. The study calls for robust ethical safeguards and inclusive decision-making frameworks to guide the use of genetic modification technologies.
A new study by the University of Göttingen and Freie Universität Berlin found that Mediterranean-type regions require tailored restoration methods due to varying soil and climate conditions. The research suggests that compromises are often needed, and what works best depends on local goals and conditions.
A new study reveals that 83% of ectomycorrhizal fungi are dark taxa, meaning they can't be linked to named or described species, posing problems for conservation efforts. The discovery highlights the importance of protecting these underground fungi, which regulate Earth's climate and ecosystems.
The Nature FIRST project, a £4.9m Horizon Europe-funded initiative, aims to protect endangered species and their habitats across Europe. The project's tools and training will help rangers detect and respond to wildlife crime and other threats using digital technologies and forensic investigation techniques.
A new study by MIT researchers suggests that microplastics are less likely to accumulate in sediment infused with biofilms, which can resuspend particles and carry them away. In contrast, areas of bare sand can become hotspots for microplastic accumulation due to the lack of biofilm.
A new study found that dehorning rhinos proactively reduced poaching activity by 78% across 11 Greater Kruger African reserves from 2017 to 2023. In contrast, law enforcement interventions had no statistical effect on poaching. Dehorning removed the incentive for poachers and was cost-effective, with only a 1.2% of the budget spent.
Oregon State University scientists have improved AI's ability to identify wildlife species in photos taken by motion-activated cameras. By limiting the training data to one species and including images from diverse environments, they achieved almost 90% identification accuracy with a small fraction of the required training data.
A new study shows that wildlife underpass tunnels can dramatically reduce amphibian deaths, with an 80.2% reduction in road mortality observed. The design details of the underpasses matter, and this research provides long-term evidence of their effectiveness in preserving ecosystems.
A study analyzing forestry records from 1974 to 2022 found that bark beetle-induced logging follows a distinct cycle aligned with solar activity, with lower solar activity leading to higher outbreaks. The North Atlantic Oscillation also impacts weather patterns, exacerbating beetle outbreaks during negative phases.
Researchers found that women tend to use the ocean closer to shore than men, with implications for equitable marine planning and governance. This study highlights the importance of considering gender-based differences in marine spatial planning efforts.
Researchers propose urban rewilding as a key strategy to combat biodiversity decline, focusing on reintroducing faunal species into urban areas. This approach aims to increase ecosystem function, optimize food webs, and foster more self-sustaining ecosystems.
A new international study shows that El Niño and La Niña climate patterns affect nearly half of the world's mangrove forests, threatening these vital coastal ecosystems. Mangroves are experiencing widespread degradation during El Niño events and increased growth during La Niña events.
A new scientific study sheds light on the social dynamics driving demand for bear bile in Vietnam, highlighting the role of gift-giving among close social networks. The findings suggest that targeting key individuals within influential groups could reduce demand and support conservation efforts.
A new membrane developed by MIT researchers separates different types of fuel based on their molecular size, eliminating the need for energy-intensive distillation. The membrane can efficiently separate heavy and light components from oil, and is resistant to swelling.
A study of nearly 600 white-tailed deer in southwest Wisconsin reveals how habitat selection and social interactions affect chronic wasting disease transmission. The research found that certain habitats, like agricultural fields, facilitate easy transmission between deer groups.
A landmark study by Prof. Yong Sik Ok charts biochar's global market potential as a carbon-negative technology aligned with ESG goals, UN SDGs, and Net Zero pathways. The study provides actionable guidance for governments, industry leaders, and research institutions to integrate biochar into their climate portfolios.
A team of scientists has developed a new method for desalination that uses liquid tin to simultaneously purify water and recover valuable metals. The process, powered by concentrated solar energy, can transform desalination brine into a valuable resource.
Researchers found a significant positive trend in tree growth since the 20th century due to low-latitude warming. This growth acceleration is attributed to enhanced regional temperatures and precipitation, promoting tree growth conditions.
A new study analyzing citizen science data reveals that North American bird populations are shrinking most rapidly where they are still most abundant. This pattern suggests ecological stress, primarily driven by climate change and habitat loss, is the primary driver of decline.
Despite a net gain of over 10,000 hectares in forest cover from 2000 to 2020, the Yangtze River Delta's forests experienced significant losses due to urbanization and agriculture. The study found that four times more carbon was emitted than taken up, highlighting the need for sustainable forest management.
A new study reveals that farms with more intensive management have lower overall soil functionality, suggesting a shift towards productive deintensification for sustainable agriculture. Soils play a critical role in supporting human well-being and ecological stability, but intensive farming practices can degrade soil health.
A new study reveals that Douglas-fir introduction has a neutral effect on European biodiversity in most cases, with only rare positive or negative impacts observed.