A new study led by UBC with Coast Salish Nations and regional research partners identifies Indigenous-led hunting as the most successful strategy for managing hyperabundant deer on the Southern Gulf Islands. This approach delivers significant ecological and cultural benefits, increasing human and ecological wellbeing by nearly 60%.
A newly discovered orchid species in Colombia is threatened with extinction due to climate change. The 'Nasar Effect' reveals that the species' demise is foretold by the conditions that threaten it, highlighting the need for international action to curb greenhouse gas emissions and boost conservation efforts.
Researchers at RIKEN successfully simulated the Milky Way Galaxy with over 100 billion individual stars, far surpassing previous state-of-the-art models. This achievement demonstrates the power of AI-accelerated simulations in tackling complex multi-scale problems in astrophysics and beyond.
Scientists have rediscovered a thought to be extinct killifish species, Moema claudiae, in Bolivia, providing a second chance for its conservation. The rediscovery was made in a temporary pond surrounded by farms and has allowed researchers to study the behavior of the species and preserve it in the wild.
Researchers found that roe deer restrict natural forest regeneration, despite abundant light. The team's study suggests that controlling deer densities is crucial for maintaining tree-species diversity in forests.
A new study published in Nature Conservation assesses the threat status of bird species from Vietnam, revealing critical conservation needs. The study highlights areas for improved protection and calls for integration of expanded ex situ conservation efforts.
Researchers tracked pine plantations in North Florida for 27 years to identify site preparation strategies with sustained benefits. Two-pass treatments consistently outperformed simpler methods, especially when combined with herbicide applications.
A major new synthesis of global evidence reveals that restoring forests can actually increase water availability, particularly during critical dry seasons. The research highlights the importance of prioritizing dry-season flow recovery in large-scale forest landscape restoration.
Scientists from Salk and UC San Diego have discovered a new hybrid seagrass that demonstrates low-light tolerance, offering a promising solution for coastal restoration efforts. The hybrid combines the shallow-water Zostera marina with its deeper-water cousin Zostera pacifica, inheriting the latter's low-light toolkit.
A new study led by Dr Elisa Fuentes-Montemayor identifies key ecological factors supporting natural colonisation, which can provide environmental and societal benefits. Hybrid approaches combining tree planting and natural colonisation offer intermediate values of forest growth and structural complexity.
A recent study found that extinction rates in plants and animals peaked around 100 years ago and have declined since then. The researchers argue that past extinctions are not reliable predictors of current and future threats due to changing drivers such as habitat loss and climate change.
A new study reveals that ENSO could intensify rapidly over the coming decades and synchronize with other major climate phenomena, leading to stronger rainfall fluctuations in regions such as Southern California and the Iberian Peninsula. The amplified impacts will necessitate enhanced planning and adaptation strategies.
Researchers discovered that bats in full sun bat boxes can warm to temperatures exceeding 50°C while sleeping, leading to dehydration and death. Providing bats with a choice of roosts in the same location, some constructed for stable temperature and others for quick cooling or warming, could help prevent this risk.
Researchers analyzed feces samples from 11 herbivore species in Namibia's Etosha National Park to understand how environmental factors shape their gut microbiomes. The study found five types of bacteria serving as environmental indicators, which could help monitor ecosystem changes and animal adaptation.
Researchers at Seoul National University of Science and Technology have discovered fluorinated covalent organic polymers (FCOPs) that can remove 67.3% of beta-blockers like atenolol and metoprolol within the first minute. The FCOPs' strong adsorption performance is attributed to their rich structure, which enables multiple synergistic ...
Researchers found that communities with green infrastructure systems like rain gardens saw a notable reduction in cadmium, copper, nickel, and zinc being sent into local waterways. Implementing more of these systems can improve water quality, make cities cooler, and enhance ecosystem services.
A recent study found that light color affects phytoplankton growth and nutrient cycling in lake ecosystems. The researchers discovered that the less light available to microalgae, the more important the color of light became for their growth.
A study found that 90% of marine aquarium fish sold by online retailers in the US come from wild populations, primarily in the western Pacific and Indian Ocean. The reliance on wild capture threatens coral reef ecosystems and puts endangered species at risk of extinction.
A new study found that children's dietary diversity increases up to 80 kilometers from protected conservation areas in Cambodia and Myanmar, before declining at greater distances. The researchers also found that Indigenous populations had a higher likelihood of eating vitamin A-rich fruits and vegetables around this distance.
Catastrophic wildfires are increasing worldwide, posing significant challenges for governments. A study suggests investing in proactive wildfire mitigation and prevention is more cost-effective than reactive response and recovery.
A new multi-diversity index (MDI) developed by the University of Queensland has opened up a market for coastal wetland restoration projects. The index measures biodiversity gains in restored ecosystems, enabling landholders and communities to earn tradeable certificates with a market value.
Researchers found that Eastern coyote populations stabilize faster than they can be reduced due to their unique reproductive ability. The study suggests a need for alternatives in habitat management and biodiversity.
A study by the University of Göttingen found that social pressure is the primary driver behind farmers' willingness to protect their livestock from wolves. Financial support, such as subsidies for electric fences, also encourages farmers to take action. However, guard dogs are not a preferred option.
Scientists discovered that tree species respond differently to slope, bench, or valley in temperate forests, with some species storing more carbon on slopes than others. The study found that valleys tend to have higher biomass of yellow-poplar and American beech, while slopes support southern shagbark hickory growth.
Researchers found that freely pollinated sunflowers yield 25% higher results regardless of farming method. A diverse landscape promotes biodiversity and stabilizes harvests by increasing bumblebee populations up to 100%.
A new study reveals that global warming is accelerating the risk of multi-year droughts leading to extreme water scarcity. The frequency of Day Zero Droughts will increase sharply over the coming decades, affecting 750 million people globally by the end of this century.
Researchers have identified distinct genetic adaptations in European cisco populations adapted to fresh, saline, or brackish water, as well as varying spawning times. These findings can inform sustainable management practices and improve our understanding of the impact of environmental factors on roe quality.
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.