Articles tagged with Applied Ecology
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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 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 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 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.
A new study found that clobazam, a common anxiety medication, alters the migration behavior of wild Atlantic salmon by acting on neural pathways. The findings suggest that even trace levels of psychoactive drugs can disrupt essential survival behaviors in wildlife, posing a threat to biodiversity and ecosystem functioning.
University of Michigan researchers developed a statistical method to give a more complete sense of human ancestry. The Gaia algorithm estimates an individual's genetic ancestors, identifies their average location based on movement assumptions, and tracks it back over centuries.
Researchers challenge traditional view that cool temperate rainforests are fragile ecosystems, finding they depend on disturbance for survival. The study found Antarctic beech trees grew faster and recruited more successfully after higher disturbance levels.
Researchers developed a numerical tool to quantify sunlight intensity and its influence on plant growth, enabling accurate predictions of sunlight patterns. The model can help farmers optimize greenhouse conditions and planting schedules, leading to improved crop yields.
A recent study at the University of Michigan Biological Station found that carbon storage in forests is more nuanced than previously thought. The study, which spanned over two centuries, revealed that forest structure, tree and fungal communities, and soil biogeochemical processes have a greater influence on carbon sequestration than t...
The deliberate destruction of the Kakhovka Dam in Ukraine during the Russo-Ukrainian war unleashed a hidden environmental crisis, destroying ecosystems and releasing polluted sediments into downstream water systems. The study found that the collapse triggered substantial erosion, soil loss, and vegetation uprooting, driving extensive h...
The study found that fragmented landscapes had 13.6% fewer species at the patch scale and 12.1% fewer species at the landscape scale. Generalist species primarily live in fragmented areas. The researchers conclude that large, continuous landscapes are better for preserving biodiversity.
Whales play a critical role in moving nutrients across ocean basins through horizontal transport in their urine. Scientists estimate that great whales transport approximately 4,000 tons of nitrogen each year to low-nutrient coastal areas in the tropics and subtropics.
A new study suggests that extreme weather events are crucial to understanding phenological responses in plants and insects. The research found that disruptions to the delicate relationships between certain species, such as the yucca plant and yucca moth, can have significant consequences for survival.
Superb lyrebirds are resourceful farmers, creating habitats suitable for their diet of worms, centipedes, and spiders. By arranging litter and soil, they promote more prey in areas with simulated lyrebird foraging.
Researchers capture narwhals using their tusks to investigate, manipulate and influence the behavior of Arctic char fish. The study reveals first evidence of likely play, social learning and personality differences among individual narwhal.
A new study estimates China's natural forests will continue to capture carbon, but at a slowing rate. The research reveals significant regional differences in carbon storage potential, with younger forests showing the largest increase.
A study published in BMC Biology found that different scientists working with the same datasets can arrive at vastly different results, emphasizing the importance of transparent analysis methods. The findings raise fundamental questions about reproducibility and reliability in scientific results.
A new study models habitat and climate needs of over 14,234 globally distributed vertebrate species to evaluate land-based climate mitigation strategies. Reforestation offers a clear net benefit to global biodiversity by mitigating climate change and expanding habitats.
A novel field experiment in Austria reveals that compounding climate conditions can fundamentally reshape how water moves through soils in temperate grasslands. Elevated atmospheric CO2 and warming disrupt post-drought soil water flow and grassland vegetation water use.
The Ecological Peace Corridors concept aims to connect fragmented protected areas across international borders, promoting cooperation and minimizing disputes over resources. By leveraging artificial intelligence and zoning systems, these corridors could foster peacebuilding before conflicts escalate or in post-conflict efforts.
Researchers found 1,806 suspected particles across 180 samples of Oregon's marine and freshwater species. Pink shrimp had the highest concentrations, while Chinook salmon had the lowest. The study highlights a need for technologies to reduce microfiber pollution entering the environment.
A new study finds that fuel aridity is the most significant driver of forest fire burn severity in Canadian forests, particularly over the last two decades. Burn severity has increased significantly, especially in northern Canada, where changing climate and vegetation type play a critical role.
Researchers developed a new durable plastic that breaks down in seawater, reducing microplastic pollution. The material is strong, non-toxic, and customizable for various applications.
A global map of ship strike risk for blue, fin, humpback and sperm whales has been created, revealing that these species' migratory ranges overlap with about 92% of global shipping traffic. The study identifies high-risk areas along coastal regions in the Mediterranean, Americas, southern Africa, and parts of Asia.
A new study led by the University of Washington found that only about 7% of areas at highest risk for whale-ship collisions have any measures in place. The team identified high-risk regions, including coastal areas along the Mediterranean, Americas, southern Africa, and parts of Asia, where whales and ships are most likely to meet.
Researchers mapped global ship traffic and whale habitats to identify 92% overlap, pinpointing high-risk areas for collisions that kill whales. Expanding management efforts to 2.6% of the ocean could significantly reduce these fatalities, aiding conservation efforts.