Articles tagged with Applied Ecology
A new University of Michigan-led analysis found that community gardens on Detroit's Lower Eastside play a crucial role in reducing neighborhood blight and promoting social cohesion. The study recommends scattering future gardens across the landscape to maximize benefits, rather than clustering them in specific areas.
A new study reveals that leafcutter ants employ complex strategies to maximize the growth of their fungal
A study published in Scientific Reports found that mammals with larger brains than similar-sized species were more likely to have survived extinction. The researchers investigated brain sizes of 291 living mammal species and 50 extinct species, discovering a significant correlation between brain size and survival.
A recent study using mercury stable isotopes reveals that industrial discharge is the primary source of mercury pollution in Korea's west coast. This finding highlights the need for targeted management strategies to mitigate industrial mercury releases and protect marine environments.
A global study reveals that native forests consistently deliver better ecosystem services, particularly in warmer regions, compared to extensive tree plantations. Reforestation efforts are best achieved through the restoration of native forests for optimal benefits.
A new study predicts that over the next 30 years, 1.4 million US street trees will be killed by invasive insects, mainly caused by the emerald ash borer. The estimated economic cost of replacing these trees is over $900M. Researchers warn that urban tree diversity is crucial to resilience against pest infestations.
A new study by Bangor University suggests that a biodiversity offsetting scheme at Ambatovy mine in Madagascar has successfully achieved 'No Net Loss' of the unique forest habitat destroyed by the mine. The study, which used state-of-the-art approaches to evaluate the impact of the mine's strategy, found that the offsets have saved nea...
Research by Oregon State University scientists has found that tiny tire particles inhibit growth and cause adverse behavioral changes in organisms in freshwater and coastal estuary ecosystems. The findings suggest that even at current environmental levels of tire-related pollution, aquatic ecosystems may be experiencing negative impacts.
Research reveals direct and indirect consequences of human fishing on salmon size, with size-selective fishing techniques promoting earlier maturation and large-scale prey harvesting linked to younger, smaller individuals
A University of California, Davis study found that farms with surrounding natural habitat experience the most benefits from birds, including less crop damage and lower food-safety risks. The presence of natural habitat was the single most important driver differentiating a farm where wild birds brought more benefits than harm.
Researchers found that soybean plants adjacent to pollinator habitats produce larger seeds due to increased bee visitation. The presence of pollinators also influences the bee communities in soybean fields, with bees leaving for outside flowers less likely.
A new computational approach reveals opportunities for more sustainable hydropower development in the Amazon, considering environmental criteria like river flow and fish biodiversity. The algorithm minimizes environmental impacts while achieving energy production goals, providing tools for policy discussions on sustainable development.
A team of researchers used an 'unseen species' model to estimate the original population of medieval European literature and discovered surprising differences in persistence across languages. The study found that island literatures were more resilient, with Icelandic and Irish works showing high survival rates.
A new study examines the toxic impact of bio-based substances and innovative technologies on the environment, finding both biosurfactants and microgels as highly promising candidates for use in sustainable products. The results highlight the importance of integrating green toxicology into bioeconomy strategies.
A study by the University of Queensland found that strong demand for tropical sea cucumbers as a delicacy is putting these species at risk of extinction. The research highlights the need for regulatory changes to protect the remaining populations and maintain healthy ocean ecosystems.
A new study finds that changes in precipitation can determine whether Miami blue butterfly populations grow or shrink. The research simulated future conditions using climate models to test how butterfly populations would respond to shifts in rainfall patterns.
A new species of leafhopper, Phlogis kibalensis, has been discovered in the Kibale National Park in western Uganda. The insect belongs to a rare genus that was last recorded in Central African Republic in 1969.
A study of 118 conservation units in Brazil found that 60% use unsuitable methods to detect deer presence. Visual analysis of droppings, fur, and footprints is a reliable method for most species, but others require DNA testing or camera traps.
A recent study reveals significant differences between the gut microbiomes of male and female American minks, suggesting a surprising sexual distinction in carnivores. The findings have implications for future wildlife research, as analyzing fecal samples may not provide accurate assessments of population sex.
The DNAqua-Net team developed a practical guide for implementing DNA-based biomonitoring tools, considering four sample types and two primary analysis types. The guide sets out scientific consensus and trade-offs, addressing logistics, time, and budget constraints.
Researchers have discovered a novel mechanism of viral transport by bacterial shuttles traveling along fungal hyphae. This process allows bacteria to benefit from taking viruses on their conquest of new habitats. The study also highlights the potential influence of viruses on nutrient and carbon cycles in soil ecosystems.
The 2020 wildfires in Brazil's Pantanal wetland resulted in the deaths of an estimated 16.9 million vertebrates, including lizards, birds, and primates. The study estimates that between 13.2 million and 18.8 million small vertebrates and 691,000 to 1.2 million medium-to-large vertebrates were killed.
Tropical forests worldwide have disappeared rapidly due to deforestation. However, they can recover quickly on abandoned lands, with key forest functions rebounding within a decade. The study found that tropical forests can regain 78% of their old-growth values in just 20 years and near-total recovery occurs in less than 10 years.
An international research team developed a novel sampling method called 'bat point counts' to detect and count flying bats. The new technique showed that insect-eating bats are more common than previously thought in oil palm plantations, playing a significant role in suppressing insect pests.
A new study found that female bushbabies experience sharper increases in glucocorticoid hormones than males, indicating they may be under more stress and have less wiggle room to survive in a changing environment.
Princeton researchers have solved a 54-year-old mystery about why certain fluids slow down under pressure when flowing through porous materials. The findings could help improve processes in oil recovery, groundwater remediation and more.
A 1.5°C temperature increase affects algae and animal species living on UK coastlines, with significant changes in species abundance and breeding patterns. The study highlights the importance of considering local temperature variations when predicting climate change impacts.
UMass Lowell's SWIMMER program trains master's and Ph.D. students to develop sustainable materials and chemicals reducing harm to water resources. Participants address issues like toxic PFAS, droughts, and environmental justice.
A study found that seabirds around the globe consume up to 52% of plastic, leading to accumulation of its chemical components in their bodies. Researchers analyzed oil from preen glands and stomach contents of bird carcasses to determine contaminant burdens.
Researchers found that rusty crayfish exhibit increased diet specialization and boldness in mid-abundance lakes, where individual behaviors become more diverse. This specialization can lead to impacts on spawning fish populations and ecosystem dynamics.
Researchers developed novel functional biochar composites using red mud and corn straw to treat acidic dye wastewater. The FBCs showed excellent adsorption capacity on acidic dyes due to their high surface area.
A mathematical model developed at Linköping University predicts that many species in polar regions will become extinct due to global warming, with ecosystems already showing signs of strain. The model simulates the impact of climate change on species interactions and diversity, highlighting the importance of considering ecological proc...
Researchers successfully detected local mammals and birds by collecting 18 litres of water from a two-kilometre stretch along the river Mulde. The team identified 50% of fish species, 22% of mammal species, and 7.4% of breeding bird species in the region.
Researchers from Göttingen and Hohenheim found hand pollination used worldwide for 20 crops, including apples and vanillas. The method can reduce losses and improve crop quality, but also brings challenges due to labor intensity and cost.
The ReNature project has launched an interactive online toolkit to help address societal challenges using nature-based solutions. The toolkit provides a range of color-coded options, indicating the level of evidence supporting each solution type to address specific challenges.
A new study from the University of California, Santa Cruz, develops a comprehensive framework to determine when short-term changes in behavior caused by human activities have biological significance. The framework highlights the importance of life history traits and specific characteristics of disturbances in assessing vulnerability.
A study by researchers at the University of Göttingen found that bumblebees thrive in faba bean fields, with populations more than twice as high as in non-bean landscapes. In contrast, other wild bees do not benefit from faba bean cultivation but rely on semi-natural habitats for survival.
Researchers investigate plant molecular structures for climate adaptation, discovering novel pathways subject to natural selection. The project sheds light on convergent evolution and potential applications in ecology and agriculture.
A UNSW-led study demonstrates long-term control of cane toads by erecting fences around dams, effectively converting their invasion refuges into ecological traps. The approach could work on a large scale to halt the spread of these toxic amphibians across Australia.
Researchers developed a non-intrusive load monitoring system to track electricity consumption in single-family homes, providing households with a more accurate picture of their energy usage. The system uses machine-learning algorithms to identify appliances and reduce energy waste, potentially leading to cheaper bills and greener homes.
A 25-year study on Welsh streams found that climate change hampers long-term recovery from acid rain effects. Despite improvements in acid levels, only four new insect species colonized the improving rivers, falling short of expected numbers.
Caterpillars' shelter-building habits impact insect communities by reducing diversity, whereas artificial habitats have similar effects as natural ones. The study suggests regional patterns of insect herbivore diversity may be influenced by these ecosystem engineers.