A new study found that removing hedgerows and field margins decreases the diversity and abundance of arthropods, which can lead to reduced natural pest control. The research suggests that using flowering plants in field margins and implementing agri-environmental measures can be effective ways to increase farmland biodiversity.
SourceXi'an Jiaotong-Liverpool University·JournalJournal of Applied Ecology·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 28, 2024
A new study emphasizes the need for regulatory backing to ensure business and finance disclosures effectively combat biodiversity decline. Current voluntary targets are criticized for prioritizing short-term financial interests over medium-term conservation goals.
SourceNewcastle University·JournalConservation Letters·DateMay 22, 2024
AmScope B120C-5M Compound Microscope
AmScope B120C-5M Compound Microscope supports teaching labs and QA checks with LED illumination, mechanical stage, and included 5MP camera.
The event standardised and improved accessibility of biodiversity data, enabling informed policy-making and conservation efforts. Ten teams showcased their solutions to a jury of experts, with winning projects illustrating the versatility of data cubes in facilitating biodiversity conservation.
Research shows that invasive Asian honeybee population in North Queensland has overcome a genetic bottleneck to grow into a thriving colony. The study highlights the importance of this case for understanding population resilience and provides insights into how some species can adapt quickly despite low genetic diversity.
SourceUniversity of Sydney·JournalCurrent Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 29, 2024
A study of 151 popular dishes found that those made with beef, chicken, legumes, and rice have a significant impact on biodiversity. Dishes from Brazil and India were found to have large biodiversity footprints due to the conversion of natural habitats to agricultural land.
SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateFeb 21, 2024
A recent study reveals that converting rainforests to plantations erodes and restructures food webs, fundamentally changing their functioning. The researchers found that energy flows differently in plantation ecosystems compared to rainforests, with a greater emphasis on invasive species and reduced predation.
SourceUniversity of Göttingen·JournalNature·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 21, 2024
Researchers analyzed over 200 butterfly and moth genomes to understand their evolutionary history. They found that chromosomes have remained largely unchanged since the last common ancestor over 250 million years ago, despite the diversity seen today in wing patterns and caterpillar forms.
SourceWellcome Trust Sanger Institute·JournalNature Ecology & Evolution·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 21, 2024
Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm)
Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm) tracks health metrics and safety alerts during long observing sessions, fieldwork, and remote expeditions.
A new study found that the spatial arrangement of plants in drylands can be a sign of environmental degradation. Healthy ecosystems adjust their structure to cope with stressors, but degraded ones lose this adaptability and become more prone to further decline.
SourceUniversity of Birmingham·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 29, 2024
Researchers investigated how urbanization affects interactions between plants and pollinators in a tropical city. They found that seasonal changes play a crucial role in shaping these interactions, leading to significant changes in plant-pollinator networks.
SourceUniversity of Göttingen·JournalEcology Letters·TypeObservational study·DateDec 7, 2023
A scientific model published in Nature shows a striking correlation between landscape dynamics and the evolution of life on Earth. The study proposes that sediment pulses controlled by past landscapes have played a key role in shaping biodiversity.
SourceUniversity of Sydney·JournalNature·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateNov 29, 2023
Researchers have successfully mapped thousands of animal species in Bangladesh using social media posts, significantly improving habitat conservation. The study also highlights opportunities for social media companies to automate biodiversity data collection, making it easier for scientists to access and utilize.
SourceUniversity of Queensland·JournalOne Earth·DateNov 16, 2023
A new map of 20th century land use in Britain shows that semi-natural grasslands lost 90% of their lowland meadows and pasture due to intensified agriculture. The researchers found that only a small proportion of species' responses to environmental change were strongly interactive, with most being 'idiosyncratic'.
SourceNorthumbria University·JournalNature Communications·DateOct 31, 2023
GoPro HERO13 Black
GoPro HERO13 Black records stabilized 5.3K video for instrument deployments, field notes, and outreach, even in harsh weather and underwater conditions.
A study published in Ecology Letters reveals that global precipitation patterns, particularly seasonal variability, shape animal diversity. The research found that certain regions with moderate precipitation levels and stable climates have the ideal ecological conditions for a diverse range of predators and herbivores.
SourceS.J. & Jessie E. Quinney College of Natural Resources, Utah State University·JournalEcology Letters·TypeMeta-analysis·DateOct 24, 2023
Researchers used AI models to analyze animal sounds in reforested areas, finding that vocalizing species communities mirror biodiversity recovery. The study suggests potential applications for monitoring biodiversity and could lead to certifications or credits for environmental projects.
SourceUniversity of Würzburg·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 17, 2023
Researchers studying arboreal ants in a Florida forest explore how resource availability and competition shape biodiversity. The study found that both resource availability and competition among species are important for maintaining biodiverse communities, with the relative importance of these processes dependent on scale.
SourceGeorge Washington University·JournalProceedings of the Royal Society B Biological Sciences·DateSep 27, 2023
Scientists have identified two new mole species in eastern Turkey, belonging to the Talpa genus, which has been living undiscovered for up to 3 million years. The study, using cutting-edge DNA technology, confirms their biological distinctness from other moles in the group.
SourceUniversity of Plymouth·JournalZoological Journal of the Linnean Society·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 11, 2023
Two studies by UPV/EHU researchers analyze recent and past oceanographic information off the Basque coast based on microfauna present in sediments. The research found that planktonic foraminifera assemblages are good indicators of ocean currents and water masses reaching the Basque continental shelf today.
SourceUniversity of the Basque Country·JournalContinental Shelf Research·DateJul 28, 2023
Apple iPhone 17 Pro
Apple iPhone 17 Pro delivers top performance and advanced cameras for field documentation, data collection, and secure research communications.
Scientists will use AI-powered monitoring stations to track species populations and assess the effectiveness of agri-environment schemes in improving biodiversity. The study aims to demonstrate how different farming systems and practices affect species populations, providing crucial evidence for sustainable land management policies.
SourceUK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology·TypeObservational study·DateJul 19, 2023
A research team led by the University of Göttingen investigated the flora of Tenerife and found that island plant-life exhibits a remarkable diversity of forms. However, the plants differ little from mainland plants in functional terms, with slow-growing, woody shrubs dominating the island's flora.
SourceUniversity of Göttingen·JournalNature·DateJul 14, 2023
Current measures to protect grasslands in the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau are damaging the ecosystem and should be stopped. Small burrowing mammals, like the plateau pika and zokor, play crucial ecological roles in maintaining ecosystem health and biodiversity.
SourceXi'an Jiaotong-Liverpool University·JournalJournal of Animal Ecology·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateMay 22, 2023
A new study predicts that climate change will expose species to potentially dangerous temperatures, leading to an abrupt loss of habitat. The research found that up to 30% of species will be at risk of experiencing unfamiliarly hot temperatures across at least 30% of their geographic range in a single decade.
SourceUniversity College London·JournalNature Ecology & Evolution·DateMay 18, 2023
Researchers have developed a method to rapidly assess the persistence of entire ecological networks and detect extinction risk. By examining interactions between species, scientists can identify patterns and make 'big picture' conclusions about ecosystem health.
SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 9, 2023
Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2 Weather Station
Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2 Weather Station offers research-grade local weather data for networked stations, campuses, and community observatories.
The EU-funded B-Cubed project aims to transform biodiversity monitoring by standardizing access to data from various sources. By leveraging data cubes and the Essential Biodiversity Variables framework, policymakers can proactively address biodiversity change and inform evidence-based decision-making.
A recent study by Kennesaw State University biologist Whitney Preisser found that a decrease in parasites in U.S. waters may signal potential danger for fish and other wildlife due to changes in water temperature, hinting at an ecological threat impacting all species.
SourceKennesaw State University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 20, 2023
A new study by Göttingen University reveals that mechanical weeding and reduced fertilizer usage significantly increase ecosystem multifunctionality and profit in industrial oil palm production. The researchers found no reduction in greenhouse gas emissions with these practices.
SourceUniversity of Göttingen·JournalNature Sustainability·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 3, 2023
The Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework faces implementation challenges due to entrenched North-South divides and inadequate funding. The framework requires countries to adopt equity principles and account for past damage to achieve its 2050 vision of living in harmony with nature.
SourceFuture Earth·JournalOne Earth·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateFeb 17, 2023
A recent study by University of Washington researchers found that climate 'presses' and 'pulses' have equal importance on Magellanic penguin population survival. The team analyzed nearly four decades of data at Punta Tombo, Argentina, revealing a decline in breeding pairs from 400,000 to 150,000 between the 1980s and 2019.
SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeObservational study·DateJan 9, 2023
Anker Laptop Power Bank 25,000mAh (Triple 100W USB-C)
Anker Laptop Power Bank 25,000mAh (Triple 100W USB-C) keeps Macs, tablets, and meters powered during extended observing runs and remote surveys.
The study highlights the need to address root causes of biodiversity decline, including inequality, consumption patterns, and unsustainable technologies. A 'nature-and-people-positive' approach is crucial for conservation efforts to be successful and equitable.
Researchers modelled relationship between plant diversity and environmental conditions, capturing how diversity varies along environmental gradients. The models predict highest concentrations of plant diversity in environmentally heterogeneous tropical areas like Central America and the Amazonia.
SourceUniversity of Göttingen·JournalNew Phytologist·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateNov 15, 2022
A study analyzing historic habitat mapping data in Hamburg found a decline of species-rich habitats due to urbanization, while also revealing the colonization efforts of certain plant species. The research highlights the potential of these datasets for biodiversity research, with trends observed across Germany and Europe.
SourceMartin-Luther-Universität Halle-Wittenberg·JournalEcosphere·DateNov 1, 2022
A study by Martin-Luther-Universität Halle-Wittenberg and the German Centre for Integrative Biodiversity Research found that 41% more plant species in Germany have decreased in abundance over the past 100 years, while only 19% have increased. This uneven distribution of gains and losses indicates a significant loss of biodiversity.
SourceMartin-Luther-Universität Halle-Wittenberg·JournalNature·TypeMeta-analysis·DateOct 19, 2022
SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB
SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB transfers large imagery and model outputs quickly between field laptops, lab workstations, and secure archives.
Researchers analyzed 170,000 vegetation plots from all climate zones to find that small areas can have high biodiversity, like Eastern European steppes and Siberia. This challenges the idea of large-scale conservation, as smaller protected zones may be more effective in preserving ecosystems.
SourceMartin-Luther-Universität Halle-Wittenberg·JournalNature Communications·DateSep 1, 2022
A new study analyzing 72 lakes in four large Neotropical wetlands of Brazil reveals that human impacts on biodiversity compromise wetland multifunctionality. Strong associations between aquatic organism diversity and wetland functioning were found, highlighting the crucial role of species richness in driving ecosystem health.
SourceQueen Mary University of London·JournalNature Ecology & Evolution·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateAug 4, 2022
A global survey of biodiversity experts finds that more species are threatened with extinction than previously thought, with estimates suggesting 30% of species have been lost since 1500. The study identifies climate change, pollution, and land-use changes as key drivers of biodiversity loss.
SourceXi'an Jiaotong-Liverpool University·JournalFrontiers in Ecology and the Environment·TypeSurvey·DateJul 18, 2022
Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4)
Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4) runs demanding GIS, imaging, and annotation workflows on the go for surveys, briefings, and lab notebooks.
A recent study by Xi'an Jiaotong-Liverpool University provides a method to help farmers and policymakers decide whether organic farming is beneficial for the environment. The researchers analyzed international studies to find a threshold where organic farming's biodiversity gain outweighs its land requirements.
SourceXi'an Jiaotong-Liverpool University·JournalEcology Letters·TypeMeta-analysis·DateJul 12, 2022
A new study describes a troglobitic clam species from northern Brazil, characterized by lack of pigmentation and reduced size. The discovery highlights the importance of conserving fragile subterranean habitats threatened by recently amended laws in Brazil.
SourcePensoft Publishers·JournalSubterranean Biology·DateMay 26, 2022
A new species of dusky salamander has been discovered in the Gulf Coastal Plain of Mississippi and Alabama, increasing knowledge of the region's biodiversity. The species, Desmognathus pascagoula, is similar to another recently discovered species but has distinct morphological, genetic, and geographic characteristics.
SourceGeorge Washington University·JournalZootaxa·DateMay 3, 2022
A study has discovered that humans are disrupting a fundamental pattern in ecosystems, which dates back at least 66 million years. The U-shaped relationship between diet and size in modern land mammals has been found to span across multiple vertebrate groups, including birds, reptiles, and fish.
SourceUniversity of Nebraska-Lincoln·JournalNature Ecology & Evolution·DateApr 21, 2022
Human activity on Hainan Island is causing changes in the body shapes and diets of tropical birds, resulting in biotic homogenisation. Despite efforts to protect biodiversity, the island's unique ecosystem is being affected by large-scale economic and land-use changes.
SourceXi'an Jiaotong-Liverpool University·JournalConservation Biology·TypeObservational study·DateApr 14, 2022
CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock
CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock simplifies serious desks with 18 ports for high-speed storage, monitors, and instruments across Mac and PC setups.
Researchers found that livestock grazing had no negative impact on snow leopard distribution or density, and the species can coexist due to their separate ecological niches. The study suggests a more nuanced approach to conservation and land use, prioritizing the preservation of rocky mosaics.
SourceXi'an Jiaotong-Liverpool University·JournalAnimal Conservation·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 31, 2022
The EuropaBON project aims to develop a unified approach to monitoring Europe's biodiversity and ecosystems. A list of 15 essential variables has been identified for harmonization across countries, but most are not currently being monitored adequately.
SourceMartin-Luther-Universität Halle-Wittenberg·JournalResearch Ideas and Outcomes·DateMar 31, 2022
A large-scale study analyzing long-term data on insects from over 900 locations worldwide found little evidence for indicator species. Different groups of insects showed different trends, highlighting the importance of monitoring multiple groups simultaneously to provide guidelines for conservation policies.
SourceGerman Centre for Integrative Biodiversity Research (iDiv) Halle-Jena-Leipzig·JournalBiology Letters·TypeMeta-analysis·DateFeb 22, 2022
The eLTER call offers Transnational Access (TA) and Remote Access (RA) for scientists working on biodiversity, biogeochemistry, and socio-ecological research. The 39 sites in 19 countries provide state-of-the-art instrumentation and long-term data.
Aranet4 Home CO2 Monitor
Aranet4 Home CO2 Monitor tracks ventilation quality in labs, classrooms, and conference rooms with long battery life and clear e-ink readouts.
A new study by researchers at the University of Copenhagen found that the greatest increase in marine biodiversity on Earth occurred due to changes in climate cycles, rather than an asteroid explosion. Fossil analysis revealed a shift towards colder climates around 469 million years ago, leading to the blooming of marine life.
SourceUniversity of Copenhagen - Faculty of Science·JournalNature Communications·DateNov 10, 2021
Researchers from China's Academy of Sciences propose a framework to determine ecological priorities across Mainland Southeast Asia by combining ecosystem services, ecological sensitivity, and biodiversity indicators. The proposed model identifies areas for protection based on overlapping hotspots of diversity, sensitivity, and service ...
SourceChinese Academy of Sciences Headquarters·JournalOne Earth·TypeSystematic review·DateOct 15, 2021
Biologists have discovered three new hotspots of high biological diversity in New Zealand, Southeast Australia, and Tasmania. The study found that the terrestrial flatworm, a humble but diverse species with over 822 varieties, can act as a model for understanding the distribution of lower invertebrates.
SourceNetherlands Organization for Scientific Research·DateMay 20, 1999