Articles tagged with Biomes
Comprehensive exploration of living organisms, biological systems, and life processes across all scales from molecules to ecosystems. Encompasses cutting-edge research in biology, genetics, molecular biology, ecology, biochemistry, microbiology, botany, zoology, evolutionary biology, genomics, and biotechnology. Investigates cellular mechanisms, organism development, genetic inheritance, biodiversity conservation, metabolic processes, protein synthesis, DNA sequencing, CRISPR gene editing, stem cell research, and the fundamental principles governing all forms of life on Earth.
Comprehensive medical research, clinical studies, and healthcare sciences focused on disease prevention, diagnosis, and treatment. Encompasses clinical medicine, public health, pharmacology, epidemiology, medical specialties, disease mechanisms, therapeutic interventions, healthcare innovation, precision medicine, telemedicine, medical devices, drug development, clinical trials, patient care, mental health, nutrition science, health policy, and the application of medical science to improve human health, wellbeing, and quality of life across diverse populations.
Comprehensive investigation of human society, behavior, relationships, and social structures through systematic research and analysis. Encompasses psychology, sociology, anthropology, economics, political science, linguistics, education, demography, communications, and social research methodologies. Examines human cognition, social interactions, cultural phenomena, economic systems, political institutions, language and communication, educational processes, population dynamics, and the complex social, cultural, economic, and political forces shaping human societies, communities, and civilizations throughout history and across the contemporary world.
Fundamental study of the non-living natural world, matter, energy, and physical phenomena governing the universe. Encompasses physics, chemistry, earth sciences, atmospheric sciences, oceanography, materials science, and the investigation of physical laws, chemical reactions, geological processes, climate systems, and planetary dynamics. Explores everything from subatomic particles and quantum mechanics to planetary systems and cosmic phenomena, including energy transformations, molecular interactions, elemental properties, weather patterns, tectonic activity, and the fundamental forces and principles underlying the physical nature of reality.
Practical application of scientific knowledge and engineering principles to solve real-world problems and develop innovative technologies. Encompasses all engineering disciplines, technology development, computer science, artificial intelligence, environmental sciences, agriculture, materials applications, energy systems, and industrial innovation. Bridges theoretical research with tangible solutions for infrastructure, manufacturing, computing, communications, transportation, construction, sustainable development, and emerging technologies that advance human capabilities, improve quality of life, and address societal challenges through scientific innovation and technological progress.
Study of the practice, culture, infrastructure, and social dimensions of science itself. Addresses how science is conducted, organized, communicated, and integrated into society. Encompasses research funding mechanisms, scientific publishing systems, peer review processes, academic ethics, science policy, research institutions, scientific collaboration networks, science education, career development, research programs, scientific methods, science communication, and the sociology of scientific discovery. Examines the human, institutional, and cultural aspects of scientific enterprise, knowledge production, and the translation of research into societal benefit.
Comprehensive study of the universe beyond Earth, encompassing celestial objects, cosmic phenomena, and space exploration. Includes astronomy, astrophysics, planetary science, cosmology, space physics, astrobiology, and space technology. Investigates stars, galaxies, planets, moons, asteroids, comets, black holes, nebulae, exoplanets, dark matter, dark energy, cosmic microwave background, stellar evolution, planetary formation, space weather, solar system dynamics, the search for extraterrestrial life, and humanity's efforts to explore, understand, and unlock the mysteries of the cosmos through observation, theory, and space missions.
Comprehensive examination of tools, techniques, methodologies, and approaches used across scientific disciplines to conduct research, collect data, and analyze results. Encompasses experimental procedures, analytical methods, measurement techniques, instrumentation, imaging technologies, spectroscopic methods, laboratory protocols, observational studies, statistical analysis, computational methods, data visualization, quality control, and methodological innovations. Addresses the practical techniques and theoretical frameworks enabling scientists to investigate phenomena, test hypotheses, gather evidence, ensure reproducibility, and generate reliable knowledge through systematic, rigorous investigation across all areas of scientific inquiry.
Study of abstract structures, patterns, quantities, relationships, and logical reasoning through pure and applied mathematical disciplines. Encompasses algebra, calculus, geometry, topology, number theory, analysis, discrete mathematics, mathematical logic, set theory, probability, statistics, and computational mathematics. Investigates mathematical structures, theorems, proofs, algorithms, functions, equations, and the rigorous logical frameworks underlying quantitative reasoning. Provides the foundational language and tools for all scientific fields, enabling precise description of natural phenomena, modeling of complex systems, and the development of technologies across physics, engineering, computer science, economics, and all quantitative sciences.
A 40-year greening project in China's Taklamakan Desert has successfully reduced atmospheric carbon dioxide levels and increased solar-induced fluorescence, indicating a measurable carbon sink. The project demonstrates the potential of afforestation to mitigate climate change, despite being only a small dent in global emissions.
The Amazon is shifting to a hotter, drier climate with more intense droughts, stressing trees and increasing mortality rates. By 2100, hot drought conditions could occur up to 150 days per year, affecting tree species that are vulnerable to heat stress.
A recent paper in the journal Science investigates the impact of drought on grasslands, finding that moderate droughts do not lead to long-term losses. In contrast, extreme droughts can cause significant species loss and reduced plant life. The study's results have implications for global carbon and climate modeling.
Researchers found that elevated CO2 levels can cause leaf temperatures to rise by up to 1.3°C in forests, with a greater impact during extreme heatwaves. This change is likely caused by reduced transpiration and could have significant effects on the water cycle globally.
The winners of the Applied Microbiology International Horizon Awards 2025 have been recognized for their groundbreaking contributions to global challenges through applied microbiology. The awards celebrate excellence across various domains, including drug discovery and sustainable agriculture.
Non-compliance with law facilitated by errors in environmental licensing has led to the loss of over 580,000 hectares of native vegetation. Cerrado wetlands perform crucial hydrological functions and are essential natural reservoirs that maintain river flow through groundwater.
A new study suggests that artificial intelligence can effectively detect wildfires in the Amazon rainforest, using satellite imaging and deep learning. The technology achieved a 93% success rate in training models via datasets of images with and without wildfires.
Researchers found that capuchin monkeys in Brazil's Serra da Capivara National Park learn from each other's actions and that social tolerance is crucial for this process. The study showed that partners in collective activities, such as searching for parasites and playing games, are more likely to learn new skills from their companions.
A comprehensive survey predicts that 36% of anurans' habitats worldwide will be threatened by rising temperatures and water scarcity. The Amazon and Atlantic Rainforest, home to the most diverse anuran species, will face devastating effects from drought events.
A new study reveals that mountainous regions played a key role in human evolution, providing increased biodiversity and food resources. The Diversity Selection Hypothesis suggests that early humans adapted to steep terrain due to its enhanced environmental conditions.
A new study maps global ecosystems dependent on groundwater, revealing 53% exist in areas with known depletion. The analysis provides critical data for conservation efforts, but highlights the need for policy protection and preservation.
A research team finds that local community members are indispensable partners in enhancing community engagement in repairing damaged ecosystems. Local values and attitudes play a crucial role in promoting sustainable ecosystem management practices.
A study published in Nature Communications reveals that the Cerrado biome in Brazil is experiencing its worst drought in at least 700 years, caused by global warming. The research used chemical analysis of stalagmites to extend the perception of drought back seven centuries and linked it to disruption in the hydrological cycle.
A study found that crop diversification in the Cerrado biome leads to increased numbers of native mammals and a decrease in invasive species such as wild boars. Diversified crops helped control invasive species that cause damage to farmers.
Researchers discovered that reindeer's vision evolved to spot Cladonia rangiferina, a type of lichen, during winter. This adaptation allows them to conserve energy by finding food from a distance, making it easier to survive in cold environments. The study provides new insights into the extraordinary visual system of reindeer.
Researchers have discovered a series of bird footprints from the Early Cretaceous period in Victoria, Australia, indicating that diverse birds lived in southern polar environments during this time. The discovery provides new insights into the distribution and dispersal of early birds across landmasses.
The Cerrado, Brazil's second-largest biome, is experiencing record levels of native vegetation destruction due to agricultural expansion. Scientists warn that the loss of vegetation contributes to extreme weather events, threatens crop yields, and endangers food security policies.
Researchers introduced 'Meta-Sorter,' an AI-based method that leverages neural networks and transfer learning to significantly improve biome labeling. The approach achieves an overall accuracy rate of 96.7% in classifying samples among the 16,507 lacking detailed biome annotations.
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.
ASU researchers have developed a method to regenerate biocrusts on arid lands by harnessing the power of solar farms. The approach, dubbed 'crustivoltaics,' has shown promising results in doubling biocrust biomass and tripling biocrust cover under photovoltaic panels.
Researchers from Xi'an Jiaotong-Liverpool University identify vital differences between the plants, including pollinators and lifespan, confirming their classification. The study highlights the importance of recognizing every species for conservation programs.
A new study from the University of East Anglia finds that most people migrate short distances within their own country to adapt to climate change. The research reveals that everyday mobility is a crucial aspect of managing different shocks and stresses, including increasing climate variability.
The study suggests that human exchanges, such as trade and travel, and exchanges between ecosystems drive the spread of aminoglycoside resistance. Aminoglycoside genes were detected in over 160,000 bacteria genomes across all continents, with most found in clinical, human, and farm samples.
Researchers studied pollen data from North America's Neotoma Paleoecology Database to understand plant migration patterns and climate fidelity. Most plant species have exhibited long-term climate loyalty over the past 18,000 years, while some plants adapt locally in response to climate change.
A comprehensive classification of world's ecosystems across land, rivers, and wetlands enables effective biodiversity conservation and informed policy decisions. The typology helps policymakers and industry plan initiatives in full context, informing decisions on ecosystem protection and restoration efforts.
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.
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.
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.
A new UC Riverside study finds that the timing of rainfall is crucial for drought-stricken plants, with summer rains resulting in higher plant biomass. In contrast, winter rains have less impact on plant growth and may lead to negative effects.
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.
Researchers warn that deforestation and climate change are exacerbating drought conditions in Brazil's agricultural frontier, threatening soybean yields. The study analyzed changes in hydrology and weather patterns over four decades, highlighting a rise in temperatures, dry days, and decreased precipitation.
A global dataset of over 200,000 plant species shows that human activity is the biggest driver of homogenization of plant communities. Non-native invasive plants naturalized by humans are the strongest contributor to biotic homogenization.
A study found that human populations transformed wildlands into human biomes as early as 12,000 years ago, with 75% of the Earth's biosphere inhabited by humans. Anthropogenic land use reshaped more than 80% of the terrestrial biosphere by 2017 CE.
A recent study mapped microbial diversity in marine sediment, revealing a rich ecosystem with diverse microbial communities. The research found that bacterial diversity exceeds archaeal diversity and is comparable to surface biomes.
The Hengduan Mountains have the most extensive alpine flora history, dating back to the early Oligocene. This was shaped by past geological and climatic events, including mountain building and climate change.
Researchers analyzed 208 plant species across various environmental factors, finding that all three factor types have similar effects on plant performance. This study highlights the importance of considering multiple factors when predicting future biodiversity changes.
A new analysis reveals that global biodiversity is undergoing a large-scale reorganization, with the greatest loss of species in tropical marine biomes. The study, published in Science, suggests that conservation efforts should be tailored to local contexts and locations.
A team of scientists mapped global biodiversity change, revealing greater changes in species composition in marine systems than on land. The study highlights the importance of protecting regions with high biodiversity loss rates and improving monitoring for conservation strategies.
Scientists investigated satellite data collections for burned areas in the Cerrado biome, improving Brazil's space research output. The study refined data to provide more precise information on burned areas, including emissions and land use patterns.
A new study by International Institute for Sustainability presents a flexible tool to increase restoration cost-effectiveness by up to eight times, considering multiple criteria such as biodiversity conservation and climate change mitigation. The study identifies optimal priority areas for restoration, showcasing the potential of spati...
A new system to map the world's biomes has been developed, providing an objective method for monitoring how vegetation reacts as climate changes. The system uses satellite observations to classify the world's vegetation into 24 biome types, revealing substantial shifts in the Earth's surface over the past three decades.
Undergraduate and graduate students in Arizona and Michigan used open-access data to discover the influence of soil composition on microbial life. The students, part of a revolutionary virtual class, used social media and online forums to collaborate and analyze large-scale datasets.
A new study quantifies the implications of recent changes to Brazil's Forest Code, identifying opportunities and challenges for conservation. The law reduces the area to be reforested from 500,000 km2 to 210,000 km2, sparking concerns over environmental degradation and loss of biodiversity.
A new species of forcepfly (Mecoptera, Meropeidae) was discovered in Brazil's Atlantic Forest biome, representing the third extant species described in this family. The discovery highlights the importance of conservation efforts for this threatened ecosystem.
A team of middle school students, led by a University of Arizona graduate student, conducted the first systematic study on leaf shrinkage when drying out. They found that leaves shrink about 20% on average, but variables such as species and structural investment determine the amount of shrinkage.
The new tactile learning book 'Touch the Earth' will be presented by NASA at the Earth Day Celebration on the National Mall. The book teaches middle school students about Earth's biomes using multimedia approaches, including sound, visual aids, and Braille. It aims to improve accessibility in science education.
Scientists report significant pressure on Mediterranean-climate regions' biodiversity due to urbanization and agriculture, impacting plant and animal species. The study highlights the need for accelerated conservation action to outpace threats in this unique ecosystem.
The greater sage-grouse and Gunnison sage-grouse are affected by changes in their ecosystems, including the suppression of fire and invasive species. Livestock grazing also impacts these birds, while oil and gas development threatens the sagebrush biome. Researchers discuss restoration options to mitigate these effects.