Termites became the backbone of tropical ecosystems after two diversification pulses following global extinctions. The traits that define modern termites, such as soil-eating and fungus agriculture, emerged in distinct pulses about 30 million years apart, according to a new study published in Current Biology.
SourceOkinawa Institute of Science and Technology (OIST) Graduate University·JournalCurrent Biology·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateApr 30, 2026
A new UC Santa Cruz study reveals that California's endemic and near-endemic trees are projected to lose between half and three-quarters of their climatically suitable habitat over the next century. The research demonstrates that current conservation status on the IUCN Red List do not reflect this imminent risk.
SourceUniversity of California - Santa Cruz·JournalGlobal Change Biology·TypeObservational study·DateApr 24, 2026
A new report by Anglia Ruskin University and the University of York identifies key weaknesses in the UK's food system and recommends interventions to prevent disruptions from escalating into a crisis. The study suggests increasing energy security, diversifying food value chains, and promoting varied diets to reduce risks.
SourceAnglia Ruskin University·JournalSustainability·DateFeb 4, 2026
A global study reveals signs of complete extinction in the Canary Islands, where a previously undetected mass mortality event was identified in mid-2022. The affected species is no longer capable of reproducing, potentially leading to local extinction with severe ecological consequences.
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.
A study found that a global pandemic is quietly wiping out sea urchins around the world, with populations nearing local extinction in the Canary Islands. The 2022-2023 mass mortality event affected the entire population of the species across the archipelago, causing a 74% decrease in La Palma and a 99.7% decrease in Tenerife.
SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Marine Science·TypeObservational study·DateDec 11, 2025
Researchers found that rats contributed significantly to Rapa Nui's deforestation by consuming palm nuts, preventing trees from regrowing. The islanders cleared land for agriculture and used slash-and-burn practices, but the slow-growing palm trees made them vulnerable to rat predation.
SourceBinghamton University·JournalJournal of Archaeological Science·DateNov 17, 2025
A study by Politecnico di Milano reveals China's increasing demand for animal proteins sustains the consumption of natural resources in Brazil. The research shows that soybean imports to China have a significant impact on Brazilian land use, water resources, and deforestation.
SourcePolitecnico di Milano·JournalNature Food·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateOct 21, 2025
Researchers discovered a large population of critically endangered Plains-wanderers in South Australia's arid interior, defying their previously believed habitat preference. The birds were found to select low-growing shrublands with specific composition over dense native grasslands.
SourceUniversity of Adelaide·JournalEcology and Evolution·TypeObservational study·DateAug 14, 2025
The Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework sets robust targets for protecting marine biodiversity, addressing its complexity and variability. By focusing on key indicators such as species distribution, genetic diversity, and ecosystem structure, policymakers can track changes and implement effective conservation measures.
SourceUniversity of Oldenburg·JournalFrontiers in Ecology and the Environment·TypeLiterature review·DateAug 11, 2025
Apple iPhone 17 Pro
Apple iPhone 17 Pro delivers top performance and advanced cameras for field documentation, data collection, and secure research communications.
A recent study analyzing three decades of butterfly counting data in the Midwest found that 59 out of 136 species have declined in population over the past 32 years. The analysis combined over 4.3 million observations and reported a significant reduction in abundance for both common and rare butterflies.
SourceMichigan State University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeMeta-analysis·DateAug 4, 2025
A recent study found that human activities negatively impact plant diversity over vast distances, with natural habitats containing only a fraction of potential species in heavily impacted regions. The DarkDivNet network analyzed 5,500 locations across the globe, revealing alarming effects on biodiversity.
SourceUniversity of the Basque Country·JournalNature·DateMay 15, 2025
A genetics study suggests that bonobos have three distinct populations, each with unique genetic patterns. The research highlights the need for conservation efforts to protect these groups and ensure the species' survival.
SourceUniversity College London·JournalCurrent Biology·DateOct 15, 2024
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 at Osaka University have developed a way to make tough, chemically recyclable polymers without compromising on heat and chemical resistance. This breakthrough could hugely expand the uses of chemically recyclable polymers.
SourceOsaka University·JournalChemical Science·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 7, 2024
A new perspective paper highlights the importance of understanding migration dynamics in rural areas, which are often driven by slow changes related to climate and environment. The researchers propose integrating land system science into migration studies to develop effective sustainability policies.
SourceColorado State University·JournalNature Sustainability·DateAug 16, 2024
A study analyzing 127 studies reveals 'thresholds' for logged rainforests to sustain themselves. Beyond a certain threshold, serious proactive conservation is needed to maintain biodiversity; otherwise, the forests rapidly lose their ecological value. The findings expand the scope of which forests are considered worth conserving.
SourceImperial College London·JournalNature·DateJul 17, 2024
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter is a trusted meter for precise measurements during instrument integration, repairs, and field diagnostics.
Research shows that ocean warming and acidification could lead to catastrophic shark embryo survival decline by 2100. Monthly temperature variation plays a significant role in mortality rates.
The ArsADAPT project integrated music education with ecological themes, promoting a new approach to sustainability in higher music education. Researchers found that embracing aesthetic disruption and avoiding instrumentalization of music led to active engagement in socio-ecological issues among teachers.
SourceUniversity of the Arts Helsinki·TypeCase study·DateJun 4, 2024
A large multi-model study published in Science found global biodiversity declined 2-11% due to land-use change. Climate change could become main driver of biodiversity loss by mid-century, with combined effects leading to decline in all world regions.
SourceGerman Centre for Integrative Biodiversity Research (iDiv) Halle-Jena-Leipzig·JournalScience·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateApr 25, 2024
Researchers argue that human interaction with nature is more complex than previously thought, suggesting a positive effect on biodiversity. Studies of past human interactions with ecosystems reveal both negative and positive impacts, highlighting the need for a nuanced understanding of human influence.
SourceUniversity of Cologne·JournalPhilosophical Transactions of the Royal Society B Biological Sciences·TypeObservational study·DateApr 9, 2024
The uOttawa Faculty of Medicine is encouraging its counterparts to replicate its leadership in planetary health by creating a Director of Planetary Health position. This move aims to prioritize the health of the planet and address the escalating urgency of the climate crisis.
SourceUniversity of Ottawa·JournalThe Lancet Planetary Health·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateMar 14, 2024
Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 Binoculars
Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 Binoculars deliver bright, sharp views for wildlife surveys, eclipse chases, and quick star-field scans at dark sites.
Researchers at Oregon State University discovered that marine heat waves trigger earlier reproduction and high mortality in early life stages of Pacific cod. The study found these changes persisted in subsequent years, potentially impacting the future of Gulf of Alaska's Pacific cod population.
SourceOregon State University·JournalElementa Science of the Anthropocene·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJan 23, 2024
Researchers at Okayama University uncovered key reproductive characteristics of the red-swamp crayfish, highlighting the importance of hook length and chelae for identifying sexual status. The study also found high reproductive ability and fast growth rates compared to native Japanese crayfish.
SourceOkayama University·JournalJournal of Crustacean Biology·TypeObservational study·DateJan 10, 2024
A new study compiled over 600,000 records from US and Canadian wildlife rehabilitation centers to investigate the threats facing more than a thousand species by region, highlighting human activities such as climate change and extreme weather events
SourceBoston University·JournalBiological Conservation·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateDec 4, 2023
A new study has found that non-native species tend to mirror Earth's biodiversity patterns, with around 37,000 invasive species described worldwide. The researchers discovered that certain groups of species, such as mammals and plants, are disproportionately prone to establishing in new areas.
SourceHelmholtz Centre for Ocean Research Kiel (GEOMAR)·JournalGlobal Ecology and Biogeography·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateNov 16, 2023
A new type of algal threat is displacing corals globally due to blocking sunlight and producing harmful chemicals. Peyssonnelioid alga crusts are expanding quickly across reefs, killing off corals and transforming entire ecosystems.
SourceCell Press·JournalCurrent Biology·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateNov 6, 2023
Creality K1 Max 3D Printer
Creality K1 Max 3D Printer rapidly prototypes brackets, adapters, and fixtures for instruments and classroom demonstrations at large build volume.
Eastern North Pacific gray whales experience extreme population swings due to changing Arctic Ocean conditions. Long-term monitoring data reveals a bumpy ride in response to variable ocean conditions.
SourceOregon State University·JournalScience·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateOct 12, 2023
A new biodiversity study shows that even seemingly healthy ecosystems with increasing species numbers may already be on the path to decline and loss of species. The study's findings suggest that species richness is not a reliable metric for monitoring ecosystems, as it can mask negative trends in species extinction.
SourceUniversity of Oldenburg·JournalNature Ecology & Evolution·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJun 12, 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 worldwide decline in insect populations is attributed to land-use intensification, climate change, and the spread of invasive animal species. The consequences of this trend include a loss of biodiversity, reduced pollination services, and increased risk to food sources for animals.
SourceJohannes Gutenberg Universitaet Mainz·JournalBiology Letters·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateApr 27, 2023
A Swansea University research study has evaluated the long-term environmental impacts of different Japanese knotweed management methods. The study found that glyphosate-based foliar spray control is the most sustainable approach, using the least materials and having the lowest economic costs.
SourceSwansea University·JournalScientific Reports·TypeObservational study·DateMar 17, 2023
Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach
Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach provides rugged GNSS navigation, satellite messaging, and SOS for backcountry geology and climate field teams.
A recent study analyzed marine ecosystems before, during, and after the Permian-Triassic extinction event, revealing that biodiversity loss led to ecological destabilization. The researchers found that functional redundancy, or the presence of multiple species performing similar functions, was critical in maintaining ecosystem stability.
SourceCalifornia Academy of Sciences·JournalCurrent Biology·DateFeb 24, 2023
Scientists have discovered a new species of scops-owl on Príncipe Island, characterized by its unique 'tuu' call. The population is estimated at around 1000-1500 individuals and is considered Critically Endangered due to habitat loss and the construction of a hydro-electric dam.
Research identifies Colorado River flow decline as main cause of Salton Sea's shrinking, leading to increased salt and chemical concentrations. The study highlights the need for a watershed-centric approach to mitigate the environmental risks and health impacts of the Salton Sea's decline.
SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalWater Resources Research·DateOct 10, 2022
Rigol DP832 Triple-Output Bench Power Supply
Rigol DP832 Triple-Output Bench Power Supply powers sensors, microcontrollers, and test circuits with programmable rails and stable outputs.
Archaeoecology examines the past 60,000 years of human-ecosystem interactions, revealing how humans impacted nature and ecosystems shaped human culture. By integrating data from archaeology, ecology, and palaeoecology, this emerging field can provide crucial insights to solve today's environmental challenges.
SourceSanta Fe Institute·JournalTrends in Ecology & Evolution·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateAug 30, 2022
Experts argue that seagrasses are crucial for achieving the UN Sustainable Development goals due to their carbon absorption and biodiversity benefits. The conservation and restoration of seagrass meadows can help tackle climate change and promote biodiversity recovery, making them a nature-based solution for the planet's future.
SourceSwansea University·JournalScience·TypeSystematic review·DateAug 5, 2022
A study led by ICM-CSIC finds that mass mortality events caused by marine heatwaves affected all Mediterranean regions between 2015 and 2019, resulting in recurrent mass mortalities throughout the period. The research highlights the significant positive relationship between the duration of heat waves and the incidence of mortality events.
SourceInstitut de Ciències del Mar (ICM-CSIC)·JournalGlobal Change Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 25, 2022
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
Researchers identified a specific bacterial microbe, Bombella apis, that can thrive in royal jelly and increase its amino acid content. This microbe helps developing bees build resilience against nutritional stress, making them smaller but healthier.
SourceIndiana University·JournalThe ISME Journal·DateJun 27, 2022
Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro)
Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro) powers local ML workloads, large datasets, and multi-display analysis for field and lab teams.
A remote Irish community endured a millennium of climate change and ecological shifts without significant disruption, thanks to its adaptable social practices. The study, published in PLOS ONE, analyzed peat core data to infer environmental and human occupation changes over 1,000 years.
SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·TypeObservational study·DateApr 27, 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
Researchers used machine learning to predict the most important factors underlying heavy metal pollution remediation in biochar-treated soils. Biochar nitrogen content and application rate were found to be the most crucial features in determining HM immobilization, with soil properties also playing a significant role.
SourceCactus Communications·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateMar 29, 2022
The SPRING project is establishing an EU-wide census of pollinators, building on existing butterfly monitoring schemes. The project will use a variety of methods, including standard routes for counting wild bees and hoverflies, to gather data on the diversity and abundance of pollinators.
SourceHelmholtz Centre for Environmental Research - UFZ·DateMar 21, 2022
A team of researchers proposes converting discarded surgical masks into a burnable fuel through pyrolysis, yielding a carbon-rich oil with high heating value. The study suggests this method offers better environmental performance compared to conventional waste management approaches.
SourceCactus Communications·JournalBioresource Technology·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 8, 2022
GQ GMC-500Plus Geiger Counter
GQ GMC-500Plus Geiger Counter logs beta, gamma, and X-ray levels for environmental monitoring, training labs, and safety demonstrations.
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
A recent study published in the Journal of Wildlife Management found that vulture declines are linked to increased disease risks due to their absence. With no natural clean-up crew, diseases spread rapidly among scavenger communities, including feral dogs, which fill the ecological gap left by vultures.
SourceUniversity of Utah·JournalJournal of Wildlife Management·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 14, 2022
A study by Politecnico di Milano reveals that large-scale land acquisitions for agriculture lead to increased water scarcity, impacting local users. The research analyzed 160 acquisitions and found that 105 resulted in competition for water, often at the expense of local communities.
SourcePolitecnico di Milano·JournalNature Communications·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJan 26, 2022
Researchers found animal-dispersed plant species' ability to adapt to climate change reduced by 60% due to bird and mammal losses. Global seed dispersal mapping revealed severe declines in temperate regions, with tropical areas at high risk if endangered species go extinct.
SourceRice University·JournalScience·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJan 13, 2022
DJI Air 3 (RC-N2)
DJI Air 3 (RC-N2) captures 4K mapping passes and environmental surveys with dual cameras, long flight time, and omnidirectional obstacle sensing.
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.
By combining fossil occurrence data with social network analysis, researchers identified distinct associations of ancient marine animal life and investigated the representation of these communities over geologic time. This approach enabled the quantification of ecological impacts of mass extinctions and major ecological shifts.
SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 23, 2018
Dr. David Suzuki will speak at the Ecological Society of America's annual meeting, discussing his efforts to prevent ecological crises and find ways for humans to live in balance with nature. He focuses on Climate Change and Pacific Salmon Forests, aiming to educate the public about urgent strategies for reducing global warming.