Articles tagged with Ecological Processes
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 coalition of scientists argues that too little action has been taken to curb climate change, citing 'profoundly troubling signs' from human activities. The authors propose six key objectives to alleviate climate change, including energy sector reform and a carbon-free economy.
A long-term study found significant declines in live, hard corals on Great Barrier Reef island groups, with temperature stress and wave exposure identified as key drivers. The research highlights the importance of addressing water quality and climate change to prevent ecosystem collapse.
A new drought index, SEDI, sensitively captures biological changes in ecosystems due to drought evolution. The study assesses its effectiveness in highlighting vegetation responses to climatic fluctuations and heavy droughts.
A new study from the University of Surrey found that involving citizens in air quality research improves their understanding of pollution's impact on health. Citizens were encouraged to debate research and conduct their own studies, resulting in more accurate knowledge.
The British Ecological Society is conducting a randomized controlled trial to compare single- and double-blind peer review processes. The study aims to assess whether author characteristics affect peer-review scores and acceptance of papers, with a focus on reducing bias in science publishing.
A Thai research team has created a novel approach for simultaneously detecting and detoxifying harmful phenol compounds in one step. The innovative technique leverages natural enzymatic reactions to convert toxic chemicals into luciferin, a bioluminescent compound produced by fireflies.
Research found that introduced species dilute the effects of evolution on diversity, making Hawaiian forests more similar. Older islands have a greater number of rare and native species compared to younger ones, but introduced species weaken this effect.
Researchers found that microaerobic Fe(II) oxidation coupled to carbon assimilation processes driven by microbes from paddy soil. The study identified the potential microaerophilic Fe(II)-oxidizing bacteria in paddy soil and confirmed their ability to couple iron cycling with carbon transformation.
Researchers from Singapore University of Technology and Design uncovered a negative feedback loop in terms of decentralization in public blockchain philosophy. The findings indicate that incentives for miners to merge and act as single entities contribute to centralization, revealing a need for further research.
Scientists argue that rewilding measures can restore damaged ecosystems by examining functions, analyzing disturbances, and deriving targeted measures. Successful rewilding projects like the Oder river delta demonstrate environmental and social benefits.
Researchers at the Santa Fe Institute and MIT find that continuous-time systems must have hidden states and finite hidden timesteps to exhibit two-time dynamics. This discovery has implications for understanding biomolecular processes, ecosystem evolution, and financial market behavior.
Researchers found that a warming winter climate has led to a 41% increase in woody vegetation on protected areas, altering the rate of marsh to upland conversion and accelerating island erosion. The study provides new insights into the ecological and geomorphic processes occurring on Virginia's barrier islands.
A recent study on Mount Kilimanjaro reveals that land use and climate interactions significantly impact tropical mountain ecosystems, resulting in reduced biodiversity and altered ecological functions. The research found that different elevation zones exhibit varying levels of change, with the savanna zone being particularly vulnerable.
A University of Oklahoma study found that climate warming significantly impacts microbial biodiversity in tallgrass prairies, with warmer temperatures increasing phylogenetic diversity over time. This could have significant implications for ecosystem management and conservation strategies.
A recent study suggests that dam removals can be anticipated by understanding the unique environmental conditions at each site and their impact on aquatic species recolonization, sediment flow, and water quality changes.
Researchers identified genes encoding oxidoreductases as key attributes for characterizing global microbial communities. This approach provides a new diagnostic tool for assessing ecosystem services and developing management policies. The study sheds light on the critical role of microorganisms in planetary physiology.
Researchers estimate carbon emissions from farmland reclamation in China over the past 300 years, with vegetation emissions ranging from 1.58 Pg and soil emissions from 1.35 to 4.03 Pg. Carbon emissions vary greatly across ecosystems, with forests releasing the most and deserts acting as carbon sinks.
Forest termites play a crucial role in maintaining ecosystem function during droughts by decomposing organic matter, mixing soil nutrients, and regulating moisture. Their increased activity during drought helps buffer important soil processes critical for tropical forest survival.
Researchers from UNIGE developed an AI-based approach combining genomics and machine learning to analyze microbial biodiversity and diagnose ecosystem health on a large scale. The method uses genomic tools to sequence DNA of microorganisms, then builds predictive models to identify species performing key functions.
A new study examined ancient ecosystems to understand what drives stability, finding that functional groupings are more important than the sheer number of species present. The team also found that ancient ecosystems were more stable than simulated systems, suggesting a strong imprint on history of how ecosystems are built over time.
Researchers have found that rewilding can mitigate the impact of rising temperatures in the Arctic, reduce greenhouse gas emissions from livestock farming, and enhance wetland plant diversity. The approach involves reintroducing native carnivores to suppress invasive herbivores and restore ecosystem balance.
A warming-induced shift in microbial community composition requires more biodiversity to maintain ecosystem function due to the increased likelihood that remaining species will not tolerate rising temperatures. The study suggests that warmer conditions may accelerate the impacts of biodiversity decline on ecosystems.
A new study by Michigan State University establishes a baseline of organisms that play key roles in carrion decomposition, promoting the importance of death in ecosystems. The research also highlights the complex interactions between decomposer communities and their impact on nutrient cycling and ecosystem processes.
The National Science Foundation awards $9 million for nine new research projects using ecological data from the National Ecological Observatory Network (NEON) to address long-standing questions about climate, land use and invasive species. MacroSystems Biology projects explore ecological interactions across spatial and temporal scales.
Warm-water kelps alter ecosystem functioning, with faster food production and processing, but may reduce biodiversity. Kelp forests are expected to survive, unlike in other regions where they are disappearing.
A new study finds that warm-water kelp species are outcompeting cold-water species in UK kelp forests, leading to changes in ecosystem functioning. The warm-water kelps provide a continuous supply of food but also harbor less biodiversity.
A research coordination network is being developed to improve understanding of intermittent rivers' ecology and hydrology. The network, led by OU biologist Daniel Allen, will synthesize existing data on US intermittent rivers to study their structure and function.
A study analyzed soil horizons in 11 US cities, finding approximately 50% fewer soil horizons than pre-urban soils. The researchers attributed changes to local management processes such as soil removal, mixing, and fill additions, leading to potential effects on ecosystem functioning.
Researchers used spectral data to measure plant diversity and predict ecosystem function, finding that it was more effective than traditional methods. The study showed that spectral dissimilarity among plant species increased with functional dissimilarity and evolutionary divergence time.
Fuentes asserts that humans are distinctive, yet share similarities with apes. He proposes that human ability to alter ecosystems is our most distinguishing feature, enabling creative cooperation, technological innovations, and artistic expression.
A new framework for global conservation prioritization is presented, incorporating four-step process of harm avoidance, minimization, remediation, and offsetting. The approach aims to establish effective conservation priorities, bridging current regulatory gaps and enabling more efficient conservation.
Plants may have exerted greater influence on terrestrial ecosystems than megaherbivores that once roamed landscapes. Shrubs consistently predicted ecosystem change, with increasing shrub biomass reducing nitrogen availability and promoting tree growth.
A themed issue in Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society B gathers researchers exploring collective movement ecology, merging movement ecology and collective animal behavior. New technologies and data from wild groups are being integrated to inform conservation decision-making.
A study by University of South Florida researchers found that animal species are shifting the timing of their seasonal activities in response to changing temperatures and precipitation patterns. This shift can have adverse effects on ecosystems, human food supplies, and diseases.
Entomologist Paul Marek has discovered a new millipede species, Apheloria polychroma, which boasts an impressive array of colors and contains cyanide that deters birds from snacking on it. This unique trait also helps other millipedes evade predators through Mullerian mimicry.
Max Planck fellow programme extended to strengthen cooperation between institutes and universities, focusing on global biodiversity database TRY. Joint projects explore ecosystem functioning in Amazonian forests and biodiversity effects via remote sensing.
Researchers at Northeastern University are working to bridge the 'practice science gap' by connecting practitioners with biodiversity research. The goal is to improve restoration project outcomes by applying scientific knowledge to practical implementation.
Argonne is collaborating with HPE to evaluate early versions of Cavium ARM ThunderX2 processors for the ARM ecosystem, seeking a cost-effective alternative to x86 architectures. The Comanche Wave prototype ARM64 server platform will be installed at Argonne's testing environment to support this work.
Researchers at Critical Zone Observatories (CZOs) will discuss various topics related to the critical zone, a region where fresh water flows, rock turns to soil, and life flourishes. Studies include the effects of Hurricane Maria on the Luquillo, Puerto Rico, critical zone and wildfire in the critical zone.
Scientists from RUDN University have classified the distribution of soil microorganisms at different latitudes, discovering that soil properties are the primary factor in determining microbial composition. The study revealed that climate and vegetation play a lesser role in shaping microbial communities.
Researchers find that certain patterns of collaboration are more effective in solving shared environmental problems, with tightly linked actors working together improving outcomes. A socio-ecological 'fit' between networks and ecosystems also increases the possibility of effectively solving environmental problems.
A recent study reveals that a third of marine megafauna disappeared around three to two million years ago, leading to a significant reduction in species diversity. The loss of functional entities resulted in an erosion of ecological functions, with 17% of total diversity disappearing and 21% changing.
A new study in BioScience explores the role of thermal landscapes in rivers, shedding light on how humans affect water temperature patterns. The research highlights the importance of fine-scale data and models to restore ecological balance and prevent degradation of riverine ecosystems.
The iDiv Ecotron will examine the consequences of species loss on ecosystems, investigating interactions among plants, animals, microbes, and soil. By manipulating complex animal and plant communities in controlled conditions, researchers aim to understand how many losses ecosystems can cope with.
ORNL's software significantly speeds up microscopy image analysis, allowing researchers to explore how neurons migrate in the brain. The lab also made bioenergy advancements by identifying a bottleneck in breaking down woody plants for biofuels, and developed an ecosystem modeling method that can pinpoint key uncertainties.
The Isle Royale wolf population has remained unchanged for the second year in a row, with only two wolves left on the island. The moose population is expected to double over the next three to four years, leading to increased vegetation consumption and potentially altering the island's ecosystem.
A new study led by University of Nebraska-Lincoln ecologist John Benson found that eastern coyotes hunt moose and other large prey far less frequently than does the eastern wolf. The findings suggest that eastern coyotes have not filled the ecological niche left vacant when the eastern wolf became threatened.
Research from the University of Minnesota reveals that diverse tree stands outperform monocultures due to species' adaptability in using available space. This adaptability maximizes combined productivity through enhanced light utilization and increased biomass production.
The Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) has launched a $2.5 million fund to support projects that help wildlife adapt to climate change in wild landscapes and urban areas. The fund will focus on enhancing ecological processes and ecosystem functions, rather than just conserving or restoring historic conditions.
Researchers investigated habitat diversity's impact on coastal sediment ecosystems and found that more habitats scored better in functionality than single-habitat ecosystems. Human activities like habitat homogenization threaten both species and habitat diversity.
Conservationists should focus on preserving diverse ecosystem structures and functions, rather than just saving species. This approach can help create more resilient environments that can adapt to climate change and habitat loss. By studying the fossil record, experts hope to guide conservation efforts towards a more sustainable future.
Stanford researchers helped China identify and protect areas of high ecological value, including the Yangtze River and Min-Zhe-Gan mountains. The move marks a historic shift in China's environmental approach, valuing nature for human well-being and societal security.
The new database provides a comprehensive overview of the world's lakes, with estimates of over 180,000 cubic kilometres of water stored in more than 1.4 million lakes. The study also reveals that lakes in hilly or mountainous regions tend to be deeper than those in flat landscapes.
A new study reveals that roads now fragment land to an extent that only 7% of road-created patches are greater than 100 square kilometers. The research highlights the significant impact of roads on the environment, including deforestation and fragmentation, chemical pollution, noise disturbance, and increased wildlife mortality.
Scientists from the University of Exeter developed a groundbreaking technique using airborne laser scanning to create detailed 3D maps of vegetation. This allows for the mapping of small details beneath trees, such as woodland paths and urban shrubberies, promoting biodiversity and understanding its impact on human wellbeing.
A new study reveals that 82% of global ecological processes have been impacted by climate change, from genes to entire ecosystems. This has significant implications for conservation efforts and human societies, as consequences include increased pests, disease outbreaks, and unpredictable changes in fisheries.
A new study in Science says climate change is impacting every aspect of life on Earth, including genes and entire ecosystems. The study found 80% of 94 ecological processes show signs of distress due to climate change.
A new University of Florida study reveals that global warming is already dramatically impacting every aspect of life on Earth. Over 80 percent of ecological processes are showing signs of responses to climate change, affecting species and ecosystems worldwide.
A recent study found that climate change is affecting 82% of key ecological processes, which have a direct impact on the health and wellbeing of human societies. The study highlights the need for immediate action to achieve emissions targets and safeguard biodiversity in the face of rapid global warming.
A new study assesses the relationships between climate, land use, and ecosystem services in Europe, highlighting their impact on human well-being. The research focuses on three regulating ecosystem services: air quality regulation, soil erosion control, and water flow regulation.