Research on how organisms interact with their environment. Covers predator dynamics, invasive-species origins, keystone species, and microplastics in food webs.
Researchers found 94.54% of nature reserve areas brightening significantly, with wetland reserves showing the highest light pollution. Conservation efforts are eroding due to increasing human activities, threatening nocturnal species.
A 12-year study of wild Asian elephants in Sri Lanka reveals that gradual population losses can lead to social fragmentation, leaving communities smaller and more isolated. The study found that sustained demographic changes can trigger abrupt shifts in social structure, threatening species' long-term survival.
Research from Osaka Metropolitan University reveals that climate change is affecting Japan's forests, leading to changes in tree composition and structure. The study found that warmer temperatures and increased precipitation are driving the decline of cold-adapted tree species and the rise of warmer-adapted species.
The study finds that human-driven climate change is degrading the cryosphere beyond safe environmental limits, posing increasing long-term risks to the planet and human societies. The cryosphere's degradation accelerates global temperature, sea level rise, ecosystem degradation, and the likelihood of catastrophic flooding and drought e...
KAUST's Red Sea coral facility grows 360,000 corals annually to restore 100 hectares of reef by 2030 and establish a resilient ecosystem by 2040. The initiative combines science and technology to learn how corals can be grown at scale and withstand warmer waters.
A study published in Nature warns of a decline of up to 30% in cactus species richness due to severe droughts and climate change. Cacti, thought to be resilient, are highly sensitive to climate change, with 66% of species experiencing a reduction in suitable areas.
Urban green-up dates advance faster than rural green-up in 80.4% of Chinese cities, with cities pulling ahead by 0.37 days a year. Heat requirement, not warming, governs the urban-rural disparity in spring phenology advancement.
The Siberian crane's population has grown, but its health is threatened by antibiotic residues and microplastic particles in its habitat. The study proposes a new approach to conservation by prioritizing population health over headcount.
Increasing the proportion of males in mule deer populations may negatively impact female nutrition and productivity. Researchers from Brigham Young University explored the effects of sex ratios on mule deer populations.
Ranaviruses have been detected in over 170 aquatic species, showing frequent cross-species transmission in aquaculture. The four-barrier framework for viral spillover highlights the need for early warning and prevention strategies to protect the sector.
A study published in Molecular Ecology reveals that Cory's shearwaters' migratory routes are more influenced by their genetic ancestry than social environment. The research used geolocators and whole-genome sequencing to track the migration of 50 individuals and identify hybrids, finding that they follow intermediate routes.
A study found that wild chimpanzees use a specific call, known as the 'raspberry' sound, in a conventionalized manner, with its meaning being learned, not inherited. The call's function is also learned from adult role models within the group, suggesting a level of continuity with human language learning.
Researchers studied 28 organic cacao agroforests in the northern Peruvian Amazon, finding that varied tree arrangements and landscape conservation increased biodiversity and yields. The surrounding landscape, particularly with medium levels of forest cover and additional tree crops, doubled cacao yields and provided significant additio...
A new generation of AI models could help scientists understand ecosystems and predict their responses to environmental change. Ecological foundation models, a new approach to AI, could learn from diverse sources of information and apply that knowledge to a wide range of ecological questions.
Researchers found that a naturally formed, water-repellent coating on leaf-derived hydrochar helps resist chemical oxidation, potentially improving its usefulness for soil carbon storage. The coating's composition varies among plant species and its removal increased carbon loss during laboratory oxidation tests.
A global analysis of land snail diversity on islands reveals how 14 factors shape biodiversity, while a study on black grouse in the Alps finds winter recreation stressing wildlife. Meanwhile, research on Indian wildlife reserves shows that both environmental conditions and human activities drive wildfire patterns.
A new study published in Ecography reveals that California is home to more than 60,000 different species of insects, with only about two-thirds described. The California Insect Barcode Initiative, a six-million-dollar grant-funded project, collected and identified over one million insect specimens, marking a significant increase in the...
A new study proposes a framework for managing hazardous species, prioritizing collaborative risk management between policymakers and local communities, and considering local knowledge. The framework aims to support evidence-based policy decisions and reduce harm from wildlife while conserving ecosystems.
A pilot program evaluated the effectiveness of volunteer dog-handler teams in detecting invasive plant species in Germany, achieving a 75% detection success rate. The study highlights the potential of combining dogs' sense of smell with citizen science to support early detection and monitoring of invasive plants.
A 12-year study of degus in central Chile reveals how an extreme drought in 2019 triggered a local population collapse after nearly a decade of resilience. The study highlights the vulnerability of species to climatic events that exceed the resilience limits of ecosystems, with food scarcity being a decisive factor.
The use of mercury by the ancient Maya spread the pollutant throughout the Yucatán region, contaminating lake cores and aquatic ecosystems. High levels of mercury were found in sediment cores, surpassing modern safety thresholds, and linked to the collapse of aquatic food webs.
A new open-source software tool can identify plans that meet multiple objectives and navigate trade-offs between them. The tool, developed by University of Queensland researchers, can guide informed discussions and help find common ground between environmental, social, and economic goals.
A new review connects functional foods, gut microbes, and host health, describing food components as signals that gut microbes transform into bioactive molecules influencing metabolism, immunity, and more. The framework highlights the potential of probiotics, prebiotics, and fermented foods to shape the gut ecosystem and calls for rigo...
Researchers established cell cultures from deep-sea mussels, revealing a 24-hour clock mechanism that relies on the same genes as in land-dwelling organisms. This discovery sheds light on the biology of deep-sea organisms and highlights the importance of protecting these ecosystems.
A modeling study suggests that carefully planned harvesting can increase total carbon storage by 4.2% and raise timber output by 38% while leaving slightly less carbon in living trees. Managed harvesting strategies can support regeneration and reduce mortality losses, and may help sustain carbon storage while supplying timber.
A 22-year nationwide study found China's mangrove area grew 166% since 1998, with bird species increasing from 148 to 397 and IUCN Red List threatened species rising 91%. Restoration efforts have delivered real ecological gains, with average vegetation cover climbing from 31% to 38%.
The study found that ocellated lizard populations adopt different strategies in response to rising temperatures, with 'generalist' lizards showing greater resilience. This is crucial for reptiles, which depend on external heat sources and are unable to maintain body temperature like mammals and birds.
A Chinese study of 62 songbird species found they lost nearly half their genetic diversity over 50 years, highlighting a hidden conservation risk for species deemed 'Least Concern'. Genomic erosion, driven by habitat fragmentation, threatens the long-term survival and adaptation of bird species.
The German National Academy of Sciences Leopoldina and the Chinese Academy of Sciences have signed the 'SfF2026 Declaration on Climate, Health and Biodiversity', which emphasizes the need for international cooperation to understand the interconnections between climate change, health, and biodiversity. The academies advocate for the res...
Researchers found that seabirds' navigation becomes predictably skewed when rapid eastward or westward travel disrupts their internal clocks and local solar time. The birds rely heavily on the Sun to navigate, even when alternative cues like coastline following are available.
Scientists studied the sex of alligator eggs under varying temperatures, finding that small daily fluctuations can impact sex ratios. The study's model connects incubation temperature to offspring sex, providing a new tool for predicting sex ratios in the wild.
Researchers measured significant amounts of microplastics in Sierra snowfall, with 270-3,200 plastic particles per square meter deposited per day. The study found polyethylene, polypropylene, and polyester/PET, as well as cellulose derivatives, in the snowpack, suggesting the reach of everyday plastic use far beyond products themselves.
Research from Florida Atlantic University reveals that translucent windows in flower petals alter light and heat entry, changing internal temperature and influencing microbes. Warmer flowers generally harbor fewer microbes, and IR transmission increases floral temperature.
A new article in BioScience identifies seven areas of focus for One Health research, including disease, agriculture, and Indigenous issues. The article emphasizes the importance of partnership with land managers and increasing public awareness to achieve One Health goals.
A 50-year study reveals that areas with high species diversity in south-west Germany are losing species richness, highlighting the importance of local context in biodiversity conservation. The study emphasizes the need to consider ecological characteristics and evolutionary distinctiveness when developing conservation measures.
A new study finds that carbonate rock weathering increases microbial necromass accumulation and protects it from decomposition, leading to higher soil organic carbon concentrations. This process is critical for climate regulation, nutrient cycling, and biodiversity maintenance.
A nationwide marine DNA study in Japan reveals that over 100 fish species may be living further north than previously recorded, offering new insights into potential northward shifts and their economic, societal, and environmental impacts. The study used eDNA sampling, which provides a snapshot of potentially thousands of species in a l...
Ecological water scarcity affects 412 river basins worldwide, with 29% of the study area impacted and 35% of global population covered. Human interventions drive the problem, and climate mitigation can reduce future risks, but ecosystem restoration and water conservation are needed.
Research on caribou survival and longevity explores how early-life conditions shape survival and longevity, while studying North Pacific right whales' habitat use links to sea ice dynamics. A Maryland marsh is projected to convert to open water by the 2060s due to sea-level rise, threatening habitat and carbon storage.
A new study reveals how marine heatwaves disrupt humpback whales' metabolism, nutrient use, and reproductive success. Researchers analyzed biochemical records in baleen to understand the physiological mechanisms behind population declines, and found that whales 'power down' during heatwaves, making early pregnancy harder to maintain.
A new study by Griffith University found eastern Australian humpback whales grow rapidly during early life before slowing down, reaching 10.9m in length by age 5. The research provides the first contemporary growth curves for this recovering whale population, shedding light on their biology and response to environmental change.
The exhibition showcases the ANERIS Operational Marine Biology (OMB) approach, facilitating systematic, long-term monitoring of ocean and coastal ecosystems. Citizen science initiatives, such as the MINKA platform and BioMARathon campaigns, also play a major role in monitoring biodiversity across larger areas.
A new review shows how climate change alters microclimates, which can differ substantially from regional climate averages. Vegetation and atmospheric changes, such as cloud cover, influence local climate conditions, affecting biodiversity responses to climate change.
A recent study in Finland found that reindeer grazing reduces tree and understorey roots, particularly in the upper 0-5 cm of soil, and changes root structure, which may impact water and nutrient uptake. This could have significant effects on forest carbon and nutrient cycling.
Researchers at Arizona State University have developed a new technique to destroy PFAS, breaking the chemicals apart rather than simply capturing them. The method uses palladium nanoparticles to convert hydrogen gas into a reactive form that strips fluorine from the PFAS molecule.
A new study found that biodegradable microplastics can alter blood cell balance and immune defense, changing as the materials age. Researchers used fish blood to investigate the effects of biodegradable plastics on blood cells, revealing potential hazards that may not be immediately apparent.
A study found that wood supported a higher abundance of hydrocarbon-degrading bacteria compared to other materials like plywood and polypropylene. The biofilms on wood exhibited greater microbial richness and continuity, suggesting it as a favorable surface for developing microbial communities associated with hydrocarbon degradation.
A study led by Cristóbal Pizarro identified 87 bird species and 27 sites of biocultural significance in Chile's Río Cruces Wetland. Communities helped reconstruct the history of the ecosystem through their memories, knowledge, and experiences.
A new USDA-funded research project at Binghamton University's Pasture and Lawn Enhanced Diversity Global-change Experiment (PLEDGE) site investigates the effects of short-term drought on lawns. The study aims to improve water and fertilizer management, considering the growing concern of climate change and its impact on lawns.
Researchers analyzed 17 years of GPS and acceleration data from 850 animals to find that atmospheric conditions play a crucial role in reducing energy costs of flight, with soaring birds experiencing minimal energy expenditure. The study challenges traditional views on flight energetic costs, suggesting that atmospheric conditions shou...
University of Michigan researchers discovered that oxalis, a weed commonly known as wood sorrel, produces more flowers after being exposed to low doses of the herbicide dicamba. The finding suggests that farmers and homeowners may inadvertently make weeds stronger by using herbicides on their fields or lawns.
Researchers in Mozambique have discovered ancient peat reefs, teeming with marine life and biodiversity comparable to coral reefs. The discovery raises questions about the role of peat reefs in carbon storage and biodiversity, and how to protect them. The peat reefs, made of compressed carbon-rich remains, are home to a variety of mari...
The Tree of Life programme aims to sequence the genome of every findable species in the UK and Ireland. The programme has introduced a new semi-automated process to publish and review genome notes, expanding access to research that supports advances in agriculture, conservation, and medicine.
A study by Anglia Ruskin University found that honeybees dominate wild pollinators when competing for food, restricting access to resources and physically displacing other species. The researchers recorded aggressive interactions initiated by honeybees, which often resulted in the loss of forage for other pollinators.
A new study uses AI tools to identify and extract data from nature observations on free online platforms like eBird and iNaturalist, revealing non-native plant species and interactions between species. The approach enables researchers to examine species interactions across broad spatial and temporal scales, providing valuable insights ...
Researchers at Montana State University have discovered African wild dogs' movements connecting distant ecosystems, providing new insights into the species' survival prospects. The study's findings highlight the importance of conserving natural evolutionary processes and argue against fencing ecosystems to protect large carnivores.
Majorbio Cloud offers a comprehensive proteomics platform with conventional, phosphoproteomics, metaproteomics, and multi-omics analysis capabilities. The platform supports various analytical workflows, including DIA pipelines, phosphoproteomics workflows, and metaproteomics pipelines, enabling high-quality research outputs.
A recent study explores using sea slugs as ecological ambassadors, while researchers found that insects are key drivers of decomposition in Australian ecosystems. Additionally, a new study reveals the lasting impact of human history on fire regimes in the southwestern U.S., including the Rio Grande del Norte National Monument.
Plant scientist Ron Mittler is rewriting the rules for studying plant stress by examining how organisms respond to multiple stressors simultaneously. His research has shown that a protein called bHLH35 becomes critical only when heat, sunlight, and salty soil strike at once.
The study found that enclosed regions, such as the Adriatic Sea and Baltic Sea, are at the highest risk of exposure to harmful light pollution. In contrast, open areas like the Macaronesia region and the Barents Sea are considered to be of low risk.