Articles tagged with Ecosystem Services
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.
The Journal of Public Policy & Marketing explores the complex relationship between consumer power and access, examining how technology, wealth, and industry organization influence this dynamic. Key findings highlight the importance of perceived access to healthcare, financial capability, and trait hope in improving consumer outcomes.
Future climate change will cause drylands to expand at an accelerated rate, but their average productivity is expected to decline. The study found that while total global productivity may increase by 12%, individual dryland areas will experience decreased productivity due to changes in precipitation and temperatures.
A recent study evaluates and quantifies ecosystem service flows between countries, highlighting the importance of understanding these interregional connections. Researchers found that Germany benefits from ecosystem services provided in other countries, including flood protection, biodiversity conservation, and cocoa production.
New research by IIASA reveals that tropical forest ecosystems' strength as global carbon sinks depends on multiple interacting factors, including species diversity, soil type, and climate. The study found that abiotic and biotic factors interact to determine the amount of carbon stored by the ecosystem.
Researchers found that previous tree thinning and prescribed burns helped forests survive the devastating Carlton Complex fire. The study suggests that reducing built-up fuels such as small trees and shrubs pays off, even in extreme wildfires.
A new framework guides the management of terrestrial invasive species in South Africa, prioritizing targets in control efforts. The approach combines big data and citizen science, focusing on poorer municipalities most impacted by invasive weeds.
A major study reveals that climate change can cause abrupt changes in dryland ecosystems, resulting in drastic reductions in plant productivity, soil fertility, and vegetation loss. The study found three phases of accelerated ecosystem change in response to increasing aridity, with thresholds above a certain level leading to system col...
E-scooters pose significant safety concerns, but new research highlights additional security and privacy risks including data breaches and spoofed GPS systems. The study identifies vulnerable points in the ride-sharing ecosystem that can be exploited by malicious actors.
Scientists report declines in caterpillar diversity and density, as well as losses in biocontrol of herbivores by parasitoids. Climate change is partly blamed for these changes, with increased precipitation variability and shifts in mean temperatures affecting ecosystems.
The new tool, 'Kmasker plants', enables researchers to identify repetitive sequences in plant genomes and assign them to positions. This allows for the rapid analysis of complex genomes and can help identify sequence candidate regions with agronomic importance.
A new study assesses the impact of deep-sea mining on microbial ecosystems, highlighting the need for policy makers and industry to understand microbes' roles and services they provide. Microbial processes and animal communities are slow to recover from disturbance, and damage can lead to irreversible loss of ecosystem processes.
A new paper demonstrates that digital extension practices are adopted at rates comparable to traditional in-person extension, with significantly lower costs. The study highlights the research utility of digital extension and its potential for improvement through iteration and testing.
A study by Oregon State University researchers found that preserving temperate forests in the western United States can mitigate climate change through carbon sequestration, while also enhancing biodiversity. The identified forests have medium to high potential for carbon sequestration and low future climate vulnerability.
The MOVE-ON project aims to produce sustainable development and ecosystem management models for EU overseas territories in the Caribbean and Pacific oceans. Researchers will investigate ecological conditions and develop conceptual models of ecosystem services provision according to the quality of marine ecosystems.
Researchers found that Germany benefits from intangible ecosystem services in particularly threatened ecosystems in poor regions. The study identified the top six birds in Germany, with nearly 60% of species spending at least part of their lives in distant countries.
Researchers argue that climate change has a disproportionate impact on disabled populations, limiting access to knowledge and resources. The study highlights the need for urgent research into the intersection of disability rights and climate change.
The J.M.K. Innovation Prize recognizes 10 non-profit and mission-driven organizations addressing pressing challenges through social innovation, providing up to $175,000 in funding over three years. The award aims to shine a spotlight on innovators tackling issues in under-resourced parts of America.
The study estimates that preserving 270 million hectares of native vegetation yields Brazil USD 1.5 trillion per year in ecosystem services such as crop pollination, pest control, and water security. This research supports the importance of Legal Reserves and Permanent Conservation Areas in maintaining environmental services.
Purdue University is hosting two international entrepreneurs from Brazil and Uganda as part of the US Department of State's Global Innovation through Science and Technology Initiative. Marcos Valadares and Allan Eden are spending four weeks at the Purdue Foundry, refining their ideas and connecting with business experts.
Land restoration in Ethiopia has boosted crop yields and soil carbon, but increased runoff due to climate change threatens degradation. A combination of land restoration activities can increase crop yields by up to 170 percent.
The study highlights seven key areas for further research, including integrating indigenous knowledge into research, understanding consumption patterns, and developing effective governance systems. The researchers emphasize the need for management and policy strategies that prioritize human well-being and biodiversity protection.
A new study found higher local earthworm diversity in temperate regions than in the tropics, with patterns not matching aboveground biodiversity. The researchers created a global map of earthworm diversity, abundance, and biomass, highlighting climate change's potential impact on earthworm communities.
Researchers evaluated six options, including afforestation, wetland restoration, and soil carbon sequestration, finding they contribute positively to ecosystem services and SDGs. However, some options require risk management to avoid negative impacts on food production and clean water.
A study involving over 100 researchers demonstrates that biodiversity enhances pollination and biological pest control, leading to increased crop yields. Higher agricultural biodiversity also reduces the reliance on pesticides, promoting sustainable agriculture.
A new interactive global map reveals where people receive the most benefits from nature, with up to 5 billion at higher risk by 2050. The study highlights inequitable distribution of environmental impacts, with developing countries bearing a disproportionate share.
A new global model shows that as many as five billion people could face water and food insecurity by 2050, particularly in Africa and South Asia. The model highlights the urgent need to determine where nature's contributions matter most to people and who is most at risk if these contributions cease.
Maps identifying suitable areas for the spotted lanternfly's establishment in the US and world have been published by Agricultural Research Service scientists. The insect has already spread to several countries and is predicted to become established in most of New England, mid-Atlantic states, and Pacific coastal states.
A comparative analysis of 60 municipal smart-city plans reveals four major types: Essential Services Model, Smart Transportation Model, Broad Spectrum Model, and Business Ecosystem Model. These categories offer targeted suggestions for implementing smart-city components, tailored to each city's socio-economic circumstances.
The European Commission has approved €14 million in funding for the preparation of the European Long-Term Ecosystem Research Infrastructure, enabling significant development of the eLTER Research Infrastructure. The project will involve 34 partners from 24 countries and cover all biogeographical zones in Europe.
The MIT Press has released a comprehensive report on open-source publishing software, cataloging 52 platforms that meet survey criteria. The report warns that open publishing faces dual challenges, including siloed development and community organization, which must be addressed for sustainable success.
Researchers at the University of Illinois have found that sanitation systems can recover resources such as nutrients, water, and organic material, which can be used to improve ecosystem services. These services include water purification, nutrient cycling, food provisioning, and climate regulation, among others.
Researchers are calling for a shift in river management to prioritize long-term risk assessment and adaptive management. The current tools are no longer effective due to increasing climatic uncertainty, and new models must be able to anticipate future shocks and manage biodiversity.
Biodiversity expert Dr. Díaz emphasizes the interconnectedness of all living organisms, stressing that land use changes pose the greatest threat to biodiversity. She advocates for an interdisciplinary approach to sustainability and praises her team's efforts in developing a comprehensive understanding of ecosystems.
A new study by University of Vermont researchers found that older forests are less vulnerable to climate change, particularly for carbon storage, timber production, and biodiversity. The research analyzed 18,500 forest plots across the eastern US and Canada, identifying priority regions for forest climate adaptation efforts.
The ESMERALDA project has generated research insights and practical solutions on ecosystem service mapping and assessment. The open science collection shares tested methods, collected datasets, and case study experience directly applicable to practical situations.
In April 2016, a mass mortality event occurred in two bat species in Cambodia due to extreme heat. The investigation suggests that the heat stress hypothesis is consistent with clinical signs and gross pathology findings.
Researchers argue that preserving rare species can have a direct positive impact on human life, from restoring food sources like bluefin tuna to storing airborne carbon in giant sequoias. This new understanding is crucial for conservation decisions under climate change, shifting focus to future benefits rather than current conditions.
Researchers found that rural-specific resources are not widely used in introducing innovation, but migrants who use pre-existing contacts and build on previous life experiences are most innovative. Policies should support diversification and acknowledge differences within rural communities.
Researchers found that eliminating digital waste, such as avoiding sending images to users who only listen to audio, could reduce YouTube's carbon footprint by 100-500Kt CO2e. The study suggests that Sustainable Interaction Design has potential to offer more carbon savings than current strategies.
Invasive alien tree Prosopis juliflora has had devastating effects on the Afar Region of north eastern Ethiopia, causing losses in ecosystem service values estimated at US $602 million. The study found that the weed spread rapidly, leading to a decline in grassland and bush-shrub-woodland areas.
A new study from Stanford University's Immigration Policy Lab found that providing low-income immigrants with free access to application assistance boosts naturalization rates. The gentlest kind of nudge—simple, well-placed information—most effectively targets those who are less educated and have lower incomes.
A new study found that small-scale land use can significantly improve biodiversity and ecosystem services in agricultural landscapes, even with minimal non-crop habitat.
Thousands of migrant agricultural workers have died in Italy due to exploitation, with many facing poor working conditions, low pay, and lack of access to basic services. The doctors' call for action aims to address these issues and promote fair treatment for these vulnerable workers.
Professor Sandra Myrna Díaz, a renowned expert in biodiversity and ecosystem ecology, has been awarded the 2019 Gunnerus Award in Sustainability Science. Her groundbreaking research emphasizes the importance of understanding biodiversity's role in shaping ecosystems and human development.
The program allows existing property owners to buy up to two vacant residential lots on their blocks for $1 each. Residents report increased feelings of investment and pride in their community, as well as reduced crime and improved social interaction.
Researchers discovered that growing littoral zone species like arrow arum, blue-eyed grass, golden club, and lemon bacopa using standard containers, substrates, and controlled-release fertilizer can provide high-quality plants with good growth. These methods can benefit large-scale plant production and bolster ecosystem improvements.
A new study by the University of Exeter found that men and women value ecosystem services differently, with implications for sustainable development goals. The research, led by Professor Katrina Brown, identified how cultural and traditional gender roles influence resource use and management.
A new book review clarifies the rewilding concept as an adaptive approach to regaining wildness in degraded ecosystems. The authors highlight similarities and differences between methods and discuss how they work in practice.
A decade-long analysis of bee activity in New York apple orchards reveals decreased pollination services with agricultural activity; Phylogenetic diversity is a better gauge of pollinator services than standard approaches.
A recent study by Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute scientists evaluated the economic viability of PES programs in the PCW, finding that reforestation efforts have a significant impact on ship transits and dry-season water flow. The researchers also identified market clearing equilibriums for such programs, highlighting their pot...
A recent study by University of Wyoming researchers analyzed the feasibility of eco-friendly land management practices to improve Panama Canal water flow and reduce erosion. The research, published in PNAS, suggests that offering contracts to private farmers could increase dry-season water flow, but market supply and scalability are li...
A study reveals that introducing a parasitic wasp to control the cassava mealybug can reduce crop losses, restore farm profitability, and slow deforestation. The approach provides a sustainable solution for tackling invasive species, promoting biodiversity conservation and profitable farming.
University of Texas at Arlington researcher Yu Zhang has earned a $515,565 grant from NOAA to develop a method that combines inputs from the joint polar satellite system with the National Water Model. The goal is to enhance snow product accuracy and predict spring melt and runoff more effectively.
A new study finds that the Boston Harbor cleanup was economically justifiable, with an estimated value of restored ecosystem services between $30 and $100 billion. The analysis highlights the importance of considering the environmental value of an area post-cleanup rather than pre-cleanup.
A study by an international research group found that diverse and old forests are best able to perform multiple ecosystem services, including regulating climate and storing carbon. Foresters should focus on specific forest attributes to promote desired services, as no single 'perfect forest' exists.
Demand for bioenergy to reduce CO2 emissions could lead to a 10-30 fold increase in green energy-related land use, putting pressure on habitats and species diversity. Safeguarding ecosystems and biodiversity is key to mitigating climate change, with reforestation being four times more effective than bioenergy crops.
A new Stanford-led study supports a conservation approach that focuses broadly on ecoregions, providing evidence that these regions meaningfully divide plant and animal communities. This opens a path to more affordable and effective protection of little-known species and valuable natural services.
Researchers aim to combat white-nose syndrome, a deadly fungus affecting bat populations, by exploring the use of ultra-violet light to clean cave environments. The study, funded by the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation, could potentially enhance bat survival rates, supporting critical ecosystem services.
A new study found that primary tropical forests contain more biodiversity and carbon than even mature regenerating forests. Secondary forests, on the other hand, can still play a vital role in biodiversity conservation and carbon storage, with some areas recovering to over 80% of levels found in undisturbed primary forests.
UTIA Chancellor Tim Cross has been recognized for his exceptional service as an Extension educator and leader. He received the 2018 Distinguished Service Ruby Award from Epsilon Sigma Phi, honoring his contributions to Extension and outreach work.