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.
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.
A new study explores the usability of ecosystem services as a tool for urban planning, highlighting its compatibility with existing methods. Municipalities can benefit from collaboration with research to adopt state-of-the-art ES assessment methods prioritizing human needs over environmental impact assessments.
A study by TUM and 300 scientists found that intensified land use leads to a decrease in species diversity and a loss of unique plant communities on grasslands. Even moderate land use results in the homogenization of species, with only a few species remaining across regions.
A team of researchers suggests ten clear ways for governments to protect pollination services, crucial for food production. The policies focus on improving yields in organic farming and regulating pesticides to support pollinator health.
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 found that people choose to visit countryside areas based on their recreational value, rather than their conservation importance. The research suggests that even sites of high conservation value do not receive more visits due to their attractiveness.
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.
The University of Tennessee Weed Diagnostics Center provides a range of services, including basic weed identification and DNA-based herbicide resistance testing. The center aims to help users implement optimal management strategies to keep weeds under control and conserve resources.
The National Science Foundation has awarded $110 million to XSEDE to expand its services and support for advanced computational and data-enabled research. XSEDE will continue to provide services to over 6,000 scientists and engineers while adding innovative elements in response to evolving user demands.
Researchers at Umeå University emphasize the importance of integrating forest and aquatic ecosystems in restorations to retain biodiversity and ecosystem services. Restoring riparian zones can increase production and diversity by facilitating nutrient cycling between land and water.
The NSF has awarded $110 million to the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and 18 partner institutions to continue and expand activities through XSEDE. XSEDE will maintain existing services, add innovative elements, and support diverse scientific and engineering challenges.
A study published in Nature found that diverse ecosystems populated by many species provide higher levels of ecosystem services, including food production, soil development, pest control, and climate regulation. The research highlights the importance of maintaining species-rich ecosystems for human well-being.
The LEGATO project has provided guidelines for optimizing rice ecosystem functions and services, with a focus on the socio-cultural context. Research on Silicon application has shown its potential to improve rice yields, while recommendations have been made for farmers and practitioners on managing decomposition driven by invertebrates.
A study published in the journal mSphere found that a deadly bat fungus in Washington state is genetically similar to strains found in the eastern United States, suggesting it did not originate in Eurasia. The findings have implications for resource managers battling white-nose syndrome in North American bats.
The USPSTF found insufficient evidence to recommend visual skin examination by clinicians for skin cancer screening in asymptomatic adults. The balance of benefits and harms cannot be determined due to limited direct evidence on effectiveness and potential harms, including unnecessary biopsies and overdiagnosis.
Professor Yiqi Luo of the University of Oklahoma has been elected as a Fellow of the American Geophysical Union for his pioneering work on data assimilation and ecological forecasting. His research focuses on predicting ecosystem responses to global change, enabling ecologists to forecast future changes in ecosystem services.
The National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) is providing $8.3 million in funding for small businesses to develop advanced research projects. The Small Business Innovation Research program aims to stimulate technological innovations and strengthen federal research support for small businesses.
Research at the University of Exeter found that scavenging ecosystem service is primarily carried out by crows, with assistance from foxes and other birds.
The Second Century Stewardship initiative aims to engage science in America's national parks through a feature-length film and collaborative programs. The partnership will focus on Acadia National Park initially, with the goal of scaling nationally to promote science literacy and park stewardship.
A national accounting of China's ecosystem services reveals a positive impact on both humans and nature. The study found that food production, carbon sequestration, and soil retention increased significantly, while sandstorm prevention and flood mitigation improved.
A new study reveals that China's conservation programs have improved ecosystem services, with notable increases in food production and carbon sequestration. However, some areas experienced decreases in habitat provision and air and water quality remained a concern.
Researchers found that diverse land use can balance out uncertainties and provide optimal multitasking for ecosystem services. The area mosaic concept resulted in 46% forestry utilization with indigenous alders and exotic pines, balancing out 10% extensive pasture and 20% intensive pasture utilization.
Family forest owners prioritize natural values over financial gain, controlling 286 million acres of US forestland. Limited written forest management plans and professional forestry advice are prevalent among owners.
A warmer climate could lead to higher growth and productivity on US national forests and grasslands, but at the cost of reduced freshwater yields. The study projects a 4-7% decrease in water yield by 2100, with the most severe declines in the Northwest, West North Central, and Southwest regions.
A study found that urban gardens in Chicago's African American, Chinese-origin, and Mexican-origin communities provide important ecosystem services. The researchers identified non-native crops and synthetic fertilizers as potential issues, but also noted the cultural significance of gardening for food security and community connection.
A recent NUS study found that international trade causes significant economic losses in tropical countries, with annual losses totaling US$1.7 trillion. The researchers suggest implementing measures such as an ecosystem services tax or price premiums for environmentally friendly agricultural produce to reduce deforestation and environm...
A study of 200 European forests across six countries found that species-rich forests provide a higher number and variety of services, including air filtration, carbon sequestration, and water supply. The researchers recommend transforming forests into mixed stands to increase biodiversity and ecosystem resilience.
A new study published in Nature Communications demonstrates that the fear of large carnivores can have cascading effects on the food chain and restore ecosystems. The researchers found that instilling fear in raccoons reduced their time spent feeding and reversed their impacts on their prey, leading to a healthier ecosystem.
This comprehensive genome analysis of Zostera marina provides unique insights into the genomic losses and gains involved in adapting to full marine conditions. Seagrasses have regained functions enabling them to adjust to salinity, a key innovation for these plants.
A new science framework, telecoupling, is used to examine the often unseen consequences of global transactions on human-nature interactions. The framework, developed by sustainability scholar Jianguo Liu, allows scientists to analyze how distant environmental and socioeconomic actions lead to reactions and feedbacks globally.
Scientists create artificial ice storm to study its effects on northern hardwood forests, including tree growth, pest and pathogen impacts, and nutrient cycling. The research aims to improve understanding of climate change's role in shaping forest ecosystems.
A study led by USGS research ecologist Jim Grace found that communities rich in species are substantially healthier and more productive than those depleted of species. Biodiversity is crucial for stable ecosystems and human society, the researchers say.
The article highlights the importance of stakeholder involvement in ESS research and governance, citing experiences from transdisciplinary projects in Asia, Africa, and Europe. Successful participation depends on socio-cultural context and requires different means and modes of participation during different project phases.
A recent NUS study examines the factors leading to mangrove deforestation in Southeast Asia between 2000 and 2012. The researchers found that rice agriculture in Myanmar and oil palm plantations in Malaysia and Indonesia are major drivers of this deforestation, posing future threats to the region's mangrove ecosystems.
A study by the USDA Forest Service's Northern Research Station found that institutions influence the demographic composition of scientists. The research reveals initiatives have narrowed the gender gap over the past 30 years, with women comprising 26% of scientists in R&D.
The new report summarizes the latest science on integrated watershed management to meet the needs of billions of people dependent on food, timber, and clean water. It highlights the importance of smart reforestation to mitigate life-threatening natural events like floods and landslides.
A study by the USDA Forest Service found that landscapes with 50-60% forest land use had statistically the same sink strength as those with 90-100% forest. This suggests that land use change is a substantial component of the forest carbon sink in the Eastern United States, and new approaches like establishing new forests may help seque...
Scientists at Michigan State University propose a novel approach to understanding the global impacts of megacity water demands. The telecoupling framework examines how environmental and socioeconomic actions lead to reactions and feedbacks, often highlighting research gaps previously overlooked.
A study of 46 grasslands in North America and Europe found that increasing plant diversity decreases the extent to which extreme wet or dry conditions disrupt grassland productivity. Higher biodiversity communities are more stable, exhibiting resistance during extreme climate events.
A six-year ASU experiment found that extreme weather events affect plant species differently, with grasses declining and shrubs flourishing under alternating wet and dry years. This shift could have serious consequences for humans relying on grasslands for food, particularly cattle ranchers.
The symposium aims to address the role of urban soils in storing carbon and mitigate climate change. Experts propose various management options such as biodiversity enhancement and sustainable land use practices to increase soil carbon storage.
A recent report estimates that the world loses $6.3 trillion to $10.6 trillion in ecosystem services each year due to land degradation, equivalent to 10-17% of global GDP. This loss could lead to the migration of millions of people within a decade, posing a significant humanitarian crisis.
Researchers mapped social vulnerability at the district level, identifying three clusters of most vulnerable districts containing over 1 million people. The study highlights the importance of addressing water quality, food insecurity, and access to medical care to prevent Ebola infections and deaths.
The study concludes that high-density cities with large parks or nature reserves yield the most benefits, but smaller parks and gardens also play a positive role. Compact developments incorporating large green spaces are essential for delivering ecosystem services.
Climate change and rising temperatures are giving rise to 'hotter' droughts, causing abnormally high levels of forest mortality. Temperate forests may convert to new ecological states, leading to widespread ecosystem service losses.
New research at Binghamton University finds a positive correlation between municipal power companies and increased community-wide sustainable energy policies. Municipal utilities provide financial resources and local expertise, enabling governments to take action on energy conservation and green-energy production.
A team of researchers has advanced new modeling technology to quantify human dependence on nature and its impact on human well-being. The study found that people who depended on multiple types of ecosystem services fared better than those with limited resources.
A recent study found that installing functional doors and windows in abandoned buildings can lead to a significant decrease in crime rates. Over a 2-year period, the study revealed an estimated 8 fewer assaults, 10 fewer gun assaults, and 5 fewer nuisance crimes in areas with improved building facades.
A new study assesses ecosystem service supply capacities for irrigated rice cropping systems in Southeast Asia, revealing differences between more and less intensively managed areas. The findings suggest that ES-based information can help provide alternative management options for decision-making in agricultural systems.
A major international study reveals that only two percent of wild bee species are responsible for pollinating 80 percent of global crops. This finding underscores the importance of preserving biodiversity, particularly among common wild bee species such as the common eastern bumblebee and red-tailed bumblebee.
A study by Georgia State researchers has found that protected areas in Brazil, Costa Rica, and others can prevent carbon dioxide release worth $5 billion. The research integrates modeling and empirical measures to improve conservation planning by studying policy impacts on ecosystem services.
A US forest service research team has released bats treated for White-nose Syndrome (WNS), a deadly fungus that has killed an estimated 5-6 million bats. The treatment, developed with native soil bacteria, showed promising results in field trials and could potentially reduce mortality of bats affected by the disease.
The USGS study found that rivers quickly erode sediment accumulated in former reservoirs and redistribute it downstream, returning the river to conditions similar to those prior to impoundment. In many cases, fish and other biological aspects of river ecosystems also respond quickly to dam removal.
A recent UM study found that oil and gas development has transformed vast areas of North America's rangelands and croplands, leading to vegetation loss and fragmentation of wildlife habitats. The research estimates that over half a million acres of land are lost annually, equivalent to 120.2 million bushels of wheat.
A recent study found that organic farming systems provide greater economic value than conventional systems, with ecosystem services like pest control and nitrogen release generating higher profits. The research suggests that government incentives or market rewards can encourage the adoption of sustainable practices in agriculture.
A new species of tree-killing bark beetle has been described in a paper published online in the Annals of the Entomological Society of America. The mesoamerican pine beetle was found to work in concert with the southern pine beetle, causing catastrophic damage to pines in Central America.
A Dartmouth College and US Forest Service study reveals that mild winters are not fuelling mountain pine beetle outbreaks in the coldest areas of the western United States. Instead, warming winters have allowed beetles to survive in historically unfavorable regions, leading to more severe outbreaks.
A study reveals that 70% of the world's remaining forests are within a half-mile of their edges, facing harm from urbanization and agricultural influences. Habitat fragmentation reduces plant and animal diversity by 13-75%, with negative effects magnifying over time.
A team of experts has published six natural science principles to ensure the success of Payments for Ecosystem Services (PES) initiatives. The principles, designed to be scientifically robust yet practical, focus on understanding system dynamics, monitoring outcomes, and ensuring ecological sustainability.
A new study uses ecosystem services to evaluate the potential impacts of tidal power projects on coastal environments and people. Researchers identified biodiversity, tourism, and food provision as key ecosystem services that should be assessed in the Muskeget Channel Tidal Energy Project.