Articles tagged with Ecosystems
The COAST-SCAPES project published its first policy brief, outlining six policy priorities for building climate resilience across land-coast-sea systems. The project aims to connect scientific understanding with practical experience to support lasting climate resilience.
A new study analyzed over 180 million water measurements from the French long-term monitoring program
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 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...
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.
Avian influenza poses a significant threat to vulture populations globally, as the virus has spread widely in critical vulture habitats, causing thousands of deaths. To mitigate this threat, researchers propose a holistic approach, including monitoring, vaccination campaigns, feeding stations, and strict biosecurity protocols.
A new EU project, TETTRIX, aims to integrate European taxonomic data, tools, and expertise to inform biodiversity conservation and ecosystem resilience. The project will develop innovative tools and services to advance species identification and strengthen the connection between taxonomic knowledge and policy-making.
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.
The SO322 expedition explores the environmental consequences of polymetallic nodule mining, revealing slow recovery and significant ecosystem disruption. Researchers investigate the effects of sediment plumes and artificial hard substrates on seabed communities, shedding light on the abyssal ecosystem's complexity and interconnectedness.
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.
Stronger winds are associated with lower water-use efficiency across 80% of monitored sites, with evapotranspiration being the main driver of this effect. Future climate changes in wind speed could significantly influence ecosystem water-use efficiency, especially in humid regions and evergreen needleleaf forests.
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 found that beech seedlings that were slightly taller than their immediate neighbours at the end of their first year of life had a higher chance of survival two decades later. This suggests that even small initial differences in size contribute to long-term growth and survival.
Rewilding tropical atolls with native vegetation and seabird populations could help islands keep pace with rising sea levels. The study found that these measures can boost coral reef growth and sediment production, reducing wave-driven erosion and increasing reef accretion potential.
A recent study revealed that corn cultivation played a crucial role in the subsistence and development of large villages in the Brazilian savanna. The research, which analyzed minute chemical variations in human bones and teeth, provided a record of diet throughout life. Corn consumption was comparable to that of Mayan and Andean popul...
Curtin University's BioBlitz identified 572 unique species across three campuses, using environmental DNA to shed light on biodiversity. The initiative provides practical experience for students and establishes a baseline for tracking biodiversity changes.
Researchers at Colorado State University have successfully planted 40,000 native sedge seedlings in Yosemite's meadows to restore ecosystem health. However, the recovery process will be slow, with the meadows still losing carbon overall, highlighting the need for continued restoration efforts.
This special issue investigates biodiversity loss, ecosystem stability, and resilience in the face of climate disruption and global change. It welcomes contributions on ecological restoration, nature-based solutions, and adaptive management to address biodiversity conservation and ecosystem function.
When temperatures spike, coast redwoods slow their photosynthesis, chemical reaction that turns sunlight, water, and carbon dioxide into carbon for growth. This reduces their ability to
A new study shows that Hurricane Helene deposited nearly one-fifth of annual microplastics at one North Carolina site, intensifying storm-induced microplastic pollution. Microplastic deposition was three to 22 times higher than before the storm, with significant implications for human health and biodiversity.
A University of Cambridge-led team has created detailed 3D maps of the Cairngorms National Park, revealing the beginnings of large-scale recovery of native woodland. The maps show over six million individual trees, with 40% under five meters tall, and provide insights into habitat type and tree regeneration.
Researchers identified 33% of rivers and streams rated above-average for resilience, concentrated in Pacific Coast, Northern Rocky Mountains, and Great Lakes areas. Conserving 35% of waterways could sustain biodiversity, but only 6% is currently protected and resilient.
A new species of 240-million-year-old prehistoric animal from Tanzania has been discovered, which could refine the age of one of the world's most significant fossil sites and reshape the timeline of early dinosaur evolution. The discovery links Tanzanian and South American fossil-bearing rocks, showing they are of equivalent age and co...
A new study by Colorado State University reveals that ag irrigation prevents higher greenhouse gas emissions by avoiding land conversion, saving 363 years' worth of emissions. Irrigation allows the US to grow more food on less land, reducing land-use change and its associated emissions.
An international team reconstructed a 1,000-year timeline documenting human impact on the ecosystem surrounding Crawford Lake. The analysis of sedimentary ancient DNA samples revealed changes in plant, animal, and microbial communities over the centuries.
A recent study found that coyote density in Seattle is 9 times higher than in wild areas, with urban coyotes benefiting from abundant food and reduced predation. Coyotes' diets are also more diverse in cities, with a wider variety of food options available, including berries and rabbits.
The new journal aims to publish research on key topics focused on ecosystems, biodiversity, and policy. Its first issue includes papers on pollution, climate, and biodiversity, and is overseen by a diverse group of academic editors.
Research shows that a moderate presence of pikas improves the composition of vegetation for grazing yaks, increasing the abundance and nutritional quality of palatable grasses and sedges. This moderate presence helps suppress tall poisonous plants, thereby facilitating weight gains in yaks.
The Chesapeake Bay saw a 7% increase in underwater grasses in 2025, with gains in salty waters, reaching 89,385 acres. However, regional declines were observed, particularly in the Tidal Fresh Zone and Virginia tributaries due to invasive aquatic plant reductions.
A new study found that forests with greater tree species diversity show smaller declines in productivity during compound climate extremes and recover more effectively afterwards. Biodiversity acts as a form of biological insurance, helping forests maintain stability in an increasingly unpredictable climate.
A study found that bats, not bird numbers, contribute to pest control in macadamia nut production. Higher bat activity reduces insect damage and increases yields, with natural habitats playing a crucial role in supporting beneficial organisms.
A new study from the University of Georgia found that Joro spiders eat different insects and a wider variety than native orb weavers, suggesting they don't compete for food. However, Joros are still taking up physical space, but can often be found alongside native spiders in their webs.
Microplastics have been found throughout a protected Florida wetland, with concentrations highest along waterways. The study reveals that water movement plays a crucial role in transporting and concentrating microplastics within the ecosystem.
The NHS 10 Year Health Plan fails to mention nature or biodiversity, a critical omission in mental health care and prevention strategies. The authors argue for a shift towards nature-based approaches to address the growing burden of mental health issues.
A study by the University of Queensland suggests that urban parks lack vital midstorey vegetation, which is essential for small animals and birds. The researchers propose designing parks with denser, midstorey vegetation to improve the quality of urban green space and support wildlife, while also promoting community wellbeing.
Microplastic pollution in dryland dumpsites accelerates due to intense sunlight, heat, wind, and open burning, transforming plastics into smaller, more reactive particles that spread through soil, air, water, and food systems. Aging microplastics increase metal adsorption and organic pollutant partitioning, posing emerging biological r...
Irrigated mountain hayfields act as large filtration systems, reducing nutrient concentrations in runoff and improving water quality. This study found that voluntary adoption of best management practices can effectively mitigate the impacts of agricultural nutrient use in mountain meadow hay systems.
Dolphins use acoustic cues to navigate and find food, with whistles associated with social behavior and echolocation linked to sound-producing fish. The study reveals distinct patterns in dolphin communication, suggesting dolphins favor different habitats for socializing and hunting.
Researchers found that fruit trees like apples benefit from rising temperatures due to reduced late-frost damage, while wheat yields decline due to heat stress. The study highlights the importance of pollinators for crop yields and suggests strategies to support pollinators and adapt to climate change.
Researchers used fossilized leaf cells to recreate tree canopy of PETM, a period of global warming comparable to today's climate. The study found widespread browning of landscapes and reduced rainfall triggered by volcanic carbon release.
The Conservation Gap Analysis of Select Native Asian Oaks reveals over half of native ranges are under human pressure, with many species lacking backup in botanical collections. The report prioritizes oak conservation efforts in Southeast and East Asia, focusing on regions with high human impact and limited protected area coverage.
A University of Michigan study finds that fungi are far more abundant deep below ground than previously thought, with over 689 unique species identified. The researchers also discovered complex underground food webs and found evidence of carbon sequestration in the Earth's crust.
The VALOR project aims to co-develop a comprehensive approach to understanding the impact of pollinator decline on food systems. A new collection in the Research Ideas and Outcomes journal provides an open-access hub for researchers, policymakers, and practitioners to access outputs and tools related to pollinator conservation.
A new study reveals that Northern Eurasia's carbon sink is driven by climate change, with stronger sinks in western and southern regions. Forest productivity is a key determinant of the regional carbon sink, not just warming alone.
A new global database has been developed to map pathogens and antibiotic resistance risks in coastal waters, providing a practical tool for assessing biological risks. The Coastal Water Pathogen Database integrates shotgun metagenomic sequencing data from six coastal regions across three continents.
Researchers found that as salinity increases in freshwater environments, microbial communities lose diversity due to faster-growing strains taking over, but maintain overall growth rates. This effect is also observed in natural ecosystems across different environments.
Researchers argue that EU and UK wildlife protection frameworks are fragmented, selective, and exception-based, threatening biodiversity. The authors propose strengthening laws to recognize animal sentience and introducing 'ethical continuity' into the legal framework.
Researchers discovered that cyanobacteria band together into protective flocs when attacked by predators, a survival strategy that could influence how carbon is stored in the world's waters. This behavior helps explain why cyanobacteria invest energy in forming flocs despite the apparent cost to their growth.
The report provides an ecological characterisation of two contrasting habitat groups: inland peat-forming wetlands and coastal lagoons. Hydrology is identified as the dominant control on ecosystem functioning, with a persistently high water table sustaining anoxic conditions in peatlands.
New research shows that tadpoles adapt their diet in response to rising temperatures, consuming more plant material and eating overall. However, this natural strategy becomes less effective as temperatures continue to rise, with consequences for growth, development, and survival.
Giant kelp forests in Southern California are controlled by how much kelp survives disturbance, rather than its growth rate. Winter storms significantly shape their productivity, with disturbances removing biomass and changing forest recovery abilities.
Researchers found that taller trees have an advantage in younger forests due to increased light capture, but shade-tolerant species thrive under tall canopies in older forests. This study reveals a mechanistic explanation for forest succession and offers insights into climate modeling and forest management.
Scientists have made a breakthrough in understanding the diets of southern right whales, discovering they eat a wider variety of seafood than previously thought. Analysis of whale poo from around the world has revealed a diverse diet including crabs, shrimp, and jellyfish, which may help them adapt to climate change.
New research from University of Georgia finds that prescribed burns are a significant source of fine particle pollution, affecting nearby communities. The study analyzed state burn permit records and found that Georgia experiences the highest population exposure to fine particle pollution, with over 40 smoke-impacted days annually.
A Korea University study reveals that reusable beverage systems can deliver significant environmental benefits when paired with efficient washing technologies. The research finds that automatic tumbler washers can maximize sustainability, while manually washed tumblers have the highest impacts among reusable options.
A new study reveals that sponges may use photosynthesis, increasing the productivity of tropical coral reefs. Sponges were found to account for 11% of gross primary productivity, surprising researchers who previously considered them as pure consumers.
A new study by Swansea University introduces a One Health Sustainability Framework linking biodiversity, ecological condition, and environmental sustainability with wellbeing outcomes in nature prescribing. The framework highlights the need to understand what kinds of nature and how much are needed to support health in a sustainable way.
A nationwide study across China reveals that fungal species with broad geographic distribution are the dominant drivers of soil carbon decomposition. These widespread saprotrophic fungi play a crucial role in shaping future carbon dynamics under climate change.
Researchers at Linköping University found that old oak trees and semi-natural grasslands are crucial habitats for many species. The study identified thresholds for habitat size needed to support species survival, providing conservationists with concrete data to prioritize cost-effective interventions.
A global analysis of fish biodiversity in rivers reveals that warmer climates and larger catchment sizes are associated with increased biodiversity. However, human activity weakens this relationship, particularly in smaller river catchments. The study demonstrates the potential of environmental DNA as a tool for rapid, large-scale biod...