Articles tagged with Ecosystems
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 team of scientists has discovered a new species of fairy wrasse in the mesophotic coral reefs off the coast of Tanzania, dubbed the 'Vibranium Fairy Wrasse' due to its purple scales. The discovery sheds light on the unique ecosystems of the twilight zone, which are just as vulnerable to human threats as shallow reefs.
The Ecological Society of America's 104th Annual Meeting emphasized the importance of inclusive approaches in ecology, fostering connections between disparate landscapes and disciplines. Key sessions explored the intersection of human and non-human nature, agricultural practices, and environmental justice issues.
A new method has been developed to predict the vulnerability of ecosystems, focusing on predators' body mass and prey characteristics. The approach enables researchers to determine habitat structure and stability without comprehensive data on all organisms.
Scientists studied planktic foraminifera fossil record, finding that global recovery took around ten million years after the Cretaceous-Paleogene extinction. The study suggests that it will take an extremely long time, likely millions of years, to recover from current climate crisis.
Researchers question the predictability of ecosystem changes when apex predators are reintroduced, citing climate change and invasive species as complicating factors. The study's findings have big implications for wildlife conservation in places like Yellowstone National Park.
A new study has found that increased human activity along the boundaries of the Serengeti-Mara ecosystem is having a detrimental impact on plants, animals, and soils. The study reveals how population growth and livestock in buffer zones are reducing available migration routes for wildebeest, zebras, and gazelles.
Increased human activity along the boundaries of protected areas is degrading vegetation, altering grazing opportunities, and cascading down the food chain, favoring less palatable plants. This could make the ecosystem less resilient to future shocks such as drought or climate change.
Researchers have reconstructed the geological history of a remote sector of the African Rift Valley using fieldwork and numerical modeling. The findings indicate that the rift valley formed around 3.7 million years ago and was short-lived, with deformation migrating westward into the Lake Turkana region.
A study of woodland star wildflowers found remarkable diversity in their scent compounds, with many species and populations producing unique floral bouquets to attract insect pollinators. The findings suggest that natural selection has shaped the biochemistry of floral scents in different ways among different populations.
Researchers at Arizona State University have found that biochemistry is governed by general organizing principles, applicable from individual organisms to ecosystems and the biosphere as a whole. These universal principles can help constrain the emergence of life on other planets.
A non-biting midge, Eretmoptera murphyi, is found to release large volumes of nutrients into the soil on Signy Island, affecting peat decomposition and biodiversity. The single introduced species can lead to a three- to four-fold increase in nitrogen relative to areas without its presence.
A recent study finds that introductory biology textbooks devote less than 1% of their text to discussing insects, despite them making up over 60% of animal species. This lack of coverage provides a poor foundation for understanding ecosystems and biodiversity.
A survey of horticultural employees found that knowledge of beneficial plants for pollinators is a weak topic, highlighting the need for specialized education and training. The researchers recommend more-detailed labeling of pollinator food plants to benefit customers seeking pollinator-friendly options.
Gene editing technology poses risks and benefits for ecosystems, human health, and community values. A proposed international oversight panel aims to address these concerns through inclusive deliberations and standardized reports.
Researchers at CCNY use network theory to predict which species are most vulnerable to extinction under climate change and when an ecosystem may collapse. The K-core metric identifies peripheral species that are likely to go extinct first, providing early warning signals for ecosystem collapse.
The Renaissance Computing Institute (RENCI) is part of a $3 million pilot project to create a model and strategic plan for NSF's largest scientific facilities. The goal is to establish a reservoir of expertise on best cyberinfrastructure practices.
A new study uses satellite technology to measure the impact of droughts on photosynthesis and ecosystem respiration. Researchers found that during dry years, natural ecosystems removed about 30% less carbon from the atmosphere, leading to faster CO2 concentration increases.
A study by Hokkaido University researchers found that branching complexity of rivers, rather than ecosystem size, contributes to regional population stability in nature. This challenges current theories and highlights the importance of environmental diversity in maintaining stable populations.
Researchers found no evidence that a single mosquito species is vital to the ecosystem, reducing its removal would not significantly impact local animals. Locally eliminating this mosquito could drastically cut cases of malaria, but more research is needed.
A 1.4 billion-year-old lake deposit in Ontario has provided fresh evidence of the Earth's atmosphere and biosphere during a time leading up to animal life. The findings suggest that oxygen levels were much lower than today, with primary productivity being less than half as high.
A 100-million-year-old tick discovered in Burmese amber provides insight into the intricate relationship between ticks and spiders. The ancient arachnid is bound in spider silk, offering a unique snapshot of this interaction.
The discovery of two new species of saber-toothed predators in Russia sheds light on the early evolution of mammals and a significant shift in predator roles after the mid-Permian extinction. The findings, published in PeerJ, reveal that a global turnover in predators occurred after this mass extinction event.
A recent study found that chimpanzee beds have a greater diversity of microbes than human beds, but with fewer types of bacterial contamination. The research suggests that human attempts to create clean environments may make our surroundings less ideal.
The study investigates the effects of different disturbance events on a simple microbial food web, finding that the type of disturbance affects bacterial communities and stability. The results highlight the importance of considering trophic interactions and time factors in ecological systems.
Researchers found that species' phenology shifted four days earlier per decade after 1981, with increased synchrony between species pairs from 0.97 to 6.1 days per decade. However, the magnitude of shifts and correlations with temperature changes remain uncertain due to short time series and variations among species.
Crab spiders aid buckler-mustard plants by eliminating plant-eating insects and their larvae. This unexpected alliance benefits the plant, as it increases the production of floral volatile that attracts beneficial spiders.
A team of researchers analyzed how diverse social norms impact cooperation using game theoretical methods. They found that adopting 'dividualism' leads to the extinction of a norm assessing helpful behavior towards bad individuals, contradicting previous research based on individualism.
Scientists warn that introducing a virus to control the common carp population may harm ecosystems. The Australian government's plan is based on limited data and may not be effective in reducing carp populations without causing environmental damage.
A team of scientists from UC Davis used the ising model to study pistachio tree synchronization, finding that magnetic connections between trees can explain their synchronized behavior. The study, published in PNAS, provides new insights into ecological systems and their effects in natural and managed environments.
A Montana State University ecologist has received a prestigious Swedish professorship to further his research on predator-prey relationships and conservation of Africa's top carnivores. The award allows him to collaborate with experts in molecular ecology and explore how human activities isolate ecosystems.
New study finds that mammal movements are reduced by up to three-fold in areas with high human activity, affecting not only individual animals but also ecosystems. Movement distances vary by species and resource availability, suggesting a complex interplay between humans and wildlife.
Two new treefrog species were recently discovered in the Amazon Basin of Bolivia, Peru, and Brazil, shedding light on previously unknown species. The scientists also drew parallels between the natural world and Stanley Kubrick's film A Clockwork Orange.
Phosphorus recycling was much lower in ancient oceans than today, limiting biological productivity and potentially causing a false negative in searches for life on other planets. Volcanic sulfate played a crucial role in phosphorus cycling before oxygen became abundant.
A survey of urban homes in Raleigh, North Carolina found that high-traffic rooms with many windows and doors harbor more insect diversity. The study also revealed that neighborhood affluence plays a role in hosting a greater variety of species. Human behavior, including tidiness, had a minimal impact on bug communities.
Researchers analyzed 560 European peat bog samples to study how they respond to different temperatures, precipitation levels, and air pollution. They found that functional redundancy allows the ecosystem to survive despite changing species due to climatic conditions.
A new study reveals that healthy coral populations can produce significantly more offspring than degraded populations, with higher percentages of successful parents and increased reproductive output. This finding highlights the critical role of healthy coral reefs in supporting reef recovery and re-seeding other areas.
Two mass extinction events led to the survival of a low number of 'weedy' species that spread globally, affecting ecosystems and biogeography. The findings shed light on modern high extinction rates and potential consequences for current biodiversity loss.
Researchers analyzed over five decades of data to find that changes in non-extreme precipitation are more significant than previously realized. The study highlights the importance of examining precipitation in a nuanced way, as even small changes can have a substantial impact on ecosystems and resource management.
A global analysis suggests that climate change could lead to the extinction of up to a third of parasite species by 2070. The study used museum collections and GPS coordinates to understand conservation risks. Parasite diversity is a key indicator of ecosystem health, highlighting their critical role in maintaining balance.
A new classification scheme for planetary stages based on non-equilibrium thermodynamics categorizes worlds by energy flow and life's effect. This framework, proposed by researchers, places Earth in Class IV due to its thick biosphere and strong impact from human activities.
The Gulf of Mexico's unique flora and fauna are detailed in two open-access books compiled by editor C.H. Ward, covering topics such as water quality, oil seepage, and commercial fisheries. These studies provide an extensive baseline assessment of the Gulf's state and health before the devastating 2010 spill.
A new study reveals vast knowledge gaps in island-restricted bat species, emphasizing the importance of prioritizing conservation efforts for these vulnerable habitats. The research identifies areas with high levels of endemic bat species and underscores the urgent need to protect their islands and populations.
A study documents the African leopard's caloric demands and predatory behaviors, revealing that males spend 26% of their daily calories on territorial patrol, while females expend 8% on parenting. This data provides insight into the cats' behavior, allowing researchers to assess ecosystem impacts and predict human actions
The designation as a Biosphere Reserve has improved the life quality of Urdaibai citizens by promoting well-being and sustainability, according to research. However, some residents feel the measures do not go far enough to guarantee conservation.
Researchers found high numbers of invasive species in island and coastal regions, particularly in the Hawaiian Islands, New Zealand's North Island, and Indonesia. The study highlights the need for effective measures to prevent further introductions of alien plants and animals into vulnerable ecosystems.
A new study reveals that vegetation can alter climate and weather patterns by up to 30 percent. The researchers found substantial feedback loops in semi-arid regions, where vegetation growth enhances heat transfer and increases cloudiness, affecting surface radiation.
Researchers developed a new vending machine system with a 'delay' bar and LED screen to display delay times for unhealthy snacks. The DISC system led to a 2-5% increase in healthy snack purchases without harming total sales volume or revenue, offering a viable option for vending machine owners.
International research effort has advanced agriculture in space and led to Earth-based advances, including LED lighting and new seed potato propagation techniques. Plants will be a major component of proposed regenerative life-support systems for human space exploration, providing food, oxygen, and aiding water recycling.
Researchers found that atmospheric CO2 concentrations remained stable around 190 ppm during ice ages, preventing extreme cooling. This suggests a 'thermostat' mechanism maintained habitable temperatures, with slower-growing organisms reducing carbon in soils and oceans.
Researchers used trained detection dogs to locate cheetah scat and signs in Western Zambia, detecting the species throughout a survey area. The study estimates a cheetah density of 5.9-6.6 individuals per 1000 square kilometers.
Conservationists from around the world gather to discuss a critical shift in thinking, recommending a more vigorous application of information from the fossil record. They suggest embracing novelty in ecosystems while preserving natural diversity, highlighting cases where conservation can benefit both humans and nature.
A new study reveals that land-use changes such as deforestation and expanded agriculture significantly increase CO2 emissions, but also reveal a higher rate of carbon uptake among terrestrial ecosystems.
A recent study by University of Montana researcher Ashley Ballantyne and former doctoral student William Smith found that land ecosystems take up less carbon during periods of rapid warming and more during periods of slower warming. This slowing-down is attributed to reduced plant respiration, not increased photosynthesis.
Plant scientists have developed a new classification system for European vegetation, consisting of 1298 basic-level types. The system aims to standardize classifications across the continent, aiding the European Union Nature Information System.
Researchers have identified four new species of parasites infecting an invasive freshwater fish in Japan. The discovery sheds light on the role of parasites in natural ecosystems and their potential impact on native species.
A new study assesses the feasibility of green façades as a climate change mitigation strategy in urban environments. The research reveals that experts estimate the likelihood of implementation at only 2% without incentives, but increases to 14% with financial and legislative support.
Indirect effects of rising CO2 levels, such as changes in soil moisture and plant structure, have a bigger impact on ecosystems than previously thought. These effects can explain up to 28% of total plant productivity response and are almost equal to the size of direct effects on evapotranspiration.
Research finds climate change denial correlates with political orientation, authoritarian attitudes, and a tough-minded personality. Climate change is often framed as a threat to the poor or weak, which may not be convincing for those who prioritize hierarchical power structures.
A study published in PLOS ONE found that golden eagles are more abundant in open, elevated areas with high wind speeds. These areas provide better hunting opportunities and allow for efficient flight, suggesting a preference for landscapes with these characteristics.
A better understanding of how pollinators interact with plants is key to untangling the decline in pollinator health. Researchers are using molecular genetic analysis to reconstruct historical records of plant visits by native bees across 10 prairie sites in Kansas.