Articles tagged with Ecosystems
A unanimous international consensus reached by 26 scientists recommends specific measures for the responsible conduct of gene drive research. The group calls for all researchers to use multiple confinement strategies to prevent accidental alteration of wild populations.
Researchers discovered that a yeast byproduct can inhibit the white-nose syndrome fungus, which has killed millions of bats. The compound, tt-farnesol, is produced by Candida albicans and targets the fungus specifically without disrupting other cave ecosystem components.
Researchers have successfully mapped key functional genes in bacterial species that play central roles in maintaining ecological balance. This knowledge may lead to targeted interventions to restore ecosystem health, such as supporting keystone bacteria to mitigate diseases like Parkinson's.
Researchers have developed a cost-effective way to help ecosystems recover from human disturbances like shipping and fishing. The method uses ecological traits like resilience to optimize connections between populations, enabling conservation staff to make informed decisions about recovery plans.
Researchers at the University of Leicester identify four key changes driven by human activity: homogenization of species, Homo sapiens as top predator, direction of evolution, and interaction with technology. These changes represent a planetary transformation as fundamental as major extinction events.
A study published in PNAS found that strictly protected areas, like parks and reserves, have lower incidences of malaria, acute respiratory infections, and diarrhea. By preserving biodiversity, these areas can act as a barrier to disease transmission, suggesting a potential double win for public health benefits.
Researchers warn that genetically modified salmonids may outcompete wild-type fish due to enhanced feeding motivation. However, increased aggression could expose them to greater predation risk, reducing their overall fitness.
Seventy percent of glacier ice in British Columbia and Alberta could disappear by the end of the century, impacting energy production, water supply, and freshwater ecosystems. The Rocky Mountains are expected to lose up to 90% of its glaciers, while coastal mountains will retain only half their volume.
The IPBES conceptual framework offers a new approach to understanding biodiversity loss by incorporating traditional knowledge and social sciences. The framework is built on six main elements: nature, human benefits, anthropogenic assets, indirect drivers of change, direct drivers of change, and good quality of life.
Researchers discovered a universal mathematical property called Trophic Coherence that explains how ecosystems maintain stability and grow larger, unlike previous thought. This finding has implications for conservation efforts and may apply to finance and engineering fields.
Researchers warn that new Brazilian laws could weaken environmental protection and threaten protected areas. At least 20% of Brazil's most strictly protected areas overlap with mining interests, while large hydroelectric dams will influence many river systems.
A study by Oregon State University found that rivers can return to a condition close to their natural state after dam removal, with the biological recovery process often surpassing physical recovery. The continued presence of a dam is more significant than the sediment pulse caused by dam removal, according to researchers.
A new Northwestern University study highlights the importance of considering cultural differences in science communication, finding that media often reflects cultural orientations and assumptions. The research reveals that Native Americans tend to see themselves as part of nature, while European-Americans view humans as apart from it.
A new Dartmouth-Finnish study found that high-latitude moth populations are less susceptible to temperature changes, suggesting they may be partly buffered from the effects of rapid climate warming. The findings are important because moths are a key food source for birds and other predators.
A new series of articles in the American Journal of Botany explores how plants respond to climate change, providing insights into plant biology, ecology, and evolution. The studies reveal complex relationships between plants and wide-scale biological changes.
This study examines how Parkinson's disease affects the health-related quality of life in northeastern Sicily, Italy. The researchers applied the ecological model to investigate the individual and social environmental factors impacting patient outcomes, including depression, cognitive impairment, coping strategies, and family size.
Researchers develop equations to estimate parasite and host metabolic rates, providing a new way to understand the energetics of parasites. The model reveals that there is a limit to how many worms can be accommodated in a host, with energy being the key limiting factor.
A new method developed by researchers at the University of Exeter uses computational social science to measure the aesthetic value of ecosystems. The study found that areas in Cornwall with high levels of photographer activity, such as Kynance Cove and Port Issac, have the highest aesthetic value.
OU researchers will collaborate on a $20 million NSF EPSCoR grant to advance understanding of socio-ecological systems in Oklahoma. The project aims to develop a statewide socio-ecological observatory network, a forecasting system, and a decision-support system to address climate change and variability.
Researchers propose keystone molecules as a key factor in structuring ecosystems. These molecules have powerful effects on bacteria, seabirds, fishes, and other species. Keystone molecules also influence predator-prey relationships and can be crucial for conservation efforts.
A comprehensive study by University of Calgary ecologists finds that human activity is deliberately or inadvertently engineering ecosystems, influencing food chains in protected areas and beyond. The results challenge traditional understanding of ecosystem regulation, highlighting the critical role of humans in shaping natural systems.
The Netherlands Institute of Ecology is launching a research project to study the impact of climate change on plant range shifts and ecosystem stability. The team aims to understand how plants interact with their 'ecological partners' in new ranges, and how this affects biodiversity.
Researchers discovered three new species of carnivorous snails in Thailand's limestone areas, highlighting the importance of conservation efforts. The study found that despite human exploitation and quarrying, these unique creatures continue to thrive in specific mountain ranges.
The Yale School of Environment's Journal of Industrial Ecology publishes a special issue on Sustainable Urban Systems, focusing on integrated approaches to reduce environmental impact. Research explores global warming, waste management, and phosphorus use in cities worldwide.
Researchers found that excessive habitat heterogeneity may lead to a decrease in species diversity, contradicting current conservation practices. The study provides important insights for selecting and managing conservation areas.
A new University of Florida study shows that animal bones can provide valuable geographical data for conservation efforts. By analyzing bone accumulations on the landscape of Yellowstone National Park, researcher Joshua Miller identified critical areas for elk survival during spring and winter.
The IUCN World Conservation Congress has adopted a motion to create a Green List for Species, which will include species identified as 'fully conserved', thriving in ecologically significant numbers. The list aims to emphasize that conservation is about more than just preventing extinction and highlight successful species conservation.
A University of Georgia study reveals that native clearweed plants have evolved resistance to invasive garlic mustard, and the invasive species is countering with its own chemical warfare. The study provides evidence of coevolution between native and invasive plant species, suggesting a potential for ecosystem equilibrium over time.
Experts in ecology and conservation science argue that Rio+20 talks should consider physical limits on resource use governed by ecological principles. Human ingenuity may be insufficient to overcome the constraints of the biosphere, but positive approaches can provide solutions for sustainable development.
A recent study found that rain affects waterbird communities in urban estuaries, influencing their populations and diversity. Heavy rainfall leads to increased nutrient runoff, reducing small invertebrate populations and changing the dynamics of waterbird communities.
Researchers found that non-native plant species use different strategies, such as blooming later in the year and occupying specific habitats, to increase their frequency of occurrence. This differentiation is important for understanding modern ecosystems and recognizing potential dangers from introduced species.
A new study finds that plant responses to climate change are advancing at a rate four to eight times faster than predicted by experiments, according to natural observations. This could lead to major changes in ecosystems, pollination of crops, and water supplies, emphasizing the need for accurate predictions.
The article cites a Royal Society report predicting Chinese scientists' publications output will surpass US-based scientists by 2013. Major investments in discovery and innovation are building capacity in Korea, Singapore, and Taiwan.
Studies of 32 ecological communities reveal that a species' role depends on its evolutionary history, not geographic location. This knowledge allows conservationists to focus efforts on vital parts of an ecosystem and predict species' responses to changes.
Researchers studied geothermally-heated streams in Iceland to understand the impact of global warming on ecosystems. They found that temperature sensitivity of respiration is consistent across a range of organisms, regardless of environmental conditions.
Scientists at Queen Mary University of London study geothermally-heated streams in Iceland to explore how temperature affects respiration rates. The research reveals that the intrinsic temperature sensitivity of respiration is consistent across a range of organisms, adapted to different temperatures.
A global research team, Nutrient Network (NutNet), has grown to involve over 100 researchers worldwide in six years, using a revolutionary cooperative approach and meta-analysis of existing studies. The team's method has been recognized by Science journal, highlighting its potential for other disciplines.
Scientists call for increased awareness, global accounting, and technological innovation to address the potential social consequences of phosphorus scarcity. The element's pivotal role in fertilizer production and its impact on food security are highlighted as key concerns.
A new study reveals that extreme cold temperatures can have a devastating impact on coral reefs, causing widespread death and destruction. The research found that corals depend on symbiotic algae for nutrition, which is inhibited by cold temperatures, leading to a potential net loss of carbon transferred from the algae to the coral.
Researchers found carbon-based minerals in ancient Canadian rocks to be millions of years younger than the rock itself, questioning earlier timelines for biological life's emergence. The discovery suggests that carbon may have been introduced into the rock at a later stage, potentially altering our understanding of the Earth's evolution.
A mathematical model developed by scientists shows that ecosystems remain relatively stable despite constant changes in species populations, highlighting the ecosystem's role as a self-contained entity. This finding suggests that preserving entire ecosystems may be more crucial than protecting specific endangered species.
A new study by ecologists at Rice University and the University of California, Santa Barbara, challenges standard assumptions about biodiversity loss on ecosystems. The research suggests that changing dietary needs within species have important implications for ecosystem health, making natural ecosystems less stable than previously tho...
The specter of climate change is forcing scientists and managers to consider relocating endangered species to new habitats. This approach, known as managed relocation, raises important ethical questions about the feasibility and consequences of such actions. While some argue that relocation can help save species, others raise concerns ...
Researchers have developed an improved tool for translating lizard body lengths to weights, enabling the evaluation of species health and ecosystem condition. The method, based on empirical evidence, can predict weights of lizards in a reliable and standardized manner.
A laboratory study of microscopic organisms subjected to varying degrees of acoustic disturbance shows that competition can be a factor in regulating ecological communities regardless of the intensity or frequency of disturbance. The findings contradict the intermediate disturbance hypothesis, suggesting that there is a strong trade-of...
Researchers found that global warming led to a 30% decline in biodiversity among small mammals, with populations experiencing significant losses while the deer mouse thrived due to its adaptability. This change had ripple effects on ecosystems, affecting soil aeration, seed dispersal, and predator-prey relationships.
Two hundred fifty-five National Academy of Sciences members, including Nobel Prize laureates, support the rigor and objectivity of climate science in a joint statement. The signers confirm fundamental conclusions about climate change based on thousands of scientists' work worldwide.
The University of Southern California has been awarded a $25 million National Science Foundation grant to establish the Center for Dark Energy Biosphere Investigations. The center will explore the sub-seafloor biosphere in three main field projects at North Pond, Juan de Fuca and South Pacific Gyre.
A recent study found that the Cold War's economic isolation led to a decline in introduced bird species in Eastern Europe, while Western Europe experienced an increase. The research highlights the importance of preventing exotic species importation to prevent ecosystem disruption.
The book 'Organic Farming: The Ecological System' brings together farmer experience and scientific research to understand the role of organics in modern agriculture. It presents current research and development in organic farming, highlighting its potential to revitalize rural landscapes and communities.
A study found that perennial vegetation cover can indicate desertification processes in semi-arid esparto fields, with a positive correlation between total vegetation cover and soil fertility. This early warning system has potential for management and restoration measures before ecosystem degradation becomes irreversible.
A team of researchers uses PageRank, a web ranking algorithm, to identify critical species in food webs and predict ecosystem collapse. By applying the algorithm to ecological networks, they find that certain species play a disproportionate role in maintaining ecosystem function.
A team of Rensselaer students, led by Assistant Professor Lupita D. Montoya, is designing and building solar-powered pasteurization systems for communities in rural Peru. The project aims to help families meet governmental regulations and earn additional income by producing dairy products.
A new study reveals that climate change will bring about major shifts in worldwide fire patterns, with some regions experiencing large increases in fire activity and others decreasing. The research uses thermal-infrared sensor data to identify hotspots of fire invasion forming in parts of the western US and the Tibetan plateau.
A study found that over 80% of major armed conflicts from 1950-2000 occurred in biodiversity hotspots, which are also home to the world's poorest people. The regions are essential for both biodiversity conservation and human well-being.
Deep biosphere microbes may hold the key to recovering petroleum through complex organic reactions. Researchers at Arizona State University are studying how hot water and pressure transform organic compounds in unexpected ways.
A new study reveals that dinosaurs were not superior to their crocodile cousins during the Triassic period. In fact, crurotarsans - a group closely related to dinosaurs and crocodiles - outcompeted them for resources and explored a larger range of body types and lifestyles.
Ecosystems are increasingly connected by human activities such as transportation and land use. This can lead to
The study found that an intermediate rate of dispersal creates a 'happy medium' wherein species move around enough to adapt to harsh environments, increasing ecosystem productivity and biodiversity. This breakthrough helps ecologists develop strategies for conservation areas with high biomass and diversity.
Ecological balance diverges across cultural, economic and political perspectives, according to ASU researcher Ann Kinzig. The biosphere can be both robust and fragile, with instability in one part required for stability in another.