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.
The GREEN TALENT project aims to address climate change and biodiversity loss by boosting skills and competences in research and innovation. The four-year project will establish demonstration hubs in Malta, Greece, Cyprus, and Bulgaria, hosting 45 secondments and fostering international collaboration.
A new study from Colorado State University reveals that photovoltaic (PV) arrays in grasslands can improve soil moisture levels and increase plant growth, particularly during dry years. The research found a 90% increase in grass production on the east side of panels compared to neighboring open sites.
Global soil nitrous acid emissions have increased from 1980 to 2016, contributing to a 2.5% annual rise in the global surface ozone mixing ratio. This can lead to overexposure of vegetation to ozone, affecting ecosystem balance and food crop production.
New research finds megalodon preyed upon a variety of species, including fish, sharks, and even crustaceans, contrary to the long-held belief that it targeted large marine mammals. The discovery was made by analyzing zinc isotopes in fossilized teeth, providing insights into the prehistoric shark's ecological versatility.
A new international study shows that El Niño and La Niña climate patterns affect nearly half of the world's mangrove forests, threatening these vital coastal ecosystems. Mangroves are experiencing widespread degradation during El Niño events and increased growth during La Niña events.
Researchers found that gradual warming causes significant changes in the plankton community, while heatwaves amplify these effects. The study used historical data and an experiment to simulate future warmer scenarios with and without heatwaves.
A study of 900 species over 20 years found that diverse natural communities are more stable than those with fewer species. Functional diversity is a key factor in stabilizing communities, especially for species with different traits.
A new study found that half of the remaining habitat of Australia's most critically endangered species is unprotected, posing a significant risk to their survival. The research identifies 85,000sqm of habitat as crucial for protection and management to halt new extinctions.
Researchers linked comprehensive datasets with physical ocean processes to understand the exceptional marine biodiversity around the Cape Verde Archipelago. The study identified three key mechanisms driving nutrient transport and found that physical dynamics influence not only productivity but also the type of organisms present.
A new international study published in Nature Ecology & Evolution found that fertilizer can help plants survive short-term periods of extreme drought. The researchers added nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium to 26 sites across 9 countries and found a 24% increase in plant growth with fertilizer addition.
Researchers have found new organisms that can capture carbon dioxide and clean pollutants from the environment. By exploring extremophiles in homes, scientists can gain insights into their unique characteristics and develop sustainable solutions.
Researchers highlight the need to study floating solar projects' impacts on birds and other wildlife, aiming to avoid negative effects while promoting ecological benefits. The study suggests examining bird behavior interactions with floating PV systems and identifying risks and solution pathways for coexistence.
Researchers found Antarctic krill exhibit a daily rhythm of activity, with increased swimming at night and synchronization with seasonal variations. The internal clock helps krill adapt to extreme polar conditions.
Scientists have named a new species of fish from the Cretaceous Period, Sivulliusalmo alaskensis, which is the oldest salmonid in the fossil record. The discovery provides insight into the evolutionary history of the salmon family and suggests that they likely originated in the North.
Scientists have discovered a Triassic-era fossil with an elongated jaw structure, similar to modern-day pike and needlefish. The findings suggest that different species independently evolved similar jaws hundreds of millions of years apart, highlighting the universal problem-solving strategies in nature.
The observation pyramid uses different robot platforms to survey ocean areas, enabling flexible task management. Autonomous robotic organizations will reduce costs, improve mission efficiency and increase system robustness.
Researchers created a novel machine learning tool to identify rare microbes, solving a major issue in microbial ecology. The tool demonstrates statistical robustness and practical applications, enhancing biodiversity assessments and climate change evaluations.
A long-term field experiment in Yorkshire Dales shows that combining different restoration techniques can enhance ecological benefits of grasslands. The study found that using combinations of fertilizers, seeds, and manure boosts plant diversity, pollination, and carbon storage while balancing hay yields for livestock.
A new study using satellite data and genetic analyses reveals that increased vegetation growth in European mountains reduces the genetic diversity of medicinal plants, including Greek mountain tea. Genetic diversity dwindles as shrubs and trees spread in previously open grasslands.
Juvenile salmon were found to roam miles of coastline, moving between freshwater and saltwater and exploring rivers as they go. This behavior improves their resilience by locating new habitats and reduces competition, increasing their chances of survival.
A study by scientists at the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute found that juvenile fringe-lipped bats do not initially differentiate between palatable and unpalatable frogs and toads, but learn to identify toxic species through experience. As they mature, adult bats respond more strongly to palatable prey.
Recent rainfall patterns play a critical role in triggering humid heatwaves in tropical and subtropical regions. In drier regions, humid heatwaves are more likely during or just after periods of enhanced rainfall, while in wetter regions, they tend to follow at least two days of suppressed rainfall.
Research by NIOO-KNAW reveals that less intense farming practices, such as reduced ploughing and increased grass-clover mixtures, can improve soil health and multifunctionality in both conventional and organic agriculture. This approach, known as 'productive de-intensification,' aims to retain crop yields while enhancing soil functions.
The 2025 BioOne Ambassador Award recognizes exceptional early-career researchers who are advancing public understanding of science through effective communication. The award highlights their outstanding research and commitment to sharing their work with a broader audience.
The University of Texas at Arlington's 23 patents granted in 2024 helped boost the UT System's position among the nation's top innovators in patent technology. The UT System ranks No. 3 in the National Academy of Inventors' prestigious top 100 ranking.
A new autonomous drone system, WildWing, provides ecologists with deeper insights into animal behavior in the wild by collecting dense animal behavioral data. The system has been shown to improve accuracy and reliability compared to human-driven attempts, enabling scientists to focus on scaling up research objectives.
The inaugural eLTER Science Conference in Tampere, Finland will explore integrated approaches to ecosystem research. The conference features sessions on groundwater dynamics, novel environmental monitoring technologies and ecosystem restoration.
A recent study found that urban bird species exhibit more elaborate colours and less brown plumage compared to those that fail to thrive in cities. This suggests that urbanization plays a role in shaping the colouration of birds in these environments.
Research reveals that infected starlings have limited access to high-quality foraging habitats, leading to poorer physical condition and lower chances of survival in their young. Infected birds spent less time foraging and were more picky in their choice of habitats, resulting in 12% lighter offspring.
The study reveals that animal behavioral diversity is at risk due to declining biodiversity, which can be linked to human activities. Preserving cultural behaviors, such as tool use in primates, could aid in developing comprehensive conservation strategies.
Researchers argue that scientists should use storytelling techniques to convey their work, appealing to humans beyond technical writing. They propose methods such as embracing storytelling, sharing behind-the-scenes stories, and using personal anecdotes to inspire meaningful action.
The C-Path-led initiative brought together clinical trial sponsors, eCOA technology providers, and regulators to identify and address eCOA implementation issues. Key resources developed during the initiative include guidance on COA data collection and a more open, collaborative environment.
A study by Eawag and the University of Zurich found that human impacts on biodiversity are widespread and severe, with average species declines of 20% across all biogeographic regions. The composition of species communities is also shifting, with environmental pollution and habitat changes having a particularly negative impact.
A new book by Lancaster University historian James Taylor highlights the lives of pioneering female stockbrokers who challenged societal beliefs about women and money. The study reveals how these women fought against exclusion and ultimately won the right to join the London Stock Exchange in 1973.
A study published in Ocean and Coastal Management reveals that artisanal fishers can be almost as accurate as satellites in producing environmental data. The researchers mapped seagrass beds along the coastlines of five Greek islands, with fishermen's maps showing an average accuracy of 78%, compared to 11% more than government policies.
Researchers have found that chemicals used to preserve shark jaws do not affect isotopes, enabling the use of preserved jaws for revealing what sharks eat and where they feed. This study contributes valuable insights to the field of stable isotope analysis in shark and ray teeth.
A new study from Colorado State University found that fortified corrals can reduce livestock losses due to predator attacks on nearby carnivores. The study demonstrated a beneficial spillover effect where households neighboring those with chain-link corrals also reported fewer attacks on their livestock.
Whales play a critical role in moving nutrients across ocean basins through horizontal transport in their urine. Scientists estimate that great whales transport approximately 4,000 tons of nitrogen each year to low-nutrient coastal areas in the tropics and subtropics.
Climate change impacts Arctic coastal ecosystems through melting glaciers, altering kelp growth and elemental composition. Kelps are highly susceptible to changes in run-off intensities, leading to increased metal concentrations and negative ecological consequences.
The U.S. research ecosystem, fueled by high-performance computing, is facing a critical moment due to slow infrastructure growth and funding cuts. The National Science Foundation's staffing cuts will slow down the process of innovation, potentially harming the country's competitive edge in research.
A Rice University study has found that rising temperatures exacerbate competition within populations, leading to population crashes. This research provides a critical link between temperature increases and declines in species populations, shedding new light on the threats posed by global warming.
A study of Asian hornets found over 1,400 different species in their guts, including a wide range of bees, wasps, and insects. The diet varied strongly over the seasons and between regions, showing that they are highly flexible predators.
Hungarian researchers have identified unique bacterial communities in thermal waters that may help unravel the development of stromatolites, one of Earth's oldest rock formations. The findings provide valuable insights into biological and geological processes occurring in extreme environments today.
A study by the University of the Basque Country found that dam removal increased pebble mobilization in terms of number and distance. The researchers monitored 1,800 stones for seven years, revealing significant sediment transport increases along stretches under dam influence.
A new species of manzanita has been discovered on the central coast of California, but its survival is already at risk due to urban development. The species, Arctostaphylos nipumu, lacks a protective burl that allows some other manzanitas to resprout after wildfires.
A long-term study in the Spiti valley of the Himalayas found that livestock grazing leads to reduced spider populations and increased grasshoppers and disease carriers like ticks and mites. The researchers suggest rewilding native herbivores and improved surveillance to mitigate these changes.
Research advances higher-order networks to capture multi-agent interactions, enabling accurate modeling of biological, social, and physical systems. The Dirac-Bianconi operator provides a powerful generalization of the graph Laplacian, encoding local and global interactions across different topological dimensions.
Research published in New Phytologist reveals that Japanese knotweed's ability to outcompete native plants lies in its rapid clonal propagation method. This study provides crucial insights into the invasive plant's success and offers valuable knowledge for developing effective control methods.
Researchers discovered rate-induced tipping in Daisyworld, a model that regulates temperature through light and dark daisies. This finding mirrors observations in other models and real-life ecosystems, highlighting the danger of rapid environmental changes.
A new computer vision framework, YOLO-Behavior, automatically identifies animal behaviors from videos, overcoming manual annotation limitations. The method has been applied to various study systems, doubling available data for parental care behavior and enabling rapid analysis of cooperative behavior.
Research published in Nature Communications reveals that fewer forest fires are burning today than in the past, despite recent record-breaking fire years. This 'fire deficit' allows fuel to build up over time, creating conditions for more severe fires. The study highlights the importance of beneficial management fires on the landscape.
A Tel Aviv University study found urban bats have shorter pregnancies and start reproducing earlier due to favorable temperatures and food abundance in cities. This is the first study linking urban living to mammalian reproductive patterns.
Researchers discover broad active metabolic pathways, autophagy, and antagonistic hormones regulating dinoflagellate cyst dormancy in marine sediments. The study sheds light on the molecular machinery required for maintaining dormancy and viability.
Researchers uncover statistically significant structures in humpback whale song, mirroring patterns found in all human languages. This breakthrough highlights a deep commonality between humans and humpback whales, showcasing the role of learning and transmission in complex communication systems.
Researchers found that sustainability certificates improve cocoa yield and income for small-scale producers, but have no effect on biodiversity in plantations. The study suggests that further biodiversity conservation measures are needed to achieve tangible environmental benefits.
Researchers propose a new framework describing living matter as a double cascade spanning 18 orders of magnitude in space and time, with critical points marking the emergence of self-replicating machines and complex societies.
Research reveals that Eurasian Steppe grasslands are more susceptible to drought than North American Great Plains due to lower plant diversity. The study found a 43% reduction in annual productivity in Eurasia compared to a 25% reduction in North America under similar extreme drought conditions.
Researchers introduce 'fitness centrality,' a faster method to identify crucial elements in any network, with practical applications in supply chains, ecological conservation, and cybersecurity. The approach streamlines analysis, making it practical for vast networks.
Adam Leroy, a professor of astronomy at Ohio State University, has been recognized with the 2025 Henry Draper Medal for his groundbreaking work on the interstellar medium and its relationship to star formation in nearby galaxies. His research has provided unprecedented detail on the physical nature of this material, advancing our under...
The study proposes a 'school within a school' approach to enable small changes that can affect entire systems. Researchers highlight the need for transformational changes to better prepare students for the age of Artificial Intelligence.