Articles tagged with Ecosystems
A recent study reveals that nearly 60% of ecological studies in national parks where gray wolves were extirpated overlooked the historical presence of these apex predators. This exclusion can lead to inaccurate assessments of ecosystem changes, which can have serious implications for conservation and wildlife management.
Researchers have found a vast number and variety of day-flying insects migrating through the Pass of Bujaruelo in the Pyrenees, with flies making up 90% of the total. The insects begin their journeys further north in Europe and continue south into Spain.
Researchers at UC Davis Health discovered that mesalamine can replace good bacteria's work in fighting Candida albicans in the gut. The study found that mesalamine maintains a low oxygen environment that prevents fungal growth, reducing the risk of invasive candidiasis.
A team of international experts emphasizes the need for collaboration across borders and within countries to address the growing threat of invasive alien species. The paper, published in Nature, Ecology & Evolution, highlights the critical evaluation of existing knowledge on invasive alien species and their control.
Researchers at Trinity College Dublin discovered that over 10,000 species have been described in just 83 big genera since 2000, with roughly one in four flowering plant species belonging to these groups. Understanding the success of these large genera may help predict their response to climate change and inform conservation efforts.
A new study reveals that orchid plants support their seedlings through shared underground fungal networks, which provide essential nutrients. The findings suggest that mature orchids act as a 'parental nurture' to their developing seedlings by sharing sugars via the fungal network.
A deadly epidemic discovered last year in the Red Sea has spread to the Indian Ocean, annihilating most sea urchin populations and threatening coral reef stability. The researchers identified a scuticociliate parasite as the cause of the mass mortality.
The Zipkin Quantitative Ecology lab examines 36 highly cited papers on statistical ecology published in the journal Ecology since its inception in 1920. The team found a persistent evolution of models and concepts in the field, driven by refinements in techniques and exponential increases in computational power.
Climate change threatens freshwater habitats, disrupting microbial communities essential for nutrient cycling and water quality maintenance. Many abundant freshwater bacteria with small genomes experience extended periods of adaptive standstill, limiting their ability to adapt to changing environmental conditions.
Researchers developed an algorithm that uses stochastic differential equations to identify key data points in noisy data, improving early warning signal accuracy. The approach can be applied to various domains, including ecology and mental health, and has been validated through simulations.
A large multi-model study published in Science found global biodiversity declined 2-11% due to land-use change. Climate change could become main driver of biodiversity loss by mid-century, with combined effects leading to decline in all world regions.
A study by University of Hawaii researchers suggests that revitalizing Indigenous aquaculture systems, known as loko iʻa fishponds, can increase locally available seafood production. This revival has the potential to boost local food production and provide a sustainable solution to Hawaiʻi's seafood supply.
Researchers from Queen Mary University of London developed a novel analysis to explore the impact of parasite virulence and infection probability on species coexistence in a complex system. The study found that stochasticity plays a significant role in determining whether species coexist or go extinct.
A team of researchers has identified coral as the oldest bioluminescent organism, with a history spanning over 540 million years. This discovery sheds new light on the evolution of organisms and their interactions with other species during the Cambrian era.
Researchers observed a rare instance of lemur predation by a fosa in the Betampona Strict Nature Reserve. The impact of this predation, combined with low reproductive rates and genetic isolation, poses significant threats to the survival of critically endangered lemurs.
Kiruba Krishnaswamy's project aims to tackle hidden hunger by developing a circular, culturally appropriate food system model. The research focuses on micronutrients and community-based solutions to address malnutrition and obesity, with the ultimate goal of reducing chronic hunger.
The study revealed three genetically distinct populations of rusty-patched bumblebees, highlighting the need for tailored conservation efforts. The analysis showed low colony abundance and high rates of inbreeding, threatening the long-term viability of the species.
A new study found that rotating crops, conserving soil nutrients, and deploying diversification strategies can yield major benefits for the environment and people. The research discovered that farmers can achieve more benefits if they employ several agricultural solutions in tandem.
Researchers have developed VespAI, an automated system that attracts hornets to a monitoring station and captures standardized images using an overhead camera. The system uses AI algorithm to identify the species with almost perfect accuracy, allowing authorities to mount a rapid response.
A study found that early Mesozoic animals, including dinosaurs, grew quickly around 230 million years ago. This feature is not unique to dinosaurs but was shared by several non-dinosaur reptiles as well.
Research on South Georgia reveals that invasive species are colonizing newly exposed ground as glaciers retreat due to climate change. This process allows exotic plants and animals to rapidly adapt and spread across the island.
Virginia Tech researchers have received a five-year National Science Foundation grant to develop an open-source automated forecasting system for lakes. The system will enable real-time data collection and publishing, allowing researchers to predict water quality in lakes around the globe.
Researchers studied Prorocentrum cordatum to understand its molecular processes, revealing a unique photosynthetic machinery that may help it adapt to changing light conditions. The findings could lead to improved understanding of harmful algal blooms and their role in climate change.
Biologist Elizabeth Carlen's investigation into iNaturalist data revealed biased species distribution in St. Louis, with northern parts of the city underrepresented. The framework developed by Carlen and her co-authors identifies four filters contributing to this bias: participation, detectability, sampling, and preference.
Researchers at Berkeley Lab developed EcoFABs to standardize plant microbiome experiments, leading to findings on optimal nitrogen conditions for improved bioenergy crops. The devices also facilitate classroom learning, engaging students in hands-on research.
A new study shows that UK solar parks, if managed correctly, can support insect pollinators such as bees and butterflies. The availability of a diverse range of flowering plant species within the solar farms is crucial for increased pollinator abundance and biodiversity.
Researchers used high-resolution techniques to analyze organic material from the early Earth, shedding light on the formation and composition of ancient biomass. The study found evidence of biological origin in microscopically small particles, suggesting a turbulent history of sediment deposits.
A new large-scale study finds that functional traits, not nativeness, play a key role in shaping the effects of large mammalian herbivores on plant communities. Introducing feral cattle or water buffaloes into local areas could be a good idea for complementing native deer and promoting plant diversity.
A new species of giant anaconda, Eunectes akayima, has been discovered in the Amazon by a team of scientists led by Professor Bryan Fry. The anaconda measures up to 6.3 meters long and weighs around 500 kilograms, making it one of the largest known species of anacondas.
A new study challenges the idea that Eurasia's dominant East-West axis led to faster development due to its unique orientation. The researchers found that environmental barriers hindered the spread of cultural traits across societies, but did not consistently favor Eurasia.
The Cary Institute's new program provides nine teachers with six weeks of collaborative research experience in ecosystem science. They will develop innovative curricula based on their research, increasing their capacity to educate students about ecology and global change.
A new study published in Science found that eradicating non-native animals to protect plant species can be a flawed practice, costing millions and slaughtering healthy wild animals. The research compared the effects of native and introduced large herbivores on plant communities, finding no significant differences.
New research reveals permafrost's dominant role in shaping Arctic rivers and storing massive amounts of carbon. Thawing permafrost could unleash billions of tons of CO2, exacerbating climate change.
Leading scientists propose a new global advisory system to address the alarming impacts of urban expansion, which would fulfil a similar function as the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC). The system aims to manage sustainable growth of cities and protect vital Earth systems.
A new camera system records natural animal-view videos with high accuracy, enabling scientists to study animal behavior and navigation. The system uses four color channels, including UV light, to produce accurate video of how animals perceive colors.
A new database of 928 weed species provides a unique insight into the history of agriculture and its ability to adapt to changing conditions. The data reveals trends in arable agriculture over time and how farming practices have varied in different environments, offering potential solutions for modern-day food production.
Researchers at Worcester Polytechnic Institute have developed a material to selectively oxidize urea in water, producing hydrogen gas. The material, made of nickel and cobalt atoms with tailored electronic structures, enables the efficient conversion of urea into hydrogen through an electrochemical reaction.
A recent study reveals that solar energy facilities planted with native grasses and wildflowers can rapidly support thriving insect populations. Total insect abundance tripled at the studied sites, providing additional pollination services to adjacent agricultural fields.
An international study classifies groundwater as a keystone ecosystem, emphasizing its critical role in sustaining both humanity and biodiversity. The researchers propose eight key themes for improved groundwater conservation to reduce biodiversity loss and counterbalance climate change.
A new study uses machine learning and satellite imagery to create the first global map of large vessel traffic and offshore infrastructure, finding a remarkable amount of activity previously unknown. The analysis reveals that industrial fishing and transport activities are concentrated around Africa and south Asia.
A team of international scientists found that Southeast Asian forests resisted 'savannisation' during the Last Glacial Maximum, maintaining a mosaic of diverse closed and open forest types. Maintaining forest diversity is key to preventing future 'savannisation' and protecting tropical rainforests in regions like South East Asia.
A new study led by the Smithsonian identifies five new species of soft-furred hedgehogs from Southeast Asia, using DNA analysis and physical characteristics. The two new species, Hylomys vorax and H. macarong, are endemic to the endangered Leuser ecosystem in North Sumatra and Southern Vietnam.
A Washington State University study reveals that high-elevation snow in the Pacific Northwest is melting earlier due to frequent and intense heatwaves. The researchers found that these heatwaves have doubled in frequency and intensity since the mid-1990s, posing a significant threat to the region's water supply.
A recent study found that beef operations with lifelong grass-based diets may produce a 42% higher carbon footprint when considering soil carbon sequestration and carbon opportunity costs. This is in contrast to grain-finished operations, which have been previously shown to have a lower environmental impact. The study's findings emphas...
The current emoji library underrepresents plant, fungus, and microorganism biodiversity while overrepresenting animals. This bias reflects known biases in biodiversity assessments and conservation analyses.
Researchers investigated how urbanization affects interactions between plants and pollinators in a tropical city. They found that seasonal changes play a crucial role in shaping these interactions, leading to significant changes in plant-pollinator networks.
A new study identifies public and private companies operating in economic sectors associated with increased risks of emerging infectious diseases. Financial actors can mitigate these risks through investments that promote ecological restoration, pathogen surveillance systems, and community health care.
Researchers used AI to analyze tree databases and found that temperature and precipitation are strong predictors of non-native species invasion. The study also reveals that global forest carbon potential is considerably below natural levels, with most potential located in existing forests.
A new study compiled over 600,000 records from US and Canadian wildlife rehabilitation centers to investigate the threats facing more than a thousand species by region, highlighting human activities such as climate change and extreme weather events
Researchers characterized nearly 600 microbial genomes, revealing two types of microbes: minimalists and maximalists. Minimalists share resources with friends, while maximalists can produce energy and transform biomolecules, offering insights into life in the Earth's crust and potential on Mars.
A study by Colorado State University found that redlined communities experience higher maximum noise levels, detrimental effects on urban ecosystems, and increased human health risks like hearing loss and stress. The research highlights the need for equitable planning and noise mitigation to benefit both people and wildlife.
A new data-driven framework uses machine learning to identify keystone microbial species in human gut microbiomes, varying across communities. The study found that keystone species have context-dependent essentiality and can aid digestion, breaking down complex starches.
A recent study has unveiled two previously undiscovered families of Pseudoscorpions in Israel, including Syarinidae and Cheiridiidae. The research expands the catalog to include 61 pseudoscorpion species belonging to 28 genera and fourteen families.
A systematic review found that climate change-related concerns are linked to less positive attitudes towards reproduction and a desire for fewer children or none at all. The study identified four key factors: uncertainty about the future of an unborn child, environmentalist views on overpopulation and overconsumption, meeting family su...
A study of European river systems from 1969-2020 found that freshwater biodiversity improved until the 2000s but stagnated since then. The researchers attribute this decline to diminishing effectiveness of existing measures and emergence of new pollutants, climate change, and invasive species.
A new study led by University of Maryland Professor Sujay Kaushal reveals that human activities are making the planet's air, soil, and freshwater increasingly salty. This acceleration of the natural salt cycle poses an 'existential threat' to ecosystems and human health if current trends continue.
Ant communities in Okinawa Island show reduced seasonal behavior in areas with more human development. Researchers found that ant populations in developed sites are less predictable and have diminished seasonality compared to forested areas. The study highlights the impact of human activities on insect populations and ecosystem services.
A new study reveals that periodical cicada emergences have a cascading effect on forest ecosystems, shifting bird diets and leading to increased abundance of caterpillars and subsequent leaf damage. This research has implications for bird conservation and understanding the interconnectedness of complex food webs.
The second SELINA thematic workshop brought together over 100 participants from 27 EU member states and beyond to discuss project progress, policy needs, and potential solutions. Keynote speakers shared insights on ecosystem service accounts and corporate sustainability reporting.
Researchers from UNC Greensboro have developed new methods to predict the impact of global changes on 'grassy' ecosystems, which cover 40% of the Earth's land surface. The study aims to improve mathematical models that forecast changes in these ecosystems, including food production, pollinators, and carbon sequestration.