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.
Researchers found that urbanization increases hydrogen cyanide production in white clover as a defense mechanism against herbivores. The study, published in Science, reveals adaptive evolution due to urbanization is driving global-scale changes in plant species.
Frank Aylward aims to understand the effects of giant viruses on ecosystems and their hosts' evolution. His research will also develop novel bioinformatic tools and resources for genomic analysis of giant viruses.
The UK report highlights the importance of multidisciplinary approaches to future climate adaptation research and equitable partnerships. Embedding local knowledge and co-designing solutions with local stakeholders are crucial for effective adaptation.
The conference brings together scientists and artists to discuss eco-aesthetics and crypto-ecology, with a focus on shifting thinking and behavioral patterns towards a biotopian life. Key findings include the importance of understanding beauty in nature and its connection to art and harmony.
A study has found that lead poisoning from gun ammunition has suppressed the populations of birds of prey across Europe, resulting in a loss of around 55,000 adult birds. The impact is particularly significant for species like eagles and Red Kites, which are long-lived and breed later in life.
An international research team analyzed the microbial community living on the carapaces of deep-sea squat lobsters, finding a diverse microbiome that likely provides benefits to both organisms. The microbes utilize energy-rich chemical compounds, while the squat lobsters may use them as a source of nutrients or have them remove toxic s...
Researchers studied ancient Antarctic ice cores to understand past atmospheric carbon dioxide concentrations. They found a strong correlation between carbon fertilization and increased biological production, which dampens global warming acceleration during glacial periods.
New research suggests Joro spiders could colonize the entire East Coast of the US due to their ability to withstand cold temperatures. The spiders' fast metabolism and high heart rate also contribute to their potential spread.
Research suggests that genetic material from E. coli bacteria in farm animals may contribute to the evolution of deadly pandemic strains. The study found that ColV plasmids in pigs, cattle, and chickens can increase the likelihood of antimicrobial resistance and extra-intestinal infections in humans.
A University of California, Davis study found that farms with surrounding natural habitat experience the most benefits from birds, including less crop damage and lower food-safety risks. The presence of natural habitat was the single most important driver differentiating a farm where wild birds brought more benefits than harm.
Researchers developed a simple and efficient method for surveying amphibians using environmental DNA analysis, which can be conducted by anyone without specialist knowledge. This technique resolves issues with conventional methods such as capture and observational surveys, allowing for more accurate monitoring of amphibian habitats.
A review by Nathan et al. showcases big-data revolution in movement ecology, revealing new insights into animal behavior and habitat use. Reverse-GPS systems, such as ATLAS, track animals with high accuracy, while acoustic telemetry tracks aquatic life, providing crucial data for conservation.
A recent global study found that more than a quarter of the world's rivers had pharmaceutical concentrations at potentially toxic levels. The study, which included data from over 258 rivers across seven continents, also revealed concurrent contamination by multiple classes of pharmaceuticals.
Scientists are creating a global audio collection of aquatic life to monitor changing marine life and identify new species. The GLUBS platform uses ocean hydrophones, AI, and citizen science to analyze soundscapes and track biodiversity on reefs and other ocean habitats.
Researchers propose that cognitive activity operating on a planetary scale is necessary to tackle global issues. A mature technosphere involves integrating technological systems with Earth through feedback loops, making it self-maintaining and exhibiting emergent behavior.
A recent study published in the Journal of Wildlife Management found that vulture declines are linked to increased disease risks due to their absence. With no natural clean-up crew, diseases spread rapidly among scavenger communities, including feral dogs, which fill the ecological gap left by vultures.
A new study finds that European diets must change to reduce climate impact, with feeding livestock low-opportunity-cost biomass offering a 31% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions. The EAT-Lancet diet, which recommends reducing animal-source foods like red meat, is at odds with circular food systems that prioritize land use efficiency.
A City University of Hong Kong study found that improper disposal of surgical masks can pollute over 54,800 Olympic-sized swimming pools annually with microplastics. The research also showed that microplastics accumulate in the food chain, affecting marine organisms and potentially harming higher-level species.
A new study finds that changes in precipitation can determine whether Miami blue butterfly populations grow or shrink. The research simulated future conditions using climate models to test how butterfly populations would respond to shifts in rainfall patterns.
Researchers at the Max Planck Institute for Chemical Ecology identified a chemical substance responsible for the resistance of Nicotiana attenuata plants to sucking leafhoppers. The study used field research, molecular biology and chemical analyses to uncover a new defense mechanism in tobacco plants.
Researchers at UNH found that reducing carbon dioxide emissions can preserve almost three weeks of snow cover and below freezing temperatures. This preservation is critical for woodland animals, preventing the spread of invasive pests, and maintaining ski resorts' ability to make snow.
A new species of leafhopper, Phlogis kibalensis, has been discovered in the Kibale National Park in western Uganda. The insect belongs to a rare genus that was last recorded in Central African Republic in 1969.
Researchers found a surprising and active microbial community in deep, hot subseafloor sediment samples. The microbes thrive under conditions that suggest temperatures near the limit for life, with high metabolic rates per cell.
Researchers detected 43 trillion miniature plastic particles in Switzerland every year, with estimates suggesting up to 3,000 tonnes of nanoplastics covering the country annually. The study reveals that nanoplastics originate primarily from urban areas and global emissions, posing potential health risks when inhaled.
A diverse pollen diet and varied landscape contribute to better colony growth and more offspring for young queens. This diversity also reduces the negative effects of infestation with parasitic wax moth larvae.
A study found that increasing CO2 levels boost carbon storage in peatlands by reducing photorespiration. However, this effect depends on the intermediate water table level, not when conditions are too wet or dry.
A new study found that Tasmanian devils have picky diets and only consume their favorite foods, unlike most other scavengers. The researchers tracked the eating habits of 71 devils using whisker samples and found that most devils choose to dine on specific foods.
The DNAqua-Net team developed a practical guide for implementing DNA-based biomonitoring tools, considering four sample types and two primary analysis types. The guide sets out scientific consensus and trade-offs, addressing logistics, time, and budget constraints.
Researchers at University of Washington documented a mass mortality event among Magellanic penguins in Punta Tombo, Argentina, due to extreme heat. The January 2019 heat wave killed at least 354 adult penguins and 90 chicks, with nearly three-quarters of the deceased being adults primarily due to dehydration.
Scientists at Tokyo Metropolitan University created a computer simulation predicting the spread of an invasive beetle species threatening Japan's cherry trees. The model, based on river lengths and roads, provided accurate results comparable to real-world data.
Researchers discovered 70 new species, including beetles, sea slugs, ants, fish, scorpions, and flowering plants, from five continents and three oceans. The discoveries advance the Academy's mission to regenerate the natural world through science, learning, and collaboration.
Scientists have found age rings in Marimo, indicating their growth rate and annual growth of up to 9mm. The study also shows how the algae balls recycle nutrients through a small-scale nutrient cycle, with exchanges occurring every 105 hours.
The QUENCH network aims to discover how the quality of urban ecosystems affects nature-connectedness and health. Funded by £312,000 from NERC, UKRI, the project brings together experts in environmental science, health, psychology, social sciences, and more.
Researchers discovered that forest mammals eavesdrop on monkey meals to access fruit dropped by messy eaters. This eavesdropping strategy is crucial for these animals' survival, particularly during periods when almond trees produce abundant food.
Current climate models underestimate species extinction rates by neglecting the complexities of ecosystems. Researchers used piñon pine data to model how climate affects tree populations and distribution, finding indirect effects that cannot be captured by climate-only models.
A study by VUB researcher Ari Ximenes uncovered factors that prevent mangroves from spreading in South America. Longshore drift and chilling temperatures are major factors hindering the southward expansion of mangrove species.
Scientists discovered that fungal endophytes convert chitin to chitosan, a natural plant defense activator, to evade host defense. This conversion enables the fungus to live in symbiotic association with grasses, protecting them from biotic and abiotic stresses.
The Resist-Accept-Direct framework offers three pathways for managers to respond to ecological transformation: resisting, accepting, or directing change. The framework has been developed by natural resource managers and ecologists to guide decision-making in the face of intensifying global change.
A study by the University of Bonn shows that building Africa's 'Green Wall' is economically worthwhile due to its long-term provisioning services, such as food and water production. However, the project faces challenges in regions plagued by conflicts, which limit its potential.
A 30-year study in Brazil found that increased ultra-processed food consumption is linked to worsened environmental impacts, including greenhouse gas emissions, water footprint, and ecological footprint. Experts warn that this trend may soon affect other countries due to growing economies and nutrition transitions.
Researchers have developed a new method that uses deep neural networks to predict extreme heat waves with unprecedented accuracy, up to two weeks before they occur. This breakthrough has significant implications for risk management, planning, and warning systems, which will greatly improve public safety and support public policies.
New research from Stanford University reveals whales eat twice as much krill as previously estimated, impacting ocean ecosystem productivity. The decline of baleen whales has led to a decline in krill populations, highlighting the complex role of whales in their ecosystems.
The number of wild bees has fallen by 25% since 1990, threatening plant reproduction and food production. Researchers must assume social responsibility to communicate their knowledge and work in transdisciplinary coalitions to halt the decline.
A 1.5°C temperature increase affects algae and animal species living on UK coastlines, with significant changes in species abundance and breeding patterns. The study highlights the importance of considering local temperature variations when predicting climate change impacts.
Researchers tracked black-tailed deer before, during, and after the Mendocino Complex Fire, finding that all 18 deer survived. Despite burned areas with no vegetation, most deer returned home within hours, potentially due to their loyalty to habitat. However, some deer's body condition declined as they expanded their range.
The study suggests that unsustainable wood harvesting by the Ancestral Puebloans occurred around 2000 years ago in Chaco Canyon, USA. This practice had significant ecosystem impacts, which are still being felt today.
Researchers at Duke University used mini ecosystems to test the effects of warming on bacteria-eating protists. They found that simple measurements of species traits could predict their response to temperature, shedding light on how climate change will alter microbial communities and influence the pace of global warming.
A new study reveals that road development in sub-Saharan Africa has negative impacts on biodiversity, both inside and outside protected areas. The researchers found that roads act as barriers to movement, facilitate access to previously inaccessible land, and contribute to urbanization, logging, and cropland expansion.
The study reports 21 species of Pakistan's amphibians, highlighting the need for conservation strategies to control populations and address human-caused threats. Researchers propose an inclusive wildlife conservation approach incorporating poorly documented taxa like amphibians to maintain ecosystem health.
A new study reveals that incorporating lateral groundwater processes into forest models can significantly impact predictions of tree survival in drought conditions. By accounting for the sideways flow of water through soil, scientists can better understand how riparian forests will respond to future climate change.
A new study from the University of Illinois evaluates fintech systems in 16 emerging markets, finding that digital technologies improve access to financial services. However, vulnerable populations face barriers to usage due to digital literacy, cost, and limited consumer protections.
Research in Borneo suggests that forest patches adjacent to palm oil plantations provide critical habitats for generalist species, including the Asian water monitor lizard. These refuges help maintain biodiversity in oil palm-dominated landscapes.
Scientists at Stanford University have discovered a pattern in how life reemerges after mass extinctions. In the past half-billion years, smaller marine genera were substantially more likely to be wiped out during mass extinction events, but during recovery intervals, originators tended to be tiny compared to holdover species.
Research from the University of East Anglia found that communities living within Amazonian Sustainable-Use Protected Areas enjoy better access to essential services, including healthcare, education, and electricity. These areas also lead to improved livelihoods, with household wealth and life satisfaction increasing significantly.
Female vampire bats with close social bonds leave the roost separately but reunite when hunting, indicating a preference for cooperative foraging. The study also reveals three distinct call types used during foraging trips, including one that may help identify friends and foes.
A new study led by Rachel Penczykowski investigates the hydra effect in water fleas, where parasite infections trigger a counterintuitive increase in population density. The researchers found that infected water fleas consume less algae, leading to an abundance of resources for uninfected individuals.
A team of researchers has discovered a new group of coral-infecting microbes called Corallicolida. Despite lacking photosynthetic genes, they express chlorophyll genes and may still play a role in their host cells. The authors propose that Corallicolida could be an ancient parasite that lost its photosynthetic machinery.
A new study predicts that climate change will cause a sudden shift in algae distribution pole-wards over the next 100 years, affecting marine ecosystems. The UK is among the areas most likely to be severely impacted due to its warm waters, with changes potentially occurring before previously thought.
Researchers analyzed past fires in Klamath Mountains, finding that weather and fuels impact non-reburns while reburn intensity mirrors previous fires. Prescribed fire and wildfire management can limit severe fire conditions, maintaining moderate weather for future fires.
A study published in PLOS ONE reveals a surprising diversity of Cretaceous reptiles at an Argentina fossil site. The research expands the known diversity of reptiles at the Cerro Fortaleza locality, which previously only preserved skeletal remains of giant sauropods.