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Genomics study of snapper finds three populations

A large genomic study of snapper has identified three distinct oceanic snapper populations between Shark Bay and Ceduna in South Australia. The populations are genetically distinct and have unique geographical ranges, suggesting that snapper can make long-distance movements.

SourceFlinders University·JournalEvolutionary Applications·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 30, 2022

First major dolphin DNA study

A comprehensive census of common dolphin populations along Australia's southern coastline has identified key pointers for future conservation efforts. The study highlights the importance of preserving adaptive DNA diversity and promoting connectivity between dolphin groups to support long-term gene flow and adaptation.

SourceFlinders University·JournalBMC Ecology and Evolution·TypeSurvey·DateJul 12, 2022

New research finds deep-sea mining noise pollution will stretch hundreds of miles

A new study found that noise from one mine alone could travel approximately 500 kilometers in gentle weather conditions, with cumulative impacts likely in areas with multiple mines. The deep sea is home to organisms found nowhere else on Earth, and mining activities could have untold impacts on these species.

SourceUniversity of Hawaii at Manoa·JournalScience·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJul 7, 2022

What the nose doesn’t know helps wildlife: Using olfactory cues to protect vulnerable species

Scientists have discovered a way to harness animals' olfactory ability to protect endangered plants and animals by masking their scent, disguising it, or spreading similar scents. This method is more effective, sustainable, and animal-friendly than traditional deterrents like fences and lethal control methods.

SourceEcological Society of America·JournalFrontiers in Ecology and the Environment·DateJun 21, 2022

Why confronting invasive species is one of the best ways to prepare for climate change

A new study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences found that the ecological impact of invasive species alone is comparable to its combined effect with warming temperatures, drought, or nitrogen deposition. This suggests that managing invasive species at a local level can make ecosystems more climate resilient.

SourceUniversity of Massachusetts Amherst·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 2, 2022

California’s 2020 wildfire season

The study found that fires in 2020 followed an accelerating trend of increased burn area, severity, size, and costs to society and the economy. Human-caused fires accounted for nearly 60% of fires, but lightning-sparked fires burned more than five times the area burned by human-caused fires.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·JournalGlobal Ecology and Biogeography·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMay 4, 2022

New research will help minimize impact of wind energy development on migratory birds

Researchers used weather radar data to identify areas where large numbers of migrating birds fly through the rotor-swept zone and stopover in high densities. This information can guide the placement of new wind energy development and turbine operation to minimize collisions and habitat loss.

SourceUniversity of Maryland Center for Environmental Science·JournalConservation Letters·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMay 4, 2022

Marine mollusc shells reveal how prehistoric humans adapted to intense climate change

A study of ancient shell remains found at El Mazo cave site reveals that prehistoric humans in Europe adapted to a 1,500-year cold period by exploiting different mollusc species and avoiding overfishing. This research provides insights into human responses to climate change and its impacts on marine environments.

SourceUniversitat Autonoma de Barcelona·JournalScientific Reports·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 22, 2022

Private protected areas help conserve overlooked and threatened regions

New research reveals that private protected areas (PPAs) are twice as likely to be in areas with human disturbance and three times more likely to protect key biodiversity areas. PPAs account for 1.2% of these areas, increasing connectivity by over 7%. This study highlights the importance of recognizing their role in conservation efforts.

SourceUniversity of Leeds·JournalNature Ecology & Evolution·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateApr 7, 2022

How does perennial grassland cover affect duck nest survival?

A new study published in The Journal of Wildlife Management found that perennial grassland cover affects duck nest survival differently depending on its dominance as a landcover type. In the Prairie Pothole Region, intermediate levels of perennial cover (30–60%) showed no additional benefits for nest survival.

SourceWiley·JournalJournal of Wildlife Management·DateApr 6, 2022

Locally sourced: Pelican prefer native fish to sportfish at Utah's strawberry reservoir

Researchers found that pelicans primarily eat native fish species like Utah sucker and chub, with only a small percentage of cutthroat trout consumed. This discovery provides managers with more insight into the ecological dynamics of the reservoir, allowing them to focus on other factors impacting trout populations.

SourceS.J. & Jessie E. Quinney College of Natural Resources, Utah State University·JournalCanadian Journal of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences·TypeObservational study·DateMar 7, 2022

Disaggregate and rule: Optimizing power consumption estimation in commercial buildings

Researchers propose a disaggregation strategy to estimate power consumption of individual electrical facilities, improving accuracy over traditional methods. The new approach uses linear regression residuals and clustered daily routines to provide more accurate estimations for workdays and holidays.

SourceTokyo University of Science·JournalEnergy and Buildings·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateFeb 28, 2022

African Heritage Sites threatened by coastal flooding and erosion as sea-level rise accelerates

Climate change is threatening African cultural and natural heritage sites, with 56 of 284 sites identified as highly exposed to extreme sea levels and erosion. The number of affected sites is projected to triple by 2050 under high emissions scenarios, highlighting the need for urgent climate change adaptation measures.

SourceUniversity of South Africa - Cape Town Campus·JournalNature Climate Change·DateFeb 10, 2022

Withdrawal of rivers and lakes is faster near cities

A study published in AGU Advances found that water depletion from rivers and lakes accelerates near urban centers due to factors like increased evaporation and groundwater exploitation. Researchers analyzed satellite imagery of the US from 1984 to 2018 and developed a model predicting surface water loss proximity to cities.

SourceUniversità di Bologna·JournalAGU Advances·DateFeb 10, 2022

Increase in home delivery service usage during COVID-19 pandemic unlikely to last

Research at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute finds that over 90% of people who use online delivery services would likely revert back to their original way of shopping. Delivery service users access products in four categories: groceries, food, home goods, and other items, with grocery deliveries having the highest proportion of new ado...

SourceRensselaer Polytechnic Institute·JournalTransportation Research Part A Policy and Practice·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateFeb 3, 2022

Power at sea: towards high-performance seawater batteries

A team of scientists from Korea Maritime and Ocean University has developed a novel synthesis route to produce a high-performance co-doped anode material for rechargeable seawater batteries. This breakthrough enables the creation of efficient and sustainable maritime applications, including emergency power supply for coastal nuclear pl...

SourceNational Korea Maritime and Ocean University·JournalCarbon·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 31, 2022

Powerful sensors on planes detect crop nitrogen with high accuracy

Researchers from the University of Illinois developed a system using hyperspectral sensors on planes to quickly and accurately detect nitrogen status in corn crops. The technology achieved up to 85% accuracy and has potential for use in satellites, enabling farmers to make informed decisions about nitrogen side-dressing.

SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences·JournalInternational Journal of Applied Earth Observation and Geoinformation·DateJan 13, 2022