Articles tagged with Human Ecology
A social media analysis by the University of Helsinki reveals that nature has an important role to play in tourism beyond the beaches, with 25% of photos taken in conservation areas and a third in natural settings. This finding suggests that Central and Southern Europeans tend to focus more on nature than British or Nordic visitors.
Researchers at University at Albany found a near full recovery from metal pollution in Adirondack surface waters since the enactment of the Clean Air Act. The study analyzed sediment samples and found a greater than 90% reduction in metal contamination across four ponds.
Researchers identified three hotspots of hantavirus circulation in wildlife, including Virginia, Colorado, and Texas. The study found 15 rodent species as carriers, including six new hosts, and explored the impact of climate change on transmission.
The research analyzed satellite images and machine learning to detect forest loss in Ukraine during the war. The study found that Ukraine lost over 800 km² of forests in 2022 and 772 km² in 2023, mainly due to fires in war-torn regions.
The Ecological Peace Corridors concept aims to connect fragmented protected areas across international borders, promoting cooperation and minimizing disputes over resources. By leveraging artificial intelligence and zoning systems, these corridors could foster peacebuilding before conflicts escalate or in post-conflict efforts.
A team of researchers at UPV/EHU has created an algorithm to map burnt areas on a global scale, detecting fires as small as 250 meters. The method uses data from various satellites and achieves a higher resolution than existing systems.
A new UC Davis study found that culturally relevant support in school positively impacts adolescents' academic engagement, emotional well-being, and social experiences. The research highlights the importance of culturally sensitive educational practices and policies to promote youth development in multicultural settings.
A new study of 21,000 marine animals reveals that even pristine habitats are at risk due to human activities and climate change. The research highlights the impact of cumulative human stressors on global marine fauna, emphasizing the need for targeted conservation efforts.
Researchers from FAU and UPR will study cultural dimensions of ecological instability in South Florida and Puerto Rico, capturing nuanced ways communities respond to environmental disruptions. The project aims to develop strategies to mitigate harm and enhance adaptability.
Researchers found that human migration to the South Pacific Islands led to a reduction in the uniqueness of plant species, with homogenization occurring over approximately the last 3,000 years. This process coincides with human occupation and modification of flora through introduced non-native plants and activities.
Erle Ellis, professor of geography and environmental systems, argues that human societies have developed unprecedented capabilities to scale up and transform ecological systems. However, these advancements often come with negative environmental consequences, such as climate change and species extinctions.
The São Paulo School of Advanced Science on Transdisciplinarity for Transformative Change is a training opportunity for graduate students and researchers to co-produce knowledge for global sustainability. The school will focus on transdisciplinarity in social-environmental sciences, offering state-of-the-art science and research results.
Researchers discovered that ancient Alaskans between 13,000 and 11,500 years ago relied on freshwater fish like burbot, whitefish, and pike for sustenance. This finding provides insight into how early humans adapted to environmental changes, using techniques such as nets and weirs.
Current measures to protect grasslands in the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau are damaging the ecosystem and should be stopped. Small burrowing mammals, like the plateau pika and zokor, play crucial ecological roles in maintaining ecosystem health and biodiversity.
A study from Dartmouth College found that athletes' physique is adapted to shedding or retaining heat in certain climates, affecting their performance in Ironman events. Taller, leaner runners excel in warm climates, while stockier builds fare better in colder climates.
A new study by Oxford University Press USA found that watching nature documentaries, such as BBC's Green Planet, increases public awareness of plants and their importance. The researchers measured online behavior and found a significant effect on viewers' interest in portrayed plant species.
A new study from Pusan National University explores the use of collaborative artificial intelligence models in fashion design, finding that human designs offer unique originality and creativity. The researchers propose a human-AI collaborative network to produce novel designs, which can also be used as a learning tool for non-experts.
A recent meta-analysis found that humans are currently living an average of 9.7 km away from a natural area, which is 7% further away than in the year 2000. This decline in interactions with nature is primarily driven by urbanization in Europe and East Asia.
Researchers analyzed over 4,500 documents to understand fungal dispersal across spatial scales. They identified four scales of movement, from microscopic to landscape, and found that climate change affects where fungi reside. More data is needed to understand the biodiversity of fungi and their movement in ecosystems.
A NASA initiative studies wildfire-induced air pollution by measuring atmospheric CO and O3 levels using airborne observations. The study found that CO levels increased in the plume as it was transported away from the fire site, while plume age was associated with distance in both vertical and horizontal directions.
Human activity on Hainan Island is causing changes in the body shapes and diets of tropical birds, resulting in biotic homogenisation. Despite efforts to protect biodiversity, the island's unique ecosystem is being affected by large-scale economic and land-use changes.
Researchers found that livestock grazing had no negative impact on snow leopard distribution or density, and the species can coexist due to their separate ecological niches. The study suggests a more nuanced approach to conservation and land use, prioritizing the preservation of rocky mosaics.
Researchers studied Paradise, California's response to the 2018 Camp Fire. They found that community responses vary greatly due to distinct fire and demographic characteristics.
Researchers studied evacuees from Finland during WWII and found that cultural similarities, such as language and social networks, were crucial for successful migrations. Being younger, male, educated, and linguistically similar to the host population also increased the likelihood of staying in a new home.
University of Otago researchers suggest kurī have significant ecological impact on New Zealand's biodiversity, predating kiore and humans. Kurī may have contributed to extinctions of moa chicks, takahē, kākāpō, kiwi, and marine mammals.
Raising water levels in agricultural peatlands can mitigate climate change by reducing CO2 emissions. Halving drainage depths could cut emissions by 1% of all global GHG emissions, equivalent to 500 million tons of CO2 annually.
Researchers mapped forest composition and vulnerability in Central Africa, finding some areas more sensitive to climate change than others. The study suggests that preserving diversity of forest types is essential for sustainable management policies and fighting against climate change.
The paper synthesizes five leading frameworks of urban ecology to advance global urban science and achieve sustainability goals. By integrating knowledge from different disciplines, the framework offers practical tools to assess sustainability planning and improve human-environmental wellbeing.
A Rutgers study found that two-fifths of commercial fishermen did not fish earlier this year due to market disruptions, while nearly all reported a decline in income compared to previous years. Some species, like squid and scallops, saw decreased catch, while others, such as black sea bass and haddock, maintained or increased their catch.
A severe drought in East China from August to October 2019 was exacerbated by warm central equatorial Pacific sea surface temperatures and global warming. The study suggests that while natural climate variability played a role, human-induced climate change amplified the droughts likelihood.
A recent study shows that rare terrestrial mammals and birds are more threatened by human activities than common species, with many facing extinction within 40 years due to climate change. Conservation efforts must account for the ecological rarity of these species to ensure their survival.
The Ecological Society of America's 104th Annual Meeting emphasized the importance of inclusive approaches in ecology, fostering connections between disparate landscapes and disciplines. Key sessions explored the intersection of human and non-human nature, agricultural practices, and environmental justice issues.
A new study predicts that Midwestern corn growers will require irrigation as temperatures rise and crop yields increase, posing risks to local water sources. The researchers found that the warmer atmosphere will draw more moisture from plants, necessitating a significant expansion of irrigation to maintain current yields.
The study examines four decades of research on large mammals in Yellowstone National Park, revealing the influence of wolves on elk calf survival, bear relationships with hunters, and vegetation recovery
A new study finds that variation within species can have significant ecological effects, rivaling those of the entire species. This challenge traditional views on biodiversity and highlights the importance of preserving trait variation within species.
A recent study by Cornell University's Adam Anderson found that the eyes are crucial for emotional communication, with specific features like eye openness and eyebrow distance revealing mental states.
The Ecological Society of America recognizes Diana Harrison Wall, Kathleen Weathers, and Debra Peters with the Eminent Ecologist Award, Eugene P. Odum Award for Excellence in Ecology Education, and Distinguished Service Citation, respectively, for their outstanding contributions to ecology.
Historical ecologists identify key questions about past human-environmental relationships to inform modern sustainability efforts. The research aims to bridge the gap between natural and social sciences, incorporating Indigenous knowledge and perspectives.
The field of landscape ecology offers a powerful tool for policymakers due to its ability to operate at multiple scales and across human and natural systems. This unique perspective can help address environmental transformation by informing policy and management decisions.
A new report argues that landscape ecologists can inform policy decisions on managing global change. The field offers unique insights into combining urban planning and landscape ecology to create sustainable land-use policies. Collaborative efforts between landscape ecologists and policymakers are underway to protect sensitive ecosystems.
The article explores ecological innovations for infrastructure in the face of climate change, focusing on harmony rather than control. It highlights the importance of understanding natural systems to create sustainable and resilient cities.
A new study from the University of Alberta suggests that men's fair contribution to housework is linked to more frequent and satisfying sex in their relationships. The research found no correlation between the amount of housework completed and sexual functioning, contradicting previous studies.
A study published in Science reveals that humans exploit adult fish populations at 14 times the rate of marine predators and hunt large land carnivores nine times faster than their wild counterparts. This unprecedented level of predation highlights humanity's role as a 'super predator' driving widespread wildlife extinctions.
Researchers will discuss infectious disease ecology, including Ebola and MERS, as well as forest biodiversity and the impact of climate change. The conference also explores urban ecology and its relevance to environmental problems.
A study of 50 years of marine biodiversity data found that human activities like pollution and sedimentation led to diminishing biodiversity in developed areas. However, protected or restored sites showed increases in species diversity, particularly among lower-level food-web organisms.
A new study by Cornell University analysis found that foreclosures during the late 2000s housing bust led to a significant increase in racial segregation in the US. Black and Latino neighborhoods experienced significantly higher foreclosure rates than white areas, with some communities losing up to 8 homes per 100 homes.
Aid workers should consider long-term archaeological information about local building practices when providing shelter after natural disasters. Archaeological research reveals that communities in the Caribbean have been rebuilding homes for centuries using effective and culturally relevant designs.
A 14-year study in the Parc National des Écrins reveals human occupation and activity from Mesolithic to Post-Medieval periods, with complex Bronze Age structures and evidence of pastoralism. The research highlights the role of climate and human activity in shaping Alpine landscapes.
A study by Jordan Smith found that residents in growing communities trust information from family members, churches, and local newspapers more than elected officials or national news sources. This shift can lead to conflicts over values and ideologies, complicating long-term environmental and community planning.
Scientists discuss spillover of infectious diseases among wildlife, domestic animals and people; find links between environment and human health. The symposia will address human influences on viral and bacterial diseases through alteration of landscapes and ecological processes.
Symposia focus on ecological dynamics of infectious diseases, examining human influences on viral and bacterial diseases through landscape alteration. Researchers aim to integrate biomedical and ecological approaches to address public health issues.
This study explores the global nature of figs' association with humans, revealing their importance as a food source, animal fodder, and traditional medicine. Fig trees provide barkcloth, handicrafts, and other materials, emphasizing the consistent similarities in human values.
A new study finds weak support for the dilution effect, which suggests that higher biodiversity reduces disease transmission from animals to humans. Instead, researchers found variable links between biodiversity and disease prevalence, influenced by disease systems, local ecology, and human social context.
A team of researchers used computational modeling to study the evolution of Neanderthals in response to climate change, revealing that they were as adaptable and resourceful as modern humans. The study suggests that Neanderthals' success led to their own extinction due to interbreeding with modern humans.
A recent study reveals that humans are the primary agents of exotic earthworm dispersal in North America's forests. Non-native species can accelerate organic material breakdown, reducing habitat for animals and increasing soil erosion.
A new study reveals archaeobotanical evidence of beer brewing in Mediterranean France, dating back to the 5th century BC. The findings suggest that the French had an early passion for beer brewing, alongside regular wine making.
Lyme disease expert Dr. Richard Ostfeld assesses the ecological factors contributing to its expanding range, shifting focus from deer to white-footed mice as critical hosts for black-legged ticks. He recommends steps to prevent Lyme disease expansion and highlights links between land-use planning and biodiversity loss.
The new book 'Urban Ecosystem Ecology' aims to understand the complexities of urban ecosystems and provide solutions for managing their environmental impacts. The book covers topics such as wildlife, water quality, air quality, and climate change, and offers practical guidance on green infrastructure planning and urban forestry.
Researchers examine how humans impact ecosystems through nanomaterials, green roofs, and airborne microbes in hospital settings. Findings reveal altered plant growth, changed microbial communities, and diverse insect species on green roofs.
Trade in coral and tropical fish is substantial and growing, removing millions of animals a year. The US can leverage its market power to reduce the environmental impact by protecting more species and promoting humane sales.