Articles tagged with Rainforests
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.
International team discovers seven new species of giant pill-millipedes with largest chirping organs, found in rainforests and isolated forest fragments. Conservation efforts needed to protect these microendemic species due to impending mining projects.
Research reveals Amazonian forests are being altered by multiple environmental factors, creating greater perils for the world's largest rainforest. The study found that fragmented forests change rapidly, with trees dying and vines proliferating, while nearby undisturbed forests also experience changes.
A new analysis of NASA satellite data reveals a gradual decrease in Congo rainforest greenness, suggesting a slow adjustment to long-term drying trend. The study found that climate factors such as land surface temperatures and decreased cloudiness contribute to the observed browning of the forest canopy.
Max Planck researchers found that Carabayo shares similarities with extinct Yurí and Tikuna languages, suggesting a genetic link between the three. The study provides evidence of linguistic family ties in the region.
New research reveals that humans have actively managed Southeast Asian rainforests for over 11,000 years by clearing vegetation to plant food-bearing plants. Pollen samples and archaeological findings indicate repeated disturbances to vegetation since the end of the last ice age.
A new study has found that fungi regulate diversity in rainforests by making dominant species victims of their own success. Fungi spread quickly between closely-packed plants of the same species, enabling a wider range of species to flourish.
Researchers discovered that widespread deforestation leads to shifts in nitrogen-fixing microorganism communities, potentially reducing the Amazon's ability to lock up carbon dioxide. The findings suggest a complex relationship between land use change and microbial composition.
A team of scientists found that male katydids can synchronize their chirps in the presence of a masking trill, with the ability to detect low-frequency components. The researchers used tiny hook electrodes to study the neural activity of katydids and discovered that an auditory neuron was involved in detecting these frequency components.
A new study reveals that nearly 17,000 kilometres of road were built in the Brazilian Amazon every year between 2004 and 2007. This expansion had a significant ecological impact, with indirect effects including changes in air and soil temperature, moisture, and animal movement restrictions.
A new study suggests the southern portion of the Amazon rainforest is at a much higher risk of dieback due to stronger seasonal drying, which could lead to large volumes of carbon dioxide release and disrupt biodiversity. The researchers found that global warming is the most likely explanation for the lengthening dry season.
A study reveals why Puerto Rican lizards don't rapidly extend their dewlaps like Jamaican cousins, instead using alternative strategies to enhance detection of displays. The research shows the island's species lacks physiology for rapid movement, relying on tailoring speed and duration of displays to match forest conditions.
Scientists at the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute reviewed 6,000 measurements of ancient temperatures to understand the past impact of global warming on rainforests. They found that diversity increased during hothouse conditions, but surprisingly, rainforests never extended beyond the modern tropical belt.
Research shows that conserving rainforests in the Amazon River Basin can increase electricity production from hydropower projects by up to 30%. The study highlights the critical role of rainforests in generating rainfall and river flow, which ultimately power production.
Researchers have discovered the original host of ancient pigmy moths was a rainforest plant in the myrtle family. The moths' evolution reveals unique adaptations for courtship and mating.
A study by University of Michigan researchers found that strictly protected areas and indigenous lands successfully limit deforestation in the Amazon. The research used remote-sensing data from 292 protected areas and found that these types of protection are more effective than sustainable-use areas.
A study by University of Exeter researchers reveals tropical forests' sensitivity to climate change, with significant carbon release expected if climate models are inaccurate. The team found a correlation between year-to-year variations in carbon dioxide concentration and long-term changes in tropical forest carbon storage.
Scientists at Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research propose a new method for measuring system stability, which could help predict tipping points in the Amazon rainforest and assess cancer risk. By analyzing data from diverse systems, researchers found that basin stability is a key factor in determining stability.
A recent study found that deforestation in the Amazon rainforest leads to a net loss of diversity among microbial organisms, which are crucial for ecosystem function. The research revealed biotic homogenization and reduced genetic variation in bacteria across converted forests, compromising ecosystem resilience.
A recent study found that Amazon deforestation results in a significant loss of microbial diversity, leading to reduced ecosystem resilience. The research team discovered that the conversion of rainforest to agricultural pastures causes a homogenization of bacterial communities, resulting in a net loss of diversity.
A new study estimates that a 6,000-hectare forest hosts around 25,000 arthropod species, with some species found in just one hectare. The research also found that the diversity of arthropods can be accurately predicted from plant diversity.
The Carnegie Airborne Observatory's AToMS system is uncovering a previously invisible ecological world by combining laser and spectral imaging instrumentation to derive simultaneous measurements of an ecosystem's chemistry, structure, biomass, and biodiversity. This technology has applications ranging from mitigating climate change to ...
A study by Thorsten Dittmar and colleagues reveals that the Atlantic Ocean is receiving a significant amount of stable carbon compounds from the Brazilian rainforest, which was heavily deforested in the 1970s. The compounds, originating from charcoal left in the soil, are affecting biogeochemical cycles for centuries and millennia.
Researchers discover high genetic diversity in lichens growing on trees in Norway's boreal rainforests, challenging assumptions about species' ability to spread and survive. The findings suggest that even in small fragments of habitat, genetic material can be exchanged between neighboring populations.
A new study reveals that even drought-resistant tree species in the Bornean rainforest will face increased mortality due to El Nino events. Replacing coal with natural gas could reduce global warming by 40% under certain scenarios, according to a separate analysis.
Researchers at Aarhus University have discovered that climate change over millions of years shapes the composition of species assemblages in the tropics. The study reveals distinct differences in palm species diversity between South America and Africa, with South America boasting higher biodiversity due to its relatively stable climate.
A yearlong science education program connects K-8 teachers from central Phoenix to those in Panama, empowering them to teach critical thinking skills, science knowledge, and cultural awareness. The project utilizes Vidyo technology to create a global classroom, fostering connections among middle school students.
A team of ecologists found that Central European meadows and long-grazed grasslands are the most species-rich areas on Earth, with some regions boasting over 942 plant species per hectare. The study's findings predict a total of 219,204 species globally, remarkably close to current estimates of 275,000 species.
A new species of tiny, black and orange grasshopper-like insect has been found in the Toledo District of southern Belize. The insect, Ripipteryx mopana, is only 5mm long and uses its large jumping hind legs to escape predators.
A recent study analyzed data from tree species censuses and fossil evidence to chart diversity in rainforests. The results show that variation in species richness among families is very similar across tropical forests, suggesting that community structure in rainforests cannot be attributed to stochastic factors.
Researchers have re-discovered a rare and endangered primate species in Borneo's Wehea Forest, highlighting the need for further scientific research and conservation strategies to protect the remaining rainforest. The rediscovery of Miller's grizzled langur was made possible through camera trap images taken by PhD student Brent Loken.
Researchers found that as spider size decreases, brain size increases proportionally, with even the smallest spiders able to weave webs and perform complex behaviors.
A study of over 60,000 individual fig flowers found that male pollinator fig wasps work together to chew escape tunnels for their females, increasing escape rates. In contrast, non-pollinating parasitic fig wasps, which are driven by aggression, fail to cooperate and have lower success rates.
A study by University of Leeds ecologists reveals that over 80% of ant species found in pristine forests were also present in logged areas. This finding has implications for forest conservation, suggesting that areas previously thought to have little value can still support diverse communities.
A rainforest vine has evolved a dish-shaped leaf with strong echoes to attract bat pollinators. The researchers found that the leaf reduces search times by 50% when presented above a feeder, indicating its effectiveness as an echo beacon.
Researchers at the University of Exeter have developed a system to anticipate high-risk climate tipping points, providing early warning systems for devastating consequences. By analyzing observational data, scientists can identify signs of instability in climate systems, allowing for forewarning and adaptation.
Researchers discovered that ants use chemical signals on their host tree to distinguish it from competing plant species. The team found that the ants more aggressively attacked papers coated with extracts from a closely related species, demonstrating the high degree of specificity for their host tree.
Cola detectives use protein testing to verify natural ingredients in premium soft drinks, detecting plant proteins in drinks claiming 'organic agave syrup and cola nut extracts'. Coca Cola products, without natural cola extract claims, have no detected protein, giving consumers a certificate of authenticity.
Scientists discovered that ancient rainforests had more veins per unit area in leaves of flowering plants, allowing for increased water availability and carbon capture. This finding suggests that improved plumbing systems in these plants contributed to the evolution of modern rainforest ecosystems.
Cocaine production in Colombia accelerates rainforest destruction, threatening biodiversity hotspots. Designated protected areas can help preserve ecosystems.
Researchers found two severe Amazon droughts in 5 years have caused widespread and severe impacts on the region's rainforests. The carbon impact of these droughts may exceed previous estimates, potentially offsetting the Amazon's ability to absorb CO2 from the atmosphere.
A unique orangutan rescue project in Bukit Tigapuluh is at risk due to selective logging concessions by Asia Pulp & Paper/Sinar Mas Group. The project has been deemed critical for tiger conservation, with over 30 tigers and 150 elephants calling the forest home.
Climate change threatens tropical rainforests, requiring a new approach in forest management and conservation. Strategic planning is crucial for linking existing national parks into larger protected areas to preserve biodiversity.
Scientists discovered that rainforest collapse triggered an evolutionary burst among reptiles, leading to increased diversity and adaptation. The event, which occurred 300 million years ago, isolated populations of reptiles and allowed them to evolve in separate directions.
Researchers found that tropical rainforest diversity increased rapidly during a 56.3 million year-old global warming event, with new plant species emerging at an accelerated rate. Despite expected devastation, forest ecosystems fared surprisingly well under the warmer conditions.
The Amazon Basin acts as a self-contained biogeochemical reactor during the rainy season, producing organic material that serves as cloud condensation nuclei. This process allows scientists to investigate natural cloud formation and precipitation without human influence.
Researchers found that pristine rainforests in the Amazon produce aerosol particles that act as seeds for cloud formation and precipitation. These particles are formed from organic molecules emitted by trees and other biological matter, and play a crucial role in sustaining the hydrological cycle.
Research team isolates aerosol particles in near-pristine pre-industrial conditions, shedding light on cloud formation and precipitation. Organic compounds from plants are found to be a primary source of submicron particles, which can affect climate.
Researchers isolated aerosol particles in near-pristine pre-industrial conditions, providing crucial clues about cloud formation and differences between natural and polluted environments. The finding could help understand global climate change and inform modeling of anthropogenic perturbations.
New research reveals that reforestation of damaged rainforests captures more carbon than softwood monoculture plantations. Restoration projects store significantly more carbon in above-ground biomass compared to monoculture and mixed-species plantations.
A recent research trip across the western Amazon revealed surprising results, with protected areas and indigenous reserves showing promising signs of effectiveness. The study also highlights the need for sustainable growth that balances economic development with environmental protection.
New climate simulations published in Proceedings of the Royal Society B demonstrate flowering plants' crucial role in regulating climate in ever-wet rainforests. Replacing these plants with non-flowering varieties leads to significant decreases in rainfall, underscoring their importance in maintaining tropical ecosystems.
Researchers at University of California - Berkeley have identified four distinct species of the secretive Hemidactylus fasciatus gecko in West African rain forests. The discovery was made using new DNA analysis techniques that distinguish different species even when they appear similar.
A new study by Georgia State University professor Paul J. Ferraro found that saving rainforests and protecting national parks reduced poverty in Costa Rica and Thailand in the long term. The research suggests conservation efforts may provide economic opportunities through tourism and infrastructure development.
Researchers from the University of Central Florida used LiDAR technology to map the ancient Maya city of Caracol, detecting over 11,000 new structures and confirming its size. The technology revealed extensive agricultural terracing, showing the Maya were adept at 'building green' long before modern terminology.
Skull fragments of prehistoric koalas from the Riversleigh rainforests suggest they had a 'lazy' lifestyle and produced loud calls like modern koalas. However, they did not share the specialized eucalyptus leaf diet.
Researchers found that tropical forest fragments store significantly less biomass and carbon dioxide than continuous natural forests. The study used a simulation model to analyze the impact of habitat fragmentation on the Atlantic Forest in Brazil.
A team of researchers proposes a novel approach to protect the Amazon rainforest by leaving oil reserves untouched and selling carbon credits. This initiative could fund rainforest protection and combat climate change, but skeptics raise questions about funding and environmental integrity.
Research at the University of Leeds found that logged rainforests can recover biodiversity to pre-logging levels within 15 years through managed restoration. This approach can also support carbon offsetting, providing a stronger incentive for protecting vulnerable forests.
Researchers have discovered a rich cache of plant fossils in Colombia, providing the first reliable evidence of how Neotropical rainforests looked 58 million years ago. The fossil record shows that many dominant plant families still exist today, indicating a relatively stable ecosystem.
The discovery of Titanoboa, the largest snake to have ever existed, reveals that Neotropical rainforests flourished during warm periods, with temperatures up to 3-5°C warmer than today. The fossil rainforest's plant diversity was lower than expected, suggesting it may have been recovering from mass extinctions.