Articles tagged with Aquatic 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.
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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.
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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.
A team of scientists led by Dr. Matthew L. Niemiller has rediscovered the Shelta Cave Crayfish, a rare and ancient species thought to be extinct for 30 years. The discovery was made in a cave system in northern Alabama and highlights the importance of conservation efforts to protect threatened species.
Researchers evaluated the toxicological effects of BaP on bay scallops, finding increased immune response-related parameters with time at higher concentrations. The study suggests that BaP dampens the immune response of scallops and decreases their capacity to respond to oxidative stress.
Two new species of Amazonian fish have been discovered and described by Smithsonian researcher Murilo Pastana, one with vibrant red-orange fins and another that is technically a miniature fish. The species are at risk of extinction due to deforestation in the region where they inhabit.
Researchers monitored mercury levels in artificial lakes to identify sources and factors affecting concentration. Most mercury originated from soil in catchment areas, with surface runoff contributing in shorter-residence time reservoirs.
A new project led by INRS will assess how living organisms respond to reduced pesticide use, focusing on soil and water health. The study aims to provide a clear understanding of the benefits and limitations of reducing pesticide use in sustainable farming.
A study by researchers at the University of Plymouth reveals that energy-efficient broad spectrum lighting is reducing the efficacy of coastal species' camouflage. This can have significant impacts on visually guided ecological processes, with certain color variations being more vulnerable to detection.
Researchers at UBCO's School of Engineering have developed a new, faster method for analyzing toxic waste materials using fluorescence spectroscopy and convolutional neural networks. This method can detect key toxins such as naphthenic acids in oil sands samples, providing a low-cost alternative to current methods.
A University of Florida study reveals that ponds in urban landscapes emit significantly more carbon than they store, with younger ponds contributing the most to atmospheric emissions. Researchers hope this finding will inform policy makers and others about when, where, and how to install stormwater ponds.
Scientists identified a new plant growth-promoting bacteria (PGPB) that enhances duckweed biomass productivity by 2.7-fold, increasing photosynthesis and wastewater treatment efficiency. The molecular mechanism suggests that organic compounds are transferred from the bacteria to duckweed, triggering an increase in photosynthetic activity.
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 observed diverse aquatic biota in post-flood communities, with changes in flow dynamics and water chemistry supporting biological adaptation. The study highlights the role of floods in shaping floodplain ecosystems.
Researchers used mathematical models to reconstruct evolutionary history of photosymbiosis in Scleractinia, identifying groups where association is stable and others that may be more flexible. The study found that certain lineages are more likely to retain the reef-building trait in a changing climate.
Research reveals that warm-water habitats in Upper Klamath Lake provide essential energy for cold-water fish during spring and fall, while providing limited food sources in summer. The study highlights the importance of considering multiple habitats for mobile species like redband trout in climate change conservation.
A study in the Atlantic Rainforest detected high mortality rates among tiny frogs known as pumpkin toadlets infected with the chytrid fungus. The infection causes a physiological imbalance leading to death from a heart attack. Climate change and drought may exacerbate the threat to terrestrial amphibians.
Researchers found that most anglers weren't thinking about how invasive species could affect their own lives, highlighting the need for personalized messaging. Tailoring education campaigns to an angler's values and risk perceptions can motivate action, such as decontaminating boats or attending cleanup events.
A new study projects that marine heatwaves will wipe out hundreds of thousands of tonnes of fish available for catch in a country's waters by the century's end. Researchers warn that extreme temperatures will exacerbate impacts on fisheries and human communities, leading to significant job losses.
Researchers found that additives in commercial shopping bags boost the conversion of solid plastics into water-soluble compounds under sunlight. The compounds vary depending on the additives used, with some bags releasing up to 15,000 dissolved compounds.
Researchers found fecal contamination in Montana's Absaroka-Beartooth Wilderness Area, primarily attributed to wildlife and pack animals. Human-associated bacteria were detected at lower levels, but not significantly related to landscape or elevation.
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.
A study published in PLOS Biology suggests that microparticle concentrations in lakes are higher than previously reported and can be predicted by surrounding land use. The researchers found that areas with more human activity and lower forest cover had higher microparticle concentrations, while lakes with more active microorganisms had...
Researchers successfully detected local mammals and birds by collecting 18 litres of water from a two-kilometre stretch along the river Mulde. The team identified 50% of fish species, 22% of mammal species, and 7.4% of breeding bird species in the region.
The Khaled bin Sultan Living Oceans Foundation has completed the largest coral reef survey and mapping expedition in history, assessing over 1,000 reefs in 16 countries. The Global Reef Expedition provided a comprehensive dataset for coral reef conservation, highlighting the status and major threats to these ecosystems.
A new study reveals that dams in California do not adequately replicate natural thermal patterns, making them incapable of supporting cold-water species effectively. Key cold-water conservation candidates include streams highly influenced by groundwater and places where water easily infiltrates the soil.
A new study by Ohio State University provides the most accurate estimates of microcystin toxins in Lake Erie's western basin, revealing fluctuating concentrations over short distances. The research emphasizes the importance of frequent data collection to improve water safety and forecasting for the lake's estimated 11 million people.
The nationwide monitoring programme found significant pesticide contamination in over 80% of water bodies, exceeding governmental thresholds. The loss of biodiversity can only be halted if the environmental risk assessment of pesticides is radically revised.
A study by University of Florida scientists found that crayfish exposed to low levels of antidepressant medication behave more boldly, emerging from hiding earlier and spending more time searching for food. This altered behavior could have a ripple effect on stream ecosystem functions.
Research highlights biodiversity's crucial link to micronutrient-rich seafood diets, essential in combating 'hidden hunger' and meeting UN Sustainable Development Goals. Preserving aquatic ecosystem biodiversity locally and globally is vital to fulfill nutritional requirements.
Scientists combined environmental DNA and hydrological models to assess riverine ecosystems' biodiversity with unprecedented accuracy, identifying unseen hotspots for conservation strategies. The new method enables rapid application of research findings in Switzerland, finalizing guidelines for the Federal Office for Environment.
Researchers have developed a new method for estimating fish populations by analyzing environmental DNA in water. The approach, which accounts for the degradation of DNA molecules, has been successfully tested in Japan and shows promise for quantitative monitoring of aquatic ecosystems.
A recent study found that the burrowing mayfly population has declined by nearly 84% since 2015, mirroring a decrease in mayfly swarms during annual insect emergence events. This decline is attributed to human stressors such as climate change, runoff from agricultural land, and pesticide use.
Some native plant species can grow aggressively, outcompeting other native species and forming dense monocultures, resulting in ecosystem disruptions. Excessive growth of aquatic plants can inhibit water movement and negatively impact flood control operations.
A researcher is studying how carbon moves through landscapes and across land-water boundaries, exploring its impact on water quality and freshwater food webs. The goal is to understand the fate of terrestrial carbon and improve global carbon budgets.
Salinization affects biodiversity and water ecosystem functioning directly, but more baseline information is needed to predict its effects. The main causes of salinization in Spain include mining, agriculture, and regime changes in precipitations.
Researchers found that high biodiversity increases individual stability components, but at a cost: biomass production fluctuates more with diverse species. Non-linear connections between diversity and stability highlight the need for nuanced management strategies.
University of Montana researchers discovered that ecosystems' carbon balance depends on water availability and annual precipitation thresholds. The study suggests climate models need improvement to accurately predict terrestrial carbon dynamics.
Chinese fossils contain at least 28 insect families and diverse beetles, suggesting a radiation of Holometabola during the Middle Triassic. The discovery provides new insights into the early evolution of freshwater ecosystems.
A recent study using eDNA sequencing identified aquatic plant diversity in ponds, offering a new approach to ecological surveys. The study found that pondweed diversity had been underestimated at a reserve in Ontario, detecting three previously unknown species.
A study published in Nature Communications reveals that hippo waste can cause fish kills in Africa's Mara River due to depleted oxygen and nutrient levels. The research monitored water chemistry and flow downstream from 171 hippo pools over three years, finding that flushing flows can reduce dissolved oxygen concentrations.
Scientists discovered that Parisian street gutters are home to a diverse community of microorganisms, including eukaryotes such as algae, fungi, sponges, and mollusks. The researchers identified over 6,900 potential species in the water and biofilms collected from various districts of Paris.
A new study by NIOO-KNAW ecologist Bart Grutters suggests that exotic water plants can be a valuable asset in aquatic ecosystems, offering similar benefits to indigenous species. The research found that properties such as chemical defences and stem rigidity should be considered when evaluating the impact of exotic species.
Researchers found that landscape age and topography are stronger predictors of available phosphorus than rock type. As climate change impacts the McMurdo Dry Valleys, increased mineral phosphorus availability could support the growth of microscopic organisms.
A recent study published in Global Change Biology found that diverse fish populations play a crucial role in maintaining ecosystem balance. Larger fish like suckers and catfish store nutrients, contributing to stream biological productivity. Non-native fish also serve as buffers for ecosystems against environmental change.
The DNAqua-Net project aims to develop best-practice strategies for using novel genetic tools in bioassessment and monitoring of aquatic ecosystems. Novel genomic tools offer solutions to biodiversity assessment, relying on DNA barcoding to identify species and assess biodiversity using standardized genetic markers.
Scientists from three Brazilian universities and one UK university discovered a new fossil reptile, Teyujagua paradoxa, which lived 250 million years ago. The species is intermediate between primitive reptiles and archosauriforms, a group that includes dinosaurs and birds.
Scientists have created a Stream Biome Gradient Concept to compare streams across continents, aiming to improve understanding of stream ecosystems and biodiversity. The concept takes a macrosystems approach, viewing systems on a continental or national scale, to develop hypotheses for testing at various aquatic sites.
Research highlights the surge of infectious disease in northern latitudes, driven by climate change and close contact between species. The study also explores the use of accelerometers to track an animal's internal state, including emotions and diseases.
A new study suggests that fleet diversity is crucial for successful fishery management, particularly in fisheries targeting multiple species. By promoting balanced catches across species, diverse fishing fleets can increase overall profits while reducing overfishing of slow-growing species.
A UC Riverside PhD student's study on how species interact with each other has been selected as this year's recipient of the Thomas M. Frost Award for Excellence in Graduate Research. The study found patterns that have never been seen before, including changes in the network structure of interacting plants and animals within ecosystems.
A recent study shows that the ecological risks posed by toxic chemicals are considerably greater than assumed on a pan-European scale. Chemical toxicity represents an ecological threat to almost half of all European bodies of water.
A recent study examines streamwater chemistry along a 32-tributary stream network in New Hampshire, finding that factors like slope and nutrient levels significantly influence water quality. The research provides high-resolution data for monitoring and managing aquatic ecosystems.
Researchers applied a geostatistical approach to assess headwater stream chemistry at high resolution, finding patterns that vary over short and long distances. The analysis reveals the influence of landscape processes on stream network chemistry, challenging traditional assumptions about water quality.
Researchers will measure mercury in atmosphere, snowpack, and soil to track its movement in the tundra. The study aims to understand the role of soils in mercury cycling and assess a theory of enhanced mercury deposition during Arctic winters.
A new study reveals triclosan is fueling the development of resistant bacteria in streams and rivers, disrupting native bacterial communities and potentially diminishing the usefulness of important antibiotics. Urban sites are most impacted by high levels of triclosan pollution from combined sewer overflows.
A new study reveals that the Eastern US is experiencing a significant increase in river alkalinity, with two-thirds of streams and rivers becoming more alkaline over the past 25 to 60 years. This rise in alkalinity can lead to water quality issues, harm aquatic life, and exacerbate salinization of freshwater.
A 10-year study found that diverse ecosystems are less likely to collapse after disturbances like climate change or pest invasion. Researchers suggest encouraging more types of plants in fields and woods to mitigate ecosystem damage.
A study analyzing 371 invasion studies found that six dominant invasion hypotheses have declining predictive power. The authors suggest filling gaps in empirical tests, specifying hypotheses for groups of organisms and habitats, considering invader-ecosystem interactions, and rejecting unsupported hypotheses. This decline in predictive...
A new study by University of South Florida researchers found that chlorothalonil kills a wide variety of freshwater organisms, including amphibians and aquatic plants, leading to ecosystem changes. The findings highlight the need to reassess the fungicide's safety and its impact on ecosystems.
Researchers measured gaseous nitrogen emissions in US lawns, finding denitrification removes excess nitrogen. Nitrogen removals were equivalent to 15% of annual fertilizer inputs, with most retained in lawn soils. The study's results are encouraging but highlight the need for further work on optimal soil management conditions.
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.
Biodiversity in Oklahoma's rivers is declining due to environmental changes like water pollution, habitat destruction, and climate change. Freshwater mussels play a crucial role in biofiltration and ecosystem services, highlighting the need for sustainable water management.