Articles tagged with Biodiversity
Researchers are exploring why warm places have more species by studying brown food webs and their impact on biodiversity. The four-year project will test mathematical models on trees, small animals, and microbes to predict the effects of global climate change.
Researchers found that terrestrial biodiversity recovered in about 5 million years, compared to the 15- to 30-million year recovery period estimated earlier. This suggests a more rapid recovery than initially thought and rules out theories stating a severe spill-over effect into the terrestrial realm.
Researchers found widespread disagreement among scientists studying cancer metastasis, with no two scenarios identical. The study suggests making assumptions explicit can improve biomedical modeling and create new opportunities for understanding alternative theories.
A global sampling of 48 sites on five continents yields unprecedented data set, finding no clear relationship between productivity and plant species in small study plots. This challenges the 'hump-shaped' model developed by British ecologist J. Philip Grime, which has remained a textbook standard for nearly four decades.
A new plant species, Spigelia genuflexa, with a rare characteristic of burying its seeds has been discovered in the Atlantic forest of Bahia, Brazil. The plant's 'geocarpy' adaptation ensures its propagation by depositing seeds on the ground and sometimes burying them, similar to peanuts.
A recent study by McGill University researchers found that biodiversity is essential for maintaining multiple ecosystem services across different years, places, and environmental conditions. The study suggests that many species are needed to maintain ecosystem services, rather than just a few, and highlights the importance of conservin...
NeoBiota, a new open-access journal, addresses the challenges of biological invasions through rapid online publishing. The journal incorporates automated cross-linking with major biodiversity platforms to provide barrier-free access to information and data, supporting the study and management of invasive species.
Researchers found that a single gene, optix, underlies the diverse red wing patterns of Heliconius butterflies across the Americas. The gene's regulation leads to subtle differences in wing patterns between species.
The new journal MycoKeys offers a linked environment for publishing and disseminating information on fungi and lichens. It provides mandatory registration of new taxa in MycoBank and automated cross-linking with major biodiversity platforms.
Researchers found that organic triticale fields had five times as many plant species and 20 times more pollinating insects than conventional fields. The organic fields also had three times as many natural enemies of aphids and five times fewer aphids, highlighting the importance of biodiversity in managing pests.
A new study from the University of Texas at Austin reveals that current and proposed border fences pose significant threats to wildlife populations along the US-Mexico border. The study identifies four species listed as threatened globally or by both the US and Mexico, and another 23 with small range sizes.
The National Science Foundation awards four grants to create a national resource of digital data documenting existing biological collections. This will increase accessibility to valuable information and stimulate new research across multiple fields of science.
A new study published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences reveals that most of the world's undiscovered species reside in regions already identified as conservation priorities. This suggests recent conservation efforts have been effective and should reduce uncertainty over global conservation priorities.
A multidisciplinary team led by RIT professor Anthony Vodacek is conducting a comprehensive survey of Lake Kivu to understand the interplay between volcanism, faulting, and biological processes on the region's biodiversity. The study aims to provide scientific data for informed decision-making on land use and preservation in Rwanda.
A population of the freshwater limpet Rhodacmea filosa, thought to be extinct since the mid-20th century, has been rediscovered in a tributary of the Coosa River in Alabama. The discovery is a conservation success story and highlights the importance of preserving biodiversity in rapidly changing environments.
A University of Guelph professor will use DNA technology to monitor and protect Wood Buffalo National Park, a world heritage site threatened by climate change and industrial development. The project aims to develop a DNA-based early-warning system to identify critical environmental stresses and measure ecological risk.
Gutierrez-Hartmann's efforts to encourage underrepresented minorities and mentor students have been recognized with the award. The ASBMB established the award to honor scientists who promote diversity in science.
Michael Elowitz was awarded the 2011 HFSP Nakasone Award for his groundbreaking research on genetic noise, a concept that has transformed our understanding of cellular behavior. His work has shown that noise is not just a random variation but an essential element that enables core cellular functions.
A new study published in Nature suggests that biodiversity can evolve in complex environments where previously thought to be impossible. Researchers found that both 'fit' and 'unfit' species can coexist indefinitely due to trade-offs between growth rate and efficiency.
A new study finds that biodiversity can be conserved while resources are used to support local household livelihoods, especially when managed under systems that involve local forest users. The research suggests formalizing the rights of local people to contribute to forest management and governance can promote dual success.
Researchers have discovered two new plant species, Taraxacum decastroi and Taraxacum lacianense, which join over 50 other species within the Taraxacum genus on the Iberian Peninsula. The discovery confirms Spain's position as a hotbed of biodiversity.
Cocaine production in Colombia accelerates rainforest destruction, threatening biodiversity hotspots. Designated protected areas can help preserve ecosystems.
Researchers found that 31 non-native freshwater species have established themselves in Galicia, including fish, amphibians, and plants. The study highlights the growing threat of invasive species to biodiversity in the region.
The IUPUI School of Science has received a $943,000 NSF grant to establish an Undergraduate Research Mentoring in the Biological Sciences program. The two-year fellowships will provide students from underrepresented groups with research experience and mentorship in biosignaling.
A new species of snub-nosed monkey, Rhinopithecus strykeri, has been discovered in Northern Myanmar with distinctive characteristics. The species is critically endangered due to increasing hunting pressure from logging road construction by Chinese companies, threatening its survival.
The TEEB report underscores the importance of incorporating nature's value into decision-making, with potential benefits for poverty reduction and business growth. The report also notes significant business and social risks from failing to account for natural capital.
The specter of climate change is forcing scientists and managers to consider relocating endangered species to new habitats. This approach, known as managed relocation, raises important ethical questions about the feasibility and consequences of such actions. While some argue that relocation can help save species, others raise concerns ...
A new global analysis reveals nearly 80% of the world's human population lives in areas where river waters are highly threatened, posing a major threat to human water security and biodiversity. Rivers worldwide face similar stresses from agricultural intensification, industrial development, and other factors.
Carnegie Mellon researchers found that heterogeneous groups of neurons transmit twice as much information as homogeneous groups. This diversity is essential for overall brain function and may also play a role in neurological disorders like epilepsy and schizophrenia.
A recent study suggests that humanity's response to climate change could do more harm than the changes itself. The research highlights the devastating impact of human activities on tropical forests and biodiversity. To mitigate this damage, experts emphasize the importance of planning and adopting sustainable practices.
A new study reveals that consistent year-round temperatures in the tropics, rather than higher temperatures or more sunlight, are key to its stunning biodiversity. The research suggests that the world is likely less diverse today than it was tens of millions of years ago, when the entire Earth had consistent year-round temperatures.
A study by CSIRO Australia suggests that a more flexible approach to protected areas can improve biodiversity conservation. Replacing the least cost-effective sites with new ones could double the number of vegetation types protected by 15% or more, while reducing management costs.
The USGS has released a detailed national map of land-cover vegetation, which will enable conservation professionals to identify places with suitable habitat for wildlife. The map, produced by the USGS Gap Analysis Program, provides critical data for determining biodiversity status and assessing climate change impacts.
Nepenthes attenboroughii, a rare carnivorous pitcher plant from the Philippines, is ranked #1 on the list of newly discovered species in 2009. The plant was named after Sir David Attenborough and features pitchers up to 30 cm high.
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.
New research from the University of Leeds found that organic farming provides only a 12% increase in biodiversity compared to conventional farming, which produces higher yields. The study raises questions about how to balance food production with wildlife protection on agricultural land.
Researchers from the University of Granada developed new farmland afforestation techniques that enhance young plant survival and development in Mediterranean environments. These techniques focus on relationships between land and plant to promote successful implementation of the EU's Common Agricultural Policy.
The International Barcode of Life (iBOL) project has received a significant funding boost, totaling $80 million from Canadian agencies. The new funding will support the expansion of DNA barcode data and informatics platforms to facilitate species identification and discovery.
Sahotra Sarkar, a philosopher at the University of Texas at Austin, is working with Conservation International and energy companies to develop environmentally conscious development plans. His approach prioritizes local values and biodiversity protection, rejecting the 'fortress model' of preservation.
Researchers used DNA barcoding to study the spread and diet of insect pests in Papua New Guinea. The study found that migratory patterns and caterpillar diets are very dynamic, with species showing surprising adaptability across vast distances.
Researchers Ivette Perfecto and John Vandermeer argue that small family farms in tropical regions can provide a better way to meet both food production and biodiversity preservation goals. They propose an alternative model, the matrix quality model, which enables plants and animals to migrate between remaining forest fragments.
Michigan State University scientists found that diverse biofuel plantings attract more beneficial insects than single crops like corn. The research suggests that biofuel policies should consider the added benefits of insect attraction to inform policy decisions.
A new study calculates that ecosystems will need to shift about 0.42 kilometers per year to keep pace with global climate change over the next century. Mountainous habitats can move more slowly, while flatter ecosystems must move rapidly.
Researchers found Prussian blue can create essential biological molecules, including hydrogen cyanide and urea, under early Earth-like conditions. This study offers an alternative explanation for the formation of Banded Iron Formations.
Natural historians can now share and manage their data using the Scratchpads platform, which serves over 1100 users across 100 sites. The system allows users to create virtual workbenches to study aspects of organisms, promoting biodiversity informatics approaches.
Two peer-reviewed articles by Kevin Padian and James T. Costa explore common inaccuracies and insights into Darwin's life and work, shedding light on creative scientific thinking and the origins of his theory
Researchers found no support for theory that female choice is connected to 'good genes', suggesting females resist mating attempts primarily for their own benefit. Females with increased ability to reject males had higher fitness, while inadvertent selection for male persistence played a minor role.
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.
A team of scientists, including those from the University of Toronto, identified two genes for cataloging the world's plants. DNA barcoding allows rapid classification using a short genetic marker in an organism's DNA.
The Academy of Natural Sciences' Ewell Sale Stewart Library has been accepted into the Biodiversity Heritage Library, a global initiative to preserve scientific literature on biodiversity. Over 35,500 volumes have been scanned and digitized, with over 14 million pages now available online.
A new report finds that paying to conserve billions of tons of carbon stored in tropical forests could also protect endangered large mammals like orangutans and pygmy elephants. The study, published in Conservation Letters, demonstrates a link between forest protection and biodiversity conservation.
Research finds that humans with diverse major histocompatibility complexes (MHCs) are more likely to choose mates with dissimilar MHCs, increasing genetic variability and immune system efficiency. This evolutionary strategy may help ensure healthy offspring and avoid endogamy.
The American Institute of Biological Sciences (AIBS) recognizes Danielle N. Lee as a Diversity Scholar for her research on individual differences and behavioral syndromes in prairie voles. Lee plans to pursue an academic career emphasizing science outreach and participation of under-served audiences.
The Protected Areas Database – United States (PAD-US) is a national inventory of protected lands in the US. The database contains information on over 22,000 highly protected areas, covering 15% of the country's land area.
A new study from the University of Texas at Austin reveals that Amazonian amphibian diversity originated from ancestral frogs leaping into the region from the Andes Mountains, with at least 14 dispersals occurring between 23 and 1 million years ago.
A study published in Science shows that when the apple maggot shifted hosts from hawthorn to European apples, it triggered a cascade of evolutionary changes in a parasitic wasp. The research reveals the process of speciation in action and sheds light on biodiversity's role in creating new species.
A team of researchers observed the sequential development of new species in fruit flies and parasitic wasps after introducing apples to North America. The modification of one species triggers the modification of a second, dependent species, demonstrating biodiversity as a source for new biodiversity.
A new paper reveals how parasitic wasps and fruit flies co-evolve, leading to the formation of new species. The study shows that these interactions can create a chain reaction of biodiversity growth.
Laurance and Lovejoy received the award for their contributions to understanding habitat fragmentation and global change impacts on tropical forests. Their work promotes conservation research in imperiled forests, inspiring decision-makers and the public to establish and conserve large, interconnected forest reserves vital to ecologica...
New research found that tropical insects have shifted their habitats by an average of 67 meters over the past 42 years due to climate change, posing a major threat to global biodiversity. The study, published in PNAS, provides evidence for the impacts of climate change on these crucial species.