Articles tagged with Biodiversity
The New York Botanical Garden is supporting the creation of World Flora Online, a global effort to create an authoritative online resource about all known plant species. The project aims to protect Earth's biodiversity and provide free access to verified data on over 350,000 plant species.
A new coral-dwelling gall crab, Lithoscaptus semperi, was discovered inhabiting free-living corals of the species Trachyphyllia geoffroyi on sandy bottoms near coral reefs. The study highlights the need to protect coral reefs, with the newly designated Tun Mustapha Park being a priority.
Researchers identified 422 structural clusters of naturally-derived fragments with diverse properties, suitable for chemical biology and drug discovery. These fragments could serve as the starting point for a highly diverse library with minimal structural complexity.
A new study predicts that up to 8.5 million hectares of additional rubber plantations will be required to meet demand by 2024, threatening significant areas of Asian forest and globally threatened unique species. The expansion is comparable to oil palm and has catastrophic biodiversity impacts.
Research at Duke University Medical Center found that increasing bacterial and worm diversity in the digestive tract enhances immune function, with better responses to vaccination and increased natural antibody production. The study suggests that biome enrichment may serve as an 'immune trainer' to improve overall health.
A study analyzed gaps between biodiversity data and policy reporting needs, identifying essential elements like population abundances and ecosystem structure. The research used the Essential Biodiversity Variables framework to quantify indicators and proxies.
A new jumping spider species, Stenaelurillus albus, with a unique mating plug has been discovered in the Western Ghats of India. The study also re-describes another species and highlights the presence of mating plugs in Salticidae families.
Researchers at the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County have made a groundbreaking discovery of 30 new insect species in a single genus, all from urban Los Angeles. The BioSCAN project, which enlisted local residents as 'site hosts,' yielded an unprecedented biodiversity collection.
Recent research emphasizes the need for open data to effectively manage and control invasive alien species. Despite various initiatives, access to suitable data remains patchy due to restrictive licensing, technical barriers, and cultural attitudes of organizations.
Scientists have identified two new species of Thorn Snails, a genus containing 20 cave-dwelling species, with evolutionary roots dating back to the Cenozoic Era. The discovery sheds new light on these enigmatic snails, which are barely visible to the naked eye.
A study by USF biologists reveals that an abundance of predators can help control parasite transmission in amphibians, potentially reducing disease risk. The researchers identified a key trait of predators that predicts their ability to dilute disease risk.
Researchers discover that luna moths use tail-spinning to fool bat sonar, increasing survival rate by 47%. The findings expand knowledge of anti-predator strategies and have implications for military sonar development.
Researchers from University of Southampton develop new automated method for classifying hundreds of miles of the deep sea floor, creating broad-scale maps to estimate biodiversity hotspots. The maps cover approximately 125 miles across, using information on topography and sediment type to identify distinct 'geomorphological terrains'.
The study suggests reintroducing dingoes to Sturt National Park in NSW, Australia, to control invasive predators and native herbivores that degrade rangeland. By monitoring the results, researchers hope to address a national and international issue of significant concern.
The iSpot platform has successfully gathered biodiversity data with an impressive 94% accuracy rate, thanks to its unique social network structure. The platform's reputation system motivates users to verify species, improving identification accuracy in 57% of cases.
The National Collection of Yeast Cultures has added the 4,000th yeast strain to its collection, including a novel species found in Ecuador's Yasuní National Park. This discovery expands microbial biodiversity and offers new possibilities for sustainable biotechnology.
Researchers predict that up to one in three Bornean mammal species will lose 30% or more of their habitat by 2080 due to deforestation and climate change. A targeted conservation approach, focusing on higher-elevation reserves, can mitigate this threat and safeguard biodiversity hotspots.
The Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF) reported a 35% increase in the use of biodiversity data accessed via its open-access infrastructure. Meanwhile, web traffic saw significant annual gains, with over 1.13 million sessions logged by users from 236 countries and territories.
Researchers discover a new type of ant-decapitating behavior in the genus Dohrniphora, where adult female flies sever ant heads and drag them off across the forest floor. This behavior challenges previous knowledge of the Phoridae family.
A mass extinction event played a crucial role in the dominance of ray-finned fish today. Bony fish diversified heavily after the Permian-Triassic boundary extinction event.
A new study reveals the vast diversity of life below-ground, with rapid responses to climate change having far-reaching impacts on future ecosystems. The research suggests that healthy soil is essential for healthy crops, and that integrating knowledge of soil biodiversity into land management decisions could help mitigate climate change.
The study using Google Analytics found that online plant databases are visited by users in over 100 countries, with mobile traffic growing steadily. This highlights the democratization of botanical information, equal access for researchers worldwide, and reduced wear on biodiversity objects.
Scientists found 12 caves with trechine beetles, 7 new species, and 103 samples collected, highlighting the Du'an Karst as a biological hotspot for cavernicolous Trechinae in China.
A new plant species, Dorstenia luamensis, is threatened by cattle ranches and forest destruction following a 50-kilometer mapping error. The reserve's borders were incorrectly placed on maps, putting the unique plant and its biodiversity, including chimpanzees, at risk.
Current offset programs in Africa fail to consider cumulative impacts of multiple conservations projects, leading to ineffective species conservation. A national strategy is recommended to integrate offsets with broader conservation efforts and promote genetic health.
A University of Iowa study found that planting trees in urban areas does not guarantee an increase in insect populations, despite attracting species. The researchers surveyed tree species and insect abundance, concluding that built environments can limit diversity by impeding insects' ability to interact with other trees.
A recent study leveraged BOLD specimen data to uncover new records of locality, provinces, territories, and states for Nearctic species of Microgastrinae wasps. The novel workflow enables researchers to utilize the vast amount of data stored on BOLD platforms, accelerating publication and dissemination of biodiversity-related research.
San Francisco State University has been awarded $17 million from the National Institutes of Health to develop a model for increasing workforce diversity in biomedical research. The project aims to reduce stereotype threat and increase graduation rates among underrepresented students, with goals of reaching 40% by 2020.
A University of Kansas doctoral student proposes using social networks as a source for photo-vouchered biodiversity records, particularly for insects and other organisms in developing nations. The proposed system leverages metadata associated with photos, requiring users to tag posts with terms indicating biodiversity elements.
A team led by Indiana University's Jay Lennon is exploring the role of dormancy in microbial diversity and its impact on ecosystem processes. The five-year project aims to understand how dormant microbes contribute to geographic patterns of diversity.
Researchers use fossils to reconstruct ancient ecosystems on the Bahamian island of Abaco, where megafauna like crocodiles and tortoises once flourished. The study's findings suggest that reptiles played a dominant role in these ecosystems, providing vital clues for conservation efforts.
The Fauna Europaea project has published a collection of data papers covering 56 taxonomic groups, involving over 400 contributors. The publication marks a significant milestone in the dissemination of biodiversity data and highlights the importance of expert involvement in scientific research.
Researchers have re-examined the British fossil record over 550 million years and found that only the area of preserved rock drives biodiversity, casting doubt on previous methods used to correct for bias in the fossil record.
A study from the University of Bristol and Bergen found that geological factors like rock area drive biodiversity, rather than measures like fossil collections or formations. This discovery alters our understanding of life's history through time.
A new study explores how biodiversity is developed and maintained, challenging a long-held theory on ecological niches. Researchers found that species can co-exist by reacting differently to resource fluctuations, but this mechanism may not be evolutionarily stable.
A new study published in Journal of Evolutionary Biology found that natural oceanic barriers significantly influence linguistic diversity by reducing contact between speech communities. As a result, spatially isolated languages gradually diverge from each other.
A CCNY team developed a new biodiversity metric to quantify phylogeographic endemism, which measures the restriction of genetic variation within species in geographical space. The research analyzed 25 vertebrates in the Brazilian Atlantic rainforest and found that current climatic heterogeneity explains endemism in southern forests.
Researchers have identified a process that explains how diverse neurons are generated in the fruit fly's visual system, involving temporal patterning and cell survival.
Researchers from Monash University and international collaborators analyzed past 30 years of research to determine the impact of protected areas on biodiversity. The study found that these areas generally have larger plant and animal populations and more species than adjacent non-protected areas.
A revolutionary new scientific method developed at the University of Leeds uses 'promiscuous reactions' to improve the diversity of biologically active molecules, such as antibiotics and anti-cancer agents. The approach has successfully identified three biologically active molecules with potential applications in cancer treatment.
A new variety of Philippine tarsier has been genetically confirmed, shedding light on the species' taxonomic diversity and distribution. The discovery highlights the need for targeted conservation efforts to protect the critically endangered primate's genetic diversity and habitats.
A new study by Wildlife Conservation Society experts reveals that wildlife loss leads to conflict among people worldwide. The research highlights the link between biodiversity decline and exploitative labor practices, violence, and organized crime.
A study reports the occurrence of a synanthropic derived form of Chrysomya megacephala from Tamil Nadu, India, providing morphological and molecular characterization. This finding is significant for forensic investigations as it aids in determining post-mortem intervals.
Scientists applied a new method to Australia's Acacia genus, revealing biologically important but currently unprotected areas. The study confirmed the Wet Tropics rainforests' importance and identified places of 'super-endemism', where old and new species co-exist.
A Simon Fraser University study found that kangaroos employ a unique pentapedal gait, utilizing their tail in combination with front and hind legs to generate significant propulsive force. This discovery sheds light on the importance of timing and positioning during movement, particularly for individuals with mobility impairments.
The Societas Europaea Lepidopterologica has joined forces with Pensoft Publishers to bring the journal Nota Lepidopterologica on the way to open access and innovation. The new format brings benefits such as shorter waiting times for publication, and all published papers will be accessible online.
A new study reveals that human activity is driving extinction rates 1,000 times higher than the natural rate, emphasizing the need for better conservation strategies. New technologies are helping scientists collect and share information on species distribution, habitat destruction, and land-use change.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins University have discovered a new neural pathway in the eyes that enhances vision, specifically contrast detection. The study reveals that ipRGC cells, previously thought to only detect light for simple functions, play a crucial role in forming visual images.
A report by UC Riverside ecologists reveals the proposed 'Cabo Dorado' development project in Mexico is situated in a high-conservation-value area, mirroring the importance of tropical waters. The project threatens to make extinct regionally endemic plant species and vegetation if it proceeds as planned.
Scientists discover new golden bass species from deep waters off Curaçao, shedding light on Caribbean reef biodiversity. The newly described Liopropoma santi is characterized by its predominantly yellow body and fins.
Shortfin molly fish populations have evolved genetic changes that enable them to thrive in hydrogen sulphide-rich springs. The adaptations involve changes in the cox1 and cox3 genes, allowing the fish to maintain COX activity under high H2S concentrations.
Twenty-four new species of Aleiodes wasps were discovered in the cloud forests of Ecuador, mummifying caterpillars in an unusual way. These small organisms have a significant impact on forest ecology by controlling plant-feeding caterpillar populations, helping to sustain biodiversity.
A new study analyzes climate change impacts on biodiversity across different regions, revealing severe threats to species adapted to specific climates. The tropics face novel climatic conditions and extreme events, while polar regions experience shrinking habitats.
A new study by Stanford researchers challenges the long-accepted island biogeography theory, which predicts a decline in species abundance in fragmented landscapes. Instead, they found that farmland and forest remnants in human-dominated landscapes can support higher species diversity and slow extinction rates.
Researchers from SISSA and Polytechnic University of Turin used a mathematical model to study the effect of migration on biodiversity. They found that higher migration rates can actually increase genetic variability, contradicting previous common assumptions.
A group of scientists is calling for better recognition of local experts' role in conservation biology. Local guides play a critical part in data collection and are essential to successful conservation efforts.
Researchers have identified a new yeast species that travels the globe with beetles, offering hope for developing renewable fuels. Preserving biodiversity is crucial to unlock the microbial life's potential solutions to global challenges.
A team of biology students from Universiti Malaysia Sabah and Naturalis Biodiversity Center discovered a new spider species during their Tropical Biodiversity field course in Malaysian Borneo. The students created a makeshift taxonomy lab, wrote a joint publication, and sent it to a major taxonomic journal for review.
A new collaboration enables immediate access to taxonomic research and underlying data, reducing 'shelf life' from 21 years to weeks. The system facilitates data sharing and preservation, addressing 80% of scientific data loss within 10 years.
Research by Queen's University Belfast predicts that invasive waterweeds will become more widespread over the next 70 years due to climate change. Four species are expected to establish in areas 38% larger than previously thought, posing a threat to global biodiversity and economy.