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Field ecology's working conditions shape both safety and science

A new viewpoint argues that field ecology's working conditions can heighten vulnerability to harassment, particularly for women of color and LGBTQ+ researchers. The author calls for prevention measures, including clear codes of conduct and team involvement, to ensure research team safety and prevent distortions in knowledge production.

SourceAmerican Institute of Biological Sciences·JournalBioScience·TypeLiterature review·DateSep 1, 2026

Scientists call for urgent action to fill polar winter observation and research gaps

A team of 23 researchers from 14 nations identifies three research priorities: winter aerosols, clouds, and feedback; winter storms and sea ice interactions; and polar-global teleconnections. These processes are highly under-observed due to their high variability and logistical challenges.

SourceInstitute of Atmospheric Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalAdvances in Atmospheric Sciences·DateJul 9, 2026

Soil science: How AI could help scientists secure a vital global resource

A new study highlights the potential of AI tools in soil science, enabling researchers to better understand soil ecosystems and adapt to climate change. The system successfully generated hypotheses on how soils store carbon and what controls their storage limits, with outputs aligning with expert research.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Science·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateMay 21, 2026

Over 70% of global ecosystems remain unsampled for critical underground fungi

A recent study analyzed environmental DNA from the largest global dataset of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungal and found a striking gap: more than 70% of ecoregions lack sequencing data. This underrepresentation threatens biodiversity surveys, plant productivity, soil aggregation, and climate mitigation predictions.

SourceSociety for the Protection of Underground Networks·JournalFEMS Microbiology Letters·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateFeb 25, 2026

Tooling up to diagnose ocean health

A field-deployable CRISPR-based biosensing platform has been developed for rapid, on-site monitoring of marine species and ecosystems, offering a sustainable solution for tracking ocean health. The technology has the potential to detect critical species, predict outbreaks, and support early warning systems for ecosystem disruptions.

SourceWyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering at Harvard·JournalNature Sustainability·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 5, 2026

For bees, diet isn’t one-size-fits-all

A long-term field study found that wild bumble bees strategically target flowers to balance their diet, adjusting their consumption of protein, fat, and carbs based on tongue length and seasonal flower availability. This nuanced approach allows them to thrive together and maintain strong colonies.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalProceedings of the Royal Society B Biological Sciences·DateAug 26, 2025

Adjusting trees’ internal clocks can help them cope with climate change

A new study from Umeå University reveals that trees' circadian clocks regulate growth and seasonal events. Adjusting clock-associated genes could help trees synchronize with changing climates, improving forestry management. The study also has implications for global vegetation models predicting forest growth and carbon storage.

SourceUmea University·Journalnpj Biological Timing and Sleep·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 15, 2025

‘You don’t just throw them in a box.’ Archaeologists, Indigenous scholars call on museums to better care for animal remains

A team of archaeologists and Indigenous scholars calls on museums to better care for animal remains, recognizing power imbalances and respecting Native American traditions. The approach emphasizes self-reflection, lifelong learning, and partnering with Indigenous groups to rethink catalogue, storage, and display methods.

SourceUniversity of Colorado at Boulder·JournalAdvances in Archaeological Practice·DateMar 10, 2025

Gottfried Wilhelm Leibniz Prizes 2025

The 2025 Gottfried Wilhelm Leibniz Prizes were awarded to four female and six male researchers, with two working in the humanities and social sciences, four in life sciences, three in natural sciences, and one in engineering sciences. The winners received €2.5 million each to fund their research for up to seven years.

A caving expedition yields valuable insight into the challenges of field research

Researchers conducted a caving expedition to gather data on the effects of environmental stressors on human cognition, collecting useful insights despite logistical challenges. The study proposed a framework for future field-based cognitive science research, offering lessons beyond traditional lab settings.

SourceConcordia University·JournalJournal of Environmental Psychology·TypeObservational study·DateDec 3, 2024

The picture book that doesn't exist

A new study reveals that bais, vast treeless clearings in the Congo Basin, are home to numerous endangered species, including Western lowland gorillas and African forest elephants. The researchers found over 2,000 distinct bais, covering less than 0.2% of the national park's landscape.

SourceHarvard University·JournalEcology·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateOct 1, 2024

Tarantulas have surprising partnerships with other species and their hairiness may be a defense mechanism

A recent study reveals tarantulas have mutually beneficial relationships with various species, including amphibians and army ants. The spiders' dense hair may serve as a defense mechanism against these predators. Tarantulas also employ unique escape strategies and potentially utilize chemical defenses to deter attacks.

SourceUniversity of Turku·JournalJournal of Natural History·DateAug 22, 2024

New insights into neural circuit imaging: A comparison of one-photon and two-photon techniques

A recent study by Harvard University researchers compares the effectiveness of one-photon (1P) versus two-photon (2P) voltage imaging in neural circuits. The study found that 2P excitation requires approximately 10,000 times more illumination power per cell compared to 1P excitation, posing significant challenges for 2P voltage imaging.

Clear stress patterns among children in dental care

Researchers at the University of Gothenburg have identified clear stress patterns among children undergoing dental treatment, particularly during anesthetic injections. The study used a sensor tool to monitor hand movements and sweating, revealing that invasive treatments were significantly more stressful for longer periods.

SourceUniversity of Gothenburg·TypeObservational study·DateJun 13, 2024

Geologists discover rocks with the oldest evidence yet of Earth’s magnetic field

Researchers have found ancient rocks in Greenland that retain signatures of a magnetic field with a strength of at least 15 microtesla, extending the magnetic field's age by 200 million years. The discovery sheds light on the planet's early conditions and may have played a critical role in making Earth habitable.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalJournal of Geophysical Research Solid Earth·DateApr 24, 2024

Bonobos aren’t as peace-loving as we thought

A new Harvard study reveals that male bonobos engage in more acts of aggression than chimpanzees, contrary to their peaceful reputation. The researchers found that bonobos exhibit less sexual coercion and violence towards females, but more frequent 'squabbling' among males.

SourceHarvard University·JournalCurrent Biology·TypeObservational study·DateApr 22, 2024

POSTECH’s Perspective on History and Science: A compass for teaching the Korean history of science

A study by Professor Jongsik Christian Yi introduces a history of science curriculum at POSTECH, exploring its importance in teaching the Korean history of science. The author argues for a self-reflective approach to education, encouraging students to critically think about their roles and futures in Korean science and technology.

SourcePohang University of Science & Technology (POSTECH)·JournalHistorical Studies in the Natural Sciences·DateApr 7, 2024

Cool paint coatings help pedestrians feel up to 1.5 degrees Celsius cooler in urban setting, NTU Singapore field study finds

A study by NTU Singapore researchers found that cool paint coatings can reduce city heat by up to 2 degrees Celsius, improving pedestrian thermal comfort levels. The coatings reflected sunlight and absorbed less heat, resulting in cooler temperatures and reduced indoor air-conditioning energy consumption.

SourceNanyang Technological University·JournalSustainable Cities and Society·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 25, 2024

Less social with age

Researchers studied female Assamese macaques for eight years, finding that social networks decrease with age due to physical limitations and a desire to protect themselves from predators. The study's findings shed light on the biological roots of social aging in humans.

SourceDeutsches Primatenzentrum (DPZ)/German Primate Center·JournalProceedings of the Royal Society B Biological Sciences·TypeObservational study·DateMar 15, 2024