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Enhancing identifiability in plant growth models: a comprehensive framework for precision and reliability

Researchers develop a unified framework for identifying practical identifiability issues in plant growth models, highlighting key challenges and proposing a novel risk index to enhance model credibility. The approach reveals insights into parameter interactions and parameter estimation limitations.

SourceNanjing Agricultural University The Academy of Science·JournalPlant Phenomics·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 9, 2024

Advancing climate change research and policy demands knowledge from Indigenous Peoples and local communities, new study reveals

A new study highlights the crucial role of Indigenous Peoples' knowledge in advancing climate change research and policy. The project LICCI, led by Victoria Reyes-García, engaged over 5,000 individuals across 48 diverse cultures and nationalities to document climate change impacts as perceived by local communities.

SourceUniversitat Autonoma de Barcelona·JournalCommunications Earth & Environment·TypeSurvey·DateFeb 27, 2024

It’s true, happiness doesn’t cost much

A recent study by ICTA-UAB found that many societies with very low monetary income have remarkably high levels of life satisfaction, comparable to those in wealthy countries. The average life satisfaction score across the studied small-scale societies was 6.8 on a scale of 0-10.

SourceUniversitat Autonoma de Barcelona·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeSurvey·DateFeb 5, 2024

Move over Blitzen: geese outpace reindeer impacts on Arctic ecosystems

A new study from Utah State University reveals that geese have a greater impact on Arctic ecosystems than previously thought, while reindeer only exert a smaller influence. The research found that goose grazing in concentrated patches leads to significant reductions in plant biomass and soil compaction.

SourceS.J. & Jessie E. Quinney College of Natural Resources, Utah State University·JournalJournal of Ecology·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 14, 2023

Killing remains a threat to Bornean orangutans

Research reveals that the illegal killing of orangutans on Borneo remains a significant threat to the species, with 30% of villages reporting killings in the last 5-10 years. Conservation efforts may not be effectively preventing killing and addressing human-orangutan conflict is crucial.

SourceUniversity of Queensland·JournalConservation Science and Practice·TypeSurvey·DateOct 10, 2023

Syphilis transmission networks and antimicrobial resistance in England uncovered using genomics

Researchers use genomic surveillance to identify distinct sexual networks for syphilis transmission in England, highlighting the presence of drug resistance. The study reveals information beyond standard epidemiological surveillance data, aiding public health strategies to break transmission chains.

SourceWellcome Trust Sanger Institute·JournalThe Lancet Microbe·TypeObservational study·DateSep 15, 2023

How local communities depend on the ivory palm tree in coastal Ecuador

The study found that local communities in coastal Ecuador depend less on tagua trees today than their grandparents did, but still use them for cultural and supporting services. The research highlights the importance of conservation efforts to protect these ecosystem services.

SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences·JournalAgricultural and Resource Economics Review·TypeSurvey·DateAug 25, 2023

Bronze Age family systems deciphered: Mainz palaeogeneticists analyse a 3,800-year-old extended family

A groundbreaking study has unraveled the secrets of a 3,800-year-old extended family from a Bronze Age necropolis in the Russian steppe. The research reveals that most women buried in the kurgan were immigrants, while their sisters found new homes elsewhere, highlighting the importance of female marriage mobility in prehistoric societies.

SourceJohannes Gutenberg Universitaet Mainz·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeCase study·DateAug 22, 2023

Health experts urge clinicians to ‘remain vigilant’ about malaria cases in new commentary

The first locally acquired malaria cases in the US in 20 years have been reported, highlighting the need for clinicians to be vigilant about the disease's symptoms. Malaria thrives in warmer climates and can cause serious illness and death if not treated, emphasizing the importance of rapid diagnosis and treatment.

SourceBoston University School of Public Health·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateAug 8, 2023

Developer dollars not enough to save species

Research found that financial payments by developers to compensate for environmental consequences are insufficient to achieve intended outcomes. Only 0.7 of 13.4 hectares of impacts on koala habitat have been offset through financial payments since 2018, raising concerns about the future of this endangered species.

SourceUniversity of Queensland·JournalPeople and Nature·DateJul 9, 2023

When local economic inequality is high, the rich tend to be more generous

A recent study published in PLOS ONE found that individuals with higher incomes tend to be more generous when living in areas with high levels of economic inequality. In contrast, the lowest-income groups show less generosity in more unequal areas. The researchers used local data from the US and UK to examine this relationship.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·TypeObservational study·DateJun 14, 2023

Millions of U.S. households may struggle to afford basic water services

A study analyzing the affordability of water services for 28.3 million people in the US found that 15% of households, or one in seven, face financial hardship in paying for access to water and wastewater services. The researchers suggest that solutions require comprehensive strategies at local, state, and federal levels.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Water·TypeObservational study·DateMay 10, 2023

New Monterey Bay Aquarium study shares the intimate details of sea otter surrogacy; affirms its effectiveness to rehabilitate orphaned pups

A new study by Monterey Bay Aquarium reveals the key components contributing to successful releases of orphaned southern sea otters back into the wild. The research emphasizes the strong maternal drive of surrogate female sea otters in nurturing and caring for pups, resulting in a three-quarters success rate.

SourceMonterey Bay Aquarium·JournalBiological Conservation·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateMar 9, 2023

Ethnic minority parents want customized advice, research shows

A recent study by Xi'an Jiaotong-Liverpool University found that ethnic minority parents in Inner Mongolia prefer evidence-based knowledge on family education tailored to their local environment and culture. They sought information on how geographical features like the geomagnetic field influence children's growth and well-being.

SourceXi'an Jiaotong-Liverpool University·JournalInternational Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health·TypeObservational study·DateMar 6, 2023

A new model of palliative care to empower communities in Africa

A culturally appropriate model of end-of-life care is being developed in Ghana to address the scarcity of palliative care in low-resource communities. COMPASS Ghana aims to provide universal end-of-life care by the end of the decade, utilizing a compassionate community approach that involves patients and caregivers in care provision.

SourceLancaster University·JournalBMJ Supportive & Palliative Care·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 21, 2023

Study of US hydroelectric dams shows benefits to local economies decline with improvements in transmission capabilities

A study by Carnegie Mellon University researcher Edson Severnini found that large-scale hydroelectric dams constructed in the US before 1950 spurred short- and long-term growth, while those built after 1950 had modest effects on local economies. The decline is attributed to advancements in high-tension transmission lines.

SourceCarnegie Mellon University·JournalThe Economic Journal·DateFeb 16, 2023

Black South Africans report higher life satisfaction and are at less risk for depression post-migration, MU study finds

A new study found Black South Africans who migrated to find work reported better emotional well-being and were at lower risk for depression after the move. The research may help policymakers tailor mental health resources to underprivileged migrants and those seeking economic mobility.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalSSM - Mental Health·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateFeb 3, 2023

Study links adoption of electric vehicles with less air pollution and improved health

Researchers found that electric car adoption in California was associated with real-world reductions in air pollution and asthma-related emergency room visits. The study also highlighted an 'adoption gap' between low-resource zip codes, pointing to opportunities for environmental justice.

SourceKeck School of Medicine of USC·JournalScience of The Total Environment·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateFeb 2, 2023

Guiding conservation with local touch

A group of biologists is exploring the potential of seed banks, frozen zoos, gene editing, and assisted gene flow to create second chances for species affected by climate change. By understanding local adaptation strategies, conservationists can design more effective conservation actions.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalBioScience·DateDec 5, 2022

Genes and languages not always together

A global analysis of matches and mismatches between human genetic and linguistic histories found that populations often shift to neighboring languages despite genetic differences. This suggests that giving up one's language isn't difficult, but preserving original linguistic identity is rare despite genetic assimilation.

SourceUniversity of Zurich·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateNov 21, 2022

Greenland’s Indigenous population favours extracting and exporting sand from melting ice sheet

A national survey of 1000 adults in Greenland found that 3 out of 4 support extracting and exporting sand from the melting ice sheet, with most preferring local involvement. The study highlights a rare example of an Arctic Indigenous population wanting to be involved in decision-making about adapting to accelerated Arctic changes.

SourceMcGill University·JournalNature Sustainability·TypeSurvey·DateAug 18, 2022

New principles for biological fieldwork will build equity for researchers and local communities

A new paper outlines principles for reducing power imbalances in biological fieldwork, including procedures for permitting and licensing developed at the University of Kansas. The guidelines aim to ensure safety, legal, and ethical conduct, prioritizing communication and transparency in fieldwork planning.

SourceUniversity of Kansas·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 17, 2022

Population bottlenecks that reduced genetic diversity were common throughout human history

A new analysis of ancient and contemporary genomes shows that more than half of historical groups experienced founder events, leading to reduced genetic diversity. This research has significant implications for scientists studying human genetic variation and the discovery of disease-causing mutations.

SourceUniversity of California - Berkeley·JournalPLOS Genetics·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJun 23, 2022