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Ecological knowledge of local populations allows better control of Amazonian wildlife

A recent study published in Methods in Ecology and Evolution found that local environmental knowledge is a valuable tool for conservation in the Amazon, comparable to other scientific methods. Local ecological knowledge proved to be more accurate than 10 years of conventional scientific monitoring for animal abundance in the Amazon.

SourceUniversitat Autonoma de Barcelona·JournalMethods in Ecology and Evolution·TypeSurvey·DateDec 6, 2021

Hazardous levels of alcohol consumption identified in African hunter-gatherer group

Researchers found that 44.3% of the Mbendjele BaYaka population had hazardous alcohol consumption, associated with mental and physical health harms like high blood pressure and increased diarrhoea rates. The study emphasizes the need for community involvement and socioeconomic changes to address the underlying drivers of poor health.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalPLOS ONE·TypeObservational study·DateOct 27, 2021

When provided personalized health resources, patients often share with others

Researchers discovered that almost half of patients who received personalized information about community resources shared them with at least one other person. Individuals in poorer health were more likely to report sharing the information, and those who visited or used a resource on their list were also more likely to share it.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Medical Center·JournalJournal of the Association for Information Science and Technology·DateAug 5, 2021

Seasonal water resource on the Upper Indus

Geographers at Heidelberg University created a full inventory of seasonal aufeis fields in the Upper Indus Basin, discovering over 3,700 fields across 300 square kilometers. These natural reservoirs play an essential role in hydrology and climatology, particularly in irrigation and hydropower generation.

SourceHeidelberg University·JournalThe Science of The Total Environment·DateApr 28, 2021

Firefly tourism takes flight, sparking wonder and concern

A comprehensive review reveals the benefits of firefly tourism, including economic and social gains, but also highlights threats to local firefly populations. The authors urge site managers, tour guides, and tourists to adopt tailored conservation practices and promote eco-friendly behavior to protect these charismatic creatures.

SourceTufts University·JournalConservation Science and Practice·DateMar 11, 2021

Trust thy neighbor

A study by Jordan Smith found that residents in growing communities trust information from family members, churches, and local newspapers more than elected officials or national news sources. This shift can lead to conflicts over values and ideologies, complicating long-term environmental and community planning.

SourceSpringer·JournalHuman Ecology·DateAug 7, 2013

Not so fast -- researchers find that lasting evolutionary change takes about 1 million years

A new study combining short-term and long-term data found that rapid evolution does not always persist, and major changes tend to take around 1 million years to occur. The research supports the concept of 'punctuated equilibrium' and suggests that natural selection forces must be widespread for changes to accumulate.

SourceOregon State University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 22, 2011

Quality-adjusted life years lost to US adults due to obesity more than doubles from 1993-2008

A new study found that the US adult obesity burden has significantly increased since 1993, with quality-adjusted life years (QALYs) lost due to morbidity and mortality from obesity more than doubling. The prevalence of obesity for US adults rose from 14.1% to 26.7%, and obesity-related QALYs lost followed a similar pattern.

SourceElsevier Health Sciences·JournalAmerican Journal of Preventive Medicine·DateAug 3, 2010

Are new genes always better?

A recent study found that introducing new genes from distant populations to damaged ecosystems can have negative consequences on native populations. However, the introduction of genes from nearby, contrasting environments can lead to poorer seedling performance and reduced fitness over time.

SourceBotanical Society of America·JournalAmerican Journal of Botany·DateJan 28, 2010

Corals stay close to home

Recent study reveals coral species tend to stay close to home, with high local genetic diversity important for conservation. Marine reserves should prioritize locally sourced coral recruitment to maintain healthy populations.

SourceWiley·JournalEvolutionary Applications·DateJun 26, 2009

Even plants benefit from outsourcing

Using genetically diverse seed sources can improve revegetation outcomes for native flora, as local seed may be inbred and lead to poor results. The review recommends focusing on capturing high-quality seed to ensure restored populations have ample genetic diversity.

SourceWiley·JournalEvolutionary Applications·DateNov 7, 2008

Climate change isolates Rocky Mountain butterflies

A new study finds that climate change is isolating groups of alpine butterflies in the Canadian Rockies, leading to population decline and increased risk of local extinction. The expanding forests and reduced prescribed burns are limiting the butterflies' ability to fly and reproduce, threatening their survival.

SourceUniversity of Alberta·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 13, 2007

Suppression Of Natural Fires Harms Squirrels

Researchers found that suppressing natural fires harms Northern Idaho ground squirrels, isolating them into shrinking groups where non-native plants overtake fire-resistant seed-laden grasses. The biologists propose two solutions: restoring habitat and reintroducing controlled fires to restore native vegetational structure.

SourceCornell University·JournalJournal of Mammalogy·DateMay 3, 1999