Decoding reactive species in molten salts
By unraveling vibrational signatures and observing ion exchanges, an Oak Ridge National Laboratory team revealed how chemical species form in a highly reactive molten salt mixture of aluminum chloride and potassium chloride. The findings are publishe.....»»
Exploring the roots of the Anthropocene
Understanding how tropical land use and deforestation affects the dynamics of the global Earth system and identifying potential tipping points are key to the future of our species on this planet. By exploring the long history of human societies in tr.....»»
Finding the ecological balance while countering invasive species
In 2003, Anne Nielsen became the first doctoral student in the U.S. to study the brown marmorated stink bug, which was beginning its ascendancy as an invasive species notoriously damaging to crops......»»
Saving the woodrats: Zoo raises endangered species for wild release
Inside a hallway of the veterinary hospital at the Maryland Zoo in Baltimore, a popular new program plays 24/7 on a computer screen......»»
Insecticides contribute to drop in butterfly species across US MidWest: Study
Insecticide use is a major factor causing a decrease in the size and diversity of butterfly populations across the US Midwest, reports Braeden Van Deynze of the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife and colleagues in a study published June 20 in.....»»
Scotland"s capercaillie population offered extinction lifeline
Researchers might have solved the riddle of how to save one of Scotland's most iconic protected species from eating another......»»
New species of Callicarpa discovered in Hunan, China
Callicarpa L. (Lamiaceae) consists of 140 species that are trees or shrubs, and there are about 53 species in China, mainly distributed south of the Yangtze River. Some plants of Callicarpa are used as traditional medicine in China. In addition, they.....»»
Unlocking the tea leaf"s secret: Decoding the amino acid blueprint of tea plant
Amino acids are vital for plant growth and significantly influence tea flavor and health benefits. Tea plants, particularly Camellia sinensis, exhibit unique amino acid profiles that contribute to their distinctive taste and nutritional value......»»
First conclusive video evidence that a terrestrial leech species can jump
A new study presents video evidence that at least one species of terrestrial leech can jump, behavior that scientists have debated for more than a century. Researchers from the American Museum of Natural History, Fordham University, and City Universi.....»»
"Nature"s mirror": Climate change batters Albania"s butterflies
Bright yellow, black, red and blue, Alexanor butterflies once fluttered abundantly on southwestern Albania's flowery slopes. Now, like many related species, scientists say they are disappearing due to human impacts, including climate change......»»
Non-native plants and animals expanding ranges 100-times faster than native species, finds new research
An international team of scientists has recently found that non-native species are expanding their ranges many orders of magnitude faster than native ones, in large part due to inadvertent human help. Even seemingly sedentary non-native plants are mo.....»»
Javan rhino clings to survival after Indonesia poaching wave
In 2023, a newborn Javan rhino in Indonesia raised hopes for the highly endangered species. Now, conservationists fear poachers have killed up to a third of the surviving population, possibly with inside help......»»
Researchers argue for standardizing terminology to stop the spread of disease
Researchers writing in the International Journal of Risk Assessment and Management explain how the U.S. is a major importer of wildlife, bringing into the states a great diversity and quantity of different species. This trade, they caution, has the p.....»»
Global study discovers natural hazards threaten over 3,000 species
Most of us are aware that climate change is altering our world. But it can also make certain natural disasters, like hurricanes, more likely in places where susceptible species reside......»»
Six turtle species that live in Australia are all vulnerable or endangered, but there"s hope
The six turtle species that call Australia home appear to have few similarities at first. Some turtles are large, others are much smaller. Some turtles are herbivores, others enjoy a varied diet. Unfortunately, their threats are almost universal......»»
Searching for a female partner for the world’s “loneliest” plant
AI assists in the pursuit for one threatened plant species. Enlarge / Map from drone mission search for the Encephalartos Woodii in the Ngoye Forest in South Africa. (credit: CC BY-NC) “Surely this is the most solita.....»»
Researchers investigate presence of endangered sea cucumbers for sale in NYC food markets
After surveying food market retailers in three New York City Chinatown districts, Cornell researchers have found genetic evidence that some endangered species of sea cucumbers—considered a pricey but nutritious dried delicacy—are being sold to co.....»»
Decoding reactive species in molten salts
By unraveling vibrational signatures and observing ion exchanges, an Oak Ridge National Laboratory team revealed how chemical species form in a highly reactive molten salt mixture of aluminum chloride and potassium chloride. The findings are publishe.....»»
Researchers map genome of the last living wild horse species
University of Minnesota researchers have successfully mapped the complete genome of the endangered Przewalski's horse. Once extinct in the wild, the species now has a population of around 2,000 animals thanks to conservation efforts......»»
Eggs of grapevine-gobbling insect discovered en route to California: Are vineyards at risk?
Eggs of the spotted lanternfly, an invasive species that's wreaked havoc on crops across more than a dozen states, were recently discovered on a metal art installation that was headed to Sonoma County, one of California's most esteemed wine regions......»»
Permanent gene edits to tardigrades help shed light on their amazing resilience
Some species of tardigrades are highly and unusually resilient to various extreme conditions fatal to most other forms of life. The genetic basis for these exceptional abilities remains elusive......»»