Ecosystem functions of rubber plantations are lower than tropical forests
According to statistics, rubber plantations have covered more than 2 million ha in the tropics in the last decade globally. It has improved the economic status of farmers, but altered the habitat's ecology and ecosystem functions. However, few studie.....»»
Forest monitoring reveals self-cleansing effect of radiocesium in ecosystem after Fukushima Daiichi plant accident
A forest monitoring survey conducted more than 13 years after the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant accident has revealed that the natural downward migration of radiocesium in soil exhibits a decontamination effect that reduces the air dose rate.....»»
How a futuristic material is able to change its properties from soft to rigid, and back again
In our everyday life, we are surrounded by objects that have properties enabling them to perform certain functions. Rigidity and softness enable an object to perform a specific function. These properties are seemingly opposing in nature, and one prop.....»»
Logged forests can still have ecological value—if not pushed too far
Researchers have analyzed data from 127 studies to reveal 'thresholds' for when logged rainforests lose the ability to sustain themselves. The results could widen the scope of which forests are considered 'worth' conserving, but also show how much lo.....»»
Forests endure as carbon sink despite regional pressures, new research reveals
Despite facing regional threats like deforestation and wildfires, the world's forests continue to be a powerful weapon in the fight against climate change. A new study reveals these vital ecosystems have consistently absorbed carbon dioxide for the p.....»»
Mega-iceberg melt affects important marine ecosystem
Scientists have for the first time taken in-situ ocean measurements during the collapse of a giant iceberg in the sub-Antarctic. These new observations reveal how ocean ecosystems may be affected if more icebergs calve due to warmer ocean temperature.....»»
Sierra Leone rangers fight uphill battle against deforestation
As the rainclouds descend on Sierra Leone's tropical Kambui forest, a handful of khaki-clad rangers assemble for their daily patrol in the fight to preserve the West African country's dwindling wilderness......»»
Valve runs its massive PC gaming ecosystem with only about 350 employees
Ars' leak analysis shows a large "Games" department and a very well-paid "Admin" team. Enlarge / Artist's conception of Valve's micro-employees hard at work inside your Steam installation (credit: Getty Images) As a priv.....»»
Scientists use machine learning to predict diversity of tree species in forests
A collaborative team of researchers led by Ben Weinstein of the University of Florida, Oregon, US, used machine learning to generate highly detailed maps of over 100 million individual trees from 24 sites across the U.S., and published their findings.....»»
Local dragonflies expose mercury pollution patterns
A new study has unveiled surprising findings about mercury pollution: where it comes from and how it moves through the environment vary significantly depending on the ecosystem. In drier regions, most mercury is deposited through rain and snow. In we.....»»
Foreign direct investments may fuel tropical deforestation
Foreign direct investments (FDI) in tropical countries in extractive industries like mining, logging and fossil fuels have a long, environmentally destructive track record in tropical countries. Are FDI in food systems another extractive industry?.....»»
Paris 2024 Olympics to face complex cyber threats
While previous Olympic games have faced cybersecurity threats, the Games of the XXXIII Olympiad, also known as Paris 2024, will see the largest number of threats, the most complex threat landscape, the largest ecosystem of threat actors, and the high.....»»
Hurricanes Are Trapping Small Island Nations in Ever-Worsening Spirals of Debt
Damage from tropical storms like Beryl saddles islands with debt, which they have no hope of clearing before the next storm hits......»»
Study examines urban forests across the United States
In recent years, tree-planting campaigns have been underway in the United States, especially in cities, as part of climate mitigation efforts......»»
Apple defeats lawsuit that alleged third-party app restrictions cause higher iPhone prices
As reported by Reuters, Apple has won its bid to have a class action lawsuit that. challenged its “closed ecosystem of apps and services” dismissed. US District Judge Richard Seeborg concluded that the plaintiffs, who alleged that these practices.....»»
Apple beats lawsuit over forcing developers to use its closed ecosystem
A California federal court has ruled against a proposed class action suit accusing Apple of blocking iOS developers from using competing technology.Apple wins case against App Store restrictionsAs of January 2024, Apple has stopped requiring all iOS.....»»
Insight into one of life"s earliest ancestors revealed in new study
An international team of researchers led by the University of Bristol has shed light on Earth's earliest ecosystem, showing that within a few hundred million years of planetary formation, life on Earth was already flourishing......»»
Forest carbon storage has declined across much of the Western U.S., likely due to drought and fire
Forests have been embraced as a natural climate solution, due to their ability to soak up carbon dioxide from the atmosphere as they grow, locking it up in their trunks, branches, leaves, and roots. But a new study confirms widespread doubts about th.....»»
Giant salamander species found in what was thought to be an icy ecosystem
Found after its kind were thought extinct, and where it was thought to be too cold. Enlarge (credit: C. Marsicano) Gaiasia jennyae, a newly discovered freshwater apex predator with a body length reaching 4.5 meters, lurk.....»»
Meteorological study provides enhanced understanding of tropical atmospheric waves
In a new meteorological study, an international team of researchers from the University of Miami Rosenstiel School of Marine, Atmospheric, and Earth Science, the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF; Reading, UK), and the Nationa.....»»
Surfing NASA"s internet of animals: Satellites study ocean wildlife
Anchoring the boat in a sandbar, research scientist Morgan Gilmour steps into the shallows and is immediately surrounded by sharks. The warm waters around the tropical island act as a reef shark nursery, and these baby biters are curious about the ne.....»»