Fish diversity documented in Switzerland"s rivers
In a major survey of Swiss rivers and streams, more than 50 different fish species were recorded. For the first time, more than one species was also found in the case of smaller types of fish such as the bullhead. In Progetto Fiumi, riverine fish wer.....»»
Swiss glaciers are receding again after 2 punishing years and despite a good start to 2024
The volume of Switzerland's glaciers shrank again this summer, compounding the negative impact of climate change after a devastating two-year run that depleted the ice by more than 10%, scientific experts reported Tuesday......»»
Research highlights global plant diversity "darkspots" where scientific efforts are urgently needed
An ambitious project led by scientists from the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, along with global partners, seeks to shed light on the planet's "plant diversity darkspots"—regions teeming with biodiversity but where geographic and taxonomic data remain.....»»
Scientists explore microbial diversity in sourdough starters
When millions of people went into lockdown during the pandemic, they went in search of new at-home hobbies to help cure their boredom. Among them was making sourdough bread. In addition to being sustainable for its use of natural ingredients and trad.....»»
Melting glaciers force Switzerland and Italy to redraw part of their border
Melting glaciers force Switzerland and Italy to redraw part of their border.....»»
Octopuses work together with fish to hunt—and the way they share decisions is surprisingly complex
A new study published in Nature Ecology & Evolution lifts the veil on what happens when octopuses and fish hunt together. As it turns out, this cross-species relationship is more complex than anyone expected......»»
Breathing may introduce microplastics to the brain—new study
Small plastic particles are everywhere: in the soil where our food is grown, in the water we drink and in the air we breathe. They got there from the plastic we throw away, which ends up in landfill sites, rivers and seas. There the plastic waste slo.....»»
Saturday Citations: Octopuses as shift supervisors for fish; universe confounds standard model; extremely old cheese
This week, biologists tracked down a mysterious group of orcas near Chile; Hubble spotted a black hole jet that causes stars along its trajectory to erupt; and researchers explained mysterious craters that began appearing in Siberian permafrost in th.....»»
Toyota deflects attack by anti-DEI activist over LGBTQ programs
Toyota Motor Corp. distanced itself from some of its LGBTQ initiatives and said it doesn’t have a quota system to boost diversity among its suppliers.....»»
Cretaceous fireflies reveal early evolution of insect bioluminescence
Bioluminescence, the ability of living organisms to emit light, is a fascinating phenomenon observed in various life forms, including deep-sea fish, glowing mushrooms, and fireflies. Fireflies have long captivated people with their enchanting light d.....»»
Study defines a safe operating space for major rivers in the Ganges Delta, India
An international study led by the University of Glasgow is the first to define a safe operating space (SOS) for major rivers in the Ganges Delta, which will enhance resilience in one of the world's most vulnerable deltas to global climate change......»»
Ingredients used in chewing gum help tilapia survive cold climates
Two common ingredients in ordinary chewing gum—Arabic gum and lecithin—have been found to help improve the overall health of tilapia, helping these fish survive better even in cold climates. This discovery paves the way for raising tilapia for fo.....»»
Thousands of abandoned mines in Colorado are leaking toxic water, but Congress finally has a solution in sight
Polluted water leaking from thousands of abandoned mines in Colorado's mountains is turning wetlands orange and dumping toxic dissolved metals in the headwaters of many of the state's rivers......»»
Governor launches effort to protect rivers, water supplies as growth booms in SC
Gov. Henry McMaster took steps Tuesday to jump start plans for protecting South Carolina rivers and groundwater, forming a commission to study how to manage the water supplies that often spark disputes among businesses, farmers, environmentalists and.....»»
Ancient DNA helps uncover the Iberian lynx"s potential secret weapon against extinction
Many large mammals have lost genetic diversity, often thanks to the actions of people shrinking their populations. The implications can be severe because without genetic diversity, a population does not have a "genetic database" to fall back on to ad.....»»
How a butterfly invasion minimizes genetic diversity
Until a few years ago, the butterfly known as the southern small white could barely be found north of the Alps. That was before a Europe-wide invasion that brought a huge increase in the insect's distribution—at the same time as a rapid decrease in.....»»
New Zealand scientists discover ghostly "spookfish"
Scientists in New Zealand said Tuesday they have discovered a new species of "ghost shark", a type of fish that prowls the Pacific Ocean floor hunting prey more than a mile down......»»
How diversity in heat tolerance can help protect coral reefs
New research out of Southern Cross University has found previously undocumented variation in coral heat tolerance on Australia's Great Barrier Reef, giving hope that corals' own genetic resources may hold the key for us to help in its recovery and ad.....»»
A secret recipe for colorful and versatile animal crystals
What do fish, chameleons, crabs and Walter White, the chemistry teacher from "Breaking Bad," all have in common? The answer is that they all know how to make crystals. But, unlike the incorrigible White, who manufactured mind-altering methamphetamine.....»»
3D field-based tracking and field experiments of octopus and fish unlock the secrets of multispecies hunting
The diving gear is on, the cameras are ready—biologist Eduardo Sampaio and his colleagues are set to go. They dive in the Red Sea, scanning left and right underwater—and wonder: Where can an octopus hunting be found? Finally, they spot one. The t.....»»
Study shows artificial light at night changes the behavior of fish, even into the next generation
Scientists have shown that light pollution—especially light in the blue spectrum—can alter the behavior of fish after only a few nights, and have knock-on effects for their offspring. The team from China has studied how female zebrafish responded.....»»