Genomes could help enigmatic, endangered nocturnal parrot make a comeback
Variations linked to fertility, survival still present in a small population. Enlarge (credit: Liu Yang) On an island off the coast of New Zealand, in the shadows of a primeval forest, an eerie sound resonates through th.....»»
Researchers reveal a hidden trait in Mycobacterium genomes governing stress adaptation
A new study, led by Qingyun Liu, Ph.D., assistant professor in the Department of Genetics, has uncovered a genetic feature known as "transcriptional plasticity," which plays a pivotal role in governing the transcriptional response of Mycobacteria to.....»»
Rewilding amphibians: Protecting endangered species to restore ecosystems
In a recent paper published in Biological Conservation, iDiv researchers suggest that given amphibians' ability to act as "canaries in the coal mine" for aquatic environments, they should be reintroduced or rewilded. Rewilding would not only help pro.....»»
Making crops colorful for easier weeding by robots
To make weeding easier, scientists suggest bioengineering crops to be colorful or to have differently shaped leaves so that they can be more easily distinguished from their wild and weedy counterparts. This could involve altering the crops' genomes s.....»»
Tijuana River among most endangered in America due to sewage crisis
The Tijuana River, with frequent flows of sewage and chemical-tainted waters, is among America's top endangered rivers, according to a report that spotlights threats to clean water nationwide......»»
Researchers clarify cryptic differentiation within enigmatic hemiparasitic love vine Cassytha filiformis
The widespread hemiparasitic Lauraceae genus Cassytha currently contains 19 described species, one variety and four forms. This genus is controversial and has not been satisfactorily resolved. Cassytha filiformis is cosmopolitan in tropical and subtr.....»»
Theories that explain the crisis in democracy are inadequate for Latin America, experts say
The theories offered by the dominant literature in political science today to try to explain the sources of the political polarization that has endangered democracy around the world are adequate for the United States and Europe, but do not make sense.....»»
Where have all the right whales gone? Researchers map population density to make predictions
Marine researchers have mapped the density of one of the most endangered large whale species worldwide, the North Atlantic right whale, using newly analyzed data to predict and help avoid whales' harmful, even fatal, exposure to commercial fishing an.....»»
Experts determine best way to breed frogs in captivity
Frogs belong to a group of animals called amphibians—the most endangered group of species on the planet. Two out of every five amphibian species are currently threatened with extinction, and this figure is rising......»»
Quantum entanglement in quasiparticles: A stealth mode against disorder
Physicists at Julius-Maximilians-Universität Würzburg (JMU) have made a discovery that could boost the understanding of the role of entanglement in high-temperature copper oxide superconductors. The low-energy quasiparticles of these enigmatic quan.....»»
As fish deaths increase at pumps, critics urge California agencies to improve protections
Powerful pumps that supply much of California's population with water have killed several thousand threatened and endangered fish this year, prompting a coalition of environmental groups to demand that state and federal agencies take immediate steps.....»»
The regenerative feats of endangered axolotls
Axolotls (Ambystoma mexicanum) are a critically endangered species of salamander. The species has only one natural habitat remaining, a series of canals in Mexico City, and only 50 to 1,000 axolotls are estimated to be left living there......»»
Rare Javan rhino calf spotted in Indonesia
A new Javan rhinoceros calf has been spotted at an Indonesian national park, giving hope for the conservation of one of the world's most endangered mammals......»»
Rusty-patched bumblebee"s struggle for survival found in its genes
A team of researchers has uncovered alarming trends in the first range-wide genetic study of an endangered bee species. The study, led by Colorado State University and published in the Journal of Insect Science, will inform conservation and recovery.....»»
Last chance to record archaic Greek language "heading for extinction"
A new data crowd-sourcing platform aims to preserve the sound of Romeyka, an endangered millennia-old variety of Greek. Experts consider the language to be a linguistic goldmine and a living bridge to the ancient world......»»
Ancient trees help to protect an endangered species
The oldest trees in the forest help to prevent the disappearance of endangered species in the natural environment, according to a study led by the University of Barcelona. This is the case of the wolf lichen—threatened throughout Europe—which now.....»»
After 10 years of work, landmark study reveals new "tree of life" for all birds living today
The largest-ever study of bird genomes has produced a remarkably clear picture of the bird family tree. Published in the journal Nature today, our study shows that most of the modern groups of birds first appeared within 5 million years after the ext.....»»
US restores handful of wildlife protections axed by Trump
The US administration of President Joe Biden on Thursday announced further protections for endangered species and their habitats, restoring a set of regulations weakened by Donald Trump......»»
Sawfish are spinning, and dying, in Florida waters as rescue effort begins
Endangered smalltooth sawfish, marine creatures virtually unchanged for millions of years, are exhibiting erratic spinning behavior and dying in unusual numbers in Florida waters. Federal and state wildlife agencies are beginning an effort to rescue.....»»
Saturn"s moon Enceladus top target for ESA
A fresh, icy crust hides a deep, enigmatic ocean. Plumes of water burst through cracks in the ice, shooting into space. An intrepid lander collects samples and analyzes them for hints of life......»»
Baby gorilla cuddled by mother at London Zoo remains nameless
The newest endangered baby gorilla at the London Zoo is more than six weeks old but doesn't yet have a name. Zookeepers aren't even sure if it's a male or female because they haven't been able to get close enough to examine it......»»