Hidden in plain sight: Seven new species of showy tropical forest ferns
Researchers from the University of Turku have described seven new fern species from the rainforests of tropical America. Many of the species were uncovered as the byproduct of ecological research: the species diversity in tropical forests is still so.....»»
One-third of European plant species could be in trouble due to declining seed disperser populations
A team of ecologists at the University of Coimbra, Aarhus University and the University of Bristol has found that approximately one-third of plant species in Europe are under threat of population reduction as the number of seed dispersals declines......»»
Hidden in the teeth: DNA study finds these 19th century lions preyed on humans and giraffes
In 1898, two male lions terrorized an encampment of bridge builders on the Tsavo River in Kenya. The lions, which were massive and maneless, crept into the camp at night, raided the tents and dragged off their victims. The infamous Tsavo "man-eaters".....»»
Is COVID-19 infecting wild animals? Researcher test species from bats to seals to find out
Over the course of the COVID-19 pandemic, researchers have found coronavirus infections in pet cats and dogs and in multiple zoo animals, including big cats and gorillas. These infections have even happened when staff were using personal protective e.....»»
Breakdancers at risk for “headspin hole,” doctors warn
Headspin power move is showy but can lead to hair loss, inflammation, and bulging scalp. Breakdancing has become a global phenomenon since it first emerged in the 1970s, even maki.....»»
Threatened pink sea fan coral breeds in UK aquarium for first time
A threatened species of UK coral has been bred for the first time in a UK aquarium, at the Horniman Museum and Gardens in south London......»»
Researchers develop technique that enables breeding of genetically identical hybrid plants
When different varieties of one plant species are crossed with each other, their hybrid offspring are often more robust and grow more quickly than their parents. However, in the next generation, this effect disappears again......»»
Research team helps community document skeletal remains found on historic "poor farm"
On a bright autumn afternoon, a plain wooden box crafted by a local cabinet shop containing skeletal remains was returned to its final resting place during a simple reburial ceremony in Brentwood. Researchers and students from the University of New H.....»»
European forest plants are migrating westwards: Research suggests nitrogen is the main cause
New research reveals nitrogen pollution, and to a lesser extent climate change, unexpectedly as the key driver behind surprising westward shifts in the distribution of plants......»»
New discoveries: Three tiny species added to South Africa"s spectacular marine life
South Africa's marine realm is globally unique because of the two major ocean currents that meet here. The cold, slow-moving Benguela and the warm, fast-flowing Agulhas currents create a special environment that supports high levels of biodiversity......»»
Animal social interactions could speed up evolution
Scientists typically predict how species evolve by looking at their genes and the environment they live in, but new research from the University of Aberdeen has highlighted a key factor that's often overlooked: social interactions, where the genes of.....»»
Huge waves in the atmosphere dump extreme rain on northern Australia
In 2023, almost a year's worth of rain fell over ten days in parts of northwestern Australia, leading to catastrophic flooding in the town of Fitzroy Crossing and surrounds. The rainfall was linked to a tropical cyclone, but there were also lesser-kn.....»»
Fall is here: Why do some trees lose their leaves while others stay green?
The autumn has arrived and northeastern North America's forests will soon grace us with a breathtaking palette of reds, yellows and golds. These vivid colors will then fade, giving way to bare branches, as the fallen leaves blanket the forest floor,.....»»
Indonesia biomass drive threatens key forests: Report
Indonesia's push to add wood-burning to its energy mix and exports is driving deforestation, including in key habitats for endangered species such as orangutans, a report said Thursday......»»
Wildlife populations plunge 73% since 1970: WWF
Wild populations of monitored animal species have plummeted over 70 percent in the last half-century, according to the latest edition of a landmark assessment by WWF published on Thursday......»»
Researchers find dragonfly species with darker wings have evolved to withstand heat and attract partners
Temperature determines where species can live and if they are threatened by a warming climate. So, for a long time, biologists studied how heat tolerance affects survival. Yet, less is known about how thermal traits influence reproduction, which is d.....»»
Sludge sequencing: High-throughput single-cell method reveals novel species and genetic diversity
Activated sludge is essential for removing contaminants from wastewater, and understanding the diverse microbial communities it harbors has been a significant task. Traditional methods fail to capture the full spectrum of microbial interactions. Due.....»»
Study shows early human species benefited from food diversity in steep mountainous terrain
A study published in the journal Science Advances by researchers at the IBS Center for Climate Physics (ICCP) at Pusan National University in South Korea shows that the patchwork of different ecosystems found in mountainous regions played a key role.....»»
Microbial marvels: Study finds "untapped biodiversity" in the bathroom, on your toothbrush and showerhead
Step aside tropical rainforests and coral reefs—the latest hotspot to offer awe-inspiring biodiversity lies no further than your bathroom......»»
A US climate scientist sees hurricane Helene"s devastation firsthand
Carl Schreck spent his career studying tropical storms thousands of miles away from home......»»
Researchers link El Niño to accelerated ice loss in tropics
Natural climate patterns such as El Niño are causing tropical glaciers to lose their ice at an alarming rate, a new study has found......»»