How do functional traits diversify and phylogenetically correlate for co-occurring understory species in boreal forests?
Determining the processes and mechanisms underlying community assembly is a favorite pastime for ecologists. During the past decade, functional trait-based approaches have been widely used to test mechanistic community assembly hypotheses through qua.....»»
No "island of garbage" here, Puerto Rico"s new marine reserve
The Caribbean US territory of Puerto Rico, likened to a "floating island of garbage" at a Republican rally in New York, on Wednesday announced the creation of a new marine reserve to protect manatees and other species......»»
One in Three Tree Species Is at Risk of Extinction
A review of 47,282 tree species by the International Union for Conservation of Nature found that more than one third are at risk of extinction.....»»
Prolonged brain development of marmosets could serve as model for human evolution
The development of primate brains is shaped by various inputs. However, these inputs differ between independent breeders, such as great apes, and cooperative breeders, such as the common marmoset (Callithrix jacchus) and humans. In these species, gro.....»»
Changing climate could increase mobility of toxic metals in soils, experimental study shows
The changes scientists expect in the climate could cause toxic metals naturally occurring in soils to become more mobile, destabilize ecosystems and increasingly enter the human food chain via agriculture. Such scenarios are particularly likely to oc.....»»
Report reveals a "vital sanctuary" for wildlife and endangered species in Cambodia"s Central Cardamom Mountains
The first-ever camera trap study of the Central Cardamom Mountains Landscape has recorded 108 species, 23 of which are listed at risk (Vulnerable or above) on the IUCN Red List, underscoring the significance of the region as a global stronghold for b.....»»
Advanced imaging uncovers 12 new weevil species
Jake Lewis, an entomologist in the Environmental Science and Informatics Section at the Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology (OIST), is fascinated by weevils, a diverse group of beetles that includes many species with elephant trunk-like mouth.....»»
Antithrombin study proposes new mechanism of action for the plasma protein"s functional role
Antithrombin, a plasma protein, has been reported to control thrombin activity by directly binding to thrombin, as well as to have an anti-inflammatory effect. However, the actual molecular mechanism of the anti-inflammatory effect of antithrombin wa.....»»
Less than 7 mm in length, this Atlantic Rainforest flea toad is the second-smallest vertebrate described in the world
Flea toads, as some species in the genus Brachycephalus are known, are less than 1 cm long in adulthood. Their size is far smaller than a fingernail......»»
Apple’s first Mac mini redesign in 14 years looks like a big aluminum Apple TV
The smaller mini loses some ports but gets tons of other functional updates. Apple's week of Mac announcements continues today, and as expected, we're getting a substantial new up.....»»
Researchers" new outreach strategy sets blueprint for detecting invasive species in Florida
Invasive species in Florida like Nile monitors and Argentine black-and-white tegus pose a growing threat to the Sunshine State's environment, economy and public safety. South Florida's warm climate, disturbed habitats and bustling pet trade have made.....»»
Japan-style "tiny forests" are taking root in British cities
A staggering 1 in 3 people in England lack access to nature-rich spaces within a short walk from their homes. Now, a growing movement is bringing nature back to cities across the UK. The Miyawaki forest method involves planting a diverse mix of dense.....»»
Invasive plants drive homogenization of soil microbial communities across US, new study finds
Invasive plants are doing more than just taking over landscapes—they're also changing the soil beneath them. A new study co-authored by Matthew McCary, assistant professor of biosciences at Rice University, reveals that these species are reshaping.....»»
Dinosaurs thrived after ice, not fire, says a new study of ancient volcanism
201.6 million years ago, one of the Earth's five great mass extinctions took place, when three-quarters of all living species suddenly disappeared. The wipeout coincided with massive volcanic eruptions that split apart Pangaea, a giant continent then.....»»
Gemini Moon: Personality Traits, Compatibility, and Career Strengths
Gemini Moon: Personality Traits, Compatibility, and Career Strengths.....»»
Q&A: Expert unravels truth on spiders as friend and foe
There are more than 250 species of spiders found in Florida and more than 40,000 worldwide......»»
Seeing more acorns this fall? Here"s why, and what it means for RI"s forests.
Seeing more acorns this fall? Here"s why, and what it means for RI"s forests......»»
More social species live longer, study finds
New research from the University of Oxford has revealed that species that are more social live longer and produce offspring for a greater timespan. This is the first study on this topic which spans the animal kingdom, from jellyfish to humans......»»
UN biodiversity summit making "very good progress": officials
Crunch UN talks on ways to "halt and reverse" species loss by 2030 have made "very good progress," officials said Friday, as the summit in Colombia marked its halfway point......»»
The preparation makes the poison: How muscarine in mushrooms becomes toxic
Mushrooms exist in a breathtaking variety of shapes, colors and sizes. Especially in autumn, mushroom hunters go into the forests to find the tastiest of them, prepare them in multiple ways and eat them with relish. However, it is well known that the.....»»
Move along moose: Study reveals the "most Canadian" animals
What is the "most Canadian" animal? Spoiler: it's not the beaver, or the moose. Published in the journal The Canadian Field-Naturalist, the study from a team of Simon Fraser University researchers ranks, for the first time ever, species of terrestria.....»»