Hungry, Hungry Microbes in Tree Bark Gobble Up Methane
Bad news: Trees emit methane, a greenhouse gas. Good news: Some are home to bacteria that can't get enough of it......»»
Scientists are grasping at straws while trying to protect infant corals from hungry fish
South Florida researchers trying to prevent predatory fish from devouring laboratory-grown coral are grasping at biodegradable straws in an effort to restore what some call the rainforest of the sea......»»
Study finds microbes hitchhike on microplastics to reach the sea
The oceans contain large amounts of microplastics, particles that are less than 5 mm in size. In parts of the Baltic Sea, the concentration of microplastics can be as much as 3,300 particles per cubic meter. The microplastics end up in aquatic enviro.....»»
Climate change and forest management may threaten blueberry microbes
The diversity of symbiotic microbes in blueberries differs between southern and northern Finland, according to a new study published in Environmental Microbiome......»»
First-of-its-kind integrated dataset enables genes-to-ecosystems research
A team of Department of Energy scientists led by Oak Ridge National Laboratory has released the first-ever dataset bridging molecular information about the poplar tree microbiome to ecosystem-level processes. The project aims to inform research regar.....»»
Why are there so many species of beetles?
Diet played a key role in the evolution of the vast beetle family tree. Enlarge (credit: Laurie Rubin via Getty) Caroline Chaboo’s eyes light up when she talks about tortoise beetles. Like gems, they exist in myriad br.....»»
Heat-trapping carbon dioxide and methane levels in the air last year spiked to record highs again
The levels of the crucial heat-trapping gases in the atmosphere reached historic highs last year, growing at near-record fast paces, according to the U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration......»»
eDNA methods give a real-time look at coral reef health
The human gut is full of microbes. Some microbes can make people sick, while others are responsible for balancing gut health. But humans aren't the only species whose health depends on these microorganisms. Coral reef ecosystems rely on microorganism.....»»
Phosphorus fertilization boosts young almond tree growth
Young almond orchards face numerous biotic stressors during their early growth stages, particularly when replanted in areas where old stone fruit orchards once stood. Among these challenges is the almond/stone fruit replant disease (ARD), which can s.....»»
Automated bioacoustics: Researchers are listening in on insects to better gauge environmental health
Recent research led by the University of Massachusetts Amherst evaluates how well machine learning can identify different insect species by their sound, from malaria-carrying mosquitoes and grain-hungry weevils to crop-pollinating bees and sap-suckin.....»»
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.....»»
Researchers find unusual heat resilience in tree swallows
Tree swallows use behavioral and physiological mechanisms to handle rising temperatures, and their story is an optimistic example of how some species successfully respond to climate change, at least for now......»»
New method reveals hidden activity of life below ground
A team of scientists led by researchers at Bigelow Laboratory for Ocean Sciences have developed an innovative method to link the genetics and function of individual microbes living without oxygen deep below Earth's surface. Measuring both of these at.....»»
Computational tools fuel reconstruction of new and improved bird family tree
An international team of scientists has built the largest and most detailed bird family tree to date—an intricate chart delineating 93 million years of evolutionary relationships between 363 bird species, representing 92% of all bird families......»»
The entire state of Illinois is going to be crawling with cicadas
And the land shall feast on their dead. Enlarge (credit: Ed Reschke via Getty) Brace yourselves, Illinoisans: A truly shocking number of cicadas are about to live, make sweet love, and die in a tree near you. Two broods.....»»
A high-efficiency photocatalyst for converting carbon dioxide into environmentally friendly energy using sunlight
DGIST Professor In Su-il's research team has developed a high-efficiency photocatalyst that utilizes sunlight to convert carbon dioxide (CO2), the primary cause of global warming, into methane (CH4) fuel. The research team expects that this environme.....»»
Study finds landfill point source emissions have an outsized impact and present opportunity to tackle US waste methane
A new study, led by Carbon Mapper scientists alongside researchers from NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory, Arizona State University, University of Arizona, Scientific Aviation, and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, provides the largest comprehen.....»»
Researchers uncover the microbial secrets of dry eye
Researchers have used advanced sequencing technology to determine how the mix of microbes present in patients with healthy eyes differs from the mix found in patients with dry eye. The new work could lead to improved treatments for various eye proble.....»»
Team modulates electronic state of single-atom catalysts by CO molecular decoration for efficient methane conversion
Direct methane conversion has advantages such as low energy consumption, fewer processes, and better economics. However, it is difficult to activate methane at room temperature due to the high dissociation energy of C-H bonds of methane. Additionally.....»»
Curbside collection improves organic waste composting, reduces methane emissions
Most organic household waste ends up in landfills, where it generates methane, a powerful greenhouse gas. Composting food and garden waste instead of sending it to landfills can significantly reduce methane emissions and help mitigate global warming......»»
How climate change could affect the microbes that ferment grapes and give wine its specific flavors
The far-reaching consequences of climate change inevitably include the production of foods and beverages, including wine......»»