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......»»
Researchers create a three-dimensional multi-focus laser for glass micro-sculpting
Glass materials are widely used in optical and optoelectronic devices due to their low cost and excellent mechanical and optical properties. Among them, glass concave/convex linear structures with feature sizes ranging from several micrometers to hun.....»»
Evolution in real time: Scientists predict—and witness—evolution in a 30-year marine snail experiment
Snails on a tiny rocky islet evolved before scientists' eyes. The marine snails were reintroduced after a toxic algal bloom wiped them out from the skerry. While the researchers intentionally brought in a distinct population of the same snail species.....»»
Stunning aurorae visible around the world caused by solar storms
Beautiful aurorae were visible in locations around the world this week due to increased activity from the sun......»»
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......»»
Plant stem cells: Understanding the biological mechanism of growth control
Researchers from the University of Freiburg have identified the HAN molecule as an important regulator that controls plant growth in conjunction with WOX5. Understanding this mechanism is relevant for breeding more resilient or higher-yielding crops......»»
Bat data study reveals conservation priorities in San Diego County
A team of wildlife managers at the U.S. Geological Survey in San Diego, California, working with a colleague from the San Diego Natural History Museum, have uncovered the areas in San Diego County that need the most scrutiny if bat populations in the.....»»
New plant-based glitter shows no harm to soil organisms
Plastic pollution is everywhere. Each year, over 368 million metric tons of plastics are produced with over 13 million metric tons of it ending up in the soil where it can be toxic to wildlife......»»
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.....»»
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......»»
Weever stings provide scientists with a unique way of assessing impacts of environment on coastal fish populations
Weever fish are perhaps most commonly known for the painful stings they deliver to beach goers around the UK coastline......»»
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......»»
Phytoplankton community shifts after wastewater treatment plant closure
A study by the UPV/EHU's Department of Plant Biology and Ecology has evaluated the response of Urdaibai estuary phytoplankton to the changes brought about after the closing-down of the Gernika wastewater treatment plant; a novel tool based on pigment.....»»
Red milkweed beetle genome offers evolutionary insights into plant-insect interactions
Studying the secrets of how the common red milkweed beetle can safely feed on a toxic plant helps illuminate the ecological, evolutionary and economic impact of insect-plant interactions from a genomic perspective......»»
What yields per acre reveal about the impact of extreme weather
Since time immemorial, crop yields have been influenced by such extreme weather phenomena as heat waves, persisting droughts, downpours and lasting rainfall. Many studies have already demonstrated that due to climate change, periods of extreme weathe.....»»
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......»»
Assessment of damaged archaeological sites suggests they require individual protection concepts
An analysis of the damage to archaeological sites documented after a heavy rainfall event in July 2021 in parts of Germany shows that several factors increase the risk of damage to archaeological sites due to heavy rainfall and flooding events. For e.....»»
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.....»»
How climate change is powering stronger hurricanes
As climate change accelerates, hurricanes are becoming more intense and destructive, bringing heavier rains, stronger winds and devastating storm surges. Hurricanes Helene and Milton serve as stark examples of this—both storms grew stronger due to.....»»
The unintended consequences of brick-and-mortar"s decline
Lately, many big retail brands have been closing physical locations, in what has become known as the "retail apocalypse." Whether the stated reason is declining revenue, or concerns related to "shrinkage" and employee safety in some cities, the impac.....»»