Rebound for bird on brink of extinction
A recent survey in northern Victoria uncovered a record number of plains wanderers—small, quail-like birds that live only in eastern Australia grasslands, and represent an ancient lineage of birds that evolved in Gondwana more than 100 million year.....»»
Australia has more native bird species than almost anywhere else. What led to this explosion of diversity?
When you went out today, did you see any birds? A galah perhaps, or a crow?.....»»
Endangered turtle population under threat as pollution may lead to excess female hatchlings
Green sea turtles, Chelonia mydas, are listed as endangered on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. They are at risk of extinction due to poaching, collisions with boats, habitat destruction, and accidental capture in fishing gear......»»
Improved algorithm enhances precision of pressure sensors for wild bird tracking
Researchers from the Aerospace Information Research Institute (AIR) of the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) have proposed an improved algorithm called Dynamic Quantum Particle Swarm Optimization (DQPSO) to improve the accuracy and reliability of pre.....»»
A fifth of European Red List flora and fauna species may be at risk of extinction
A new analysis of 14,669 threatened species of plants and animals found in Europe reveals that about one fifth face the risk of extinction, and that agricultural land-use change poses a significant threat to these species. Axel Hochkirch of the Musé.....»»
New study using 3D scans of 85% of all known bird species sheds light on extraordinary avian diversity
A new study, using the digitized scans of beaks from over 8,700 bird species, is shedding light on how evolution changes at different scales. While the general principles of evolution by natural selection have been known for over 160 years, the 3D sc.....»»
Local adaptation may buffer some birds against climate change
North American song sparrows may be more resilient to climate change thanks to a remarkable adaptation: a stunning range of body sizes found throughout the bird's westernmost range......»»
Q&A: Birds of East Africa—their extraordinary diversity and changing behavior
101 Curious Tales of East African Birds is a new book that uses academic research to tell fascinating stories about the tropical birds of east Africa, from well-known species to rare ones. It also explores changing bird behavior in the region. Its au.....»»
Study shows how bird flu could be eradicated by editing the genes of chickens
Recent advances in gene editing technology could potentially be used to create disease-resistant animals. This could curtail the spread of avian influenza, commonly known as bird flu......»»
Toyota, Honda, Hyundai, Kia U.S. sales advance in October
U.S. new light-vehicle sales are forecast to rise 3 to 4 percent in October, according to analysts, as the industry continues a steady rebound from chronic tight inventory levels stemming from depleted microchip supplies......»»
Bird Flu Reaches the Antarctic for the First Time
As the first known cases of H5N1 are detected in the region, scientists fear for the isolated penguin and seal populations that have never been exposed......»»
Digital terrain models zero in on Martian surface
Picture soaring over a rugged canyon on another world, strapped into an imaginary hang glider. Or getting a bird's eye view of craters that stretch on for miles and following along the same paths as the robotic rovers that have explored the surface o.....»»
Tiny networks intertwine to mimic design of bird colors
The bright plumage of birds is often a feast for the eyes, but it has been a headache for scientists who have struggled to recreate the photonic nanostructures that generate those colors in the lab......»»
Bird flu kills more than 500 marine mammals in Brazil
At least 522 seals and sea lions have been found dead along the coast of southern Brazil, authorities said Wednesday, blaming the die-off on avian flu......»»
Examining how a sustainable future is based on a learning society
Escalating planetary crises, including climate change, the depletion of natural resources and the human-induced sixth mass extinction, pose increasing demands on pursuing a good life. As the planet is reaching its limits, old perceptions of well-bein.....»»
Deep freezing native plants at risk of extinction
A process similar to that used to store human embryos is being used by scientists at The University of Queensland to save native Australian plants under threat from the invasive fungus, myrtle rust......»»
Biases found in coral reef research
Coral reefs support approximately 25% of marine species, and are essential to coastal economies, such as the fishing and tourism industries, to name a few. But coral reefs worldwide are at risk due to climate change and are on the brink of collapse......»»
Geographers propose way for governments to help keep consumers" grocery costs down
Hikes in grocery prices—11% last year alone—often arise from factors outside of governments' control, whether it's bird flu driving up egg costs or heavy rain and flooding in California drowning crops of veggies, nuts and berries......»»
New deadly bird flu cases reported in Iowa, joining 3 other states as disease resurfaces
Two commercial turkey farms in Iowa have been hit by the reemerging highly pathogenic bird flu, causing about 100,000 birds to be killed to prevent the disease from spreading......»»
Q&A: Do we need a new approach to prevent bird window strikes?
In early October, nearly 1,000 birds perished after colliding with the windows of a convention center near Lake Michigan in Chicago, marking the largest mass bird die-off in decades. But bird window-strike fatalities are an ongoing threat. Illinois N.....»»
First confirmed cases of avian influenza in the Antarctic region
Highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) has been confirmed in brown skua populations on Bird Island, South Georgia—the first known cases in the Antarctic region......»»