Tiger breeding, exports flourish in S.Africa: charity
South Africa's legal lion breeding has spawned a tiger farming industry for commercial exports, potentially posing a threat to the species already in decline, an animal welfare group warned Tuesday......»»
New hope for critically endangered Siamese crocodile
Sixty Siamese crocodiles, from five separate nests, have successfully hatched in Cambodia's Cardamom National Park—the largest record of this species breeding in the wild this century and a massive boost for the survival prospects of this criticall.....»»
Unlocking the genetic code of Amur grape: Insights into plant cold tolerance and evolution
The Amur grape, indigenous to eastern Asia, is known for its remarkable cold tolerance, able to withstand temperatures as low as -40°C. Despite its significant potential for breeding and agricultural applications, the absence of high-quality genomic.....»»
Study highlights potential for genetic manipulation in cucumber breeding
The CLAVATA (CLV) signaling pathway is crucial for controlling flower and fruit development by regulating the shoot apical meristem (SAM) size. Despite its significance, the downstream signaling components in crops remain largely unknown. Understandi.....»»
Wildfires in South Africa are set to increase: How legal action can help the country adapt better to climate change
As climate change drives temperature increases and lower precipitation in southern Africa, research has found that there is likely to be an increase in the number of wildfires in regions that are already hot, dry and water scarce......»»
Almond genome study paves way for improved breeding strategies
A recent study has unlocked the genetic complexities of almonds, highlighting a significant degree of heterozygosity and the influence of structural variants on gene expression. The research rigorously delineates allele-specific expression patterns,.....»»
Enhancing ratoon rice yield and sustainability through innovative breeding and mechanization
A research team has reviewed the advancements and prospects of ratoon rice cultivation in China, highlighting its significant rise due to improved breeding methods and cultivation technology. They examined key aspects such as cultivar selection, stub.....»»
Protecting one of the world"s most threatened marine animals
Researchers from Murdoch University's Harry Butler Institute have employed the latest genetic techniques to uncover critical breeding and reproductive knowledge about one of the world's most threatened marine animals—the sawfish......»»
How old are South African fossils like the Taung Child? Study offers an answer
One hundred years ago, the discovery of a skull in South Africa's North West province altered our understanding of human evolution. The juvenile skull was dubbed the Taung Child by Raymond Dart, an anatomist at the University of the Witwatersrand, wh.....»»
Thinking aloud: What happens when children read for pleasure in classroom clubs
Every five years, the international Progress in International Reading Literacy Study (PIRLS) provides an assessment of how well grade 4 learners around the world read for meaning. And every time South Africa participates, the results are shocking. In.....»»
Elephants trample a Spanish tourist to death in South Africa. He left a car to take photos
Elephants trample a Spanish tourist to death in South Africa. He left a car to take photos.....»»
Archaeologists report earliest evidence for plant farming in east Africa
A trove of ancient plant remains excavated in Kenya helps explain the history of plant farming in equatorial eastern Africa, a region long thought to be important for early farming but where scant evidence from actual physical crops has been previous.....»»
How a global collaboration is helping protect biodiversity
Ask a 10-year-old to name some extinct animals and they can usually rattle off ancient species such as the Tasmanian Tiger, Woolly Mammoth and Dodo. Some may even be able to tell you what the animals used to look like without searching online......»»
Opinion: Southern Africa is seen as a leader in wildlife conservation, but its market-driven approach is deeply flawed
Southern Africa's wildlife economy is often hailed as a successful model. The idea behind this model is that biodiversity and wildlife are used as the basis of sustainable economic growth, through an increase in wildlife numbers and in a country's re.....»»
Q&A: Extreme weather in South Africa is disrupting tourism—research tracks the impact on coastal areas
South Africa has experienced some extreme weather events in recent months. These have included floods and an uncommon tornado in South Africa's KwaZulu-Natal province, floods in the Eastern Cape and mid-latitude cyclones in the Western Cape. Kaitano.....»»
Innovative use of hyperspectral data and DCGANs enhances rice protein content estimation
Rice (Oryza sativa L.) is a crucial crop feeding over half of the global population. The demand for high-quality, protein-rich rice is rising, making accurate grain protein content (GPC) estimation vital for breeding superior varieties......»»
They raised $50 million for charity with dusty consoles. Here’s how
Games Done Quick has raised over $50 million for charity over the past 14 years. Here's the tech that keeps the show going......»»
How listening for the right buzz keeps mosquitoes from mating with the wrong species
Researchers from Nagoya University in Japan have uncovered how the yellow fever mosquito and Asian tiger mosquito distinguish their own species from others. Males from these species listen for the specific frequencies of sound made by the flapping wi.....»»
Whale had fishing lines "embedded" into body: Rescue took multiple days
A whale entangled in fishing gear was recently cut free by rescuers during a multiday operation off the coast of South Africa, video footage shows......»»
These oldest inhabited termite mounds have been active for 34,000 years
Scientists in South Africa have been stunned to discover that termite mounds that are still inhabited in an arid region of the country are more than 30,000 years old, meaning they are the oldest known active termite hills......»»
Exploring bird breeding behavior and microbiomes in the radioactive Chornobyl Exclusion Zone
New research finds surprising differences in the diets and gut microbiomes of songbirds living in the radiation-contaminated areas of the Chornobyl Exclusion Zone, Ukraine. This study is also the first to examine the breeding behavior and early life.....»»