Topographic complexity: A blueprint for biodiversity conservation
In the intricate landscapes of karst regions, the subtle interplay of slopes, soils, and microclimates is shaping the survival of plant species. A new study published in Forest Ecosystems has revealed how the unique structure of dolines—topographic.....»»
Low-intensity grassland is better able to withstand the consequences of climate change
Climate change will have a considerable influence on the biodiversity and productivity of meadows and pastures. However, according to the results of the large-scale climate and land use experiment, the extent of these changes depends on the land use......»»
Hands-on with what’s new for Apple Maps in iOS 18
The major upgrade for Apple Maps with iOS 18 is topographic hiking trails (same with iPadOS 18, watchOS 11, and macOS Sequoia). New features include detailed planning and guidance for custom hikes, the ability to save the maps offline, elevation deta.....»»
Smallholder farmers, efficient ranching practices critical to meet restoration targets in Brazil"s Atlantic Forest
A new study led by King's College London simulated the effects of various restoration policies to assess their impact on biodiversity and agricultural production......»»
Project to sequence genomes of 40,000 plant, animal and fungi species in Catalan-speaking territories
Biodiversity loss is one of the most alarming threads the planet faces. Degraded habitats, overexploited resources, climate crisis and invasive species are some of the factors that threaten the richness and variety of living species......»»
Ginseng"s full genome sequenced
Ginseng's role in traditional medicine is underscored by its complex genetic structure due to its allotetraploid nature. A recent study delves into this complexity, revealing key evolutionary insights into its subgenomes that govern saponin biosynthe.....»»
Fish biodiversity found to benefit nutrition, particularly for lower income people
Households caught and consumed a far more diverse array of fish than they sold at market, which has important implications for how loss of biodiversity might affect people's nutrition, especially for those with lower incomes. A Cornell study is one o.....»»
Unraveling the DNA mystique of Saposhnikovia divaricata: New horizons in herbal medicine
Scientists have decoded the genetic blueprint of Saposhnikovia divaricata, a traditional medicinal herb. Their research provides a detailed genome sequence, shedding light on the plant's evolutionary adaptations and the genetic foundations of its the.....»»
Biodiversity loss impacts societies and economies: How can Europe confront the spread of invasive species?
Biological invasions are the main cause of biodiversity loss, but they can also have serious social and economic repercussions. In Europe, over 13,000 non-native (or "alien") species have an established presence, around 1,500 of which are invasive sp.....»»
New tool monitors wildlife conservation in low-resource languages
Activists on the front lines of wildlife conservation routinely monitor news articles for information about infrastructure projects that could threaten at-risk animals. But that monitoring required more staff time than organizations on the ground cou.....»»
Q&A: "We lost instruments chewed or crunched by bears and sea otters"—how a researcher listens for elusive belugas
Dr. Manuel Castellote studies the behavior and conservation of whales and dolphins. After beginning his academic career in Spain, he now works in the United States, applying acoustic techniques to learn more about cetaceans—especially beluga whales.....»»
New concept explains how tiny particles navigate water layers, with implications for marine conservation
A new UBC study published recently in Proceedings of the National Academy of Science has unveiled insights into how microscopic organisms such as marine plankton move through water with different density layers......»»
Study unveils complexity of zoonotic transmission chains
Researchers from the Complexity Science Hub and the University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna have dissected the complex interactions involved in zoonoses, which annually affect over two billion people worldwide. They introduce the concept of a "zoono.....»»
History shows that humans are good for biodiversity… sometimes
Humans have been an important driver of vegetation change over thousands of years, and, in some places, had positive impacts on biodiversity, according to a new study......»»
Unprecedented warming threatens Earth"s lakes and their ecosystems
Lakes, with their rich biodiversity and important ecological services, face a concerning trend: rapidly increasing temperatures. A recent study published in Nature Geoscience by an international team of limnologists and climate modelers reveals that.....»»
Przewalski’s Horses Are Back—On TikTok and the Central Asian Steppes
Claims that Przewalski’s horses were discovered in the U.S. are unverified. But the conservation story behind the last truly wild horse is worth your time......»»
Wolves" return has had only small impact on deer populations in Washington state, study shows
Humans drove wolves to extinction in Washington state around the 1930s. Thanks to conservation efforts, by about 80 years later, wolves had returned—crossing first from the Canadian border into Washington around 2008 and later entering the state fr.....»»
Island biogeography theory and habitat heterogeneity help explain global patterns of Rhododendron diversity
Mountains are defined by their prominence, steep sides, and significant height above the surrounding regions. They harbor exceptionally high levels of biodiversity and a great number of endemic species worldwide, which are also extremely sensitive to.....»»
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......»»
The art of molecular self-assembly: Crafting 2D nanostructures for advanced materials
Creating periodic nanostructures is vital for progress in material science and nanotechnology. Traditional methods often struggle with complexity and scalability. Integrating bottom-up self-assembly of block molecules with top-down lithography offers.....»»
Global database reveals large gaps in our knowledge of four-footed animals
Researchers have developed TetrapodTraits—a global database of animals with four feet—which can now be applied for better ecology, evolution and conservation research. Mario Moura of the Universidade Estadual de Campinas, Brazil, and Walter Jetz.....»»