Most recent 40 articles: PHYS.ORG - Biology
 |
Contemporary wildfires not more severe than historically in western US dry forests: Study - PHYS.ORG - Biology (May 3) |
|
May 3 · I addressed this question in a new study in Sustainability. Dry forests are ponderosa pine (Pinus ponderosa) and dry mixed-conifer forests with ponderosa dominant, but other trees are common. They often occur at the lower limits of forests near woodlands, shrublands, and grasslands.
Earlier, we showed these forests were historically subject to a mixture of low-, moderate- and high-severity fires, as occurred recently in a fire I photographed in a dry forest in northern New Mexico. This mixed-severity historical fire model better fits historical evidence, so the alternative low-severity fire model was rejected.
A 2023 study used US Government Landfire data to show that ... Read more ...
|
|
|
|
NASA is helping protect tigers, jaguars, and elephants - here's how - PHYS.ORG - Biology (May 3) |
|
May 3 · "Satellites observe vast areas of Earth's surface on daily to weekly schedules," said Keith Gaddis, ecological conservation program manager at NASA Headquarters in Washington. "That helps scientists monitor habitats that would be logistically challenging and time-consuming to survey from the ground—crucial for animals like tigers that roam large territories."
Here's how NASA and its partners help protect three of Earth's most iconic species:
Trouble (and hope) for tigers
Tigers have lost at least 93% of their historical range, which once spanned Eurasia. Roughly 3,700 to 5,500 wild tigers remain, up from an estimated low of 3,200 in 2010.
In a recent ... Read more ...
|
|
|
|
NOAA reports continued drop in overfishing - PHYS.ORG - Biology (May 3) |
|
May 3 · Maintaining sustainable fisheries contributes significantly to the U.S. economy, provides important recreational opportunities and helps meet the growing challenge of increasing our nation's seafood supply.
In 2023, U.S. fisheries data revealed that 94% of stocks are not subject to overfishing and 82% are not overfished. These numbers show slight improvements compared to the 2022 figures of 93% and 81%, respectively.
Ongoing positive trends continued with the number of stocks on the overfishing list decreasing by three stocks, reaching an all-time low of 21 stocks, and the number of stocks on the overfished list decreasing by one stock, to 47. Since 2000, NOAA Fisheries ... Read more ...
|
|
|
|
Research explores energy and land-use practices on US golf courses - PHYS.ORG - Biology (May 2) |
|
May 2 · A new study appearing in HortTechnology evaluates energy practices and use of land on US golf courses.
Energy usage on US golf facilities was first assessed in 2008 and then reevaluated in 2015. The findings showed that over 99% of golf facilities continued to use gasoline and diesel fuel, with no significant change from 2008 to 2015. However, there was an increase in the percentage of facilities implementing behavioral or design changes aimed at conserving energy during this period. Additionally, there was a rise in the adoption of written energy plans and the conduct of energy audits among golf facilities between 2008 and 2015. These findings indicate that US golf facilities ... Read more ...
|
|
|
|
Study unveils 3D printing PQD-polymer architectures at room temperature - PHYS.ORG - Biology (May 2) |
|
May 2 · Led by Professor Im Doo Jung from the Department of Mechanical Engineering at UNIST, a recent study has introduced a cutting-edge one-stop perovskite quantum dot (PQD) additive manufacturing technology. This approach eliminates the need for heat treatment, allowing for the creation of complex 3D shapes with exceptional precision, including iconic landmarks like the Eiffel Tower.
Traditionally, shaping QD materials in 3D required prolonged heat exposure, leading to property degradation and shape deformation. However, the newly developed PQD materials exhibit remarkable luminous efficiency and color versatility, offering a game-changing solution for advanced encryption and ... Read more ...
|
|
|
|
Mass fish die-off in Vietnam as heat wave roasts Southeast Asia - PHYS.ORG - Biology (May 1) |
|
May 1 · Hundreds of thousands of fish have died in a reservoir in southern Vietnam's Dong Nai province, with locals and media reports suggesting a brutal heat wave and the lake's management are to blame.
Like much of Southeast Asia - where schools have recently been forced to close early and electricity usage has surged - southern and central Vietnam have been scorched by devastating heat.
"All the fish in the Song May reservoir died for lack of water," a local resident in Trang Bom district, who identified himself only as Nghia, told AFP.
"Our life has been turned upside down over the past 10 days because of the smell."
Pictures show residents wading and boating ... Read more ...
|
|
|
|
Pet dogs and strays suffer in Asia heat wave - PHYS.ORG - Biology (May 1) |
|
May 1 · Soaring temperatures across Kolkata have brought life in much of the Indian megacity to a standstill, but veterinarian Partha Das cannot recall a time when he was more busy.
His clinic has been swamped by distressed members of the public carrying in beloved pets suffering nosebleeds, severe skin rashes and lapses into unconsciousness in a relentless heat wave suffocating much of South and Southeastern Asia over the past week.
"Many pets are also hospitalized for three or four consecutive days, and they are taking a long time to get back to normal," the 57-year-old told AFP from his surgery.
"We are getting several heatstroke cases in a day. It's ... Read more ...
|
|
|
|
Study reveals uniqueness of naturally occurring monodominant forests in the Republic of Congo - PHYS.ORG - Biology (May 1) |
|
May 1 · A recent study published in the journal Plant Ecology and Evolution gives valuable insights into forest stands of Gilbertiodendron dewevrei (G. dewevrei) in the Sangha Trinational region.
G. dewevrei, known as "Bemba" or "Limbali" forest by Indigenous peoples and local communities, is a tree species endemic to the Congo Basin that is unusual in forming large stands where it is almost the only species present. The study focuses on the comparative analysis of the structure and composition of this G. dewevrei forest type compared to adjacent forest types.
Using data from plot inventories and herbarium specimens, researchers evaluated several parameters, including stem ... Read more ...
|
|
|
|
Texans encouraged to turn off nighttime lights during bird migration - PHYS.ORG - Biology (May 1) |
|
May 1 · Texas residents who look up at the night sky over the next few weeks might catch a glimpse of an avian superhighway.
Migratory birds like whooping cranes and tiny songbirds are making their seasonal flights over Texas to northern breeding grounds, with peak migration occurring from April 22 to May 12, according to Texas Parks and Wildlife. Nearly two billion birds of around 400 different species travel over the state each spring.
To help ensure their safe passage, the National Audubon Society is asking Texans to dim their lights as part of "Lights Out, Texas!"
The biannual campaign was launched as a statewide effort in 2020 by the Cornell Lab of Ornithology and ... Read more ...
|
|
|
|
'Bloodsicles', baths keep Philippine zoo animals cool as heat wave hits - PHYS.ORG - Biology (Apr 30) |
|
Apr 30 · A Philippine zoo is giving tigers frozen treats made of animal blood and preventing lions from mating during the hottest time of the day as a heat wave scorches the country.
Unusually hot weather has sent temperatures in the capital Manila to a record high in recent days and forced schools across the archipelago nation to suspend in-person classes.
As people flock to air-conditioned shopping malls and swimming pools for relief from the extreme heat, animals at Manila Zoo are also trying to cool off.
Preventing heat stroke, particularly among the big cats, was the "main priority", zoo veterinarian Dave Vinas told AFP on Tuesday when the mercury hit 37 degrees ... Read more ...
|
|
|
|
A rare and little-known group of monkeys could help save Africa's tropical forests - PHYS.ORG - Biology (Apr 30) |
|
Apr 30 · At a time when hunting of wildlife and habitat loss are driving long-term changes to ecosystems, including stark wildlife population declines and greater vulnerability to climate change and zoonotic disease transmission, the scientists identified red colobus monkeys as key indicators of tropical forest health and flagships for local and international conservation initiatives.
Writing in the journal Conservation Letters, the authors focus on five priority action areas:
The above actions build on the Red Colobus Conservation Action Plan, initiated by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Species Survival Commission Primate Specialist Group and the ... Read more ...
|
|
|
|
An AI model to reduce uncertainty in evapotranspiration prediction - PHYS.ORG - Biology (Apr 30) |
|
Apr 30 · ET includes evaporation from soil and open water pools such as lakes, rivers, and ponds, as well as transpiration from plant leaves. The difference between precipitation and ET indicates the water balance available for societal needs, including agricultural and industrial production. However, measuring ET is challenging. A new study from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign presents a computer model that uses artificial intelligence (AI) for ET prediction based on remote sensing estimates.
"Ground-based ET estimates capture the local fluxes of water transferred to the atmosphere but are limited in scale. In contrast, satellite data provide ET information on a global ... Read more ...
|
|
|
|
Climate change lengthens, intensifies the blooming of holm oak and other Quercus species: Study - PHYS.ORG - Biology (Apr 30) |
|
Apr 30 · How does climate change affect pollen allergy? Relating the effects of global warming to variations in the blooming patterns of species of the genus Quercus in Andalusia was the objective of one of the latest efforts by the Systemic and Applied Botany research group at the University of Cordoba.
"We chose Quercus because it is the most representative tree in Andalusia in the natural environment, and it is an anemophilic tree (pollinated by the wind) found where there are very high concentrations of pollen in the atmosphere, so it is a good bioindicator to study the impact of climate change on blooming," said researcher Pura Alcázar, who co-authored the work with fellow ... Read more ...
|
|
|
|
Engineered increase in mesophyll conductance improves photosynthetic efficiency in field trial - PHYS.ORG - Biology (Apr 30) |
|
Apr 30 · CO2 faces barriers as it moves through the leaf, including its own cell walls. Researchers from the Long Lab found that by increasing permeability and slightly reducing the thickness of cell walls, they could increase CO2 diffusion and uptake in a model crop.
"This is one of the few successful tests of concept showing that we can engineer an increase in mesophyll conductance and have it result in increased photosynthesis in the field," said Coralie Salesse-Smith, a postdoctoral researcher in Long Lab and lead author on a paper about the research, published in the Plant Biotechnology Journal.
"Theory shows us that increasing mesophyll conductance to increase ... Read more ...
|
|
|
|
Four myths about vertical farming debunked by an expert - PHYS.ORG - Biology (Apr 30) |
|
Apr 30 · Typically, this soilless cultivation happens in huge greenhouses or warehouses, with plants stacked high on rows and rows of shelves. Parameters such as lighting, temperature and humidity can be controlled by computer systems, so vertical farming is sometimes called controlled environment agriculture.
There are three types of vertical farming. In hydroponics, plant roots are held in a liquid nutrient solution. In aeroponics, roots are exposed to the air and a nutrient-rich mist or spray is applied to the roots. In aquaponics, nutrients from fish farm waste replace some or all of the chemical fertilizers being delivered to plants through hydroponics.
There's huge scope to ... Read more ...
|
|
|
|
Habitats much more vulnerable for nitrogen deposition than previously thought - PHYS.ORG - Biology (Apr 30) |
|
Apr 30 · A group of researchers, led by Wageningen University & Research (WUR), show the decrease of habitat quality in relation to an increasing nitrogen deposition. In an article in Environmental Pollution, they claim the critical load for nitrogen depositions is too high.
"We already knew the critical loads for nitrogen deposition for habitat types," principal investigator Wieger Wamelink explains, "but we did not know what happens with the vegetation beyond that critical load. Would the decline be quick or more gradually?"
As it turns out it depends on the habitat type how quick the decline of specific plant species is, some have a very rapid decline, while others have a more ... Read more ...
|
|
|
|
Making seagrass restoration more resistant to rising temperatures using generalist grasses - PHYS.ORG - Biology (Apr 30) |
|
Apr 30 · Rising global temperatures combined with centuries of humans working within our seascapes has reshaped coastal ecosystems. Rebuilding or restoring coastal habitat is becoming a top priority for natural resource conservation and as an insurance policy for the provision of critical services including shoreline protection, clean water, and seafood. Yet, successful habitat restoration is still rare, and most efforts are unsustainably expensive and labor intensive.
"Any gardener knows the difficulty in mastering how to grow a plant from seed or a clipping, and the same goes for restoration practitioners using habitat-forming species - discovering the perfect conditions," says Enie ... Read more ...
|
|
|
|
Researchers reveal mechanisms of soil organic carbon accumulation in acidified forest soils - PHYS.ORG - Biology (Apr 30) |
|
Apr 30 · Based on a long-term simulated acid addition experiment in Dinghushan, Guangdong Province, researchers from the South China Botanical Garden of the Chinese Academy of Sciences conducted a study on the mechanism of SOC accumulation and stabilization in monsoon evergreen broadleaf forests under acid addition treatment.
They found that in terms of carbon composition, acid addition significantly increased the accumulation of particulate organic carbon (POC) and mineral-associated organic carbon (MAOC). Their results were published in Plant and Soil.
According to the researchers, in terms of carbon sources, acid addition significantly reduced the accumulation of microbial ... Read more ...
|
|
|
|
Studies on Hainan Island rubber plantations reveal secrets of soil - PHYS.ORG - Biology (Apr 30) |
|
Apr 30 · Their series of studies, conducted across Hainan Island, focused on rubber plantations—a key economic tree species in the region. The results, published in three separate journals, shed light on the complex interplay between parent material, microbes, and soil processes.
In their first study published in Geoderma Regional, the researchers showed how the underlying rock layer, known as parent material, affects the balance of key nutrients such as carbon, nitrogen, and phosphorus in the soil. They found that basaltic soils, formed from volcanic rock, had a higher phosphorus content but lower nitrogen levels than marine sedimentary soils.
This imbalance suggests that ... Read more ...
|
|
|
|
Study reveals crucial role of invertebrates as eco-custodians in global forest litter decomposition - PHYS.ORG - Biology (Apr 30) |
|
Apr 30 · The study was recently published in Ecology Letters, and the results are imperative for preserving healthy ecosystems and conserving invertebrates in the wake of widespread environmental change.
Litter decomposition is a crucial process in carbon cycling and nutrient turnover. Microbes, such as bacteria and fungi, are widely considered the most important decomposers in nature. However, soil invertebrates contribute a large proportion of decomposing and nutrient turnover and are therefore important for functioning and healthy ecosystems.
Most previous studies on decomposition and nutrient turnover are conducted in temperate regions like Europe and North America, resulting ... Read more ...
|
|
|
|
Study sheds new light on how Scotland's beavers interact with the environment - PHYS.ORG - Biology (Apr 30) |
|
Apr 30 · This could diversify woodland structure into a mix of short and tall tree stems, which ought to boost biodiversity, according to researchers in the Faculty of Natural Sciences.
Scientists compared the number of shoots on beaver-felled trees to standing trees and collected 156 shoots with four different combinations of beaver and deer browsing to compare their nutrient levels and physical characteristics.
Beavers were hunted to extinction in Scotland about four centuries ago. A formal multi-agency program of reintroduction involving experts at the University of Stirling and the study partners—the first of its kind for a mammal species anywhere in Britain—began ... Read more ...
|
|
|
|
Wild bees are under threat from domestic bees, invasive species, pathogens and climate change - but we can help - PHYS.ORG - Biology (Apr 30) |
|
Apr 30 · With changes in climate, habitat loss, pesticide use and pathogen spillover, some of our native bees are in decline.
The vast majority of wild bee species are rare. More than 200 species live in the habitat-rich forests, fields and neighborhoods around Hamilton and McMaster University, where they are the subjects of our research.
In Ontario, there are many different types of bees, including bumblebees, carder bees, carpenter bees, cellophane bees, cuckoo bees, leaf cutter bees, long horned bees, mason bees, mining bees, sweat bees and yellow-faced bees.
Many of our wild bees are solitary, highly specialized and transient from one year to the next. This makes them ... Read more ...
|
|
|
|
Mammals on 'sky islands' may be threatened by climate change, human development - PHYS.ORG - Biology (Apr 29) |
|
Apr 29 · The paper, "Shifting mammal communities and declining species richness along an elevational gradient on Mt Kenya," is published in the journal Ecology and Evolution.
By comparing their new photos to those taken during the Roosevelt expedition, the researchers were able to observe how mammal communities had changed over six different habitat types located within a relatively small geographic area. This mosaic of habitats hosted a wide range of species, but many of those species were only found in one or two different habitats.
"These highly specialized species are threatened by a phenomenon known as the 'elevator to extinction,'" said Matt Snider, corresponding author of ... Read more ...
|
|
|
|
A Flamingo flock inspires hope: Have the rare birds returned to the Everglades for good? - PHYS.ORG - Biology (Apr 29) |
|
Apr 29 · For the last century, flamingos in Florida were more likely to be spotted on T-shirts and cups in a souvenir shop than flapping around in the wild.
Then last summer, a flock of the rare and beautiful birds - a group is fittingly known as a "flamboyance" of flamingos - was blown to Florida on the fierce winds of Hurricane Idalia.
Eight months later, they remain on the shores of Florida Bay, delighting scientists and inspiring hope that this could be the year they stick around for good. May is the beginning of their nesting season, and researchers are crossing their fingers that the large, apparently healthy population could start popping out fledglings on Florida soil for ... Read more ...
|
|
|
|
African farmers look to the past and the future to address climate change - PHYS.ORG - Biology (Apr 29) |
|
Apr 29 · From ancient fertilizer methods in Zimbabwe to new greenhouse technology in Somalia, farmers across the heavily agriculture-reliant African continent are looking to the past and future to respond to climate change.
Africa, with the world's youngest population, faces the worst effects of a warming planet while contributing the least to the problem. Farmers are scrambling to make sure the booming population is fed.
With over 60% of the world's uncultivated land, Africa should be able to feed itself, some experts say. And yet three in four people across the continent cannot afford a healthy diet, according to a report last year by the African Union and United Nations ... Read more ...
|
|
|
|
Climate change reveals intricate dynamics of reproductive barriers in marine species - PHYS.ORG - Biology (Apr 29) |
|
Apr 29 · As climate change continues to reshape ecosystems, a new study from the Faculty of Science at Monash University sheds light on the complex interplay between temperature, parental sex and reproductive barriers in marine tubeworms, known as Galeolaria, from southern Australia's fast-warming biodiversity hotspot.
Galeolaria tubeworms are foundation species found on the rocky shores of temperate Australia. The tubeworms build and occupy dense colonies of stony tubes, which enhance coastal biodiversity by providing habitat and refuge from heat stress for species that would not otherwise persist there.
The study, published in Evolution, was motivated by the fact that climate ... Read more ...
|
|
|
|
Scientists discover a new type of porous material that can store greenhouse gases - PHYS.ORG - Biology (Apr 29) |
|
Apr 29 · In a collaboration with the University of Liverpool, Imperial College London, the University of Southampton, and East China University of Science and Technology in China, the team used computer modeling to accurately predict how molecules would assemble themselves into the new type of porous material.
These cage molecules were assembled using other cages to create a new type of porous material that the scientists say is the first of its kind in its porous "cage of cages" structure.
Materials scientist Dr. Marc Little, an Assistant Professor at Heriot-Watt University's Institute of Chemical Sciences and an expert in porous materials, jointly led the research.
He ... Read more ...
|
|
|
|
Walrus dies from bird flu on Arctic island: Researcher - PHYS.ORG - Biology (Apr 29) |
|
Apr 29 · The first case of a walrus dying from bird flu has been detected on one of Norway's Arctic islands, a researcher said Monday.
The walrus was found last year on Hopen island in the Svalbard archipelago, Christian Lydersen, of the Norwegian Polar Institute, told AFP.
Tests carried out by a German laboratory revealed the presence of bird flu, Lydersen said. The sample was too small to determine whether it was the H5N1 or the H5N8 strain.
"It is the first time that bird flu has been recorded in a walrus," Lydersen said.
About six dead walrus were found last year in the Svalbard islands, about 1,000 kilometers (620 miles) from the North Pole and halfway between ... Read more ...
|
|
|
|
Longer-lasting ozone holes over Antarctica expose seal pups and penguin chicks to much more UV - PHYS.ORG - Biology (Apr 28) |
|
Apr 28 · But over the last four years, even as the hole has shrunk it has persisted for an unusually long time. Our new research found that instead of closing up during November it has stayed open well into December. This is early summer—the crucial period of new plant growth in coastal Antarctica and the peak breeding season for penguins and seals.
That's a worry. When the ozone hole forms, more ultraviolet rays get through the atmosphere. And while penguins and seals have protective covering, their young may be more vulnerable.
Why does ozone matter?
Over the past half century, we damaged the earth's protective ozone layer by using chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) and ... Read more ...
|
|
|
|
Species living closely together in symbiosis is far older and way more common than you might think - PHYS.ORG - Biology (Apr 27) |
|
Apr 27 · One of the most common symbiotic relationships is between various species of algae and fungi, or between cyanobacteria (commonly known as blue-green algae though it's not algae) and fungi. These paired species take the form of lichens.
The term symbiosis was first used in the 19th century to describe the lichen relationship, which was thought to be highly unusual. Since then, we've discovered symbiosis is the norm, rather than the exception. In fact, it has shaped the evolution of most life on Earth.
Symbiosis is almost everywhere we look
Lichens are diverse. They grow on tree trunks, on roof tiles and on ancient rocks.
The symbiosis of two different species ... Read more ...
|
|
|
|
The first glow-in-the-dark animals may have been ancient corals deep in the ocean - PHYS.ORG - Biology (Apr 27) |
|
Apr 27 · In a new study, scientists report that deep-sea corals that lived 540 million years ago may have been the first animals to glow, far earlier than previously thought.
"Light signaling is one of the earliest forms of communication that we know of—it's very important in deep waters," said Andrea Quattrini, a co-author of the study published Tuesday in the journal Proceedings of the Royal Society B.
Today, marine creatures that glimmer include some fish, squid, octopuses, jellyfish, even sharks—all the result of chemical reactions.
Some use light to startle predators, "like a burglar alarm," and others use it to lure prey, as anglerfish do, said Quattrini, ... Read more ...
|
|
|
|
Corals bred in a zoo have joined Europe's largest reef. This is offering scientists hope - PHYS.ORG - Biology (Apr 26) |
|
Apr 26 · Just like the animals on Noah's Ark, the corals arrived in a pair. On Monday, divers with gloved hands gently nestled the self-bred corals from the World Coral Conservatory project among their cousins in Europe's largest coral reef at the Burgers' Zoo in the Netherlands.
"This is the first project where we started to keep these corals with a known origin. As we know exactly where they're coming from, they have the potential to be placed back into the wild. … So it is very important to keep these corals, as it's going not very well in the wild," Nienke Klerks, a biologist at the Royal Burgers' Zoo in Arnhem, told The Associated Press.
It's among several projects worldwide ... Read more ...
|
|
|
|
Nature conservation works, and we're getting better at it, says new study - PHYS.ORG - Biology (Apr 26) |
|
Apr 26 · Trends in nature conservation tend to be measured in terms of "biodiversity"—that is, the variety among living organisms from genes to ecosystems. We treasure biodiversity not only for how it enriches society and culture, but also its underpinning of resilient, functioning ecosystems that are a foundation of the global economy.
However, it is well known that global biodiversity is decreasing, and has been for some time. Is anything we are doing to reverse this trend effective?
As part of a team of researchers, we conducted the most comprehensive analysis yet of what happened when conservationists intervened in ecosystems. These were interventions of all types, all ... Read more ...
|
|
|
|
New process quickly transforms livestock manure into biochar - PHYS.ORG - Biology (Apr 26) |
|
Apr 26 · A technology has been developed to quickly convert livestock manure, a significant issue in animal farming, into valuable "black gold" rich in carbon within a day.
Dr. Yoo Ji-ho and his research team from the Clean Air Research Laboratory of the Korea Institute of Energy Research (KIER) have developed a process that immediately converts livestock manure into biochar (biomass and charcoal) at livestock farms. Using the process developed by the research team, it is possible to convert 10 tons of livestock manure into biochar in a single day.
As of 2022, the amount of livestock manure produced was about 50 million tons, of which 87% is used as compost and liquid fertilizer ... Read more ...
|
|
|
|
Scientists confine, study Chinook at restored Snoqualmie River habitat - PHYS.ORG - Biology (Apr 25) |
|
Apr 25 · In newly restored river channels on the Snoqualmie, baby Chinook salmon are confined in 19 enclosures about the size of large suitcases as they munch on little crustaceans and invertebrate insects floating or swimming by.
What's in the salmon's stomachs, tracked by scientists, could hold clues about the species' survival.
The river channels near Fall City were excavated with heavy machinery and restored over the past two years - as part of the biggest habitat restoration project completed by King County. The channels span nearly a mile and give the river room to widen and narrow and, crucially, provide slow-moving water with logs and plants in which juvenile salmon can ... Read more ...
|
|
|
|
Scientists use 'leaf glow' to understand changing climate - PHYS.ORG - Biology (Apr 25) |
|
Apr 25 · Leaf glow, formally known as solar-induced chlorophyll fluorescence (SIF), is a natural byproduct of photosynthesis. This emitted light is invisible to human eyes, but advances in sensing technology over the last decade have enabled scientists to observe this phenomenon from satellites, airplanes and field towers.
Recently published in Current Climate Change Reports, the research shows:
"Developing accurate monitoring tools is urgently needed—we are already seeing more thawing permafrost, increased wildfire frequency and intensity, higher risks to droughts, and insect outbreaks," said author Rui Cheng, an assistant professor in the Department of Bioproducts and ... Read more ...
|
|
|
|
The high and mighty Himalayas: A biodiversity hotbed facing significant challenges - PHYS.ORG - Biology (Apr 24) |
|
Apr 24 · The region represents a huge mountain system extending 2,400 kilometers across Nepal, India, Bhutan, Pakistan, China, Myanmar and Afghanistan. It has a number of climate types and ecological zones, from tropical to alpine ecosystems including ice and rocks in the uppermost zone. All these ecological zones are compressed within a short elevation span.
The Himalayas—along with the related Tibetan Plateau—provide considerable ecosystem services and as the "third pole" are also the source of most of Asia's major rivers, a fact that has earned it the additional moniker of "the world's water tower."
It is of urgent importance that these fragile ecosystems are ... Read more ...
|
|
|
|
Australia's tall, wet forests were not open and park-like when colonists arrived - and we shouldn't be burning them - PHYS.ORG - Biology (Apr 24) |
|
Apr 24 · A key question then is: what does the evidence say about what tall, wet forests actually looked like 250 years ago? The answer matters because it influences how these forests are managed. It's also needed to guide efforts to restore them to their natural state.
In a new scientific paper, we looked carefully at the body of evidence on the natural pre-invasion state of Australian forests, such as those dominated by majestic mountain ash (Eucalyptus regnans), the world's tallest flowering plant. We analyzed historical documents, First Nations Peoples' recorded testimonies and the scientific evidence.
Our analysis shows most areas of mainland mountain ash forests were likely ... Read more ...
|
|
|
|
Black hole 'traffic jams' discovered in galactic centers by astronomers - PHYS.ORG - Biology (Apr 24) |
|
Apr 24 · The study's findings shed light on the gravitational-wave (GW) emissions resulting from the merger of black holes, events detectable by instruments such as the Laser Interferometer Gravitational-Wave Observatory (LIGO).
When two black holes come too close, they disturb space-time itself, emitting gravitational waves before eventually merging into one.
Dr. Evgeni Grishin, a postdoctoral research fellow from Monash University School of Physics and Astronomy who led the study, likened the phenomenon to a busy intersection without functioning traffic lights.
"We looked at how many and where we'd have these busy intersections," Dr. Grishin said.
Additionally, the ... Read more ...
|
|
|
|
Leaf size and defensive traits found to modulate effects of soil fauna on litter decomposition - PHYS.ORG - Biology (Apr 24) |
|
Apr 24 · The work, titled "Effects of leaf size and defensive traits on the contribution of soil fauna to litter decomposition," was published in Forests.
According to the researchers, soil fauna significantly accelerated the decomposition rate across different climate zones (e.g., tropical, subtropical, temperate, and alpine climate zones), ecosystems (e.g., forest, grassland, wetland, and farmland), and litter types (e.g., evergreen woody plants, deciduous woody plants, annual herbs, and perennial herbs).
The combined influence of climate factors (mean annual temperature and precipitation) and litter quality served as a robust predictor of the contribution of soil fauna to ... Read more ...
|
|
|