Microbes that live in tree bark are sucking greenhouse gases from the atmosphere, making trees an even more critical part of combating climate change than scientists previously thought, according to a study published today in Nature.
Baby oysters rely on natural acoustic cues to settle in specific environments, but new research from the University of Adelaide reveals that noise from human activity is interfering with this critical process.
A cutting-edge study revolutionizes coastal wetland mapping by integrating unmanned aerial systems with light detection and ranging (LiDAR) and multispectral sensors. This innovative approach provides detailed elevation data and vegetation analysis, enabling highly accurate classifications of diverse wetland types. The research advances conservation by offering a scalable, efficient, and cost-effective method that is instrumental in climate change mitigation strategies and informs policy-making for coastal resilience.
Creating fertilizers from organic waste can help reduce the consumption of fossil fuels and promote sustainable production. Two studies from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign explore the use of a fungal treatment to convert wastewater into fertilizer for agricultural crops.
Led by the University of Utah, a meta-analysis of existing research shows exposure to nature, even as little as 10 minutes, could benefit those with diagnosed mental illness.
University of Utah biologists discover that multiple species of Myrmelachista ants have independently evolved the same specialized relationship with understory trees of Neotropical rainforests.
To advance scientific understanding of mercury exposure in biota from around the world, an esteemed group of almost 200 scientists from more than 30 countries collaborated on producing 18 peer-reviewed papers that form a Special Issue of Ecotoxicology titled Assessing Global Environmental Mercury Exposure in Biota and Potential Impacts on Biodiversity.
In a remarkable twist of evolutionary adaptation, the rare Tibetan cypress, Cupressus gigantea, has shown unexpected genetic resilience. Despite facing the brink of extinction due to climate change and habitat loss, the species has experienced a significant reduction in harmful genetic mutations.
A landmark study has successfully decoded the complete ginseng genome, unveiling the genetic mechanisms that govern saponin biosynthesis. This detailed genetic map illuminates the evolutionary and metabolic pathways of Panax ginseng, a staple in traditional medicine.