A study has explored whether climate change alters the plumage coloration of the blue tit (Cyanistes caeruleus).
New global map of ant biodiversity reveals areas that may hide undiscovered species
Researchers have combined data from around the world with predictions from machine learning to create a high-resolution map of ant diversity, revealing areas that should be the focus of exploration and research.
Global spread of powdery mildew through migration and trade
The worldwide distribution of one of the most important cereal pathogens is the result of human activity. Researchers have traced the history and spread of wheat powdery mildew along wheat trade routes and found that mixing of genetic ancestries of related powdery mildew species played a central role in the...
Where coral reefs may be buffered against warming oceans
As warming ocean temperatures threaten the existence of coral reefs, scientists have successfully used an extremely high-resolution computer simulation of ocean circulation to identify possible 'thermal refugia' where these biodiverse ecosystems are more likely to survive.
Volcanic super eruptions are millions of years in the making — followed by swift surge
Researchers have discovered that super-eruptions occur when huge accumulations of magma deep in the Earth's crust, formed over millions of years, move rapidly to the surface disrupting pre-existing rock.
Suspended sediment reduced by rapid revegetation after Fukushima decontamination
Researchers have found that soil decontamination efforts following the Fukushima nuclear accident resulted in constant, high levels of suspended river sediment downstream, but a rapid decrease in the amount of particulate radiocesium. Additionally, the rapid recovery of vegetation reduced the duration of unsustainable sediment effects. Future remediation projects should assess...
First global map of cargo ship pollution reveals effects of fuel regulations
A new study used satellite data from 2003 -- 2020 to determine the effect of fuel regulations on pollution from cargo ships. The research team's data revealed significant changes in sulfur pollution after regulations went into effect in 2015 and 2020. Their extensive data set can also help scientists determine...
Why are some birds more intelligent than others?
If you've ever seen a grackle steal your dog pellets or a starling peck open a garbage bag, you get a sense of that some birds have learned to take advantage of new feeding opportunities -- a clear sign of their intelligence. Scientists have long wondered why certain species of...
Reduction of Methane Emissions From Lakes Possible With New Approach
Lakes and other freshwater systems emit large quantities of methane, which is the second most important greenhouse gas worldwide after CO2.
Pathogens Able to Travel on Floating Plastic Waste, Study Finds
The plastics had only been submerged in the ocean off Falmouth, England for a week, but in that time a thin layer of biofilm, a slimy mix of mucus and microbes, had already developed on their surfaces.