In a new review article, biology researchers make the case for reevaluating maligned non-native species to consider benefits as well as costs.
Onshore algae farms could be ‘breadbasket for Global South’
Growing nutritious, protein-dense microalgae in onshore, seawater-fed aquaculture systems -- particularly along the coasts of the Global South -- could help increase food production by more than 50% and feed a projected 10 billion people by 2050.
Lagoons from the Arctic’s ‘forgotten coast’ teem with fish and birds, vulnerable to climate change and human development
A new scientific review article captures the unique and dynamic characteristics of coastal lagoon ecosystems in the Arctic Beringia Region, and discusses how climate change effects and human development could alter these habitats.
Seasonal change in Antarctic ice sheet movement observed
Some estimates of Antarctica's total contribution to sea-level rise may be over- or underestimated, after researchers detected a previously unknown source of ice loss variability. The researchers identified distinct, seasonal movements in the flow of land-based ice draining into George VI Ice Shelf -- a floating platform of ice roughly...
Scientists develop inexpensive device that can harvest energy from a light breeze and store it as electricity
Scientists have developed a low-cost device that can harness energy from wind as gentle as a light breeze and store it as electricity.
Logging down the value chain raises future forest sustainability concerns
Over a 50-year period, logging on B.C.'s Central Coast preferentially targeted the highest value locations on the landscape, according to new research. The systematic depletion of high-value components of the environment raises concerns about future sustainability and intergenerational access to natural resources. Led by SFU PhD graduate Jordan Benner and...
Study links omega-3s to improved brain structure, cognition at midlife
Healthy study volunteers whose red blood cells contained higher concentrations of omega-3 fatty acids were found to have better brain structure and cognitive function in middle age.
The surprising Swiss-Army-knife-like functions of a powerful enzyme
Blue-green algae (AKA cyanobacteria) have a superpower which likely helps them be highly successful as invaders of waterways. They have an extraordinary ability to store energy and nitrogen in their cells for times of need. But how exactly they do so remains only partly understood. Now researchers have uncovered an intriguing hitherto...
New understanding of the inner world of lysosomes
Scientists have pinpointed a protein in lysosomes that is involved in recycling a crucial fatty component of cell membranes to keep cells healthy.
Among ancient Mayas, cacao was not a food exclusive to the elite
It was the money that grew on trees. Said to be a gift from the gods, cacao for the ancient Maya was considered sacred, used not only as currency, but in special ceremonies and religious rituals. It's the progenitor plant of chocolate, and notions of luxury are embedded in its...