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Categories: Biology: Zoology, Environmental: Ecosystems
Published Fish 'chock-full' of antifreeze protein found in iceberg habitats off Greenland
(via sciencedaily.com) New research based on an expedition to the icy waters off Greenland reveals soaring levels of antifreeze proteins in a species of tiny snailfish, underlying the importance of this unique adaptation to life in sub-zero temperatures. The study also warns that warming oceanic temperatures in the Arctic could pose a threat to these highly specialized fishes.
Published Thawing Arctic hillsides are major climate change contributors
(via sciencedaily.com) Thawing Arctic hillsides release a significant amount of organic carbon that has been locked in frozen ground for thousands of years but which now can contribute to an already warming climate, according to new research. The finding comes from the study of hillsides in a far north region of Russia, where the researchers also found a significant and rapid increase of collapsed hillsides. The collapses feature landslides that gradually expose more of the permafrost for thawing -- and more carbon for release.
Published Oft-overlooked grasslands build biodiversity, resilience over centuries
(via sciencedaily.com) The restoration of grassland ecosystems may need more of a guided, hands-on approach over time, according to a new review of global conservation efforts.
Published Tracking nitrogen pollution
(via sciencedaily.com) Tropical coastal ecosystems are among the most biodiverse areas on Earth. And they're also on the front lines of effects caused by human activity. That's why it's becoming increasingly important, especially as human populations increase, to manage the impacts of runoff and wastewater that flow into the sea.
Published Highest coral cover in central, northern Reef in 36 years
(via sciencedaily.com) The northern and central Great Barrier Reef have recorded their highest amount of coral cover since the Australian Institute of Marine Science (AIMS) began monitoring 36 years ago. However, average coral cover in the southern region decreased due to ongoing crown-of-thorns starfish outbreaks. While the Reef experienced its fourth major bleaching event in the past seven years this year, it didn't reach the intensity of earlier events and was not expected to lead to mass coral mortality.
Published Where coral reefs may be buffered against warming oceans
(via sciencedaily.com) 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.
Published Computer modelling aims to inform restoration, conservation of coral reefs
(via sciencedaily.com) A research team has created a computer modelling program to help scientists predict the effect of climate damage and eventual restoration plans on coral reefs around the globe. This is a critical objective because climate change is killing many coral species and can lead to the collapse of entire coral reef ecosystems, according to researchers.
Published Burro-ing into the past
(via sciencedaily.com) A new study reveals that introduced donkeys and indigenous pumas are helping to resurrect extinct food webs in Death Valley.
Published Smoke from Western wildfires can influence Arctic sea ice
(via sciencedaily.com) Sea ice and wildfires may be more interconnected than previously thought, according to new research.
Published For dairy farmers, where does the time go?
(via sciencedaily.com) Globally, dairy producers face increasing challenges regarding sustainability, including declining numbers of workers in the agricultural sector, while continuing to meet increasing demand for nutritious and affordable food. Dairy systems must now focus on more sustainable production that reflects economic, environmental, and social goals. A new report explores labor time-use on Irish pasture-based dairy farms in the busy spring and summer seasons.
Published Going against the flow: Scientists reveal garden eels' unique way of feeding
(via sciencedaily.com) A new lab study on garden eels shows how these shy creatures use their burrows, and change their movement and posture, when feeding in strong currents.
Published Desert climate overtaking more of Central Asia
(via sciencedaily.com) Rising annual temperatures and dwindling yearly precipitation across the mid-latitudes of Central Asia have extended its desert climate 60 miles northward since the 1980s, says a recent study.
Published Arctic shrub expansion limited by seed dispersal and wildfire
(via sciencedaily.com) Scientists investigating the growth of Arctic vegetation have found that seed dispersal and fire will slow its land expansion in the long term, despite more favorable conditions from a warming planet.
Published Why corals glow even in the depths of the sea
(via sciencedaily.com) A new study reveals that the phenomenon in deep reefs in which corals display glowing colors (fluorescence) is intended to serve as a mechanism for attracting prey. The study shows that the marine animals on which corals prey recognize the fluorescent colors and are attracted to them.
Published Air samples from Arctic region show how fast Earth is warming
(via sciencedaily.com) Researchers report direct observations of size-resolved ice nucleating particles in the central Arctic, spanning the entire sea ice growth and decline cycle. Their results show a strong seasonality of these particles, with lower concentrations in the winter and spring, and enhanced concentrations during summer melt from local biology.
Published Ozone depletion over North Pole produces weather anomalies
(via sciencedaily.com) Researchers have established that the destruction of ozone over the Arctic in the spring causes abnormal weather throughout the northern hemisphere, with many places being warmer and drier than average -- or too wet.
Published Birdwatching brings millions of dollars to Alaska
(via sciencedaily.com) New research found that nearly 300,000 birders traveled to the state and spent about $378 million in 2016. Birdwatching supported roughly 4,300 jobs in Alaska that year.
Published Arctic temperatures are increasing four times faster than global warming
(via sciencedaily.com) A new analysis of observed temperatures shows the Arctic is heating up more than four times faster than the rate of global warming. The trend has stepped upward steeply twice in the last 50 years, a finding missed by all but four of 39 climate models.
Published Thawing permafrost is shaping the global climate
(via sciencedaily.com) How is climate change affecting the permanently frozen soils of the Arctic? What will the consequences be for the global climate, human beings, and ecosystems? And what can be done to stop it?
Published Genome of voracious desert locust sequenced
(via sciencedaily.com) The first high-quality genome of the desert locust -- those voracious feeders of plague and devastation infamy and the most destructive migratory insect in the world -- has been produced. The genome of the desert locust (Schistocerca gregaria) is enormous at just under 9 billion base pairs, nearly three times the size of the human genome. The size of the desert locust's chromosomes is remarkable; compare them to those of the model fruit fly Drosophila melanogaster, the first insect genome ever assembled. Many of the desert locust's individual chromosomes are larger than the entire fruit fly genome. Next to the fruit fly, it's like an 18-wheeler next to a compact car.