Ecology

The Impact of Climate Change on the Transmission of Malaria

Credit: PixabayA recent study suggests that a novel model for forecasting the influence of climate change on malaria transmission in Africa might pave the way for more precise interventions aimed at controlling the disease.Previous techniques relied on rainfall measurements to infer the presence of surface water conducive to mosquito breeding. However, a study led...

Sapphire Tower Plant Blooms Once in 20 years.

The reason behind the sapphire tower's name is quite evident. Image Credit: HannaTor/Shutterstock.comIn the natural world, there are events that demand patience. Take the upcoming American cicadapocalypse, for instance, which might not grab headlines. On the flip side, over in Birmingham, UK, botanists are buzzing with excitement over the blooming of their sapphire tower.Puya...

Eco-Friendly Gel Uses Worms Instead of Pesticides

A caulking gun is used to apply the gel to the whorl of a maize plantPatrick FalletA gel filled with nematodes has proven effective in safeguarding crops from pests, eliminating the need for harmful pesticides. These nematodes, typically unable to survive above ground, are the key component of this environmentally-friendly solution.Nematodes are tiny roundworms...

Bird Dreams: A Peek into Avian Sleep Patterns

Scientists have converted the silent nocturnal vocalizations of the great kiskadee into an artificial melody. Image credit Depositphotos.The Intriguing World of Avian Dreams. Birds, with their mesmerizing songs and graceful flights, have always intrigued humanity. However, recent research has delved into a lesser-known aspect of avian life: their dreams. Contrary to popular belief, birds...

Navigating Economic Stability in Farming: Challenges and Solutions

In the realm of agriculture, economic instability stands as one of the most formidable challenges faced by farmers worldwide. This instability not only impacts the livelihoods of farmers but also poses a significant barrier to achieving more sustainable food production practices. In this article, we delve into the realities, challenges, and potential solutions related...

EU Emissions Policy Raises PFAS Concern

Safer options to harmful chemicals are already accessible but require greater acceptance in the market. Credit EURONEWSGREENA new EU regulation regarding fluorinated greenhouse gases (F-gases), aimed at reducing artificial emissions from air conditioners, refrigerators, and heat pumps, takes effect today (March 11). However, an NGO has cautioned that this law could potentially increase exposure...

Gabon Rainforest: Supplying Amsterdam’s Gates

Lock gates have always been really important in Amsterdam. The city only became habitable when they built a dam on the River Amstel to stop the salty water from the IJ. Today, Amsterdam has about 200 sets of lock gates, mostly made of wood. They're becoming more crucial as sea levels rise. These well-made...

Rare Gray Whale Spotted After 200 Years

During the period of commercial whaling, this sea creature was nearly brought to extinction by hunting.Scientists have verified that a whale, extinct in the Atlantic Ocean for 200 years, has been sighted off the coast of New England. It's an exciting discovery, but it also highlights the impact of climate change on ocean creatures.Researchers...

New Iridescent Bee Species Island-Hopping in Polynesia

On the left is Hylaeus derectus, and on the right is Hylaeus navai, both are among the newly discovered species found in Fiji.Back in the 1930s, a scientist named Elwood Zimmerman found three very small, pretty bees on tahetahe flowers in Polynesia. People were amazed because these bees were so far away from other...

Heat Waves Harm Bird Reproduction in Farms, Research Shows

Credit: PixaobayBird populations in North America are rapidly decreasing. Climate change, among various factors affecting these birds, plays a noteworthy role, often interacting with other stressors like habitat loss. Researchers from the University of California, Davis, discovered that extreme temperatures affect avian reproduction differently based on the bird's habitat.Published in the journal Science, the...