Diversity in STEM Addressed
A recent publication in ESA’s Bulletin uses faculty hiring data and practices to examine how a lack of diverse representation impacts STEM disciplines.
Public Affairs — Page 2
Read More
Back from the dead: Tropical tree fern repurposes its dead leaves
Plant biologists report that a species of tree fern found only in Panama reanimates its own dead leaf fronds, converting them into root structures that feed the mother plant.
Special Feature calls attention to biological invasion research in China
The Ecological Society of America spotlights the challenge posed by invasive alien species in China with the release of a Special Feature, “Management of Biological Invasions in China,” in the latest issue of its journal Ecological Applications.
New Antarctic research shows that Adélie penguins must balance the benefits and costs of riding on sea ice during their long-distance migration
Newly published research shows how Adélie penguins within the Ross Sea, Antarctica use sea ice in their annual migrations.
Ecological Society of America Announces Leadership Election Results
The Ecological Society of America is pleased to announce its recent election results for four Governing Board positions and three positions for its Board of Professional Certification.
Western Cascades landscapes in Oregon historically burned more often than previously thought
Forests on the west slope of Oregon’s Cascade Range experienced fire much more often between 1500 and 1895 than had been previously thought, according to new research.
Suburban backyard home to more than 1,000 species
A challenge among three housemates to identify species around their inner-Brisbane home led them to document over 1,000 animal, plant, and fungal species, showcasing the rich biodiversity in urban landscapes.
Hotter weather caused by climate change could mean more mosquitos, according to VCU-led study
A warmer environment could mean more mosquitos as it becomes harder for their predators to control the population, according to a recent study.
Study identifies Florida’s potential invasive species threats
In a first-of-its-kind study for North America, scientists accumulated a list of potential invasive species for Florida, and researchers deemed 40 pose the greatest threat.
Aquatic insects in restored streams need more rocks to lay their eggs
Adding protruding rocks to restored streams can help boost the abundance of aquatic insects, benefiting the fish, amphibians, reptiles, and birds that eat them, and promoting overall stream health.
Twenty-year study confirms California forests are healthier when burned — or thinned
A 20-year experiment in the Sierra Nevada confirms that different forest management techniques — prescribed burning, restoration thinning or a combination of both — are effective at reducing the risk of catastrophic wildfire in California.
Millions of birds lose precious energy due to fireworks on New Year’s Eve
Using weather radar and bird count data, an international team of researchers reveals that millions of birds take flight after Dutch New Year’s Eve fireworks begin, with effects extending up to 10km away from each pyrotechnics display.
In the Treetops: USU Ecology Doctoral Student Studies Canopy Soil Abundance, Chemistry
Jessica Murray publishes in the journal ‘Geoderma’; presents at Ecological Society of America Annual Meeting on the basic mechanisms of soil carbon sequestration in canopy soils from sites in Costa Rica.
Research local: co-creation generates novel options to tackle global problems
New research led by the International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center scientists offers participatory action research as a potential bridge between the macro scope of the UN Sustainable Development Goals and the needs and desires of local communities.
UMBC alum leads successful pilot of method for monitoring biodiversity on farms
Newly published research describes the successful pilot of a novel method to study how well grassland birds are faring on croplands. The study may serve as a model for monitoring wildlife on working lands more generally, which can also include cattle ranches and logged forests.
Biofuel crop expansion contributes to loss of grassland birds in North Dakota, study
A new study from U.S. Geological Survey biologists shows that grassland birds in North Dakota have responded more negatively to the expansion of corn and soybeans as compared with oil and gas development and other types of agriculture.
Runoff from land can be an important source of energy for organisms and animals along the coast
New research underlines the need to monitor and understand how changes in the supply of organic material affect life in the sea, especially in view of climate changes.
Hidden cameras spot wildlife returning home after 2018 megafire
A new study that analyzed more that 500,000 camera grid images taken at the HREC in the years before and after the Mendocino Complex Fire is one of the first studies to compare continuous wildlife observations made before and after a megafire.
Rising non-native cover in the Santa Monica Mountains threatens native biodiversity and increases fire risk
A new analysis of National Park Service data published in the journal Ecosphere shows a steady increase in non-native plant cover since 2014, and rapid regrowth of non-native annual grass and herbaceous species after the 2018 Woolsey Fire, which burned nearly 80% of the entire region.
Counting Africa’s largest bat colony
A new method developed by the Max Planck Institute of Animal Behavior has counted Africa’s largest colony of bats with the greatest accuracy yet. The method uses GoPro cameras to record bats and then applies artificial intelligence (AI) to detect animals without the need for human observers.