A study is the first to evaluate substrate recolonization by sponges in the U.S. Virgin Islands after two catastrophic storms using genetic analyses to understand how much clonality verses sexual recruitment occurs on coral reefs post-storms. Results show that populations of clonal marine species with low pelagic dispersion, such as A. cauliformis, may benefit from …

Severe hurricanes boost influx of juveniles and gene flow in a coral reef sponge Read More »

When plastic ends up in the ocean, it gradually weathers and disintegrates into small particles. If marine animals ingest these particles, their health can be severely affected. Large accumulations of plastic can therefore disrupt the biological balance of marine ecosystems. But which areas are particularly affected? ​When plastic ends up in the ocean, it gradually …

There are large accumulations of plastics in the ocean, even outside so-called garbage patch Read More »

The US Department of Agriculture has detected bird flu in dairy cows from Texas and Kansas – the first time the virus has been found in cattle ​The US Department of Agriculture has detected bird flu in dairy cows from Texas and Kansas – the first time the virus has been found in cattle The US …

Bird flu detected in US dairy cows – here’s what you need to know Read More »

Some basic equipment can help you safely enjoy the eclipse on 8 April – here’s how to easily make what you need ​Some basic equipment can help you safely enjoy the eclipse on 8 April – here’s how to easily make what you need Some basic equipment can help you safely enjoy the eclipse on 8 …

How to make an eclipse viewer Read More »

As authorities crack down on illicit drugs, experts have issued an alert on the use of the synthetic stimulant pentylone, as new research finds a 75% increase in detections across Australia. ​As authorities crack down on illicit drugs, experts have issued an alert on the use of the synthetic stimulant pentylone, as new research finds …

Crackdown on illicit drugs detects rise in ‘designer’ drug substitutes Read More »

Two red-tailed coral snakes have been observed competing over a caecilian in the first documented wild case of kleptoparasitism within the family Elapidae. ​Two red-tailed coral snakes have been observed competing over a caecilian in the first documented wild case of kleptoparasitism within the family Elapidae. Two red-tailed coral snakes have been observed competing over a …

Two coral snakes recorded battling for prey in a scientific first Read More »

The International Brain pH Project Consortium unveils groundbreaking findings in a large-scale animal model study, indicating altered brain pH and lactate levels as a transdiagnostic endophenotype in neuropsychiatric disorders with cognitive impairment. This collaborative effort, involving 131 researchers across six countries, challenges existing notions and may pave the way for novel strategies in understanding and …

Large-scale animal study links brain pH changes to wide-ranging cognitive issues Read More »

An international team of 25 scientists has proposed a roadmap for how to prevent the next pandemic by conserving natural areas and promoting biodiversity, thereby providing animals with enough food, safe havens and distance to limit contact and the transfer of pathogens to humans. ​An international team of 25 scientists has proposed a roadmap for …

New roadmap to prevent pandemics centers on protecting biodiversity Read More »