Ecology News
17th February, 2026
| Greg Howard
Gut bacteria differences linked to malaria infection risk in wild birds
Gut bacteria significantly change with malaria parasite infection in wild birds. Infected birds showed less bacterial diversity, a sign of an unhealthy gut, and a simpler gut community structure. This may reduce nutrient processing & weaken defenses, potentially impacting health.
13th February, 2026
| Jenn Hoskins
Early art on ostrich eggs reveals insights into ancient human thought
60000 year old engraved ostrich eggshell from South Africa shows early humans possessed complex thought.
8th February, 2026
| Jenn Hoskins
Local plants used for food offer clues to improve nutrition and food security
Pakistani communities rely on a diverse 175 wild edible plant species for food, income, & culture. A University of Swat study documented uses, finding Berberis lycium most valued.
7th February, 2026
| Jim Crocker
DNA testing reveals two breeding seasons for Korean clawed salamanders
Researchers tracked a Korean amphibian's breeding using DNA traces in caves. They found two breeding seasons: spring and late autumn/winter. DNA levels closely matched adult activity, making it a useful tool for conservation, but larval presence wasn't always clear.
5th February, 2026
| Jenn Hoskins
Tracking rare Amazonian manatees with DNA traces in the water
New DNA tech helps track Amazonian manatees, a shy vulnerable species, by analyzing traces of their genetic material in water samples. Detection rates were much higher in areas with less human activity, offering a fast, non-invasive way to guide conservation.
3rd February, 2026
| Jenn Hoskins
Hornet alarm signals reveal individual colony identity and worker differences
Hornet colonies rely on chemical signals to communicate danger. New research reveals these alarm signals aren’t uniform; each colony has a unique chemical signature, and worker roles affect the signal’s composition.
2nd February, 2026
| Jim Crocker
Birds delay alerting others when alone in mixed flocks
Birds in mixed flocks face a trade-off: safety in numbers vs increased risk as a lone individual. New research confirms lone birds delay warning calls to avoid predator attention, supporting the ‘oddity effect’.
29th January, 2026
| Jenn Hoskins
How feather structure differs between two types of merganser ducks
Researchers found subtle differences in feather structure—especially in soft, insulating down feathers—can reliably distinguish between similar Scaly-sided and Common Mergansers.
27th January, 2026
| Jenn Hoskins
How plant hormones trigger sex change and new growth in ferns
Ferns switch between male and hermaphrodite forms, a process driven by chemical signals. Research shows the plant hormone auxin is key, triggering new growth centers when a male signal is absent.
26th January, 2026
| Jenn Hoskins
Unique microbes found inside scorpion venom
Scorpion venom isn't sterile, new research shows. Diverse bacterial communities live within it, varying by species and location. These microbes may affect venom toxicity, digestion, or defense, adding to venom’s complex functions & enzymatic activity.
26th January, 2026
| Jenn Hoskins
Ancient crocodile fossil challenges Europe’s landmass history
New fossil analysis of an ancient crocodile relative challenges the idea Europe and Africa remained connected long after Pangaea split.
24th January, 2026
| Greg Howard
Mangrove plant shows promise for potential medicinal applications
Bangladeshi mangrove Rhizophora mucronata shows potential for new medicines. Research found compounds with antioxidant, pain-relieving, glucose-lowering, antimicrobial, & anticancer effects, comparable to existing drugs.
20th January, 2026
| Jim Crocker
Ant nest design impacts correct choices, but not how quickly they're made
Ants choose new homes carefully, weighing factors like size & light. More differences between options improved choice accuracy, but surprisingly, didn’t increase decision time.
20th January, 2026
| Jenn Hoskins
How river flow changes impact stress levels in rainbow trout
Hydropower’s rapid water flow changes stress fish like rainbow trout, impacting health beyond immediate events. Research identified velocity (0.1m/s) & fall rate (0.13m/h) thresholds linked to welfare issues, using hormone & metabolite markers to assess stress.
18th January, 2026
| Jenn Hoskins
How to best build successful floodplain wetlands: lessons from eight projects
Restoring river floodplains—flat areas beside rivers—can lower flood risk & improve water quality at a lower cost than concrete solutions. Removing sediment reconnects wetlands, boosting storage & habitat.
18th January, 2026
| Greg Howard
Hungry bees: How limited food affects bee behavior and health
Pollen shortages stress honey bees, increasing hive defensiveness & weakening pollination. Research shows limited pollen impacts bee temperament, even affecting development via gene changes. Colony aggression links to genetics, with brain gene regulation altering smell & vision.
17th January, 2026
| Jim Crocker
New technique allows detailed study of partnerships between different microbes
Studying how organisms cooperate is key to understanding life, but analyzing these interactions is tough when one partner dominates.
17th January, 2026
| Jenn Hoskins
Bacteria found on centipede claws reveal unique microbial communities
Centipede bites cause pain & swelling, but severe infections are rare. New research found centipedes carry limited harmful bacteria, suggesting skin bacteria are more likely culprits in serious cases.
16th January, 2026
| Jenn Hoskins
How long were young salmon at sea? Tracing coho salmon origins with otoliths.
Coho salmon show surprising life history diversity, with fish migrating to the ocean at various ages, not just as yearlings.
14th January, 2026
| Jenn Hoskins
Diverse seafloor life helps ecosystems recover from marine heatwaves
Ocean seafloor communities show surprising resilience to simulated heatwaves. While species numbers changed, the variety of ecosystem roles remained stable due to multiple species performing similar functions.
11th January, 2026
| Greg Howard
Diverse microbes in glaciers exist independently of insect life
Glacier insects harbor unique bacterial communities, distinct from those in surrounding waters & soil, challenging the idea of limited glacial life. These bacteria likely aid insect survival, not just hitchhike, and aren't directly linked to diet; insects feed on decaying matter.
8th January, 2026
| Jenn Hoskins
What mammoths ate and where they lived: Clues from ancient California fossils
Megafauna extinction remains a mystery. New isotope analysis of mammoth teeth reveals both island & mainland populations ate mostly common plants, but some adapted to drier conditions with less common types.
7th January, 2026
| Greg Howard
Hearing ability in sea bass reveals new details about fish sound perception
European sea bass hear better than previously known, especially around 300 Hz, with sensitivity varying between individuals. This detailed hearing map is vital for understanding noise pollution impacts & improving fish welfare in fisheries & aquaculture.
7th January, 2026
| Jenn Hoskins
Study finds how hillsides fail under added weight and pressure
Landslides from construction/weight on slopes are a major hazard. New research recreated a Tibetan slope in the lab to study how it fails under load.
4th January, 2026
| Greg Howard
Sandflies in Laos reveal new species and disease risks
A 10yr Laos study identified 25 sandfly species, including a new one, but found no evidence of Leishmania parasites in collected insects. Unexpectedly, DNA from unknown Trypanosoma species was detected, highlighting pathogen complexity & the need for wider surveillance.
3rd January, 2026
| Jenn Hoskins
Retrotransposed DNA sequences in Psalidodon fishes drive genome evolution
Extra chromosomes, found in some fish, contain copied genes that don’t work but can still impact the organism. Research shows these copies interfere with normal gene activity, potentially explaining why these chromosomes persist despite possible harm.
29th December, 2025
| Jim Crocker
Dwarfism and differing traits in male and female lizards and toads
Researchers found unusual size reduction, or dwarfism, in lizards & toads in North America’s San Luis Valley. Valley populations were ~33% smaller, with disrupted typical size differences between males & females.
29th December, 2025
| Jim Crocker
How tree populations vary genetically across eastern Mexico
Mexican cloud forest trees (Ternstroemia sylvatica) show high genetic differences between fragmented areas, despite overall diversity being good. Southern populations are key reservoirs, needing protection to ensure long-term survival.
29th December, 2025
| Jenn Hoskins
Using sugar baits to attract and trap sand flies that spread leishmaniasis
Sand fly control is tough due to resistance & logistical issues. Scientists found 'attractive targeted sugar baits' are more effective using sugar mixes sand flies prefer.
28th December, 2025
| Jim Crocker
Potato growth is unexpectedly preserved during co-attack by the fall armyworm and a bacterial pathogen.
Potato crops face major threats from fall armyworm insects and bacterial speck disease. New research shows that when both attack together, the insect’s damage is surprisingly reduced, suggesting they may hinder each other.
27th December, 2025
| Jenn Hoskins
Fig tree breeding reveals surprising genetic exchange between different habitats
Fig trees can interbreed, blurring species lines. A recent study of two species revealed successful gene flow, creating hybrids found in intermediate habitats. These hybrids show altered seed dispersal, suggesting adaptation.
27th December, 2025
| Jenn Hoskins
Deer browsing reshapes forest plant life during recovery after farming
Deer significantly impact forest recovery after events like logging. An 18yr study found they increase seed variety in the soil, altering future plant communities, but hinder tree growth, delaying forest regeneration. These effects on seeds may have lasting impacts.
23rd December, 2025
| Greg Howard
New planter design improves seed spacing and placement for better crop growth
New furrow opener design improves crop breeding by precisely placing seeds. Rotating V-shaped rollers create stable soil grooves, limiting seed drift & spacing inconsistencies. Simulations & tests confirm better uniformity than traditional openers, enhancing trial accuracy.
21st December, 2025
| Jim Crocker
How changing ocean conditions impact sea urchin reproduction
Arctic sea urchin reproduction is highly sensitive to climate change, particularly warming waters. A new study shows temperature impacts fertilization more than acidity, but both factors interact.
20th December, 2025
| Jim Crocker
Genetics and camera traps reveal origins of Oklahoma’s expanding bear population
Black bear sightings are rising in Oklahoma’s Panhandle, prompting a study to understand their presence. Researchers used cameras & hair samples, finding the bears originate from New Mexico & number ~26.
19th December, 2025
| Greg Howard
Metabolism in captive Asian elephants reveals insights into health
Study comparing Asian elephants in Laos & Thailand reveals those in Thailand, with high-calorie diets & tourism work, show poorer metabolic health & weight issues. Laotian elephants had higher stress, possibly due to recent changes.
18th December, 2025
| Jenn Hoskins
Fossil plant leaves reveal ancient history of calcium buildup
Researchers found potential evidence of tiny calcium structures, common in modern plant leaves for regulation & defense, in fossils 400M years old.
14th December, 2025
| Greg Howard
How warmer waters affect the relationship between seagrass and oysters
Warming waters harm vital seagrass ecosystems, reducing growth & phytoplankton. Oyster presence didn’t immediately help, but subtly altered the environment—slightly cooling water & increasing light. Oysters also boosted macroalgae, potentially competing with seagrass.
15th December, 2025
| Greg Howard
Better soil and feeding practices boost sugar apple fruit production and flavor
Yunnan sugar-apple yields are declining. Research shows combining 75% soil water capacity, moderate fertilizer (2083 kg/ha), & straw mulch optimizes root health, nutrient levels, & fruit production. This improves soil enzymes & microbial life for better quality & yield.
12th December, 2025
| Jim Crocker
Do moon jellyfish prefer to be alone? New research explores social behavior.
New research challenges the idea jellyfish gather for safety. Moon jellyfish actually avoided others in new tanks, suggesting aggregation isn’t driven by social attraction. They may maintain family groups despite wide dispersal, & show complex behavior beyond simple reflexes.
12th December, 2025
| Greg Howard
Tracking River Health: From Lab to Satellite with Chlorophyll-a Monitoring
Harmful algal blooms threaten water quality. Scientists improved satellite monitoring of algae levels in the Hudson River by using machine learning.
10th December, 2025
| Greg Howard
Plant hormone production is linked to daily rhythms and carbon dioxide levels
Researchers developed a tool to precisely control plant growth hormones, revealing a surprising link between these hormones and the plant’s internal clock.
4th December, 2025
| Jim Crocker
Do nest boxes help endangered species bounce back after wildfires?
Endangered gliders need tree hollows to survive. After devastating fires, scientists tested artificial hollows to aid recovery, but saw limited impact on glider numbers.
3rd December, 2025
| Greg Howard
Mapping Soil Health in Drylands with Advanced Data Analysis
Egyptian researchers mapped soil health using data analysis & mapping tools. They found most areas had good quality, but some suffered from low nutrients, high salt, & lack of organic matter. This method helps target improvements for sustainable farming.
2nd December, 2025
| Jim Crocker
How flower traits reveal patterns in a rare iris species
A new study of the Iranian Iris reveals significant variation in flower color, leaf shape, & size within the species. This diversity is key for breeding new varieties & conserving its genetic heritage, identifying plants with desirable traits & unique lineages.
29th November, 2025
| Jim Crocker
How farm dogs behave around different animals and people
As large predators return to Europe, protecting livestock is key. A new study shows guard dogs effectively defend farms, adapting to goats & horses. Proper training & social groups enhance their vigilance, offering a non-lethal way to reduce conflict & promote coexistence.
28th November, 2025
| Jim Crocker
Simple setups can boost reptile research and offer useful design tips
New affordable mini-ecosystems let scientists study animals in realistic conditions without huge costs. Built from simple materials, these setups successfully housed lizards for months, allowing observation of natural behaviors & growth.
27th November, 2025
| Jim Crocker
Soil bacteria changes during drought don’t necessarily help plants grow
Drought stresses crops, but plant roots host helpful microbes. Research on sorghum shows Streptomyces bacteria increase during drought, but abundance doesn’t guarantee plant benefit.
25th November, 2025
| Jenn Hoskins
How farming impacts small creatures living in ponds and ditches
Agricultural practices impact small ponds & ditches, vital habitats for insects & other creatures. A new study reveals that focusing on what these creatures eat, not just how many species exist, shows how farming affects ecosystem health.
25th November, 2025
| Jim Crocker
Loss of large mammals reshapes Brazil’s dry tropical forests
Brazil’s Caatinga region faces a severe mammal loss—up to 80% in many areas—driven by hunting & habitat destruction for farming. This ‘defaunation’ harms ecosystem health, impacting vital services.
24th November, 2025
| Jenn Hoskins
Radar system accurately tracks small, free-flying bats
Wind farms threaten bat populations. New research shows marine radar—originally for ships—can track bat flight paths over large areas, unlike current methods.
23rd November, 2025
| Jim Crocker
How weather and butterfly traits shape daily activity, revealed by volunteers
New research using data from volunteer nature observers reveals how temperature and daylight hours influence butterfly activity. Larger butterflies tend to be active when it’s hottest, but size doesn’t affect temperature sensitivity as much as expected.
21st November, 2025
| Jenn Hoskins
How tiny ocean plants sink when food is scarce
Tiny ocean plants balance sunlight & nutrients by actively sinking & floating. A new study reveals how they change density & internal composition—storing starch to sink, fats to float—to optimize growth & impact ocean food webs & blooms.
20th November, 2025
| Jim Crocker
How deep-sea corals cope with ocean warming and acidification
Deep-sea corals face climate change impacts like warming & acidification. A new study found one coral species, D. cornigera, surprisingly resilient to these stressors, challenging some habitat loss predictions. Long-term effects & reproductive success still need investigation.
17th November, 2025
| Greg Howard
Deep-sea corals thrive alongside bacteria that convert sulfur into energy
Deep-sea corals thrive in harsh environments via surprising partnerships. Scientists found corals near chemical-rich seafloor vents host bacteria that create food from chemicals, not sunlight.
16th November, 2025
| Jenn Hoskins
How viruses in the ocean change over time
Ocean viruses, mostly those infecting bacteria, are key to healthy marine ecosystems. A new study of Korean coastal waters revealed surprising viral diversity using advanced genetic analysis.
12th November, 2025
| Jim Crocker
What desert toads eat reveals how they stay poisonous
Sonoran Desert toads uniquely produce a potent psychedelic, 5-MeO-DMT. Research shows diet isn’t the source, pointing to internal production or a symbiotic relationship with microbes. This reveals a hidden capacity for complex chemistry within animals & opens new areas of study.
10th November, 2025
| Jenn Hoskins
New system helps track bat deaths at wind farms
New tech uses heat-sensing cameras & AI to find bat deaths at wind turbines, improving upon slow & often incomplete ground searches. The system rapidly analyzes footage, pinpointing where to look for carcasses & helping refine strategies to protect bats.
9th November, 2025
| Greg Howard
Extra oxygen doesn't protect freshwater creatures from warming waters
Ocean warming threatens aquatic life, but extra oxygen doesn’t broadly help. A new study of 14 species found increased oxygen offered little to no heat protection, contrary to some prior research. Current climate models may not need major oxygen adjustments.
7th November, 2025
| Greg Howard
How hot can they handle? Deep-sea creatures and changing ocean temperatures
Deep-sea vent crustaceans tolerate high heat briefly, but oxygen levels are a bigger survival challenge. Those from hotter vents are more heat-resistant. Long-term exposure limits survival, similar to the Pompeii worm, showing duration matters.
7th November, 2025
| Jim Crocker
Rising sea levels threaten Florida horseshoe crab breeding grounds
Rising sea levels threaten coastal habitats crucial for wildlife like horseshoe crabs. A Florida study predicts significant loss of mangroves & tidal flats by 2100, impacting crab breeding grounds.
6th November, 2025
| Jim Crocker
How ocean conditions impact the success of coral restoration efforts
Reef restoration is complex. A new study on the Great Barrier Reef found that while wave action impacts corals, overall conditions aren’t the key to success. Survival depends on small, local environmental differences & matching coral type to specific spots.
4th November, 2025
| Jim Crocker
Social interaction boosts brain connections linked to bonding in female voles
Prairie voles form strong pair bonds, making them useful for studying attachment. New research shows even brief contact with a male alters brain structure in areas linked to reward, increasing neuron connections.
30th October, 2025
| Jim Crocker
How road crossings affect which species use them
Roads harm wildlife, but crossings like overpasses can help. New research developed a tool to predict which crossing designs mammals will use most, considering location, structure & surrounding environment.
26th October, 2025
| Greg Howard
New tool identifies overlooked areas crucial for protecting animals
New tool anticipates biodiversity loss better than current methods. The Proactive Conservation Index considers future threats like climate change & species traits to prioritize conservation, revealing reptiles face high risk.
24th October, 2025
| Jim Crocker
Parasitic mites transmit a lethal bacterium to honey bees
Honey bee declines are linked to Varroa mites, but new research reveals a key role for the bacterium Morganella morganii. Mites efficiently spread this lethal pathogen, not just viruses, causing high bee mortality.
