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Climate Change and Copper-Contaminated Wetlands Could Lead to Amphibian Extinction

According to a team of researchers from the University of Georgia's Savannah River Ecology Laboratory, the disappearance of two amphibian species, which include the southern leopard frog and the southern toad, may be accelerated by the effects of copper-contaminated wetlands and climate change.

12 Apr 2016

Study Explores Ecosystem-Specific Vulnerabilities to Atmospheric Nitrogen Pollution on Continental Scale

Rising levels of atmospheric nitrogen pollution threaten plant diversity at nearly one-quarter of sites across a widespread portion of the U.S., according a new study led by University of Colorado Boulder researchers.

29 Mar 2016

Blowing Tiny Bubbles Through Seawater Could Help Protect Coral Reefs

Stanford scientists have discussed a way of dealing with neutralizing human activities that turn oceans acidic: blowing tiny bubbles. Blowing bubbles, they say, removes carbon dioxide (CO2) off coastal marine areas and transports it to the atmosphere, protecting coral reefs and oyster farms.

25 Mar 2016

Calcifying Species can Dissolve During Night Due to More-Acidic Conditions Caused by Community Respiration

A new study, based on the most-extensive set of measurements ever made in tide pools, suggests that ocean acidification will increasingly put many marine organisms at risk by exacerbating normal changes in ocean chemistry that occur overnight. Conducted along California’s rocky coastline, the study from Carnegie’s Ken Caldeira and Lester Kwiatkowski shows that the most-vulnerable organisms are likely to be those with calcium carbonate shells or skeletons. It is published by Scientific Reports.

21 Mar 2016

Researchers Highlight Significance of Molecular-Level Relationships to Deciphering Ocean Carbon

From beach shallows to the ocean depths, vast numbers of chemical compounds work together to reduce and store atmospheric carbon in the world's oceans.

8 Mar 2016

New Software for Researchers to Investigate Vegetation Dynamics in Forests

Modeling forest dynamics is fundamental to the study of future changes in climate and biodiversity. A new modeling framework developed in collaboration with IIASA researchers facilitates investigations of complex vegetation dynamics.

4 Mar 2016

Results of GLUES Project Provide New Insights into Sustainable Land Use

The way we use land is changing. Demand for farmland, food and energy seems insatiable, but land is a finite resource. The research programme "Sustainable Land Management" investigated the consequences of this land use under global change and developed strategies for a sustainable use within a 7-year research program ending in 2016.

4 Mar 2016

Significant Step Forward in Understanding Processes Naturally Occurring Enzymes Use to Degrade Microbe-Resistant Biomass

Scientists at the University of York are part of an international research team that has made a significant step forward in understanding the processes naturally occurring enzymes use to degrade microbe-resistant biomass, a key aim in the development of biofuels.

2 Mar 2016

New Study Assesses Impact of International Conservation Aid on Deforestation

With over $3.4 billion spent in international conservation funding to protect biodiversity and stop tropical deforestation in Africa since the early 1990s, it makes sense to ask if the funding is effective. A recent study finds that conservation aid alone has not been able to counteract deforestation pressures, and in some cases may have even exacerbated forest loss.

2 Mar 2016

Plastic Waste Could Move into Ocean Depths Through Faeces of Plankton

Plastic waste could find its way deep into the ocean through the faeces of plankton, new research from the University of Exeter and Plymouth Marine Laboratory shows.

1 Mar 2016