Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Joao Paulo Bispo Santos, Joao Paulo Romanelli, Fernando Ravanini Gardon, Pedro Medrado Krainovic, Angelica Faria de Resende, Lukas Rodrigues Souza, Daniel Piotto, Ricardo Ribeiro Rodrigues
Summary: The global demand for forest products will increase in the coming decades. Multifunctional forest restoration in Brazil has the potential to meet this demand and support large-scale restoration while promoting sustainability. However, advancing scientific and technological knowledge in this area is necessary.
Article
Biology
Eva M. Pinto, A. Sofia Vaz, Joao P. Honrado, Helen E. Roy, Anibal Pauchard, Peter Stoett, Ross T. Shackleton, David M. Richardson, Joana R. Vicente
Summary: Invasive alien species play a significant role in driving global environmental change, and increasing globalization processes have contributed to the impacts of biological invasions in ecological, economic, and sociocultural aspects. The management of invasive species has become increasingly important in environmental policy agendas. A systematic literature review reveals that international policy instruments have contributed to an increased interest in policy-oriented research. Key historical periods in policy development coincide with active policy-focused research in the field of invasion science.
Article
Marine & Freshwater Biology
Gustavo A. Castellanos-Galindo, Lotta C. Kluger, Maria A. Camargo, Jaime Cantera, Jose Ernesto Mancera Pineda, Juan F. Blanco-Libreros, Matthias Wolff
Summary: Mangroves are important coastal ecosystems in Colombia, but research on them has historically been scarce compared to terrestrial ecosystems. A noticeable increase in mangrove studies in Colombia was found in the 2001-2010 decade, with the Caribbean coast being more studied despite the majority of mangroves being in the Colombian Pacific. Google Scholar captured significantly more studies than Web of Science and Scopus, indicating the need for inclusion of different types of literature in reviews for a more comprehensive understanding. Future research should prioritize historically understudied areas, areas with healthy mangroves, and interdisciplinary studies for a more holistic understanding of Colombian mangrove systems.
ESTUARINE COASTAL AND SHELF SCIENCE
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Ruth Y. Oliver, Carsten Meyer, Ajay Ranipeta, Kevin Winner, Walter Jetz
Summary: Despite rapid growth in data coverage, geographic and taxonomic biases persist in closing knowledge gaps for terrestrial vertebrates. In some taxa and regions, a surge in records did not lead to new knowledge due to a decline in sampling effectiveness. Countries demonstrate stronger coverage for species they have greater stewardship over.
Article
Plant Sciences
Lara J. Collares, Leonardo M. Turchen, Raul Narciso C. Guedes
Summary: A 76-year literature survey and meta-analyses found that the main phytochemicals prospected as insecticides belong to terpenoids, terpenes, and carbonyl groups. The studies focused on beetles, caterpillars, and mosquitoes and other flies, but neglected sublethal assessments. China, India, and Brazil were responsible for most studies, using stored grain insects as experimental models. To overcome current biases and recognize the main patterns of association between phytochemicals and their insecticidal effects, a broader range of insect species and suitable modes of exposure should be tested.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Gabor Pozsgai, Ibtissem Ben Fekih, Markus V. Kohnen, Said Amrani, Sandor Berces, David Fulop, Mohammed Y. M. Jaber, Nicolai Vitt Meyling, Malgorzata Ruszkiewicz-Michalska, Walter P. Pfliegler, Francisco Javier Sanchez-Garcia, Jie Zhang, Christopher Rensing, Gabor L. Lovei, Minsheng You
Summary: The dataset compiles biotic interactions between ground beetles and fungi from 392 scientific publications spanning 129 countries over a 200-year period, identifying 3,378 unique associations. Ectoparasitic Laboulbeniales were the most frequent fungal group associated with carabids. The database offers valuable insights into large-scale hypotheses on insect-fungi interactions.
Article
Ecology
Suresh K. Rana, Ranbeer S. Rawal, Bhawana Dangwal, Indra D. Bhatt, Trevor D. Price
Summary: Global mountains, including the Himalaya, are highly vulnerable ecosystems, especially given climate and land-use changes. Research on Himalayan biodiversity has been increasing over the past 200 years, with a focus on seed plants, invertebrates, and vertebrates. However, some groups like fungi, bacteria, and pteridophytes are understudied.
FRONTIERS IN ECOLOGY AND EVOLUTION
(2021)
Article
Mathematics, Applied
Eleanor Byrnes, Paul Carter, Arjen Doelman, Lily Liu
Summary: In this study, far-from-onset radially symmetric spot and gap solutions were constructed in a two-component dryland ecosystem model using spatial dynamics and geometric singular perturbation theory. The geometry of these solutions was compared with that of traveling and stationary front solutions in the same model. The instability of spots with large radius was demonstrated, and it was shown that spots are unstable to a range of perturbations of intermediate wavelength in the angular direction.
JOURNAL OF NONLINEAR SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Environmental Studies
Nondumiso Zanele Sosibo, Pardon Muchaonyerwa, Ernest Dube, Toi John Tsilo
Summary: This study investigated the effects of tillage and straw management on soil organic carbon and phosphorus dynamics in dryland wheat cultivation. The findings suggest that burning straw increases organic carbon concentration in the subsoil, while no-tillage improves total carbon stock and labile phosphorus fractions.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Stefano Zorzal-Almeida, Elton A. Lehmkuhl, Gisele C. Marquardt, Krysna S. Morais, Mateus S. Trancoso, Angela M. Silva-Lehmkuhl
Summary: This paper presents a survey of diatom studies in non-marine aquatic environments in Brazil, summarizing and categorizing research topics, describing the evolution of related studies and journals, identifying the most studied regions and environments, and highlighting the main institutions and works addressing diatom research and interactions. The findings suggest that the biodiversity of diatoms in Brazil may be underestimated, which could have implications for conservation efforts.
ANAIS DA ACADEMIA BRASILEIRA DE CIENCIAS
(2022)
Article
Geriatrics & Gerontology
Katja S. Just, Sascha R. Tittel, Cornelius Bollheimer, Michael Naudorf, Katharina Laubner, Stefan Zimny, Andrej Zeyfang, Michael Hummel, Julia C. Stingl, Reinhard W. Holl
Summary: The study examined time trends in severe hypoglycemia among older adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus and antidiabetic treatment. The overall risk of severe hypoglycemia decreased, but patients over 85 years old still had higher rates compared to younger age groups.
JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN MEDICAL DIRECTORS ASSOCIATION
(2021)
Article
Ecology
Nancy Shackelford, Gustavo B. Paterno, Daniel E. Winkler, Todd E. Erickson, Elizabeth A. Leger, Lauren N. Svejcar, Martin F. Breed, Akasha M. Faist, Peter A. Harrison, Michael F. Curran, Qinfeng Guo, Anita Kirmer, Darin J. Law, Kevin Z. Mganga, Seth M. Munson, Lauren M. Porensky, R. Emiliano Quiroga, Peter Torok, Claire E. Wainwright, Ali Abdullahi, Matt A. Bahm, Elizabeth A. Ballenger, Nichole Barger, Owen W. Baughman, Carina Becker, Manuel Esteban Lucas-Borja, Chad S. Boyd, Carla M. Burton, Philip J. Burton, Eman Calleja, Peter J. Carrick, Alex Caruana, Charlie D. Clements, Kirk W. Davies, Balazs Deak, Jessica Drake, Sandra Dullau, Joshua Eldridge, Erin Espeland, Hannah L. Farrell, Stephen E. Fick, Magda Garbowski, Enrique G. de la Riva, Peter J. Golos, Penelope A. Grey, Barry Heydenrych, Patricia M. Holmes, Jeremy J. James, Jayne Jonas-Bratten, Reka Kiss, Andrea T. Kramer, Julie E. Larson, Juan Lorite, C. Ellery Mayence, Luis Merino-Martin, Tamas Miglecz, Suanne Jane Milton, Thomas A. Monaco, Arlee M. Montalvo, Jose A. Navarro-Cano, Mark W. Paschke, Pablo Luis Peri, Monica L. Pokorny, Matthew J. Rinella, Nelmarie Saayman, Merilynn C. Schantz, Tina Parkhurst, Eric W. Seabloom, Katharine L. Stuble, Shauna M. Uselman, Orsolya Valko, Kari Veblen, Scott Wilson, Megan Wong, Zhiwei Xu, Katharine L. Suding
Summary: Restoration of degraded drylands is crucial to mitigate climate change, with seeding of native species playing a critical role. Research shows that around one-third of seeding projects are successful, while 17% fail. Success of seeding establishment is influenced by factors such as seeding rate, seed size, site aridity, taxonomic identity, and species life form.
NATURE ECOLOGY & EVOLUTION
(2021)
Article
Water Resources
David Seddon, Japhet J. Kashaigili, Richard G. Taylor, Mark O. Cuthbert, Catherine Mwihumbo, Alan M. MacDonald
Summary: This study focuses on the replenishment of groundwater in a semi-arid region in Tanzania, showing that focused recharge from ephemeral stream discharges is critical. Groundwater level rises correspond better to pulses of stream discharge from intensive rainfall than from seasonal rainfall. Stable isotope ratios of O and H indicate similarities between groundwater and ephemeral streamflow, both linked to intensive daily rainfall.
JOURNAL OF HYDROLOGY-REGIONAL STUDIES
(2021)
Review
Pediatrics
Alessandro Carollo, Pietro Montefalcone, Marc H. Bornstein, Gianluca Esposito
Summary: Infant cry is an adaptive signal of distress, and caregivers' ability to decode and respond to it appropriately is crucial. This study conducted a scientometric review to identify key documents and trends in the literature, revealing six major research clusters. Current research focuses on the neurobiology of caregiver responses and factors promoting maternal sensitivity, also developing strategies to calm crying babies and prevent maladaptive responses. Future research should explore fathers' responsiveness to infant cry and the impact of caregiver relationship quality on cry responsiveness.
Article
Pediatrics
Lewis R. First, Alex R. Kemper
Summary: The journal Pediatrics was founded in 1948 with the goal of improving outcomes for children and families. Over the past 25 years, the journal has undergone significant changes, including moving to online publication, embracing social media, introducing new article types, emphasizing transparency, expanding the editorial board, and promoting diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice. These changes ensure that Pediatrics remains relevant and up-to-date for those dedicated to advancing child health outcomes.
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Chris J. Jolly, Chris R. Dickman, Tim S. Doherty, Lily M. Eeden, William L. Geary, Sarah M. Legge, John C. Z. Woinarski, Dale G. Nimmo
Summary: Rapidly warming climate is leading to more fire incidents, and there is a lack of research on animal mortality rates during fire, especially regarding the impacts of high severity fires.
GLOBAL CHANGE BIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Alyson M. Stobo-Wilson, Brett P. Murphy, Sarah M. Legge, Hernan Caceres-Escobar, David G. Chapple, Heather M. Crawford, Stuart J. Dawson, Chris R. Dickman, Tim S. Doherty, Patricia A. Fleming, Stephen T. Garnett, Matthew Gentle, Thomas M. Newsome, Russell Palmer, Matthew W. Rees, Euan G. Ritchie, James Speed, John-Michael Stuart, Andres F. Suarez-Castro, Eilysh Thompson, Ayesha Tulloch, Jeff M. Turpin, John C. Z. Woinarski
Summary: This study assesses the predation of two introduced predators, red foxes and feral cats, on terrestrial vertebrates in Australia. The results show that foxes kill more reptiles, birds, and mammals than cats in most unmodified temperate and forested areas of mainland Australia. However, cats kill more animals than foxes in the arid central and tropical northern regions of the continent. Overall, this study highlights the significant and ongoing impact of introduced predators on Australian reptiles, birds, and mammals, posing a challenge to conservation efforts in the country.
DIVERSITY AND DISTRIBUTIONS
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Christopher R. Dickman, Loren L. Fardell, Nicole Hills
Summary: This study highlights the importance of olfaction in the interaction between a top reptilian predator, Varanus gouldii, and its small mammalian prey. The prey are able to recognize and avoid the predator's odor, while the predator is attracted to the odor of energetically profitable prey. Additionally, the small mammals show lower mobility and higher burrow fidelity in the absence of the predator.
JOURNAL OF CHEMICAL ECOLOGY
(2022)
Review
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Holly R. Cope, Clare McArthur, Christopher R. Dickman, Thomas M. Newsome, Rachael Gray, Catherine A. Herbert
Summary: Millions of native animals are rescued and rehabilitated by wildlife rehabilitators worldwide. This study conducted a global systematic review and meta-analysis to determine factors associated with the survival of native mammals and birds during rehabilitation and after release. The study found that survival rates varied between locations and certain factors, such as anthropogenic factors and species-specific characteristics, influenced the likelihood of survival. Evidence-based and species-specific protocols are needed to maximize wildlife survival.
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Loren L. Fardell, Chris R. Pavey, Chris R. Dickman
Summary: The study found that households with easy wildlife access, reduced pesticide use, increased noise, and more presence of pets observed more types of wildlife. Native animals showed a coping mechanism with urban stressors and preferred vegetated habitats for natural stress-relieving behaviors.
Article
Ecology
Abigail S. L. Lewis, Christine R. Rollinson, Andrew J. Allyn, Jaime Ashander, Stephanie Brodie, Cole B. Brookson, Elyssa Collins, Michael C. Dietze, Amanda S. Gallinat, Noel Juvigny-Khenafou, Gerbrand Koren, Daniel J. McGlinn, Hassan Moustahfid, Jody A. Peters, Nicholas R. Record, Caleb J. Robbins, Jonathan Tonkin, Glenda M. Wardle
Summary: This article introduces a conceptual framework that describes how ecological forecasting can energize and advance ecological theory. The authors emphasize the potential for future progress through increased forecast development, comparison, and synthesis. They envision a future where forecasting is integrated as part of the toolset used in fundamental ecology, and aim to decrease barriers to entry and broaden the community of researchers using forecasting for fundamental ecological insight.
METHODS IN ECOLOGY AND EVOLUTION
(2023)
Article
Ecology
Darcy Watchorn, Chris Dickman, Judy Dunlop, Emmalie Sanders, Molly Watchorn, Phoebe Burns
Summary: While nearly half of mammal species are rodents, albinism in free-ranging rodents is rare. This study focuses on Australian rodent species and found 23 records of albinism, representing 8 species, with a frequency generally less than 0.1%. Australian rodents now account for 42.1% of known murid rodent species with albinism. Factors contributing to the relatively high frequency of albinism on a small island population of rakali are discussed.
ECOLOGY AND EVOLUTION
(2023)
Article
Agriculture, Dairy & Animal Science
Stephanie J. S. Yip, Christopher R. Dickman
Summary: The sandy inland mouse Pseudomys hermannsburgensis primarily feeds on seeds, but also consumes invertebrates and green plant material. During prolonged dry periods, the dietary shift towards more invertebrates suggests a scarcity of seeds. This flexibility in diet is important for the rodent’s survival in Australia’s unpredictable arid regions.
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
John Llewelyn, Giovanni Strona, Christopher R. Dickman, Aaron C. Greenville, Glenda M. Wardle, Michael S. Y. Lee, Seamus Doherty, Farzin Shabani, Frederik Saltre, Corey J. A. Bradshaw
Summary: Species interactions play a fundamental role in ecosystems, but the lack of complete data inhibits our understanding of these interactions. Machine learning, particularly random forest, has been increasingly used to predict interactions. However, the performance of random forest in inferring predator-prey interactions in terrestrial vertebrates and the impact of training data quality have not been examined.
Article
Ecology
Ayesha I. T. Tulloch, Al Healy, Jennifer Silcock, Glenda M. Wardle, Christopher R. Dickman, Anke S. K. Frank, Helene Aubault, Kyle Barton, Aaron C. Greenville
Summary: Evidence for large-scale biodiversity benefits from herbivore exclusion in arid ecosystems is inconsistent, thus this study examined the effects of livestock exclusion on dryland plant richness and reproductive capacity. Using data from 68 sites in arid woodlands in central Australia, the study found that non-native herbivores indirectly reduced plant richness and seeding by decreasing vegetative ground cover, while both native and non-native herbivores had small but negative direct impacts on plant richness and seeding. The study highlights the importance of considering indirect pathways and controlling introduced herbivores for biodiversity conservation in drylands.
ECOLOGICAL APPLICATIONS
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Peta Hill, Chris R. Dickman, Russell Dinnage, Richard P. Duncan, Scott V. Edwards, Aaron Greenville, Stephen D. Sarre, Emily J. Stringer, Glenda M. Wardle, Bernd Gruber
Summary: In episodic environments, populations of some animal species exhibit irregular fluctuations. Although repeated population bottlenecks should lower genetic diversity, these fluctuating species maintain high levels of genetic diversity. Fragmentation and gene flow have contrasting effects on genetic diversity.
Article
Biology
Mariana Silva Ferreira, Christopher R. R. Dickman, Diana O. O. Fisher, Marcos de Souza Lima Figueiredo, Marcus Vinicius Vieira
Summary: Previous studies have suggested that mammal life history varies along the fast-slow continuum, but marsupials have been overlooked. This study shows that marsupial life-history trade-offs are organized along reproductive output and dispersion axis, and the fast-slow continuum. Marsupials have slower life histories than eutherians, potentially due to their contrasting reproductive modes.
PROCEEDINGS OF THE ROYAL SOCIETY B-BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Biology
Heloise Gibb, Glenda M. Wardle, Aaron C. Greenville, Blair F. Grossman, Chris R. Dickman
Summary: This study conducted a 22-year investigation in the Simpson Desert, Australia, and found that both spatial and temporal variations in ecosystem productivity have impacts on the trophic structure of ants. The spatial impacts were more pronounced at the higher trophic level of predators, while the temporal impacts were most significant for the lower trophic level of herbivores. The structuredness of ecosystems in response to productivity variation depends on the scale and dimension of productivity.