Ecology

Photolab

Distinctive mustache

Parrot snake from the Cerrado distinguished by markings that resemble a black mustache

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Geosciences

Landslide scars and shallower rivers increase Rio Grande do Sul’s vulnerability to rainfall

Millions of tons of sediment were carried from the state’s hills into its waterways

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Ecology

Marine animal conservation failures

Global study warns of declining marine animal populations

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Ethnobotany

A plant with many uses dating back 2,700 years

Wild rue was used 2,700 years ago as a medicine, to purify spaces, and for its psychoactive effects

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Retrospect

RadamBrasil project celebrates 50 years

Radar mapping has uncovered natural riches, trained hundreds of specialists, and is used in research on relief, geology, soils, climate, and vegetation

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Paleoecology

The Atlantic Forest in layers

Research on microalgae in southern São Paulo reveals how an old lake transformed into a swamp

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Interview

Regina Macedo: Biologist reformulates view on bird behavior

São Paulo native from UnB who helped revise concepts about sexual selection in the tropics and cooperative breeding has dedicated herself to another passion since last year: painting

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Botany

Why does a rose smell like a rose?

Volatile organic compounds present in the aroma of roses trigger emotional response

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Ecology

Intense droughts, the greatest enemy of amphibians

Severe droughts have drastically reduced amphibian populations

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Photolab

Short flight

Photo shows newly described insect species with a lifespan shorter than 24 hours

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Ecology

Lionfish taking over the Brazilian coastline

Thousands of lionfish taking over the Brazilian coastline

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photolab

Prolonged youth

The evolutionary enigma of the tiny transparent fish that never progresses past its juvenile form

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Agricultural Engineering

A coffee revival in Paraíba

With varieties selected by researchers, farmers gradually resume production in the mountainous region of the state

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ETHOLOGY

Morpho butterflies seem to disappear thanks to iridescent blue color

The coloration, present only on the upper surface of the wings, causes a flash that confuses predators, as well as biologists seeking to understand how they became so bright

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ECOLOGY

Research identifies priority areas for restoring native vegetation in Brazil

Regenerating 30% of the 76 million hectares mapped across six biomes could increase habitat availability for more than 11,000 animal and plant species, as well as helping to mitigate climate change

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EVOLUTION

The ultra-black wasps of the Caatinga

Newly identified species exhibit rare evolutionary mechanism that allows them to maintain a body temperature lower than the surrounding environment

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Biodiversity

The cries of snakes

Female snakes emit high-pitched sounds when threatened

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ECOLOGY

Rodents in the Pantanal use holes dug by armadillos as temporary shelter

Other animals, such as ocelots and foxes, were observed approaching the dens but not entering

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ZOOLOGY

GPS mapping reveals the role of forests in jaguar conservation

Study included 54 jaguars fitted with tracking collars in 12 locations across South America

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CHRONOBIOLOGY

Biological clock of cyanobacteria, which live for one day, predicts the arrival of winter

Result surprises scientists, leading them to rethink the mechanisms and evolutionary importance of adjusting to natural rhythms

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Ecology

Helping Charlotte swim

Sea turtle given weighted harness to correct syndrome that caused swimming problems

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ZOOLOGY

Temperature affects sensory system development in trout

Temperature affects sensory system development in trout

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BOTANY

Plants use pollen bombs to compete for space on hummingbird beaks

Success in competition between male gametes can increase chance of reproduction

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ENVIRONMENT

Aquifer depletion threatens forests and rivers

Over-exploitation and climate change are damaging environments that depend on underground water reserves

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ECOLOGY

Drought and wildfires reduce forest biodiversity

Although the populations of some plant and animal species are able to recover when rains return, the effects of drought and wildfires can last years

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Entomology

Styrofoam-eating beetles

Kenyan beetle larvae can digest Styrofoam as part of a balanced diet

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Agriculture

New institute set to tackle citrus diseases

Research center aims to tackle diseases such as greening

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Ecology

Soil and vegetation care restores the vitality of the Caatinga

Experiments suggest strategies for recovering native vegetation and increasing agricultural production in the semiarid Northeast

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Environment

Belo Monte Dam and drought cause the Volta Grande do Xingu region to dry up

Monitoring indicates that low water flow is preventing fish from reproducing and impeding the way of life of Indigenous people and riverside communities

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Interview

Ruy Caldas: From Grande sertão to plant biochemistry

At 84, the agronomist who cultivated research teams and programs across Brazilian universities looks back on his career

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