Late rainy season reliably predicts drought in regions prone to food insecurity

The onset date of the yearly rainy season reliably predicts if seasonal drought will occur in parts of Sub-Saharan Africa that are particularly vulnerable to food insecurity, and could help to mitigate its effects.

Disease threatens to decimate western bats

A four-year study concludes that the fungal disease, white-nose syndrome, poses a severe threat to many western North American bats.

Counting elephants from space

Scientists have successfully used satellite cameras coupled with deep learning to count animals in complex geographical landscapes, taking conservationists an important step forward in monitoring populations of endangered species.

Study finds COVID-19 attack on brain, not lungs, triggers severe disease in mice

Researchers have found that infecting the nasal passages of mice with the virus that causes COVID-19 led to a rapid, escalating attack on the brain that triggered severe illness, even after the lungs were successfully clearing themselves of the virus.

Study finds COVID-19 attack on brain, not lungs, triggers severe disease in mice

Researchers have found that infecting the nasal passages of mice with the virus that causes COVID-19 led to a rapid, escalating attack on the brain that triggered severe illness, even after the lungs were successfully clearing themselves of the virus.

Prenatal BPA exposure may contribute to the male bias of autism spectrum disorder

Autism has a higher prevalence in males than females. Bisphenol A (BPA) is a common chemical found in plastics, our food, and even the human placenta. Higher prenatal exposure to BPA is thought to increase the risk of autism. Researchers have identified autism candidate genes that may be responsible for the sex-specific effects of BPA.

New management approach can help avoid species vulnerability or extinction

(Arizona State University) Research focuses on transient nature of species’ and ecosystem stability; illustrates how prepare for possible flips.

2020 may have helped with air pollution, but not global warming – WUSA9.com

NASA scientists found that 2020 tied as the hottest year on record. WASHINGTON — Among all of the odd things that happened in 2020, we can now add another to the list.  According to the National Aeronautics and Space Administration…

4 Major Asian Nations Cancel 80% of Planned Coal Power Projects After Fossil Fuel Market Crashes in 2020

Indonesia, Vietnam, Bangladesh, and the Philippines have canceled nearly 45 gigawatts of proposed coal power projects, a figure equal to more than one-quarter of the total installed capacity of Germany. These are four critical emerging markets that were targeted for growth by the struggling coal industry, but a mixture of pandemic and financing-related problems caused […]

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Divergences between scientific and Indigenous and Local Knowledge can be helpful

Divergences between scientific and Indigenous and Local Knowledge can provide a better understanding of why local pastoralists may be willing, or not, to participate in conservation initiatives for carnivores, a study suggests.