Climate science: Trends in use of words in scientific studies may impact public perceptions

The impact of climate science research on society is likely to depend on regular fashion cycles in the public’s use of specific keywords relating to climate change, according to new research.

Climate change alone could lead to the extinction of wild Arabica coffee (Coffea arabica) well before the end of this century.

Clownfish produce sounds to establish and defend their breeding status in social groups, but not to attract mates, according to research.

Historically, the media have been particularly harsh to sharks, and it’s affecting their survival. A new study reviewed worldwide media coverage of sharks — and the majority isn’t good.

On the south coast of South Africa, scientists have found evidence for an advanced stone age technology dated to 71,000 years ago at Pinnacle Point near Mossel Bay. When combined with other findings of advanced technologies and evidence for early symbolic behavior from this region, the research documents a persistent pattern of behavioral complexity that might signal modern humans evolved in this coastal location.

Quetzalcoatlus pushed the very boundaries of size to the brink, considered the largest flying animal yet to be discovered. Any larger, and it would have had to walk. But its bulk caused researchers to wonder how such a heavy animal with relatively flimsy wings became airborne.

Researchers have developed a new tool to help policymakers, city planners and others see the possible local effects of climate change.

Scientists have reviewed recent studies that have used modern genetic techniques to shed light on fossils, and vice versa.

Conventional methods of filtering waste water in sewage treatment plants are unable to completely remove medicine residues such as the estrogens in birth control pills. These residues then find their way into rivers and lakes and also accumulate in our drinking water. For fish and other aquatic life, estrogens can lead to reproductive and developmental disorders and even to the formation of female characteristics in males. The potential long-term consequences for human beings — declining sperm counts, infertility, various cancers, and osteoporosis — are still largely unknown. Students have now identified enzymes from fungi growing on trees that can filter out medicine residues from sewage and drinking water.

Most species loss in Bahamas and Greater Antilles have been explained by loss of land area.

A new study suggests protected areas in East Africa are not conserving plants such as the iconic Acacia tree.

Researchers have found that a reduction in the amount of UV light in the environment can reduce the propagation and aphid population density what involves an overuse decline of pesticides.

Rapid advances in the new and developing field of restoration sedimentology will be needed to protect the world’s river deltas from an array of threats, geologists say.