Biotechnology is at the forefront of modern conservation science, offering innovative solutions to protect and preserve biodiversity. By harnessing the power of advanced technologies, conservationists are deploying cutting-edge tools to address challenges such as habitat loss, climate change, and species extinction. This article explores ten biotech tools that are revolutionizing conservation science, making significant strides ...
Cloning has long been a topic of scientific intrigue and ethical debate. However, its application in wildlife conservation offers promising avenues for the preservation of endangered species. By utilizing cloning technologies, scientists aim to restore genetic diversity, revive extinct species, and protect against the loss of biodiversity. This article explores the role of cloning in ...
CRISPR-Cas9, often simply referred to as CRISPR, is a groundbreaking genetic editing technology that has revolutionized the field of genetics. Originally discovered as a natural defense mechanism used by bacteria against viruses, CRISPR enables precise alterations to DNA, allowing scientists to add, remove, or alter specific genetic material. While its potential applications in medicine have ...
Pollinators play a crucial role in maintaining the ecosystem, yet their contributions often go unnoticed. These industrious creatures go beyond simply visiting flowers. They are vital to the reproduction of many plants and contribute significantly to food production and biodiversity. In this article, we explore ten ways pollinators keep our planet alive, highlighting their importance ...
Environmental conservation is crucial for maintaining the delicate balance of ecosystems worldwide. As challenges like habitat destruction, climate change, and illegal poaching persist, several conservation projects have emerged to tackle these threats head-on. Here, we explore ten impactful conservation projects that are making a significant difference on a global scale. These initiatives not only protect ...
A groundbreaking study reveals that orangutans living in zoos engage in more frequent and complex object exploration than their wild counterparts. By analyzing over 12,000 instances of exploratory object manipulation (EOM), researchers found that zoo environments foster greater curiosity and problem-solving behaviors in orangutans. Comparing Wild and Zoo-House Orangutans The study, conducted at the Suaq ...
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) has long relied on its annual waterfowl survey to manage hunting quotas and ensure sustainable wildlife practices. However, recent budget cuts implemented by the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) have placed this critical program at risk, sparking concerns among conservationists and hunters alike. The Role of the Waterfowl ...
The least flycatcher (Empidonax minimus), a small North American bird, is facing mounting challenges as climate change alters its migration patterns. Recent studies reveal that these birds are migrating earlier in the fall, a shift that could have profound implications for their survival and the ecosystems they inhabit. The Shift in Migration Patterns Over the ...
Far out in the dry badlands of South Africa’s Karoo Basin, fossils have been unearthed by paleontologists that rewrite the book on prehistoric survival and extinction. The fossils are those of Inostrancevia, a giant saber-toothed predator known to science only through Russian fossils until now. The tiger-sized gorgonopsian proto-mammal with reptilian traits somehow traveled an ...
Illegal gold mining in the Amazon rainforest has long been a source of environmental degradation and human health risks. Now, researchers have discovered an unexpected ally in the fight against this illicit activity: trees. By analyzing mercury concentrations in the tree rings, scientists can trace the environmental impact of gold mining, offering a novel approach ...
Nelleke van Niekerk, BSc Food Science (Biochemistry)
