The accelerated proliferation of lianas in old-growth forest due to natural disturbance may be altering forest structure, regeneration, and functioning

Loss of ACE2, the protein used by the novel coronavirus to invade human cells, leads to an imbalance in systems that regulate essential metabolic functions, impairing blood filtration and causing kidney injuries that can become permanent

The researchers analyzed genetic material from 86 discordant couples in the sense that only the wife or husband was infected by SARS-CoV-2 although both were exposed to the virus. The results suggest that certain genetic variants found more frequently in the resistant subjects are associated with more efficient activation of defense cells known as natural killers (NKs).

Nine articles explore the impacts of ancient human societies on tropical ecosystems, revealing the importance of incorporating the paleosciences, social sciences and indigenous traditional knowledge in the development of solutions for contemporary environmental challenges

Study led by researchers at the University of São Paulo analyzed data for the period 1991-2014 and revealed that deforestation increased in election years. The phenomenon could cancel out the environmental gains achieved by conservation policies and actions, the scientists warn.

Our understanding of current global reef condition derives from synthesis of local studies, which are based on disparate and sparse data sources of variable quality. In this study, we conduct a meta-analysis using estimates of coral cover from a variety of local surveys, quantitatively relating reef condition to a suite of biogeophysical forcing parameters. We find that readily available public data for coral cover exhibit unexpected trends, contrary to prevailing scientific expectations.

Substantial international investment is greening livestock farms with trees and shrubs to make them more productive and better for the environment. But excess male cattle from scaling up silvopastoral farms may contribute to deforestation elsewhere

Coconut trees grow slowly and are difficult to clone. Scientists at KU Leuven and the Alliance multiplied seedlings faster and conserved coconut genetic resources for the long-term. This will help preserve coconut tree biodiversity and meet increasing demand for coconuts and derived products

One of the most promising fields is photovoltaics. Prototype perovskite solar cells have been shown to be more efficient than commercial silicon-based cells.