Copper is an economic and strategic metal consumed and produced in many nations. Previous studies of future copper demand and supply have revealed some deficiencies at the macro level. To minimize these gaps, we present here a comprehensive recycling scenario to examine the future copper sustainability for more than 50 countries by 2100. End-of-life metal recycling optimization can be a transparent, flexible and broadly applicable solution, coupled with circular economy strategies to reduce the supply of such metals and related environmental risks. Substantial recycling (estimated at 40 to 65 percent) would be more conducive to reducing primary demand in regions with large populations and rapid industrial growth. Although Latin America and Caribbean, Africa and Oceania can be identified as regions with low demand and recycling intentions by 2100, carbon emissions in Latin America will peak at 70 million tons by 2050 owing to concentrated primary copper production. In order to fully realize recycling targets, more efforts should be made to formulate policies and regulations for the copper industry, systematically scrap collection, and innovate effective technologies.

A new study published in The American Naturalist links grazing halo patterns in coral reefs, as well as those in other patchy habitats, to the spatial patterns of the shelter habitat itself. The researchers found that grazing halos are distinct when the coral is clustered but merge into each other when the coral is dispersed. According to the lead author, "...gaining a better understanding of how halo patterns reflect reef community dynamics may be useful in reef conservation efforts."

How do adaptation strategies implemented by dairy farmers to cope with drought affect milk and cheese quality? Researchers from INRAE and VetAgro Sup conducted a trial on an experimental farm in the French Massif Central to assess the effects of decreasing/increasing the amount of grass/corn silage fed to dairy cows on the quality of Cantal-type cheeses. Results published in the Journal of Dairy Science show the importance of maintaining a minimum of fresh grass in dairy cow rations to preserve cheese quality.

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Researchers developed an AI tool called ulrb to identify rare microbes, significantly improving biodiversity assessments and ecological research.

The open-source software, created through international collaboration, is versatile and applicable to both microbial and non-microbial data, enhancing studies on climate change and ecosystem health.

The ambient temperature has a profound impact on the physiology and behaviour of most species. In regions where individuals rely on low temperatures to hibernate effectively, global warming is likely to significantly affect their survival. A team of scientists studied how ambient temperatures shape the energy expenditure of common noctule bats and built a model to predict at which latitudes they could survive hibernation. This model also predicts how the hibernation areas of these bats could change over time. It accurately tracks the northward range shift of this species over the past 50 years and shows a further northeast expansion of up to 14 percent of its current range by 2100 – driven by shorter and warmer winters in Europe.

A new study reveals that vegetation shifts—triggered by global cooling and paleogeographic change—also accelerated major climate changes during the Late Miocene, creating a feedback loop.