Acipenser transmontanus NatureServe Explorer Species Reports -- NatureServe Explorer is a source for authoritative conservation information on more than 50,000 plants, animals and ecological communtities of the U.S and <a href="https://www.earth.com/image/the-fall-rhapsody-in-ottawa/">Canada</a>. NatureServe Explorer provides in-depth information on rare and endangered species, but includes common plants and animals too. NatureServe Explorer is a product of NatureServe in collaboration with the Natural Heritage Network.

ITIS Reports -- ITIS (the Integrated Taxonomic Information System) is a source for authoritative taxonomic information on plants, animals, fungi, and microbes of<a href="https://www.bing.com/search?q=north+america&amp;cvid=d55013d210f7439f8ca981b3b73576f2&amp;aqs=edge.0.69i59l2j69i60j69i57j69i60l2j69i59.492j0j4&amp;FORM=ANAB01&amp;PC=HCTS"> North America</a> and the world.

FWS Digital Media Library -- The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service's National Digital Library is a searchable collection of selected images, historical artifacts, audio clips, publications, and video.White sturgeon (Acipenser transmontanus) is a species of sturgeon in the family Acipenseridae of the order Acipenseriformes. They are an anadromous fish species ranging in the Eastern Pacific; from the Gulf of Alaska to Monterey, California. However, some are landlocked in the Columbia River Drainage, Montana, and Lake Shasta in California, with reported sightings in northern Baja California, Mexico.Actinopterygii (ray-finned fishes) &gt; Acipenseriformes (Sturgeons and paddlefishes) &gt; Acipenseridae (Sturgeons) &gt; Acipenserinae Etymology: : Latin, = sturgeon, 1853 (Ref. 45335); transmontanus: The specific name is derived from the Latin acipenser (sturgeon), trans (beyond), and montanus (mountain) (Ref. 27436).More on author: Richardson.

Acipenser transmontanus

Acipenser transmontanus NatureServe Explorer Species Reports -- NatureServe Explorer is a source for authoritative conservation...

Ailuropoda melanoleuca NatureServe Explorer Species Reports -- NatureServe Explorer is a source for authoritative conservation information on more than 50,000 plants, animals and ecological communtities of the U.S and <a href="https://www.earth.com/image/lake-st-clair-of-the-u-s-and-canada/">Canada.</a> NatureServe Explorer provides in-depth information on rare and endangered species, but includes common plants and animals too. NatureServe Explorer is a product of NatureServe in collaboration with the Natural Heritage Network.

ITIS Reports -- ITIS (the Integrated Taxonomic Information System) is a source for authoritative taxonomic information on plants, animals, fungi, and microbes of North America and the world.

FWS Digital Media Library -- The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service's National Digital Library is a searchable collection of selected images, historical artifacts, audio clips, publications, and video.The giant panda (Ailuropoda melanoleuca; Chinese: 大熊猫; pinyin: dàxióngmāo), also known as the panda bear or simply the panda, is a bear native to south central China. It is characterised by large, black patches around its eyes, over the ears, and across its round body. The name "giant panda" is sometimes used to distinguish it from the red panda, a neighboring musteloid. Though it belongs to the order Carnivora, the giant panda is a folivore, with bamboo shoots and leaves making up more than 99% of its diet. Giant pandas in the wild will occasionally eat other grasses, wild tubers, or even meat in the form of birds, rodents, or carrion. In captivity, they may receive honey, eggs, fish, yams, shrub leaves, oranges, or bananas along with specially prepared food. The giant panda lives in a few mountain ranges in central China,

Ailuropoda melanoleuca

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Akialoa stejnegeri NatureServe Explorer Species Reports -- NatureServe Explorer is a source for authoritative conservation information on more than 50,000 plants, animals and ecological communtities of the U.S and <a href="https://www.earth.com/image/the-fall-rhapsody-in-ottawa/">Canada</a>. NatureServe Explorer provides in-depth information on rare and endangered species, but includes common plants and animals too. NatureServe Explorer is a product of NatureServe in collaboration with the Natural Heritage Network.

ITIS Reports -- Akialoa stejnegeri ITIS (the Integrated Taxonomic Information System) is a source for authoritative taxonomic information on plants, animals, fungi, and microbes of <a href="https://www.bing.com/search?q=north+america&amp;cvid=6b138ad0f589473792ba23467d420ea8&amp;aqs=edge.0.69i59l2j69i57j69i60l3j0.716j0j9&amp;FORM=ANAB01&amp;PC=HCTS">North America</a> and the world.Taxonomic Status: Current Standing: valid Data Quality Indicators: Record Credibility Rating: verified - standards met

FWS Digital Media Library -- The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service's National Digital Library is a searchable collection of selected images, historical artifacts, audio clips, publications, and video.

The Kauai ʻakialoa was a Hawaiian honeycreeper in the subfamily Carduelinae of the family Fringillidae. It was endemic to the island of Kauai, Hawaii. It became extinct in the 20th century due to introduced avian disease and habitat loss. The Kauai ʻakialoa was about seven and a half inches in length and had a very long downcurved bill, which covered one third of its length. The adult males were bright olive-yellow on top and yellow on the bottom. The throat, breast, and sides of the body were olive-yellow. The females, however. 'Akialoa, Kaua'i 'Akialoa, and Maui-nui 'Akialoa as species. The Kaua'i 'Akialoa was the best known of the 'akialoas, persisting on Kaua'i through the 1960s. See Olson and James (1988, 1995) for the naming of this subspecies stejnegeri (Wilson) as opposed to "procerus" (Cabanis) recorded in most previous and some current literature (Synonymies). The Kauai ʻakialoa was about seven and a half inches in length and had a very long downcurved bill, which covered one third of its length

Akialoa stejnegeri

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Alasmidonta atropurpurea NatureServe Explorer Species Reports -- NatureServe Explorer is a source for authoritative conservation information on more than 50,000 plants, animals and ecological communtities of the U.S and <a href="https://www.earth.com/image/lake-st-clair-of-the-u-s-and-canada/">Canada</a>. NatureServe Explorer provides in-depth information on rare and endangered species, but includes common plants and animals too. NatureServe Explorer is a product of NatureServe in collaboration with the Natural Heritage Network.

ITIS Reports -- ITIS (the Integrated Taxonomic Information System) is a source for authoritative taxonomic information on plants, animals, fungi, and microbes of <a href="https://www.bing.com/search?q=north+america&amp;cvid=6b138ad0f589473792ba23467d420ea8&amp;aqs=edge.0.69i59l2j69i57j69i60l3j0.716j0j9&amp;FORM=ANAB01&amp;PC=HCTS">North America</a> and the world.

FWS Digital Media Library -- The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service's National Digital Library is a searchable collection of selected images, historical artifacts, audio clips, publications, and video.Alasmidonta atropurpurea, common name Cumberland elktoe, is a species of freshwater mussel, an aquatic bivalve mollusk in the family Unionidae, the river mussels.

Also described by Rafinesque in 1831, has a thin but not fragile shell, whose surface is smooth, somewhat shiny, and covered with greenish rays. Young specimens have a yellowish-brown shell, and the shells of adults are generally black. NatureServe is a nonprofit, tax-exempt charitable organization under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. Donations are tax-deductible as allowed by law.Species Information County observation(s) for Alasmidonta atropurpurea. Linked life history provided courtesy of NatureServe Explorer. Records may include both recent and historical observations.

Alasmidonta atropurpurea

Alasmidonta atropurpurea NatureServe Explorer Species Reports -- NatureServe Explorer is...

Alasmidonta heterodon NatureServe Explorer Species Reports -- NatureServe Explorer is a source for authoritative conservation information on more than 50,000 plants, animals and ecological communtities of the U.S and <a href="https://www.earth.com/image/the-fall-rhapsody-in-ottawa/">Canada</a>. NatureServe Explorer provides in-depth information on rare and endangered species, but includes common plants and animals too. NatureServe Explorer is a product of NatureServe in collaboration with the Natural Heritage Network.

ITIS Reports -- ITIS (the Integrated Taxonomic Information System) is a source for authoritative taxonomic information on plants, animals, fungi, and microbes of <a href="https://www.bing.com/search?q=north+america&amp;cvid=6b138ad0f589473792ba23467d420ea8&amp;aqs=edge.0.69i59l2j69i57j69i60l3j0.716j0j9&amp;FORM=ANAB01&amp;PC=HCTS">North America</a> and the world.

FWS Digital Media Library -- The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service's National Digital Library is a searchable collection of selected images, historical artifacts, audio clips, publications, and video.The dwarf wedgemussel is an endangered species of freshwater mussel, an aquatic bivalve mollusk in the family Unionidae, the river mussels.The dwarf wedgemussel was federally listed as an endangered species in 1990. The dwarf wedgemussel is a small, freshwater mussel that rarely exceeds 1.5 inches in length. It is the only Atlantic Slope freshwater bivalve (two-shelled) mussel in North America that has two lateral teeth on the right valve, but only one tooth on the left. The outer shell is dark brown or yellowish brown and often exhibits greenish rays in young

Alasmidonta heterodon

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Alasmidonta raveneliana NatureServe Explorer Species Reports -- NatureServe Explorer is a source for authoritative conservation information on more than 50,000 plants, animals and ecological communtities of the U.S and <a href="https://www.earth.com/image/lake-st-clair-of-the-u-s-and-canada/">Canada</a>. NatureServe Explorer provides in-depth information on rare and endangered species, but includes common plants and animals too. NatureServe Explorer is a product of NatureServe in collaboration with the Natural Heritage Network.

ITIS Reports -- ITIS (the Integrated Taxonomic Information System) is a source for authoritative taxonomic information on plants, animals, fungi, and microbes of <a href="https://www.bing.com/search?q=north+america&amp;cvid=6b138ad0f589473792ba23467d420ea8&amp;aqs=edge.0.69i59l2j69i57j69i60l3j0.716j0j9&amp;FORM=ANAB01&amp;PC=HCTS">North America</a> and the world.

FWS Digital Media Library -- The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service's National Digital Library is a searchable collection of selected images, historical artifacts, audio clips, publications, and video.The Appalachian elktoe is a species of freshwater mussel in the family Unionidae, the river mussels. It is native to the United States, where it is known only from North Carolina and Tennessee.The Alasmidonta raveneliana (Appalachian elktoe) has a thin, but not fragile, kidney-shaped shell, reaching up to about 3.2 in (8 cm) in length, 1.4 in (3.5 cm) in height, and 1 in (2.5 cm) in width. Juveniles generally have a yellowish-brown periostracum (outer shell surface) while the periostracum of the adults is usually dark brown to greenish-black in color.

Alasmidonta raveneliana

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Alauda razae NatureServe Explorer Species Reports -- NatureServe Explorer is a source for authoritative conservation information on more than 50,000 plants, animals and ecological communtities of the U.S and <a href="https://www.earth.com/image/the-fall-rhapsody-in-ottawa/">Canada</a>. NatureServe Explorer provides in-depth information on rare and endangered species, but includes common plants and animals too. NatureServe Explorer is a product of NatureServe in collaboration with the Natural Heritage Network.

ITIS Reports -- ITIS (the Integrated Taxonomic Information System) is a source for authoritative taxonomic information on plants, animals, fungi, and microbes of <a href="https://www.bing.com/search?q=north+america&amp;cvid=ac3a31fd59c1443a823a552b0b8ce0fc&amp;aqs=edge.0.69i59l2j69i57j69i60l3j0.736j0j9&amp;FORM=ANAB01&amp;PC=HCTS">North America</a> and the world.

FWS Digital Media Library -- The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service's National Digital Library is a searchable collection of selected images, historical artifacts, audio clips, publications, and video. The Raso lark is a small passerine bird with a highly restricted range, being found only on Raso islet in the Cape Verde Islands. This critically endangered member of the family Alaudidae lives in very arid terrain, and is considered one of the least known birds in the Western Palaearctic region, due to its remoteness and the lack of much ornithological study on the archipelago as a whole.This species is confined to one very small island, where its population fluctuates in response to rainfall and appears to reach extremely small numbers. Climate change may increase drought in Cape Verde, adding to the likelihood of extinction.

Alauda razae

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Alcelaphus buselaphus swaynei NatureServe Explorer Species Reports -- NatureServe Explorer is a source for authoritative conservation information on more than 50,000 plants, animals and ecological communtities of the U.S and<a href="https://www.earth.com/image/lake-st-clair-of-the-u-s-and-canada/"> Canada.</a> NatureServe Explorer provides in-depth information on rare and endangered species, but includes common plants and animals too. NatureServe Explorer is a product of NatureServe in collaboration with the Natural Heritage Network.

ITIS Reports -- ITIS (the Integrated Taxonomic Information System) is a source for authoritative taxonomic information on plants, animals, fungi, and microbes of <a href="https://www.bing.com/search?q=north+america&amp;cvid=ac3a31fd59c1443a823a552b0b8ce0fc&amp;aqs=edge.0.69i59l2j69i57j69i60l3j0.736j0j9&amp;FORM=ANAB01&amp;PC=HCTS">North America</a> and the world.

FWS Digital Media Library -- The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service's National Digital Library is a searchable collection of selected images, historical artifacts, audio clips, publications, and video.Swayne's hartebeest is an endangered antelope native to Ethiopia. Two of the largest remaining populations are located in Senkelle Swayne's Hartebeest Sanctuary and Maze National Park. It has been extirpated from Somalia. It is named after British officer H. G. C. Swayne.In Ethiopia and Somalia we find the Alcelaphus buselaphus swaynei having chocolate brown coloured mantle in the sub adults, before achieving the sexual maturity, that gradually stains of silver, as the hair gets grey hues with the ageing of the animal. t is classified in the genus Alcelaphus and placed in the family Bovidae. In 1979, palaeontologist Elisabeth Vrba supported Sigmoceros as a separate genus for Lichtenstein's hartebeest, a kind of hartebeest, as she assumed it was related to Connochaetes(wildebeest). She had analysed the skull characters of living and extinct species of antelope to make a cladogram, and argued.

Alcelaphus buselaphus swaynei

Alcelaphus buselaphus swaynei NatureServe Explorer Species Reports -- NatureServe Explorer...

Alcelaphus buselaphus tora NatureServe Explorer Species Reports -- NatureServe Explorer is a source for authoritative conservation information on more than 50,000 plants, animals and ecological communtities of the U.S and <a href="https://www.earth.com/image/the-fall-rhapsody-in-ottawa/">Canada.</a> NatureServe Explorer provides in-depth information on rare and endangered species, but includes common plants and animals too. NatureServe Explorer is a product of NatureServe in collaboration with the Natural Heritage Network.

ITIS Reports -- ITIS (the Integrated Taxonomic Information System) is a source for authoritative taxonomic information on plants, animals, fungi, and microbes of <a href="https://www.bing.com/search?q=north+america&amp;cvid=35f8c824aab647a19217981e91ae23f2&amp;aqs=edge.0.69i59l2j69i60j69i57j69i60l2j0.1017j0j1&amp;pglt=299&amp;FORM=ANNTA1&amp;PC=HCTS">North America</a> and the world.The tora hartebeest ( Alcelaphus buselaphus tora) is an extremely endangered antelope, native to Eritrea and Ethiopia. It has possibly been extirpated from Sudan. One of the most critically endangered large mammals in the world, it is threatened by poaching and habitat loss.The hartebeest , also known as kongoni, is an African antelope. Eight subspecieshave been described, including two sometimes considered to be independent species. A large antelope, the hartebeest stands just over 1 m (3.3 ft) at the shoulder, and has a typical head-and-body length of 200 to 250 cm (79 to 98 in). The weight ranges from 100 to 200 kg (220 to 440 lb). It has a particularly elongated forehead and oddly shaped horns, short neck, and pointed ears. Its legs, which often have black markings, are unusua…

FWS Digital Media Library -- The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service's National Digital Library is a searchable collection of selected images, historical artifacts, audio clips, publications, and video.

Alcelaphus buselaphus tora

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Alethe choloensis NatureServe Explorer Species Reports -- NatureServe Explorer is a source for authoritative conservation information on more than 50,000 plants, animals and ecological communtities of the U.S and <a href="https://www.earth.com/image/the-fall-rhapsody-in-ottawa/">Canada</a>. NatureServe Explorer provides in-depth information on rare and endangered species, but includes common plants and animals too. NatureServe Explorer is a product of NatureServe in collaboration with the Natural Heritage Network.

ITIS Reports -- ITIS (the Integrated Taxonomic Information System) is a source for authoritative taxonomic information on plants, animals, fungi, and microbes of North America and the world.The Thyolo alethe or Cholo alethe (Chamaetylas choloensis) is an endangered species of bird in the family Muscicapidae. It is found in Malawi and Mozambique. It is named after Thyolo, a nearby town in Malawi. Its natural habitat is subtropical or tropical moist montane forests. It is most threatened by habitat loss due to deforestation, fires, and human activities.

FWS Digital Media Library -- The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service's National Digital Library is a searchable collection of selected images, historical artifacts, audio clips, publications, and video.The Thyolo alethe or Cholo alethe is an endangered species of bird in the family Muscicapidae. It is found in Malawi and Mozambique. It is named after Thyolo, a nearby town in Malawi. Its natural habitat is subtropical or tropical moist montane forests. It is most threatened by habitat loss due to deforestation, fires, and human activities.

Alethe choloensis

Alethe choloensis NatureServe Explorer Species Reports -- NatureServe Explorer is...

Alligator mississippiensis NatureServe Explorer Species Reports -- NatureServe Explorer is a source for authoritative conservation information on more than 50,000 plants, animals and ecological communtities of the U.S and<a href="https://www.earth.com/image/the-fall-rhapsody-in-ottawa/"> Canada.</a> NatureServe Explorer provides in-depth information on rare and endangered species, but includes common plants and animals too. NatureServe Explorer is a product of NatureServe in collaboration with the Natural Heritage Network.

ITIS Reports -- ITIS (the Integrated Taxonomic Information System) is a source for authoritative taxonomic information on plants, animals, fungi, and microbes of <a href="https://www.bing.com/search?q=north+america&amp;cvid=35f8c824aab647a19217981e91ae23f2&amp;aqs=edge.0.69i59l2j69i60j69i57j69i60l2j0.1017j0j1&amp;pglt=299&amp;FORM=ANNTA1&amp;PC=HCTS">North America</a> and the world.

FWS Digital Media Library -- The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service's National Digital Library is a searchable collection of selected images, historical artifacts, audio clips, publications, and video.The American alligator (Alligator mississippiensis), sometimes referred to colloquially as a gator or common alligator, is a large crocodilian reptile native to the Southeastern United States, with a small population in Mexico. It is one of two extant species in the genus Alligator within the family Alligatoridae; it is larger than the only other living alligator species, the Chinese alligator. Adult male American alligators measure 3.4 to 4.6 m (11.2 to 15.1 ft) in length, and can weigh up to 453 kg (999 lb). Females are smaller, measuring 2.6 to 3 m (8.5 to 9.8 ft) in length. The American alligator inhabits freshwater wetlands, such as marshes and cypress swamps from Tamaulipas in Mexico to southeastern and coastal North Carolina. It is distinguished from the sympatric American crocodile by its broader snout

Alligator mississippiensis

Alligator mississippiensis NatureServe Explorer Species Reports -- NatureServe Explorer is...

Alligator sinensis NatureServe Explorer Species Reports -- NatureServe Explorer is a source for authoritative conservation information on more than 50,000 plants, animals and ecological communtities of the U.S and <a href="https://www.earth.com/image/the-fall-rhapsody-in-ottawa/">Canada</a>. NatureServe Explorer provides in-depth information on rare and endangered species, but includes common plants and animals too. NatureServe Explorer is a product of NatureServe in collaboration with the Natural Heritage Network.

ITIS Reports -- ITIS (the Integrated Taxonomic Information System) is a source for authoritative taxonomic information on plants, animals, fungi, and microbes of North America and the world.

FWS Digital Media Library -- The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service's National Digital Library is a searchable collection of selected images, historical artifacts, audio clips, publications, and video. The Chinese alligator, also known as the Yangtze alligator, <a href="https://www.bing.com/search?q=china&amp;cvid=9dff653a5e5d4ba4b3dedded43bb1c17&amp;aqs=edge.0.69i59j0l6.701j0j9&amp;FORM=ANAB01&amp;PC=HCTS">China</a> alligator, or historically the muddy dragon, is a crocodilian endemic to China. It and the American alligator are the only living species in the genus Alligator of the family Alligatoridae. Dark gray or black in color with a fully armored body, the Chinese alligator grows to 1.5–2.1 metres in length and weighs 36–45 kilograms as an adult. It brumates in burrows in winter and is nocturnal in summer. Mating occurs in early summer, with females most commonly producing 20–30 eggs, which are smaller than those of any other crocodilian.The species is an opportunistic feeder, primarily eating fish and invertebrates. A vocal species, adults bellow during the mating season and young vocalize to communicate with their parents and other juveniles. Captive specimens have reached age 70, and wild specimens can live to over 50.

Alligator sinensis

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Alouatta palliata NatureServe Explorer Species Reports -- NatureServe Explorer is a source for authoritative conservation information on more than 50,000 plants, animals and ecological communtities of the U.S and <a href="https://www.earth.com/image/the-fall-rhapsody-in-ottawa/">Canada</a>. NatureServe Explorer provides in-depth information on rare and endangered species, but includes common plants and animals too. NatureServe Explorer is a product of NatureServe in collaboration with the Natural Heritage Network.

ITIS Reports -- ITIS (the Integrated Taxonomic Information System) is a source for authoritative taxonomic information on plants, animals, fungi, and microbes of <a href="https://www.bing.com/search?q=north+america&amp;cvid=6b138ad0f589473792ba23467d420ea8&amp;aqs=edge.0.69i59l2j69i57j69i60l3j0.716j0j9&amp;FORM=ANAB01&amp;PC=HCTS">North America</a> and the world.

FWS Digital Media Library -- The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service's National Digital Library is a searchable collection of selected images, historical artifacts, audio clips, publications, and video.The mantled howler, or golden-mantled howling monkey, is a species of howler monkey, a type of New World monkey, from Central and South America. It is one of the monkey species most often seen and heard in the wild in Central America. It takes its "mantled" name from the long guard hairs on its sides.The golden-mantled howler (Alouatta palliata palliata) is a subspecies of the mantled howler, A. palliata.It ranges throughout much of Central America, in Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua and Costa Rica, and possibly Panama. The range limits between the golden-mantled howler and the Ecuadorian mantled howler are not entirely clear. The Ecuadorian mantled howler replaces the golden-mantled howler

Alouatta palliata

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Alouatta pigra NatureServe Explorer Species Reports -- NatureServe Explorer is a source for authoritative conservation information on more than 50,000 plants, animals and ecological communtities of the U.S and<a href="https://www.earth.com/image/lake-st-clair-of-the-u-s-and-canada/"> Canada</a>. NatureServe Explorer provides in-depth information on rare and endangered species, but includes common plants and animals too. NatureServe Explorer is a product of NatureServe in collaboration with the Natural Heritage Network.

ITIS Reports -- Alouatta pigra ITIS (the Integrated Taxonomic Information System) is a source for authoritative taxonomic information on plants, animals, fungi, and microbes of <a href="https://www.bing.com/search?q=north+america&amp;cvid=6b138ad0f589473792ba23467d420ea8&amp;aqs=edge.0.69i59l2j69i57j69i60l3j0.716j0j9&amp;FORM=ANAB01&amp;PC=HCTS">North America</a> and the world.

FWS Digital Media Library -- The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service's National Digital Library is a searchable collection of selected images, historical artifacts, audio clips, publications, and video. The Guatemalan black howler, or Yucatan black howler, is a species of howler monkey, a type of New World monkey, from Central America. It is found in Belize, Guatemala and Mexico, in and near the Yucatan Peninsula. It lives in evergreen, semideciduous and lowland rain forests. It is also known as the baboon in Belize, although it is not closely related to the baboons in Africa.

Howler monkeys are among the largest primates in the Neotropics. They can grow to be 22 to 36 inches tall when standing. And, their tails are about the same size in length as their bodies! Male howlers are black, while females are brown. They have prehensile tails that they can use to grab onto branches. They make loud vocalizations to mark their territory, thus earning their name.

Alouatta pigra

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Amazilia luciae NatureServe Explorer Species Reports -- NatureServe Explorer is a source for authoritative conservation information on more than 50,000 plants, animals and ecological communtities of the U.S and <a href="https://www.earth.com/image/lake-st-clair-of-the-u-s-and-canada/">Canada.</a> NatureServe Explorer provides in-depth information on rare and endangered species, but includes common plants and animals too. NatureServe Explorer is a product of NatureServe in collaboration with the Natural Heritage Network.

ITIS Reports -- Amazilia luciae ITIS (the Integrated Taxonomic Information System) is a source for authoritative taxonomic information on plants, animals, fungi, and microbes of <a href="https://www.bing.com/search?q=north+america&amp;cvid=6b138ad0f589473792ba23467d420ea8&amp;aqs=edge.0.69i59l2j69i57j69i60l3j0.716j0j9&amp;FORM=ANAB01&amp;PC=HCTS">North America</a> and the world.Name Homonyms Amazilia luciae (Lawrence, 1868) Common names Amazilia hondureña in Spanish Ariane de Lucy in French Honduran Emerald in English Honduran Emerald in English Honduran Emerald in English

FWS Digital Media Library -- The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service's National Digital Library is a searchable collection of selected images, historical artifacts, audio clips, publications, and video.The Honduran emerald is a species of hummingbird in the family Trochilidae. This bird is found only in Honduras. Its natural habitats are subtropical or tropical dry forest and subtropical or tropical dry shrubland.The Honduran Emerald (Amazilia luciae) is a little-known hummingbird in the family of Trochilidae. The bird is endemic to dry forest of Honduras. Honduran Emerald is threatened by habitat loss and deforestation. The hummingbird restricted distribution in dry forest fragments and increasing human pressures on this habitat.

Amazilia luciae

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Amazona arausiaca NatureServe Explorer Species Reports -- NatureServe Explorer is a source for authoritative conservation information on more than 50,000 plants, animals and ecological communtities of the U.S and <a href="https://www.earth.com/image/the-fall-rhapsody-in-ottawa/">Canada</a>. NatureServe Explorer provides in-depth information on rare and endangered species, but includes common plants and animals too. NatureServe Explorer is a product of NatureServe in collaboration with the Natural Heritage Network.

ITIS Reports -- ITIS (the Integrated Taxonomic Information System) is a source for authoritative taxonomic information on plants, animals, fungi, and microbes of <a href="https://www.bing.com/search?q=north+america&amp;cvid=35f8c824aab647a19217981e91ae23f2&amp;aqs=edge.0.69i59l2j69i60j69i57j69i60l2j0.1017j0j1&amp;pglt=299&amp;FORM=ANNTA1&amp;PC=HCTS">North America</a> and the world.

FWS Digital Media Library -- The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service's National Digital Library is a searchable collection of selected images, historical artifacts, audio clips, publications, and video.The red-necked amazon, also known as the red-necked parrot, Dominican blue-faced amazon, lesser Dominican amazon, and Jaco parrot, is an amazon parrot endemic to Dominica. It is green, with bright splashes of various colours. Its name is due to the area of red plumage commonly found at its throat.Species Profile. Genus: Amazona | Species: arausiaca Size: 40cm (15.6 in) Weight: 620g (21.7 oz) Races including nominate: one. Colour Adult: Both adults body colour green, the feathers of the nape, neck, and mantle edged with dusty black; purple/blue face; red foreneck; secondary feathers 1-3 red turning into yellow and tipped with purple/blue, secondary feather 4 yellow tinged with green and .

Amazona arausiaca

Amazona arausiaca NatureServe Explorer Species Reports -- NatureServe Explorer is...

Amazona brasiliensis NatureServe Explorer Species Reports -- NatureServe Explorer is a source for authoritative conservation information on more than 50,000 plants, animals and ecological communtities of the U.S and <a href="https://www.earth.com/image/lake-st-clair-of-the-u-s-and-canada/">Canada</a>. NatureServe Explorer provides in-depth information on rare and endangered species, but includes common plants and animals too. NatureServe Explorer is a product of NatureServe in collaboration with the Natural Heritage Network.

ITIS Reports -- ITIS (the Integrated Taxonomic Information System) is a source for authoritative taxonomic information on plants, animals, fungi, and microbes of <a href="https://www.bing.com/search?q=north+america&amp;cvid=35f8c824aab647a19217981e91ae23f2&amp;aqs=edge.0.69i59l2j69i60j69i57j69i60l2j0.1017j0j1&amp;pglt=299&amp;FORM=ANNTA1&amp;PC=HCTS">North America</a> and the world.

FWS Digital Media Library -- The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service's National Digital Library is a searchable collection of selected images, historical artifacts, audio clips, publications, and video.The red-tailed amazon, also known as the red-tailed parrot, is a species of parrot in the family Psittacidae. It is endemic to coastal regions in the south-east Brazilian states of São Paulo and Paraná. The bird has been threatened by habitat loss and capture for the wild bird trade, and is a symbol of the efforts to conserve one of the Earth's most biologically diverse ecosystems. Consequently, it is considered Near Threatened by BirdLife International and the IUCN. In 1991–92, the population had fallen below 2000 individuals. Following on-going conservation efforts, a count and estimate from 2015 suggests a population of 9,000–10,000, indicating that this species is recovering from earlier persecution

Amazona brasiliensis

Amazona brasiliensis NatureServe Explorer Species Reports -- NatureServe Explorer is...

Amazona collaria NatureServe Explorer Species Reports -- NatureServe Explorer is a source for authoritative conservation information on more than 50,000 plants, animals and ecological communtities of the U.S and <a href="https://www.earth.com/image/the-fall-rhapsody-in-ottawa/">Canada.</a> NatureServe Explorer provides in-depth information on rare and endangered species, but includes common plants and animals too. NatureServe Explorer is a product of NatureServe in collaboration with the Natural Heritage Network.

ITIS Reports -- ITIS (the Integrated Taxonomic Information System) is a source for authoritative taxonomic information on plants, animals, fungi, and microbes of <a href="https://www.bing.com/search?q=north+america&amp;cvid=35f8c824aab647a19217981e91ae23f2&amp;aqs=edge.0.69i59l2j69i60j69i57j69i60l2j0.1017j0j1&amp;pglt=299&amp;FORM=ANNTA1&amp;PC=HCTS">North America</a> and the world.The Yellow-billed Amazon, also called the Jamaican Amazon, (Amazona collaria) is a species of parrot in the Psittacidae family. It is a predominantly green parrot with a short tail and pink throat and neck.

FWS Digital Media Library -- The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service's National Digital Library is a searchable collection of selected images, historical artifacts, audio clips, publications, and video.The yellow-billed amazon, also called the Jamaican amazon, is a species of parrot in the family Psittacidae. It is a predominantly green parrot with a short tail and pink throat and neck. It is endemic to Jamaica, where its natural habitats are subtropical or tropical moist lowland forests, subtropical or tropical mangrove forests, subtropical or tropical moist montane forests, plantations, and rural gardens. It is threatened by habitat loss and illegal trapping of wild birds for the pet trade.

Amazona collaria

Amazona collaria NatureServe Explorer Species Reports -- NatureServe Explorer is...

Amazona guildingii NatureServe Explorer Species Reports -- NatureServe Explorer is a source for authoritative conservation information on more than 50,000 plants, animals and ecological communtities of the U.S and <a href="https://www.earth.com/image/lake-st-clair-of-the-u-s-and-canada/">Canada</a>. NatureServe Explorer provides in-depth information on rare and endangered species, but includes common plants and animals too. NatureServe Explorer is a product of NatureServe in collaboration with the Natural Heritage Network.

ITIS Reports -- ITIS (the Integrated Taxonomic Information System) is a source for authoritative taxonomic information on plants, animals, fungi, and microbes of <a href="https://www.bing.com/search?q=north+america&amp;cvid=35f8c824aab647a19217981e91ae23f2&amp;aqs=edge.0.69i59l2j69i60j69i57j69i60l2j0.1017j0j1&amp;pglt=299&amp;FORM=ANNTA1&amp;PC=HCTS">North America</a> and the world.

FWS Digital Media Library -- The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service's National Digital Library is a searchable collection of selected images, historical artifacts, audio clips, publications, and video. The Saint Vincent amazon also known as Saint Vincent parrot, is a large, approximately 40 cm long, multi-colored amazon parrot with a yellowish white, blue and green head, greenish-bronze upperparts plumage, and violet blue-green wings.The bird is a 40 centimetres (16 in) long, mostly green, multi-colored amazon parrot with a yellowish white, blue and green head, greenish-bronze upperparts, grey feet, reddish eye, and violet blue-green wings. Its tail feathers are blue with broad yellow tips. There is a less yellow-brown <a href="https://www.bing.com/search?q=Morph%20(biology)%20wikipedia&amp;form=WIKIRE">morph</a> and a less common green morph. It has grey feet and reddish eyes. Both sexes are similar. The young has lighter plumage and brown <a href="https://www.bing.com/search?q=Iris%20(anatomy)%20wikipedia&amp;form=WIKIRE">iris</a>.

Amazona guildingii

Amazona guildingii NatureServe Explorer Species Reports -- NatureServe Explorer is...

Seagrass meadows are among the most vital yet often overlooked components of our marine landscapes, playing a crucial role in maintaining the health of our planet. 



These underwater meadows are cherished for their ability to promote biodiversity, boost coastal protection, and improve water quality. 



Beyond these benefits, seagrass meadows are also remarkably adept at capturing and storing carbon dioxide (CO₂), making them a powerful ally in the fight against climate change.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-threats-to-seagrass-meadows">Threats to seagrass meadows </h2>



Climate change poses significant threats to seagrass ecosystems. Rising sea temperatures can stress seagrass plants, making them more susceptible to disease and reducing their growth rates. 



Ocean acidification, another result of increased CO2 in the atmosphere, affects the delicate balance of the marine environment, altering the chemistry that seagrasses depend on. 



Extreme weather events, such as hurricanes and storms intensified by climate change, can physically damage seagrass beds. Meanwhile, rising sea levels may reduce the amount of sunlight these plants receive, hindering photosynthesis.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-unveiling-the-zobluc-project">Unveiling the ZOBLUC project</h2>



A new research initiative is focused on investigating and enhancing the potential of seagrass meadows as carbon sinks. The project - Zostera marina as a Blue Carbon Sink in the Baltic Sea (ZOBLC) - is a result of the combined efforts of several institutions.



With funding from the German Federal Environment Ministry's Nature-based Climate Action Programme (ANK) and state funds, the project has a budget of around €6 million to unravel the secrets of seagrass meadows.



To break it down, Zostera marina is the scientific term for seagrass, and blue carbon refers to the carbon stored by coastal and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/overfishing-and-habitat-degradation-have-devastated-marine-ecosystems/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">marine ecosystems</a>.



The term 'sink' points to the role these meadows play in capturing and storing CO₂ - much like a sink that drains water away.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-focus-of-the-mission">Focus of the mission</h2>



ZOBLUC's strategy rests on three fundamental pillars - the study of seagrass <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ocean-alkalinity-may-safely-boost-the-carbon-storage-capacity-of-seawater/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">carbon storage capacity</a>, the restoration of meadows, and active community participation in the restoration process.



“Seagrass meadows are like underwater peatlands,” noted Dr. Thorsten Reusch, a professor of Marine Ecology at <a href="https://www.geomar.de/en/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">GEOMAR</a> who is steering the scientific aspect of the project. “They store carbon, which is preserved in oxygen-poor sediments for centuries.”



ZOBLUC aims to locate blue carbon hotspots that can serve as primary zones for protection.



The second pillar of the project focuses on ensuring that restored meadows can withstand future climatic challenges. 



“There’s little point in replanting seagrass that won’t survive <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/atlantic-ocean-currents-slowing-as-water-temperature-rises/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">rising water temperatures</a> in a few years’ time,” said Dr. Reusch. To prevent this, the team will expose seagrass to various stressors in an effort to breed resistant and resilient populations.



The third pillar seeks to involve local communities in the restoration process. The plan is to train volunteers to plant seagrass shoots - the most effective restoration method so far. 



“It’s important to complete the training course and only use areas that we have checked for suitability for restoration," noted Dr. Reusch.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-peek-into-the-future">A peek into the future</h2>



The road ahead involves comprehensive mapping of the present <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/seagrass-meadows-can-recover-after-major-die-offs/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">seagrass meadows</a> in the Baltic Sea. 



This task will be accomplished using advanced optical and acoustic surveying technologies. Additionally, drones will be used to monitor newly planted areas.



The findings from the ZOBLUC project will be disseminated through workshops and integrated into policy recommendations to bolster the protection and restoration of seagrass meadows in the Baltic Sea. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-seagrass-and-climate-resilience">Seagrass and climate resilience</h2>



As the effects of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/climate-change-earth-energy-imbalance-temperature-rise/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">climate change</a> intensify, seagrass meadows are emerging as a natural defense against environmental challenges. 



Their dense root systems help stabilize coastal sediments, reducing shoreline erosion and mitigating the impact of rising sea levels. 



Moreover, seagrass meadows act as nurseries for a variety of marine species, ensuring the resilience of coastal ecosystems against changing ocean conditions. 



By understanding and enhancing these natural defenses, the ZOBLUC project aims to provide a blueprint for other regions facing similar climate threats.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-value-of-seagrass-meadows">The value of seagrass meadows</h2>



Beyond their environmental benefits, seagrass meadows offer significant economic value. Healthy seagrass beds support local fisheries by providing critical habitats for commercially important species, such as fish and shellfish.



Additionally, they contribute to the tourism industry by maintaining clear waters and vibrant marine life that attract snorkelers and divers. 



Protecting and restoring these meadows not only safeguards biodiversity but also enhances coastal economies, making their conservation a win-win for both nature and local communities.



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Natural climate solutions: Enhancing the role of seagrass meadows

Seagrass meadows are among the most vital yet often overlooked...

Have you ever wondered what farmers in ancient times ate thousands of years ago? Their diets, shaped by the landscapes that the farmers inhabited and the resources available to them, offer a window into the past.



It's fascinating to see how their meals evolved from humble grain-based recipes - rooted in necessity and tradition - to the complex, rich, and intricate flavors we enjoy today.



While historians and archaeologists have been unraveling the secrets of ancient civilizations for decades, one fascinating piece remained undisclosed - the exact menu of the earliest farmers.



What ingredients did they rely on to sustain their communities? How did they supplement their cultivated crops with nature’s bounty?



But recently, a compelling study, drawing on cutting-edge archaeological techniques, has shed new light on this captivating subject, revealing surprising insights into the diverse and resourceful <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/our-hunter-gatherer-ancestors-did-much-more-gathering-than-hunting/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">diets of our ancestors</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-did-ancient-farmers-eat">What did ancient farmers eat?</h2>



Unfolding the story requires a journey to Southern Scandinavia and Northern Germany, specifically Oldenburg LA 77, a region once known for its Middle <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/early-neolithic-mountain-settlers-used-complex-farming-methods/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Neolithic</a> settlements. 



Oldenburg LA 77 is located in a former wetland area known as the Oldenburger Graben, resting on the southwestern coast of the Baltic Sea. 



This area was home to a number of settlements, and this once-secluded village stands as a reflection of the evolution of society, gradually shifting from isolated farmsteads to more concentrated, populated villages.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ancient-farming-diets">Ancient farming diets</h2>



During the excavations, scientists discovered plenty of artifacts including houses, wells, and an array of daily life materials such as pottery fragments and grinding stones. 



"Grinding stones are truly archives for preserving information about <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/plant-foods-linked-to-drastically-lower-risk-of-heart-disease/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">plant foods</a>. Even a small fragment of them can carry plenty of plant microfossils, including starch grains and phytoliths," noted Dr. Jingping An, a research assistant in the study.



And so, it is these grinding stones from Oldenburg LA 77 that provided the breakthrough in this gastronomical mystery.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-examining-grinding-stones">Examining grinding stones</h2>



The study, led by experts from the Collaborative Research Center (CRC) 1266 in Kiel, analyzed ancient plant microfossils preserved on these grinding stones. The findings were impressive, to say the least.



Various food ingredients were discovered, including <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-bread-wheat-gave-rise-to-civilization/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">wheat</a>, barley, fruits of wild grasses, knotweeds, and acorns. Starch-rich tubers, and possibly a small number of wild legume seeds, were also detected. 



These wild ingredients shed light on our ancestors' use of nature's bounty.



"Charred <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/domesticating-wild-plants-may-result-in-more-resilient-crops/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">wild plants</a> have been documented by archaeobotanical analyses of soil samples from this Neolithic village, but this study further confirms their consumption by looking directly into food processing," noted Professor Wiebke Kirleis, who led the research.



"People in the past knew how to enrich their diet," added Dr. An. 



Undoubtedly, our ancestors were culinary explorers, well-versed in supplementing their meals with the best of what their environment had to offer.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-similar-diets-among-ancient-farmers">Similar diets among ancient farmers</h2>



Interestingly, a similar dietary pattern was observed in a different site - the Frydenlund site in Denmark - which was part of the same Funnel Beaker Culture. 



Plant microfossils from wild plants were also found on the grinding stones at this site.



Ultimately, the study offers a fascinating insight into the culinary lifestyle of our earliest farmers. They were not just farmers but also skilled food processors, adept at harnessing the variety of ingredients around them to enrich their meals and lead a wholesome life.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-legacy-of-neolithic-farmers">Legacy of Neolithic farmers</h2>



The dietary choices of Neolithic farmers were not only shaped by necessity but also by an intuitive understanding of their environment. 



Their ability to blend cultivated grains with wild plants provided a balanced and diverse diet that sustained growing communities. 



Today, this ancient knowledge continues to influence modern dietary trends, with a renewed focus on whole grains, plant-based nutrition, and sustainable food sources. 



Studies of early farming practices offer valuable insights into how our ancestors adapted to their surroundings, utilizing locally available ingredients to create nourishing meals. 



The enduring legacy of ancient farmers highlights the importance of biodiversity and traditional knowledge in shaping the way we eat today.



The full study was published in the journal <a href="https://linkinghub.elsevier.com/retrieve/pii/S2352409X24005418" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Journal of Archaeological Science</a>.



Image Credit: Susanne Beyer, Kiel University



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Surprising diet of early farmers from 5,000 years ago revealed by new technology

Have you ever wondered what farmers in ancient times ate...

Nature has long been a treasure trove of medicinal compounds, with plants and animals providing the foundation for many important drugs. 



Morphine, aspirin, and paclitaxel all originate from natural sources, offering immense therapeutic benefits. However, despite their rich chemical diversity and centuries of use in medicine, mushrooms remain largely underexplored in medical research.



Their potential for drug discovery has yet to be fully realized. A recent breakthrough by researchers from Shinshu University, Japan, is changing this landscape. 



The team has successfully achieved the first total synthesis of inaoside A, a natural compound found in the edible mushroom&nbsp;Laetiporus cremeiporus. 



This advancement, published in the&nbsp;Asian Journal of Organic Chemistry, is a significant step toward understanding the bioactive properties of inaoside A and other mushroom-derived compounds.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-new-compound-in-organic-chemistry">New compound in organic chemistry</h2>



The research from <a href="https://www.shinshu-u.ac.jp/english/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Shinshu University</a> was led by Professor Atsushi Kawamura from the Department of Biomolecular Innovation, along with Mr. Tomoya Takao from the Department of Agriculture and Dr. Hidefumi Makabe from the Department of Biomolecular Innovation.



Their work focuses on the synthesis of inaoside A, a compound classified as an α-D-ribofuranoside. While the α-D-ribofuranoside structure is commonly found in nature, it remains far less studied than its β-anomer counterparts.



"Although the α-D-ribofuranoside structure is frequently found in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/secrets-of-brittle-star-tissue-could-transform-regenerative-medicine/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">natural products</a>, there have been fewer reports of the synthesis of α-D-ribofuranosides than of the β-anomers. Thus, the synthesis of α-D-ribofuranosides has attracted much attention from organic chemists," explained Dr. Kawamura.



This structural class is of particular interest because of its potential biological activities. Scientists suspect that inaoside A may have important medicinal properties, but without an efficient synthesis method, further exploration was difficult.&nbsp;



"The total synthesis of inaoside A is an important objective because its varied bioactivities need to be investigated," said Dr. Kawamura.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-synthesizing-mushroom-compounds-for-medicines">Synthesizing mushroom compounds for medicines</h2>



Developing a synthetic route for inaoside A posed several challenges. To create the compound, the research team needed to use a key reaction known as α-selective Schmidt glycosylation. 



This reaction attaches a glycoside to another molecule in a highly specific manner, ensuring that the final product maintains the correct structural orientation.



Using retrosynthetic chemistry, the team worked backward from the desired final product to determine the ideal starting materials. They identified two essential precursors: an aglycone derived from vanillin and a ribofuranosyl trichloroacetimidate. 



However, an obstacle remained - Schmidt glycosylation typically favors the formation of β-ribofuranosides rather than the desired α-ribofuranosides.



To overcome this issue, the researchers modified their approach by selecting a different substrate. They employed a 2,3,5-tri-O-(tert-butyldimethylsilyl)-protected ribofuranoside, which facilitated α-selective glycosylation with remarkable precision. 



This strategic modification allowed them to achieve an α/β ratio of 4:1 to 5:1, ensuring the successful synthesis of inaoside A with high selectivity.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-significance-of-inaoside">Significance of inaoside</h2>



The ability to synthesize inaoside A in the laboratory is a major milestone in natural product research. By creating a reliable synthetic method, scientists can now study this compound in greater detail, examining its potential medicinal applications and biological <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/fungi-can-think-and-make-smart-decisions-without-a-brain/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">functions</a>.



"By elucidating the chemical structures and biological activities of natural products derived from mushrooms, we aim to discover the potential of edible <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/mushroom-is-given-a-robot-body-and-runs-wild-in-fascinating-video/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">mushrooms</a> as functional foods. These natural products could contribute to advancing pharmaceutical science by serving as pharmaceutical leads," noted Dr. Kawamura.



With a stable supply of inaoside A now possible, researchers can conduct further studies on its bioactivity. Understanding its interactions within biological systems could lead to the development of new pharmaceuticals or functional food ingredients. 



The study of mushroom-derived compounds is still in its early stages, but this success demonstrates that fungi hold significant promise for future drug discovery.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-future-of-mushroom-derived-medicines">Future of mushroom-derived medicines</h2>



Now that inaoside A can be synthesized efficiently, the research team is eager to explore its full potential. Further investigations are already underway, including <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/mushroom-leather-mycelium-latest-eco-friendly-fashion-trend/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">structural modifications</a> and biological testing to determine its therapeutic properties.



"Further studies on inaoside A, including more detailed investigation of its bioactivities, the synthesis of derivatives, and structure-activity relationship studies, are in progress. We would like to develop this chemical into a socially meaningful compound," said Dr. Kawamura.



This research marks an important step toward unlocking the vast chemical diversity of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/mushroom-magic-new-species-discovered-in-africa/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">mushrooms</a>. As scientists continue to explore these natural compounds, they may uncover new leads for drug development, functional foods, and other biotechnological applications. 



The successful synthesis of inaoside A serves as a reminder that nature still holds many secrets waiting to be discovered.



The study is published in the <a href="https://aces.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/ajoc.202400547" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Asian Journal of Organic Chemistry</a>.



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First total synthesis of mushroom compound could transform medicine

Nature has long been a treasure trove of medicinal compounds,...

For 130 years, the enigmatic nature of the orchid Stigmatodactylus sikokianus puzzled scientists and botanists alike.



Named in 1889 by renowned Japanese botanist MAKINO Tomitaro, the fungus-consuming plant features a distinct appendage reminiscent of a tiny finger on its stigma - the part of the flower that accepts pollen.



But why is this appendage there, and what purpose does it serve? Despite its popularity among Japan's iconic orchids, the function of this unique feature remained a mystery - until now.



<a href="https://www.kobe-u.ac.jp/en/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Kobe University</a> botanist SUETSUGU Kenji specializes in orchids that feed on <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/soil-fungi-determine-the-gradient-of-forest-diversity-worldwide/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">soil fungi</a> rather than sunlight. Stigmatodactylus, he realized, fit this bill perfectly.



“I’m particularly interested in their pollination mechanisms, employing an interdisciplinary approach that integrates taxonomy, ecology, and evolutionary biology," said Kenji.



His fascination with these unique orchids propelled him to investigate further, questioning the purpose and ecological role of the finger-like appendage that had attracted so much attention.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-orchid-that-self-pollinates">The orchid that self-pollinates </h2>



Kenji's research sheds light on a unique <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/insect-apocalypse-australasia-is-facing-a-hidden-pollination-crisis/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">pollination</a> method. He found that Stigmatodactylus sikokianus predominantly self-pollinates, which means it doesn’t require insects to transport pollen from one plant to another.



Interestingly, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/when-faced-with-competition-some-plants-learn-to-self-pollinate/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">self-pollination</a> occurs roughly three days after the flower opens. This delay bears significant ecological implications.



Given the plant's natural habitat in dark forest understories, it is rarely visited by potential pollinators.



“While self-pollination likely guarantees reproductive success, relying solely on this method risks inbreeding. This may drive the evolution of mechanisms that combine the benefits of self-pollination and outcrossing," said Kenji.



"Delayed self-pollination, postponed until opportunities for outcrossing are exhausted, is likely one such adaptation - a failsafe mechanism.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-novel-self-pollination-mechanism">Novel self-pollination mechanism </h2>



While meticulously observing the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/study-reveals-how-plants-adapt-to-changing-climates/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">plants</a>, Kenji noticed that the finger-like appendage plays a crucial role in self-pollination.



On the third day after the flower opens, the stigma collapses and makes contact with the pollen-carrying anther, aided by the finger-like appendage, thereby fertilizing the plant. 



“The movement of the stigma appendage represents, to the best of our knowledge, a novel self-pollination mechanism in orchids,” said Kenji.



He noted that since there are 28 species in the Stigmatodactylus family, many of which share this unique appendage, this self-pollination mechanism could be common in other species too.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-bridging-traditional-research-with-modern-science">Bridging traditional research with modern science</h2>



Kenji hopes his work will help bridge the gap between historical botanical research and contemporary scientific inquiries. 



“The significance of this discovery lies in its ability to bridge historical botanical research and contemporary scientific inquiry. It underscores the value of integrating meticulous taxonomic analysis with ecological and evolutionary studies to gain novel insights," said Kenji.



"This study demonstrates that traditional natural history research, unifying taxonomy, evolution and ecology, still has the power to uncover new phenomena today.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-orchids-self-pollinate-to-survive">Orchids self-pollinate to survive</h2>



Understanding the unique pollination mechanism of Stigmatodactylus sikokianus offers significant implications for <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/despite-their-incredible-adaptability-orchids-are-disappearing/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">orchid conservation</a> efforts.



Many orchid species are highly specialized and depend on specific ecological conditions to thrive. 



The newfound knowledge about the self-pollination strategy of Stigmatodactylus sikokianus sheds light on how other orchid species may have evolved to adapt to low-pollinator environments.



This insight can guide conservationists in designing better habitat protection strategies and cultivation techniques to ensure the survival of orchids facing similar ecological challenges. 



Furthermore, it highlights the need to preserve the dark forest understories where these delicate plants flourish, as habitat destruction poses a major threat to their existence.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-broader-evolutionary-significance">Broader evolutionary significance</h2>



The discovery of the delayed self-pollination mechanism in Stigmatodactylus sikokianus raises intriguing questions about the broader evolutionary adaptations of orchids and other flowering plants.



In ecosystems with scarce pollinators, plants must develop creative reproductive strategies to ensure their survival. 



This ability to self-pollinate suggests that evolution has equipped some orchids with a dual approach - allowing time for potential cross-pollination before resorting to self-fertilization as a last resort.



The findings contribute to our understanding of plant reproductive biology and may inspire further research into similar mechanisms in related plant families.



By studying these adaptations, scientists can better comprehend how plants respond to environmental pressures and how they might adapt to future changes, such as climate shifts and habitat fragmentation.



The full study was published in the journal <a href="https://nph.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/ppp3.10624" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Plants People Planet</a>.



Image Credit: IKEDA Tetsuro



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Some orchids have 'fingers' to pollinate themselves

For 130 years, the enigmatic nature of the orchid Stigmatodactylus...

A recent study led by the University of Oxford challenges the widely held notion that plants actively communicate with each other to warn of impending threats.



Instead, the findings suggest that <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/plants-have-complex-biochemical-communication-networks/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">plants</a> are more likely to passively “eavesdrop” on their neighbors through shared fungal networks rather than engage in altruistic signaling.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-underground-communication-network">Underground communication network</h2>



Beneath the soil, plants are connected by an intricate fungal network popularly referred to as the “wood wide web.” This network emerges from the symbiotic relationships between plant roots and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/plants-distribute-enormous-amounts-of-co2-to-mycorrhizal-fungi/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">mycorrhizal fungi</a>.&nbsp;



In this partnership, plants supply fungi with carbon while the fungi provide essential nutrients to the plants. These networks also enable the transmission of resources and information among plants.



Previous studies have demonstrated that when one plant is attacked by herbivores or pathogens, neighboring plants connected to the same fungal network often strengthen their defenses.&nbsp;



However, it has remained unclear whether these responses result from active warnings sent by the attacked plant or passive cues interpreted by its neighbors.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-questioning-altruism-in-plant-behavior">Questioning altruism in plant behavior</h2>



The idea that plants actively warn their neighbors poses a puzzle for evolutionary biologists. Altruistic behavior is generally rare in nature and typically occurs when it offers mutual benefits. For plants competing for resources like sunlight and nutrients, warning their neighbors would seem counterintuitive.



To address this paradox, an international research team from the <a href="https://www.ox.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Oxford</a> and <a href="https://vu.nl/en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam</a> developed mathematical models to explore whether plants would evolve to signal threats to one another.&nbsp;



The results suggest that it is highly unlikely for plants to develop active warning mechanisms, as such behavior would not confer significant evolutionary advantages.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-plants-communicate-in-deceptive-ways">Plants communicate in deceptive ways</h2>



The study revealed that plants might even engage in deceptive signaling to gain an advantage over their competitors.&nbsp;



“Our results indicate that it is more likely that plants will behave deceptively toward their neighbors, rather than altruistically,” said lead author Thomas Scott from the Department of Biology at the University of Oxford.&nbsp;



“For instance, plants may signal that a <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/large-herbivore-extinctions-drastically-affect-forest-ecosystems/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">herbivore</a> attack is occurring, even when no herbivore is present. Plants can gain a benefit from dishonest signaling because it harms their local competitors, by tricking them into investing in costly herbivore defense mechanisms.”



The findings challenge the idea of plants as cooperative entities and instead suggest that what appears to be altruistic behavior may often serve competitive or self-interested purposes.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-why-do-neighboring-plants-still-respond">Why do neighboring plants still respond?</h2>



If plants are not actively warning their neighbors, why do connected plants upregulate their defenses when one is attacked? The researchers proposed two alternative explanations.



First, plants might unintentionally emit cues when under stress, similar to humans blushing when embarrassed. These involuntary emissions could be picked up by neighboring plants as signals of a threat, even though the emitting plant gains no direct benefit from sharing this information.



Second, the fungal networks themselves could play an active role in transmitting warnings. Mycorrhizal fungi rely on healthy plants for their survival, as plants provide them with carbohydrates. By relaying signals about potential threats, the fungi may protect their host plants and ensure the stability of the network.&nbsp;



“Maybe it is the fungal networks themselves that are sending the warning signals,” Scott said. “Mycorrhizal fungi rely on the plants on their network for carbohydrates, so it’s important to keep these plants in good condition. Perhaps the fungi are listening in on their plant partners, detecting when one has been attacked, and warning the others to prepare themselves.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-nosy-plants-that-eavesdrop">Nosy plants that eavesdrop</h2>



Co-author Toby Kiers from Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam offered another perspective, likening plants to neighbors gossiping about a shared environment:



“There is no dispute that information is transferred. Organisms are constantly detecting and processing information about their environment. The question is whether plants are actively sending signals to warn each other. Maybe just like gossiping neighbors, one plant is simply <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/eavesdropping-viruses-the-unseen-war-within-our-cells/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">eavesdropping</a> on the another.”



This reinterpretation highlights the possibility that plants are more passive participants in these networks, interpreting cues rather than engaging in intentional communication.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-implications-for-plant-ecology-and-conservation">Implications for plant ecology and conservation</h2>



The study’s findings have significant implications for our understanding of plant behavior and ecosystem dynamics. Recognizing that plants may rely more on passive information gathering than active signaling shifts the focus of research to the role of fungal networks in mediating plant interactions.&nbsp;



This knowledge could be valuable in predicting how plant communities will respond to environmental changes such as <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/top-marine-predators-may-suffer-massive-habitat-loss-by-2100/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">habitat loss</a> or climate change.



Understanding these dynamics also has potential applications in agriculture and conservation. For instance, manipulating fungal networks might enhance crop resilience or help restore ecosystems by improving communication between plants in stressed environments.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-future-research-directions">Future research directions</h2>



While the study provides compelling theoretical support for the eavesdropping hypothesis, further empirical research is needed to validate these models.&nbsp;



Experiments could focus on isolating the role of fungi in transmitting signals and exploring whether different plant species vary in their ability to interpret these cues.



Additionally, studying how plants and fungi interact in diverse ecosystems could reveal whether certain environments favor passive communication over active signaling.&nbsp;



Expanding the research to include underrepresented plant species and regions would also provide a more comprehensive understanding of these interactions.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-rethinking-how-plants-communicate">Rethinking how plants communicate </h2>



This study fundamentally challenges the idea of plants as altruistic communicators, suggesting instead that their behavior may be driven by competition, self-interest, and passive eavesdropping.&nbsp;



By highlighting the role of fungal networks, the research opens new avenues for exploring the intricate relationships that sustain plant communities.



As Scott and his team continue to refine their models and expand their investigations, the hidden dynamics of plant communication promise to reveal even more about the complex strategies plants use to survive and thrive in their environments.



The study is published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1073/pnas.2420701122" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences</a> (PNAS).



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Plants use underground networks to ‘eavesdrop’ on their neighbors 

A recent study led by the University of Oxford challenges...

Imagine a future where one of the biggest pollutants of our environment, the production of ammonia, is no longer a headache. Instead, the Earth itself could become a productive partner in generating this chemical. All it takes is the use of Earth's natural forces and heat.



In an unexpected twist of events, a scientific breakthrough at the globally renowned Massachusetts Institute of Technology (<a href="https://www.mit.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">MIT</a>), points in this very direction.



The ground-breaking study was motivated by a mysterious natural phenomenon observed in Mali, West Africa, in the 1980s.



Locals came across a well that was gushing with hydrogen gas, an oddity that scientists attributed to a water-rock chemical reaction beneath Earth's surface.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-green-shift-in-the-fertilizer-industry">Green shift in the fertilizer industry</h2>



“It was an ‘aha’ moment,” shared senior author Iwnetim Abate of MIT. "We may be able to use Earth as a factory, harnessing its heat and pressure to produce valuable <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/decline-in-ozone-depleting-chemicals-is-an-encouraging-trend/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">chemicals</a> like ammonia in a cleaner manner."



Ammonia's importance cannot be overstated. It is a key ingredient in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/carbon-emissions-from-fertilizers-could-be-cut-by-80-percent/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">fertilizers</a> and potentially a clean fuel source. However, its current production methods are far from energy-efficient or green. 



Today's industrial ammonia production is a significant consumer of global energy and a major emitter of CO2. In fact, for every ton of ammonia produced, there's a release of around 2.4 tons of CO2.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-traditional-ammonia-production">Traditional ammonia production</h2>



For over a century, the production of ammonia has been dominated by the Haber-Bosch process, an energy-intensive method that relies heavily on the use of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/air-pollution-from-fossil-fuels-kills-5-million-people-each-year/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">fossil fuels</a>.



This conventional approach operates at high temperatures and pressures, consumes vast amounts of natural gas and contributes significantly to greenhouse gas emissions.



Despite its efficiency in meeting global fertilizer demands, the process is far from sustainable. 



As industries face mounting pressure to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/small-changes-in-diet-can-greatly-reduce-your-carbon-footprint/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">reduce their carbon footprints</a>, the search for greener alternatives has intensified. 



Scientists and engineers are now exploring innovative methods that utilize Earth's natural processes to revolutionize ammonia production, offering a path toward cleaner, more efficient solutions.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-finding-the-solution-under-our-feet">Finding the solution under our feet</h2>



With sustainability in their sights, the research team at MIT set out to test this idea of an "Earth factory." They constructed an environment that replicated the conditions beneath Earth's surface.



Iron-rich minerals were exposed to nitrogen-laced water, which ignited a chemical reaction that transformed the rock and gave rise to what they termed "geological ammonia."



<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-full"><a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/ammonia-fertilizer_new-green-process_illustration_MIT_1m.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><img src="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/ammonia-fertilizer_new-green-process_illustration_MIT_1s.webp" alt="Researchers cooked up a new recipe—without any energy input or CO2 emission—for generating ammonia, a key chemical for the agriculture industry, by mixing nitrogen-laced water with iron-rich rocks. Credit: Yifan Gao and Iwnetim Abate" class="wp-image-1957605"/></a><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Researchers cooked up a new recipe - without any energy input or CO2 emission - for generating ammonia, a key chemical for the agriculture industry, by mixing nitrogen-laced water with iron-rich rocks. Credit: Yifan Gao and Iwnetim Abate</figcaption></figure>



Remarkably, the process didn't require any additional energy input, and there were no CO2 emissions. To top it all, the entire process even took place under ambient conditions!



To replicate real-world conditions, the team replaced synthetic mineral with olivine, a naturally iron-laden rock. They optimized the process further by introducing a copper catalyst and elevating the heat to 300°C.



In just 21 hours, they managed to produce about 1.8 kg of ammonia per ton of olivine, demonstrating the method's feasibility and sustainability.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-why-does-green-ammonia-production-matter">Why does green ammonia production matter?</h2>



"These rocks are all over the world, so the method could be adapted very widely across the globe," enthused Abate.



However, he acknowledged that implementation would come with its own set of challenges, including drilling into iron-rich rocks deep within the Earth and dealing with the complexities of the rocks' interactions with gases and liquids.



On the economic front, geological ammonia production is encouraging. The cost is around $0.55 per kilogram, roughly equivalent to the price of conventional methods. 



But the game-changer is the potential to address environmental crises like CO2 production and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/staggering-amount-of-wastewater-impacts-coastal-ecosystems/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">wastewater pollution</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-nature-life-and-ammonia">Nature, life, and ammonia</h2>



Yifan Gao of MIT, the first author of the study, postulated a win-win strategy. 



"Nitrogen sources are considered as pollution in wastewater, and removing them costs money and energy," he explained.



The team suggested turning this problem on its head by using wastewater to produce ammonia. This perspective could potentially add an additional profit of $3.82 per kilogram of ammonia formed.



"Ammonia is pretty important for life. The only other natural way that ammonia is produced on Earth is when lightning strikes nitrogen gas," commented senior author Ju Li.



"That’s why the geological production of ammonia is quite interesting when you think about where life came from,” Li concluded.



This initiative by the scientists at MIT highlights the innovative solutions that can arise when we look towards nature for inspiration.



With every small step, we move closer to a future where sustainable chemical production is not just a dream but a reality.



The full study was published in the journal <a href="https://linkinghub.elsevier.com/retrieve/pii/S2542435124005415" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Joule</a>.



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New green tech produces ammonia fertilizer using Earth's natural forces

Imagine a future where one of the biggest pollutants of...

Truffles have long captivated the senses, with their tantalizing aroma and elusive nature keeping the culinary world on its toes. To the gastronome, they are an exotic culinary delight; to the mycologist, they present an intriguing species subject of study.



Now, this enigmatic world has become even more fascinating with the discovery of two new truffle species, which add another layer of intrigue to the legacy.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-species-found-by-truffle-dogs">Species found by truffle dogs</h2>



The discovery was led by two enthusiastic truffle <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/trained-dogs-can-sniff-out-invasive-pests-in-forests/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">dogs</a>, Luca and Monza.



The find? A hitherto unknown pair of truffles, christened as Tuber canirevelatum and Tuber cumberlandense.



The former, aptly named the "dog-found" truffle, pays homage to the canine detectives and their tireless work. The latter derives its name from the Cumberland Plateau, where it was found.



Guiding the canine sleuths were citizen scientists Lois Martin and Margaret Townsend. After the initial discovery, and eager to unveil the mystery of their find, they reached out to the experts.



Michigan State University (<a href="https://msu.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">MSU</a>) and the <a href="https://www.ufl.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Florida</a> became the primary research hubs.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-unraveling-the-truffle-mystery">Unraveling the truffle mystery</h2>



At MSU, the Department of Plant, Soil and Microbial Sciences took the baton from the truffle dogs. 



The team, led by associate professor Gregory Bonito and undergraduate student Alassane Sow, used DNA analyses to identify the specimens and position them on the tree of life.



”Receiving these samples was very exciting, especially because they looked very similar to the well-known edible <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/climate-change-truffle-industry/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">European truffles</a> Tuber macrosporum and Tuber aestivum,” said Sow.



“We hope that by describing both of these species there will be increased interest in cultivating North American truffles. Our analyses show that each has aromatic compounds found in some of the most valuable truffle species.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-truffles-a-culinary-goldmine">Truffles: A culinary goldmine</h2>



The world of fine dining celebrates truffles for their rarity and enticing <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/growing-environment-impacts-the-aroma-of-beer-and-hops/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">aroma</a>. And the discovery of these new species may have just expanded the potential for gastronomic innovation. 



These species could hold tremendous economic potential due to their aromatic compounds.



Now, imagine a plate of gourmet truffle-infused pasta, accompanied by a glass of whiskey - a fine blend of the robust, earthy flavours of truffles and oaky whiskey. 



That's just what Maker’s Mark, a distiller from Kentucky, hopes to provide. 



They are exploring the cultivation of the native T. cumberlandense, and aim to introduce a uniquely infused whiskey to the market soon.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-aromatic-appeal-of-truffle-species">Aromatic appeal of truffle species</h2>



The culinary appeal of truffles mainly lies in the unique aroma they produce. Each species emits a distinct fragrance, which contributes to its culinary potential and, therefore, its value.



MSU’s professor Randy Beaudry from the Department of Horticulture worked with Bonito and Sow to identify these aroma-producing compounds. 



Using gas chromatography, they discovered that T. canirevelatum was rich in compounds that give it a savory garlic aroma.



On the other hand, T. cumberlandense contained compounds found in the revered Périgord black truffle and the Piedmont white truffle.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-significance-of-the-truffle-dogs">Significance of the "truffle dogs"</h2>



This significant discovery highlights the importance of trained truffle dogs in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/crops-of-the-future-potatoes-that-thrive-in-heatwaves/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">tuber</a> research and farming. 



"We suspect many native tuber species remain to be discovered and described. This task will be enhanced through the continued collaboration between mycologists (scientists who study fungi), the public and trained truffle dogs,” concluded Bonito.



As the quest for novel species continues, it is clear that the world of truffles holds more delectable secrets yet to be unearthed.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-truffle-cultivation-and-species-conservation">Truffle cultivation and species conservation</h2>



As truffle discoveries continue to emerge, the focus is shifting toward sustainable cultivation and conservation efforts. 



Truffles, often associated with European fine dining, have long been harvested from wild forests, making them susceptible to environmental changes and overharvesting. 



The discovery of native species like Tuber cumberlandense opens up new possibilities for domestic cultivation, thus reducing reliance on imported varieties and supporting local economies.



These newfound species also offer exciting opportunities for cultivation under controlled conditions, potentially ensuring their long-term availability and contributing to ecosystem health.



This includes studying optimal soil compositions, climate conditions, and symbiotic relationships with host trees. 



Cultivating these <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/scientists-all-fungi-matter-not-just-mushrooms/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">fungi</a> not only presents an economic opportunity but also has ecological benefits, as they contribute to soil health and biodiversity.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-sustainable-truffle-discovery">Sustainable truffle discovery</h2>



Furthermore, the role of citizen scientists and trained truffle dogs continues to be vital in locating and documenting species in diverse environments. 



As research efforts expand, collaborations between mycologists, farmers, and culinary experts could pave the way for a sustainable truffle industry where these culinary treasures are both abundant and are grown in an environmentally responsible manner.



The discovery of the new species is detailed in the journal <a href="https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/00275514.2024.2407755#:~:text=Tuber%20canaliculatum%20is%20sometimes%20wild,Berch%202020%3B%20Fortier%20et%20al.&amp;text=2022).,-Members%20of%20the">Mycologia</a>.



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Two new truffle species discovered with the help of special 'truffle dogs'

Truffles have long captivated the senses, with their tantalizing aroma...

In a world where food security remains a pressing challenge, scientists continue to seek innovative ways to enhance crop production. A recent study from the University of Tasmania has uncovered a crucial role for auxin, a tiny but powerful plant hormone, in determining how plants store energy. 



The findings, published in the journal Nature Communications, reveal that auxin is not just a growth regulator - it plays a pivotal role in starch production.



This discovery has profound implications for global agriculture, offering new possibilities for increasing the starch content of staple crops such as rice, maize, and peas. If harnessed effectively, auxin could help improve food availability for billions of people worldwide.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-auxin-not-just-a-growth-hormone">Auxin: Not just a growth hormone</h2>



For decades, auxin has been recognized as a master regulator of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/plant-seeds-go-dormant-to-avoid-harsh-conditions/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">plant development</a>. It influences various growth processes, from cell elongation to root formation. 



However, the new research from the <a href="https://www.utas.edu.au" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Tasmania</a> has shown that auxin also plays a critical role in energy storage, particularly in the form of starch accumulation within seeds.



"It turns out this tiny molecule holds the key to how plants store energy, particularly in the form of starch," said study co-author Professor John Ross.



This discovery challenges the long-held view that auxin is primarily involved in plant growth. Instead, the findings indicate that auxin acts as a central orchestrator of starch formation in crops. Without auxin, seeds cannot efficiently stockpile starch, a component that makes up 60-80% of rice grains.



Given that rice is a staple <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/world-food-day-fighting-global-hunger/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">food</a> for more than half of the world’s population, understanding how auxin regulates starch production could have major consequences for food security.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-mechanisms-behind-starch-accumulation">Mechanisms behind starch accumulation</h2>



The study integrates a wide range of research, including the team’s own experiments, to establish how auxin drives starch accumulation in seeds. The researchers found that auxin operates through three interconnected mechanisms. 



First, it stimulates the activity of starch-producing genes, ensuring that plants can efficiently synthesize starch at the genetic level. 



Second, auxin plays a crucial role in energy generation within seeds, providing the necessary fuel for starch biosynthesis. 



Finally, the hormone ensures that sugar is transported efficiently into developing seeds, ensuring a steady supply of raw materials for starch formation.



These findings present a more comprehensive picture of how auxin functions beyond its well-documented role in plant growth. 



The research team developed a hypothetical model that integrates these three mechanisms, providing a framework for future studies into how auxin promotes starch accumulation across different plant systems.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-transforming-food-security-with-auxin">Transforming food security with auxin</h2>



As the global population continues to rise, the demand for staple crops such as rice and maize is expected to increase significantly. 



The findings of this study open up exciting possibilities for enhancing crop yields naturally. By fine-tuning auxin pathways, scientists could potentially supercharge starch production in key crops, making them more productive and resilient to environmental stresses.



Professor Ross described the discovery as a major breakthrough with the potential to address some of the biggest challenges in agriculture today. "Understanding auxin's role could be a game-changer, especially for crops that billions rely on," he said.



Rather than introducing genetically modified traits or synthetic chemicals, researchers could leverage auxin, a hormone that plants already produce, to enhance carbohydrate accumulation in crops. 



This approach offers a sustainable and environmentally friendly way to increase food production without compromising plant health.



Dr. Erin McAdam, another co-author of the study, emphasized the enormous potential of this research in tackling <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/global-diet-shifts-the-hidden-costs-of-what-we-eat/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">food</a> security challenges.



"Our work shows how a hormone plants already make can be harnessed to naturally boost carbohydrates in seed crops. There is huge scope for fundamental and applied research in this area, work that is critical if we want to feed billions of people," she said.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-new-frontier-in-crop-science">A new frontier in crop science</h2>



While these findings offer exciting possibilities, scientists caution that further research is needed to fully understand auxin’s role in starch synthesis. 



The study lays a strong foundation for future exploration, but unlocking the full potential of auxin-based crop enhancement will require additional studies across different plant species and growing conditions.



The implications of this research extend beyond rice and maize. Other staple crops, including wheat, barley, and legumes, could also benefit from a better understanding of auxin’s impact on starch production. 



If researchers can develop targeted methods to enhance auxin’s activity in seeds, it may be possible to create crops that not only yield more but also provide greater nutritional value.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-path-toward-global-food-security">Path toward global food security</h2>



The discovery that auxin plays a key role in starch accumulation marks an important step forward in agricultural science. 



With global food security under increasing pressure due to climate change, population growth, and limited arable land, innovative solutions are needed to ensure a stable <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/we-are-in-a-race-against-time-to-save-our-food-supply-from-climate-change/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">food supply</a>. 



Auxin-based approaches offer a promising, natural way to enhance crop productivity without relying on genetic modification or chemical interventions.



By continuing to investigate auxin’s functions, scientists may unlock new strategies to optimize plant growth and energy storage, paving the way for more resilient and abundant food crops. 



The road ahead is filled with possibilities, and while more research is needed, the potential benefits of harnessing auxin are too significant to ignore. If successful, this tiny molecule could play a massive role in shaping the future of food security worldwide.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-024-55756-z" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature Communications</a>.&nbsp;



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Tiny molecule could shape the future of food security

In a world where food security remains a pressing challenge,...

Many individuals aspire not just to live as long as possible, but to remain healthy and active throughout their lifespan. Yet as people get older, the likelihood of encountering conditions such as Alzheimer’s disease and sarcopenia (a gradual loss of muscle mass and strength) increases.&nbsp;



In a new effort to promote healthy aging, researchers from the <a href="https://www.isas.de/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Leibniz Institute for Analytical Sciences</a> (ISAS) have discovered that the natural compound ergothioneine can boost the health span of aging animals.&nbsp;



The findings, published in the journal <a href="https://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.cmet.2024.12.008" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Cell Metabolism</a>, provide insights into this substance’s potential for safeguarding against age-related diseases.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-anti-aging-benefits-of-a-mushroom-compound">Anti-aging benefits of a mushroom compound </h2>



Ergothioneine occurs naturally in certain <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/secrets-of-fungi-diversity-can-be-pulled-out-of-thin-air/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">fungi</a>. The compound can be found in oyster and shiitake mushrooms, as well as in fermented foods. It is often marketed as a dietary supplement or added to cosmetics to provide “anti-aging” benefits, yet the underlying mechanism behind these benefits has been poorly understood.



“Our analyses now finally provide clarity about the mechanism and also show that ergothioneine has promising therapeutic potential for the prevention of age-related diseases,” said Miloš Filipović, corresponding author and head of the ERC Sulfaging research group at ISAS.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-enhancing-lifespan-mobility-and-resistance-to-stress">Enhancing lifespan, mobility, and resistance to stress</h2>



In their study, the researchers explored how ergothioneine affects various animals, including the model organism Caenorhabditis elegans (a nematode).&nbsp;



Scientists at ISAS noted that giving ergothioneine from young adulthood not only lengthened the worms’ lives, but also increased their mobility, boosted their capacity to handle stress, and lowered markers linked with <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/drinking-tea-every-day-proven-studies-to-delay-biological-aging-in-humans/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">aging</a>.



“As the animals got older, the contrast with the control group became more significant. In addition, we did not observe any undesirable side effects - nor did other studies,” said Dunja Petrovic, whose doctoral research at ISAS contributed to the publication.



Collaborators at the <a href="http://arhiva.rect.bg.ac.rs/en/index.php" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Belgrade</a> observed similar effects in mammals, testing ergothioneine on six nine-month-old rats for three weeks. They administered roughly 10 milligrams of ergothioneine per day, equivalent to the amount found in 4.5 grams of dried oyster mushrooms.&nbsp;



Not only did the rats show better endurance, but they also experienced increased muscle mass, greater vascularization of muscle tissue, and higher numbers of muscle stem cells, indicating potential relevance for preventing <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/molecule-in-coffee-trigonelline-keeps-muscles-young/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">sarcopenia</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-strengthening-cells-through-hydrogen-sulfide">Strengthening cells through hydrogen sulfide</h2>



To understand the processes behind these observations, the research team used mass spectrometry on human and mouse cell cultures. They found that ergothioneine can serve as an alternative substrate for cystathionine-γ-lyase (CSE), a key enzyme involved in producing hydrogen sulfide (H₂S).&nbsp;



This signaling molecule helps shield cells from oxidative stress via persulfidation - a cellular process previously shown to decline with age, but which can be positively influenced by dietary factors.



Prior work from 2019 by Filipović and colleagues has demonstrated that the rate of persulfidation decreases over time, potentially contributing to age-related problems ranging from <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/a-century-of-progress-in-the-fight-against-cardiovascular-disease/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">cardiovascular disease</a> to neurodegenerative disorders.&nbsp;



The new data expands upon those findings, demonstrating how ergothioneine specifically stimulates persulfidation of glycerol-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GPDH). This upregulation of GPDH, in turn, promotes higher levels of NAD+, a coenzyme known for supporting increased lifespan.



“The human body is not able to produce ergothioneine itself. However, such a specific utilization mechanism suggests that it is very important for us,” Petrovic said.&nbsp;



Scientists at <a href="https://www.uni-heidelberg.de/en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Heidelberg University</a>, the <a href="https://www.cam.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Cambridge</a>, and ISAS verified that ergothioneine’s benefits rely on the CSE-dependent pathway.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-maintaining-better-health-with-age">Maintaining better health with age</h2>



Encouraged by these promising outcomes, the researchers examined the effects of a brief, five-day treatment of ergothioneine in young rats. A daily dose of about 10 milligrams significantly raised their endurance and boosted NAD+ levels in their blood serum.



“This indicates that ergothioneine influences the metabolism in a similar way to performance-enhancing agents,” Filipović said. He plans to carry out a study involving healthy human volunteers to evaluate whether the compound can similarly enhance performance in people.



By offering a clearer perspective on how ergothioneine improves muscle health, stress resilience, and cellular defenses, this research sets the stage for new strategies aimed at maintaining good health into advanced age.&nbsp;



As further investigations confirm these findings in humans, the mushroom compound ergothioneine may emerge as a valuable resource for countering age-related diseases and promoting a more robust, active life.



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Mushroom compound  linked to better health and longer life

Many individuals aspire not just to live as long as...

Berries from the genus Aronia, often called black chokeberry, are native to North America and have gained attention for their high content of polyphenolic compounds. 



These natural chemicals have been associated with benefits that go beyond ordinary nutrition, such as antioxidant effects that may help calm the body’s inflammatory processes. 



People have started asking about aronia’s place in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/meal-timing-has-a-major-influence-on-our-health/">everyday meals</a>, hoping to see if a simple fruit could support healthy lifestyles.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-rising-focus-on-aronia">A rising focus on aronia</h2>



Scientists recently examined whether aronia juice might protect against diet-induced challenges linked to the gut microbiome.



This project was led by <a href="https://www.montana.edu/news/22109/stephanie-wilson-one-of-first-three-students-to-complete-montana-state-s-individual-interdisciplinary-ph-d-program">Dr. Stephanie M. G. Wilson</a> from Montana State University. Research in this area has looked at how bacteria in the digestive system respond when aronia berries are introduced, particularly in situations where unhealthy eating patterns could raise inflammation.&nbsp;



Early investigations point to intriguing changes in microbes, and hinting that this berry might shift certain bacterial communities and reduce the strain triggered by high-fat diets.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-science-behind-the-findings">Science behind the findings</h2>



The research team used a mouse model with transplanted human gut microbiomes that came from donors with different inflammation levels.&nbsp;



“Aronia supplementation provided robust protection,” noted Dr. Wilson when reviewing the results at the end of the study. Scientists saw increases in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/gut-bacteria-have-very-clever-ways-of-supporting-human-health/">Eggerthellaceae</a>, a family of bacteria that can process polyphenols.&nbsp;



Some data also linked <a href="https://extension.umn.edu/trees-and-shrubs/black-chokeberry" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">black chokeberry</a> intake with changes in metabolites related to improved gut barriers. 



These shifts suggest that eating or drinking aronia-based products might assist in keeping the digestive system more balanced during periods of dietary stress.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-personalizing-nutrition">Personalizing nutrition</h2>



Inflammation can arise when people eat high-fat or sugary foods for long stretches. Researchers point out that a person’s unique microbiome might determine how well they adapt to certain dietary habits. 



Aronia’s <a href="https://www.mdpi.com/1420-3049/27/22/7823">benefits</a> may vary from one person to another, depending on individual gut ecology and background health status. 



For those who carry a set of gut bacteria already geared toward lower inflammation, the advantages from adding aronia might be more visible. 



This concept underscores how science is moving toward personalized nutrition, where different bodies respond to the same foods in slightly different ways.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-exploring-new-directions">Exploring new directions</h2>



Other published works indicate that aronia is not just a source of antioxidants; it may also be linked with healthier glucose levels and heart function.&nbsp;



The presence of anthocyanins and other phenolic substances could explain how this fruit influences complex pathways connected to metabolism. 



Traditional uses of aronia include juices, jams, and powders, but emerging science is urging a closer look at its larger dietary potential. 



While some folks already consume aronia to freshen up their breakfast or snack routines, others remain unaware of its possible contributions to gut stability.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-unraveling-unexpected-twists">Unraveling unexpected twists</h2>



Some findings highlight the importance of gut diversity when it comes to inflammation. Researchers observed that mice with microbiomes from donors who had lower inflammation were more resilient during the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/high-fat-diets-cause-high-anxiety-through-changes-in-gut-bacteria/">high-fat diet</a> challenge.&nbsp;



Aronia seemed to shield this group even further. This suggests that, while aronia might help most individuals, those who have specific microbial imbalances might notice the biggest improvements.&nbsp;



On a broader level, it points to how small dietary changes, like adding a berry drink, can create ripple effects that protect overall wellness.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-applications-on-the-horizon">Applications on the horizon</h2>



Aronia’s tart flavor might not suit everyone right away. In grocery stores, it often appears in juice blends, concentrates, or dried forms. 



Because it’s easy to mix with other fruits, people can add it to smoothies or desserts without changing their routines too drastically. 



Research continues to evaluate how much aronia consumption is ideal for humans, since the dose can vary widely. 



In some clinical trials, individuals experienced potential <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/tackling-fat-with-food-tropical-plant-in-china-has-anti-obesity-properties/">anti-obesity benefits</a>, in addition to improvements in the body’s natural defenses. These early observations pave the way for deeper investigations.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-final-thoughts">Final thoughts</h2>



Aronia may carry special ingredients that bolster the gut’s ability to cope with stress, especially during nutritional challenges. Investigators are looking to see if these insights might lead to new strategies for lowering inflammation in the long term.



This berry isn’t a magic bullet, and results will differ from person to person. Its potential, though, goes beyond just delivering antioxidants: it may connect with gut microbes in ways that support healthy balance. Fresh interest in aronia keeps growing, and the findings so far hint at a fruitful path for future study. The study is published in <a href="https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/nutrition/articles/10.3389/fnut.2023.1244692">Frontiers</a>.



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Black gold: The vitamin-packed fruit that regulates blood sugar and blood pressure

Berries from the genus Aronia, often called black chokeberry, are...

Washington,,Dc,,Usa,-,Nov,25,,2024:,Australopithecus,Afarensis,Diorama

The debate about when our ancestors started eating meat has taken an unexpected turn. While we've long associated early human evolution with meat consumption, a recent study reveals that some of our earliest ancestors stuck to a mostly plant-based diet.



The research was led by Dr. Tina Lüdecke from the Max Planck Institute for Chemistry in Germany in collaboration with researchers from South Africa.



The findings challenge our previous assumptions about early hominin diets.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-teeth-hold-clues-of-ancient-diets">Teeth hold clues of ancient diets</h2>



A team of researchers from the <a href="https://www.mpic.de" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Max Planck Institute for Chemistry</a> in Germany and the University of the Witwatersrand (<a href="https://www.wits.ac.za" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Wits University</a>) in South Africa analyzed nitrogen isotopes in the fossilized tooth enamel of seven Australopithecus individuals.



These fossils were recovered from the Sterkfontein Caves near Johannesburg, a site rich in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/two-species-of-human-ancestors-literally-crossed-paths-1-5-million-years-ago/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">early hominin</a> remains. 



By comparing these isotopic signatures to those of coexisting animals - including herbivores like antelopes and monkeys, as well as carnivores such as hyenas and big cats - the scientists established the positrons of Australopithecus in the prehistoric food web.



The nitrogen isotope ratios in the&nbsp;Australopithecus&nbsp;teeth were consistently low, closely resembling those of plant-eating animals. This strongly suggests that these early human ancestors primarily consumed a plant-based diet and did not regularly eat meat. 



While the researchers acknowledge that&nbsp;Australopithecus&nbsp;may have occasionally consumed animal proteins such as eggs or insects, their findings indicate that meat was not a significant part of their diet.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-plant-based-vs-meat-diets">Plant-based vs. meat diets</h2>



The key to this discovery lies in the analysis of nitrogen isotopes, which provide reliable indicators of an animal’s diet. When animals digest food, their bodies process nitrogen in a way that leaves distinct chemical traces. 



Specifically, the ratio of heavy nitrogen isotopes (15N) to light nitrogen isotopes (14N) increases as one moves up the food chain. 



Herbivores, which consume plants, have lower nitrogen isotope ratios, while carnivores have higher ratios because they consume herbivores.



"Tooth enamel is the hardest tissue of the mammalian body and can preserve the isotopic fingerprint of an animal's diet for millions of years," noted geochemist Tina Lüdecke.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-nitrogen-isotopes-reveal-ancient-diets">Nitrogen isotopes reveal ancient diets</h2>



By measuring nitrogen isotope ratios in fossilized tooth enamel, scientists can determine whether an <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/fossil-discovery-anadoluvius-turkae-suggests-humans-originated-in-europe-not-africa/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">organism</a> primarily consumed plants or animals. 



While this method has been widely used to study the diets of modern animals and humans, it was previously limited to fossils only tens of thousands of years old due to the degradation of organic material over time. 



However, Lüdecke and her team applied a breakthrough technique developed in Alfredo Martínez-García’s laboratory at the Max Planck Institute for Chemistry. This method allowed the researchers to extract nitrogen isotope data from fossilized tooth enamel that is millions of years old.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-evolution-of-meat-in-diets">Evolution of meat in diets</h2>



One of the most significant aspects of this study is how it challenges existing <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/first-tools-ever-made-on-earth-hominins-3-million-years-ago-cradle-of-humankind/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">theories</a> about the role of meat in human evolution. 



Many researchers have theorized that the consumption of animal resources, especially meat, played a crucial role in the development of larger brains and more advanced tool-making abilities.



The protein and fat found in meat have been linked to the evolutionary increase in brain size seen in later hominins. However, direct evidence of when meat became a staple in the human diet has remained elusive.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-australopithecus-did-not-eat-meat">Australopithecus did not eat meat</h2>



The findings from this study suggest that&nbsp;Australopithecus&nbsp;did not regularly hunt or consume large mammals, unlike Neanderthals, who lived millions of years later and actively pursued large game. 



This implies that the shift toward a meat-based diet occurred later in human evolution, possibly with the emergence of the genus&nbsp;Homo.



"This method opens up exciting possibilities for understanding <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/amazing-adaptation-early-humans-thrived-in-extreme-conditions/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">human evolution</a>," said Martínez-García. "It has the potential to answer crucial questions, for example, when did our ancestors begin to incorporate meat in their diet? And was the onset of meat consumption linked to an increase in brain volume?"



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-major-breakthrough-in-dietary-research">Major breakthrough in dietary research</h2>



This research represents a major breakthrough in the study of ancient diets. Previous studies relied on indirect evidence, such as tool use and wear patterns on teeth, to infer what early hominins ate. 



However, by directly measuring nitrogen isotopes in fossilized tooth enamel, Lüdecke’s team has provided the most concrete evidence yet that&nbsp;Australopithecuswas largely herbivorous.



"This work represents a huge step in extending our ability to better understand diets and trophic levels of all animals back into the scale of millions of years. The research provides clear evidence that its diet did not contain significant amounts of meat," said Professor Dominic Stratford, director of research at the Sterkfontein Caves.



"We are honored that the pioneering application of this new method was spearheaded at Sterkfontein, a site that continues to make fundamental contributions to science even 89 years after the first hominin fossils were discovered there by Robert Broom."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-future-research-directions">Future research directions</h2>



Lüdecke’s team now plans to expand their research by analyzing fossilized tooth enamel from other early hominin species across different time periods and geographic regions. 



By collecting data from key fossil sites in eastern and southern Africa as well as Southeast Asia, they hope to better understand when and how meat consumption became a regular part of the human diet.



The research could help answer long-standing questions about whether the introduction of meat provided an evolutionary advantage.



Did meat consumption contribute to the development of larger brains? Did it play a role in social structures and hunting behaviors? These are the types of questions that future studies will seek to address.



The study, funded by the Max Planck Society and supported by the German Research Foundation’s Emmy Noether program, marks a major advancement in the field of paleoanthropology.



By applying cutting-edge scientific techniques to ancient fossils, researchers are now able to uncover new details about the dietary habits of our <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/stone-tool-flint-discovery-challenges-theory-of-human-cultural-evolution/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">distant ancestors</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-meat-and-diet-of-human-ancestors">Meat and diet of human ancestors </h2>



The findings from this study challenge traditional assumptions about early human diets. Rather than being early hunters,&nbsp;Australopithecus&nbsp;appears to have relied primarily on plant-based food. 



This research provides a clearer picture of how human nutrition evolved over millions of years and highlights the importance of continued exploration in the field of evolutionary anthropology.



As scientists refine their methods and expand their dataset, we may soon uncover even more details about the dietary habits that shaped the course of human evolution. 



One thing is clear - our journey from plant eaters to omnivorous beings was not as straightforward as once thought.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/science.adq7315" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Science</a>.



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Early humans had surprising diets 3.5 million years ago

The debate about when our ancestors started eating meat has...

Endangered animals