Environment Archive

RSS

Hellbender salamander study seeks answers for global amphibian decline

GAINESVILLE, Fla. — A new study co-authored by University of Florida researchers on the endangered Ozark Hellbender giant salamander is the first to detail its skin microbes, the bacteria and fungi that defend against pathogens.

Filed under Environment, Research, Sciences on Monday, December 19, 2011.

New breakthrough shows promise for affordable plastic solar energy cells

GAINESVILLE, Fla. — University of Florida researchers report they have achieved a new record in efficiency with a prototype solar cell that could be manufactured using a roll-to-roll process.

Filed under Engineering, Environment, Research on Monday, December 19, 2011.

UF researchers document caterpillars that mimic one another for survival

GAINESVILLE, Fla. — In the world of insects, high risk of attack has led to the development of camouflage as a means for survival, especially in the larval stage. One caterpillar may look like a stick, while another disguises itself as bird droppings. Though crypsis may have its advantages, University of Florida researchers uncovered some of the most extensive evidence of caterpillars using another strategy previously best-known in adult butterflies: mimicry.

Filed under Environment, Research, Sciences on Wednesday, December 14, 2011.

UF researcher: Climate change may happen more quickly than expected

GAINESVILLE, Fla. — As global temperatures continue to rise at an accelerated rate due to deforestation and the burning of fossil fuels, natural stores of carbon in the Arctic are cause for serious concern, researchers say.

Filed under Environment, Research, Sciences on Wednesday, November 30, 2011.

Statistical models inspired from Facebook could help endangered animals, UF researchers say

GAINESVILLE, Fla. — Some endangered animals may live in smaller habitats than scientists realize, leading to inflated estimates of their ability to survive, according to a new University of Florida study.

Filed under Environment, Research, Sciences on Tuesday, November 15, 2011.

Governments must plan for migration in response to climate change, researchers say

GAINESVILLE, Fla. — Governments around the world must be prepared for mass migrations caused by rising global temperatures or face the possibility of calamitous results, say University of Florida scientists on a research team reporting in the Oct. 28 edition of Science.

Filed under Environment, Research, Sciences on Thursday, October 27, 2011.

Beneficial bacteria can help keep Florida coral healthy, UF researchers report

GAINESVILLE, Fla. — Bacteria that could potentially help corals resist the devastating disease white pox have been found by researchers at the University of Florida and Mote Marine Laboratory.

Filed under Business, Economic Impact, Environment, Florida, Research on Tuesday, October 11, 2011.

UF technique to help pine forests adapt to climate change, bioenergy use

GAINESVILLE, Fla. — A breakthrough in pine tree breeding will lead to forests better adapted to climate change and bioenergy use, University of Florida researchers report.

Filed under Business, Economic Impact, Environment, Florida, Research on Thursday, October 6, 2011.

Bacteria can aid toxic environmental cleanups, may boost ag production, UF researchers report

GAINESVILLE, Fla. — Remarkable bacteria that resist arsenic could greatly enhance cleanups of toxic environments and potentially boost agricultural production, according to a new University of Florida study.

Filed under Environment, Florida, Research on Tuesday, October 4, 2011.

UF-led study: Invasive amphibians, reptiles in Florida outnumber world

GAINESVILLE, Fla. — Florida has the world’s worst invasive amphibian and reptile problem, and a new 20-year study led by a University of Florida researcher verifies the pet trade as the No. 1 cause of the species’ introductions.

Filed under Environment, Florida, Research, Sciences on Thursday, September 15, 2011.