First-of-its-kind global study shows grasslands can withstand climate extremes with a boost of nutrients Fertilizer might be stronger than we thought. A new international study featuring faculty at Binghamton University, State University of New York found that fertilizer can help plants survive short-term periods of extreme drought, findings which could have implications for agriculture and food systems in a world facing climate stressors. “Resources such as nutrients and water have been fundamentally altered by humans on a global scale, and…

Fishing pots fitted with LED lights catch significantly more shrimp and fish, new research shows. In the new study, by the University of Exeter and Fishtek Marine, pots fitted with LEDs caught up to 19 times more northern shrimp than unlit pots. Importantly, illuminated pots also attracted fish – raising hopes for new low-impact fishing. “We think that the light attracts zooplankton – like moths around a flame – which in turn attracts shrimp (which eat zooplankton), and that entices…

Increasing overlap of fire weather between Australia and North America complicates international firefighting efforts Climate change is increasing the risk of wildfires in many regions of the world. This is due partly to specific weather conditions – known as fire weather – that facilitate the spread of wildfires. Researchers from the Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research (UFZ) and Australian colleagues have found that fire weather seasons are increasingly overlapping between eastern Australia and western North America. The research team examined…

Thornless, disease-resistant, and tastier blackberries could be on the horizon — thanks to new genetic research from the University of Florida. New UF blackberry varieties could provide a boon for farmers looking to rebound after the decline of Florida citrus and who see an opportunity to meet the growing demand for blackberries, which have soared in popularity in recent years. “Overall, this study not only advances our understanding of blackberry genetics, but it sets the stage for significant improvements in…