Discover stories in Science Briefs
How Do You Count Sharks When You Can’t See Them?
Scientists are studying coastal shark communities around coral reefs by looking at what the animals leave behind: pieces of their skin.
Advice for Scientists Who Want to Practice Science for Impact & Influence
By scientists for scientists: a set of practical steps scientists can take to increase the odds their research will reach decision makers who could use it.
Better Mapping for Better Management of Gabon’s Coastal Wetlands (and Beyond)
If a picture is worth a thousand words, an accurate map may well be worth an entire novel. In Gabon, scientists are working to map a healthy future for Gabon's coastal wetlands.
Indigenous Knowledge Helps Map Habitat for the Threatened Bilby
New research is the first of its kind to incorporate indigenous knowledge into predictive species distribution maps.
A Better Way to Protect Birds From Power Lines
Millions of birds are killed every year in collisions with power lines. Now, scientists have discovered installing suspended, rotating devices known as ''flappers'' is the most effective way to reduce bird deaths.
Tropical Deforestation Is Making the Worst Climate Predictions A Reality
Industrial-scale tropical deforestation is altering local climate as much as 100 years of global warming under a worst-case emissions scenario.
Science for Evaluating Flood Risk + Improving Community Resilience
A new study examines flooding from Hurricanes Matthew and Florence and finds current hazard maps are inadequate for accurately assessing flood risks and protecting communities in North Carolina.
Putting Evidence into Action: Solutions for Climate-Ready Fisheries
As climate change upends ecosystems, including fisheries, scientists are moving beyond documenting the impacts to recommending actions to mitigate and adapt to those impacts.
Debt Conversions Can Advance Marine Conservation
Refinancing national debt can be a powerful tool for conservation.
Using Science to Select Flagship Species
New research provides science-based way to identify flagship species for effective biodiversity conservation.
A New Way of Mapping Global Ecosystems
Scientists have created the first standardized, fine-scale map of global ecosystems, allowing them to better measure the effectiveness of protected areas and identify ecosystems in need of additional protection.
Co-Benefits for Biodiversity & Carbon in Remnant Forests
New science shows that remnant forests with the greatest tree-species richness also store the most carbon, creating a potential win-win for protecting biodiversity and reducing global carbon emissions.
