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  1. Majority of the world's most abundant creatures live in the far north

    Press release
    The first worldwide analysis of soil nematodes reveals that they are most abundant in arctic areas rather than in the tropics.
    Onderzoeker neemt een bodemmonster in Antarctica
  2. Not all lakes are alike: spatial differences key to successful restoration

    Press release
    Degradation of lakes is a worldwide problem, with symptoms including toxic algae blooms. Restoration is possible, but takes a lot of time and effort. To determine what approach is most effective, spatial differences between lakes must be considered.
    Verschillende meren
  3. Concern over 'red tide' in Dutch coastal waters

    Press release
    Climate change could lead to an increased occurrence of harmful algal blooms in Dutch coastal waters in the future. NIOO-researchers Karen Brandenburg and Dedmer van de Waal have been studying the dense blooms formed by tiny organisms known as dinoflagellates.
    In een bootje op de Ouwerkerkse kreek
  4. Caterpillars retrieve 'voicemail' by eating soil

    Press release
    Leaf-feeding caterpillars greatly enrich their intestinal flora by eating soil. It's even possible to trace the legacy effects of plants that previously grew in that soil through bacteria and fungi in the caterpillars.
    Kooluil op boerenkool
  5. Soil Animal Days 2018: Woodlice back on top, slugs deterred by drought

    Press release
    The 4th edition of the Dutch Soil Animal Days saw 856 'citizen scientists' comb through more than 200 gardens and parks to find some 7500 soil creatures.
    Naaktslak op een weg
  6. "Rewilding landscapes can help to solve more than one problem"

    Press release
    Urbanisation, biodiversity loss, climate change: just some of the worldwide problems 'rewilding' - i.e. restoring food chains by returning 'missing' species to the landscape - can help tackle
    Een kudde wisenten in de Kennemerduinen
  7. Root chemistry of range-expanding plants may predict invasiveness risk

    Press release
    Most plants that expand their range within their own continent - e.g. under pressure from climate change - won't end up dominating other species. According to NIOO-researcher Rutger Wilschut, possible invasiveness may be predicted by root chemistry not found in native plants.
    Rijncentaurie
  8. Triple 'excellent' score for Dutch ecology

    Press release
    An independent committee of international researchers has given the Netherlands Institute of Ecology (NIOO-KNAW) top marks in all three categories of its assessment.
    Groep mensen loopt rond bij NIOO-KNAW gebouw
  9. Backswimmer most counted water animal during Dutch Ditch Days

    Press release
    This past weekend, thousands of people took part in the first nationwide 'citizen science' ditch survey in the Netherlands. The most counted water animals was the backswimmer (a.k.a. water boatsmen).
    Bootsmannetje
  10. Kees van Oers appointed professor of Animal Personality

    Press release
    Wageningen University & Research has appointed Kees van Oers as professor by special appointment of Animal Personality.
    Prof. dr. Kees van Oers
  11. Nuisance growth of aquatic plants: to mow or not to mow?

    Press release
    Massive growth of submerged aquatic plants can be a nuisance, especially in summer. It's up to water managers to limit the inconvenience for swimmers, boats and fishermen in a way that is both responsible and cost-effective. Michiel Verhofstad defended his PhD thesis this week on the 'root' causes of the problem, and how best to tackle it.
    VeldwerkMichiel.JPG
  12. Polarised debate: polar bear blogs reveal dangerous gap between climate-change facts and opinions

    Press release
    Climate-change discussions on social media are very influential. A new study in BioScience shows that when it comes to iconic topics such as polar bears and retreating sea ice, climate blogs fall into two distinct camps. With little or no overlap between deniers and the available scientific facts. The study’s first author, NIOO-KNAW researcher Jeff Harvey says: “It’s time for scientists to counter the misinformation and engage directly with the public far more.”
    polarised-debate_large male looking