Bat populations are showing signs of recovery in the UK, according to a citizen science programme. The authors of a recent study which reports the programme’s findings say that this shows volunteers can successfully monitor wild species and produce robust data suitable for policy purposes.

Supplementing declining salmon populations with fish from other, genetically distinct populations may not be the best method of conservation, according to a recent study. The researchers found that for certain salmon populations in France such introductions resulted in offspring with lower body weight and length, possibly worsening their decline.

Urban waterways can provide foraging opportunities for a range of bat species. However researchers have found that bats in the UK are negatively affected by high levels of invasive plant species and urban development near waterways. The researchers highlight the value these often disregarded urban spaces can have for ecosystems, and suggest ways to improve the biodiversity of waterways.

The numbers of fish in the world’s oceans are plummeting. Past studies have shown that populations of larger fish tend to decline more steeply. This study assessed the effects of both body size and speed of life (measured by growth rate) on population declines in the tuna family. Analysis of population trends and life history data showed that speed of life better explained population decline than body size.

Researchers have compared the findings of a citizen-science project and a long-running butterfly monitoring scheme in the UK to gain insights into the reliability of data gathering by the public. They found that — contrary to the scepticism with which such projects are sometimes viewed — much of the citizen-recorded data agreed with the findings of more formal monitoring, particularly for species often found in gardens. This indicates that mass-participation sampling not only provides a valuable tool for public engagement, but, in this case, could also provide valid data to inform butterfly conservation.

A new study suggests that Earth’s ongoing mass extinction episode is more severe than generally perceived. Rather than focusing on the complete extinction of entire species, researchers analysed the losses and declines of populations in a sample of 27 600 vertebrate species. Population declines and losses are often a prelude to species extinctions. Researchers also conducted a more in-depth analysis of population losses between 1900–2015 in 177 mammal species. The results reveal that rates of population loss and decline in vertebrates are extremely high, even in common “species of low concern”. The data indicates that, in addition to significant species extinction rates, the Earth is experiencing a huge episode of population decline and loss, which will have a significant effect on ecosystem functioning and services. The researchers warn that the window for effective action is closing rapidly and emphasise the need for an urgent response.

The impacts of climate changes can force animal- and, over a longer time period, plant species to shift their range. Forests in temperate regions, such as north-western Spain, will be increasingly exposed to drought over the next few decades, which is likely to cause geographical changes in their distribution and make-up1. New patterns of plant occupancy or plant extinction have a bottom-up effect on animal species dependent on them, which can significantly impact on isolated or endangered populations of animals. This study sought to assess the potential impact of climate change on the brown-bear (Ursus arctos) population in the Cantabrian Mountains.

Oestrogens are ‘female’ hormones that can enter the aquatic environment after excretion by humans and animals, causing ‘feminisation’ of male fish. This study carried out a risk assessment for oestrogen-like endocrine disruption in the UK in the 2050s, based on likely changes to the human population, river flows and temperature. The authors found that risk is likely to increase under future conditions and recommend further research to assess whether improving sewage treatment could reduce oestrogen pollution.

Russia comes to Radlett for Radlett Musical Theatre Company’s production of Fiddler on the Roof.

The enchanting world of CBeebies’ hit animated series Sarah & Duck comes to life on stage in Radlett this week. Featuring a host of characters from the BAFTA Award-winning TV show, Sarah & Duck’s Big Top Birthday plays three performances at the Radlett Centre on Friday, March 6, and Saturday, March 7.

The UK’s much-loved best family festival, ​Camp Bestival​, and original family ravers ​Big Fish Little Fish have teamed up once again to host their legendary family rave tour.

Money can be particularly tight at this time of year, but one trend helping to combat this is taking on a sideline job - aka a 'side hustle'.

As humanity hits the 7 billion mark today, a new U.N. report suggests we should focus more on our quality of life than the quantity of it.

In countries where large families are the norm, the urge to conform pushes people to have more children than they can economically support.

As Africa's population continues to rise, a new statistical analysis estimates the population to be 800 million more people than previously calculated.

Yoga studios around the country are scrambling to add daytime classes for kids to meet the demands of home-school families.

NYT and Google teamed up to find the most distinctive Thanksgiving dishes by state. Some of the more unusual ones have whipped topping in common.

Consider helping our honeybees by planting native flowers.

Student Jack Ross Pilkington is working to save dying bee populations and has even become a bit of a beekeeper.

Re-wilding nature is always controversial, as evidenced by the conflicting views in North Carolina over the reintroduction of the red wolf.

The gender-neutral naming trend is spurred in part by parents who want to avoid assigning gender roles to their children at birth.

Many beloved matrimonial customs, from bridesmaids to the garter toss, got their start for some pretty disturbing reasons.

Many of the social media network's users were outraged to learn they could've been unwitting participants in the study.

A new report from the Health Effects Institute says are breathing air that's considered unsafe by the World Health Organization.

Many city dwellers are opting to give up driving their own cars for a month to take Zipcar's Low-Car Diet challenge. Could you go car-lite for 30 days?

When people see animals everywhere in pop culture, they assume they're everywhere in real life.

Conservation efforts pay off for mountain gorillas, which have been re-classified from "critically endangered" to "endangered" by IUCN.

The western monarch population may be on the verge of collapsing.

Oyster mushrooms are one of the few fungi that hunt prey. And that fact may help us fight cancer!

The developers of Mars rovers, the Hybrid X electric car, and a wastewater cleaning technique are also recognized in the magazine's annual Breakthrough Awards.

A new book, "Popular: The Power of Likability in a Status-Obsessed World," suggests that status matters throughout life, not just in high school.

While cigarette sales are slumping, sales for cigars have more than doubled in the last decade.

Carey Gillam’s book "Whitewash" finds that glyphosate, the chemical in Monsanto’s Roundup, is everywhere – and evidence that it causes harm has been suppressed.

In Japan, they call it "rougai." In North America, the rage against older generations is about to get much, much worse.

･ Broadcasts to get underway from April 10 to mark 50th anniversary of launch of "BEAVER" brand ･ Residential-use ad to focus on outstanding comfort from diverse advanced features; commercial-use ad to highlight IoT-based operating control and energy efficiency

Two decades after approving imidacloprid, the EPA is re-examining how it and similar pesticides affect bees.

Habitat conservation and international assistance have helped India's tiger population rise 30% since 2015.

The rare and stunningly beautiful phenomenon of Yosemite's firefall at Horsetail Falls only occurs during a two-week window in February.

This interactive map reveals the top three Halloween treats in each state.

Not sure what to get as a Valentine's Day gift for the guy in your life? Many people are in exactly the same situation, so don't stress yourself about not being able to come up with a great romantic gift on your own. This holiday is really about the love you have for each other, and how much you enjoy spending time together.

This article describes the many iPods generations and features that made this product one of the most popular mp3 mp4 players of all times.

Online education (or 'webucation') has become incredibly popular over the past few years, and many universities are now offering part or all of their courses online. This article explores the reasons for the sudden surge in popularity and helps readers evaluate whether online education is a good option for them.

Men who are into female bodybuilders are flocking to the Internet in the hopes of meeting macho dolls of their dreams.

Popular healthy-living enthusiast, recently shared her favorite breakfast recipe using Chino Valley Ranchers' Cage Free Liquid Egg Whites.

World's Cultural Experience Story… Children can learn the 'diversity of world cultures' - Endless challenge of FunnyFlux, 'Season 3' after Super Wings 1 and 2 is drawing global attention

From September 14th to September 16th, Croatian city of Pula will host some of Europe's best ice hockey teams during a spectacular ice hockey event Arena Ice Fever Pula MMXII

New Cognition Testing technology expands company's offerings to adults

Breast reduction has grown rapidly in popularity and now has one of the highest patient satisfaction rates of any procedure.

Breast augmentation is now the most popular plastic surgery in America with over 300,000 procedures being performed each year.

The current worldwide population of professional developers is projected to grow from 23.9 million today to 28.7 million in 2024 according to Evans Data's Global Developer Population and Demographic Study.