The ability of organisms to adapt to toxic chemicals like pesticides is essential for their survival, but also an agricultural annoyance. This study shows that interactions between different species can delay the development of pesticide resistance and therefore suggests that biodiversity supports effective pest management.

Different management practices using pesticides affect the diversity, number and ecological traits of ground spiders in apple orchards, a new study finds. Because spiders are viewed as good indicators of the quality of an entire ecosystem, the results reveal that organic orchard management may be better for local management and landscape characteristics when compared to those with pesticide use.

Pesticide-sparing approaches to farming do not have to compromise on crop yields, new research suggests. A study that explored the impact of reduced herbicide use across a variety of different farming contexts found that herbicide-efficient systems could be just as productive as conventional systems — and more so than organic systems — whilst having other important environmental benefits.

Bangladesh’s economy is heavily dependent on ship recycling. However, the shipbreaking industry is polluting the Bay of Bengal, an area of high biodiversity. This study measured trace metals in sediments around the area, concluding that heavy metal pollution is at an alarming stage and an urgent threat to marine life.

Emissions of non-methane volatile organic compounds (NMVOCs) can have damaging effects on human health. New research has now revealed that only three substances out of a large number of NMVOCs are responsible for almost all damaging effects on human health. Air pollution policies should be designed to target these substances specifically, rather than overall NMVOC emissions, the researchers recommend.

Air pollutants and greenhouse gases (GHGs) from a coal-fired power station have been correctly identified 12 km away, researchers report in a new US study. Their monitoring method paves the way for a space-based satellite system which can check emissions reported by individual power stations against actual emissions.

Measurements of individual vehicle emissions are usually made in laboratory tests. In this study, researchers followed cars driving in real conditions to measure emissions of air pollutants, including black carbon and nitrogen oxides. The study shows that diesel cars contribute disproportionately to air pollution, and highlights the value of on-road measurements.

Nitrogen deposited from the atmosphere is in decline in Western Europe due to targeted policies on emissions, with emissions 25% lower than their peak in 1990. Policy measures to lower nitrogen air pollution — which damages plant diversity, buildings and human health — have made an impact and are forecast to continue to lower nitrogen levels in the future, offering an opportunity to evaluate their impact. This study uses the UK as a case study to answer the policy question: what is the economic impact on biodiversity of forecast reductions in nitrogen pollution?

Undiscovered cancer treatments from marine organisms could be worth between US $563 billion (€428.5 billion) and US $5.69 trillion (€4.33 trillion), according to a recent study. The researchers estimate that there may be as many as 594,232 novel compounds waiting to be discovered in unstudied marine species, and that these could lead to between 55 and 214 new anti-cancer drugs. The study only accounted for anti-cancer drug revenues. In reality, these chemicals from the sea can have numerous other biomedical applications including antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral and anti-inflammatory uses.

Preserving biodiversity seems to reduce the emergence and spread of human diseases in many cases, according to an investigation into the links between biodiversity and human health. It concludes that there is mounting evidence indicating that preserving ecosystems in their natural state generally decreases the occurrence of infectious diseases.

It is increasingly evident that human health is closely linked to the environment, and to biodiversity. A study commissioned by the European Commission summarises the many and varied ways in which disturbances to biodiversity affect the spread of human diseases.

Synthetic biology is an emerging field and industry, with a growing number of applications in the pharmaceutical, chemical, agricultural and energy sectors. While it may propose solutions to some of the greatest challenges facing the environment, such as climate change and scarcity of clean water, the introduction of novel, synthetic organisms may also pose a high risk for natural ecosystems. This future brief outlines the benefits, risks and techniques of these new technologies, and examines some of the ethical and safety issues.

Traces of animals’ DNA in the environment, known as environmental DNA (eDNA), can be monitored to paint a picture of biodiversity, new research shows. This study used eDNA to assess biodiversity in an entire river catchment in Switzerland. Importantly, the eDNA technique allowed the researchers to detect both aquatic and land-based species in river water, making it possible to assess biodiversity over a broad scale.

The Football Association has declared all non-league divisions from steps three to six of the football pyramid null and void, as well as tiers three to seven of the women's league, after all divisions were postponed due to the coronavirus outbreak.

Equinor ASA became the first major oil company to cut its dividend amid an historic market rout.

Royal Dutch Shell cut its dividend for the first time since the Second World War.

Shell's move to cut its dividend by 66 percent has been described by Wood Mackenzie's Tom Ellacott as a 'sensible and prudent action'.

The deal doubles Intrepid's directional drilling capabilities in North America.

A subsidiary of Borr Drilling sold two standard jack-up rigs for $15.8 million, including the associated backlog from April 1, 2020.

Petrobras is the operator with a 35 percent interest.

Shell has agreed to sell its Appalachia shale gas position to National Fuel Gas Co. for $541 million.

This photo shows a view of the Johan Sverdrup field offshore Norway. Photo by Ole Jørgen Bratland. PHOTO SOURCE: Equinor

Despite its aim to ease a housing crunch and kill congestion, California's Senate Bill 827 has its detractors.

Actor/activist excited to use new role to share that 'human well-being is intertwined fundamentally with biodiversity'.

This year's open category winners of the Sony World Photography competition range from a Chinese shadow puppet show to a mesmerizing underwater dance.

Babies are oriented towards pro-social individuals. They prefer interacting with a pro-social individual over an anti-social individual.

Video: Virtual reality immerses students in proteins and peptides.

A historic moment for the energy industry — leading technology company Siemens abandons its nuclear division in favor of growing wind market.

Researcher Lindsey Swierk discovered that when water anoles flee underwater to escape predators, they stay underwater for a long time.

Devil’s Den Spring in Florida is a premier diving spot hidden inside a sunken cavern.

BigPicture photo contest winners celebrate diversity of life while inspiring conservation.

Divers enjoy a swim alongside a human-sized jellyfish near Cornwall, England.

The archaeological site is located a mere 900 feet off Manasota Key in Florida.

New research suggests it will take millions of years for extinct species to return to Earth.

If you're looking for a way to de-stress and relax, bath in the forest — or more specifically, take a walk through the woods.

Rich Horner went diving in Manta Point, off the coast of Bali, and found a world of plastics waiting for him.

Because of acidic water, volcanic fumes and too much carbon dioxide, you have to watch where you swim in some places in the world.

OPT harnesses ocean power with some bright yellow buoys (VIDEO).

This shrine to Italian food must be experienced, but try to get there early. (And if they have the spinach ravioli in a lemon butter sauce, be sure to order it.

Director/explorer utilized new thumb-sized 1080p cameras to capture 3-D video from the deepest point on earth.

Ireland's national investment fund will sell all investments in coal, oil, gas and peat as soon as possible.

Facebook knows who your romantic partner is, even if you keep that information private, and can even predict if the relationship will last.

Real peppermint oil or ginger oil make Divine’s Fair Trade dinner thins a welcome addition to dessert and coffee.

This Instagram sensation knows how to rock palm fronds and coat hangers!

Earth's species are now vanishing at rates unprecedented in human history. That matters for more reasons than many people realize.

New research suggests paper wasps use facial recognition to work better alongside one another.

The best underwater images from the Natural History Museum's annual wildlife photographer competition make up 'Unforgettable Underwater Photography.'

If you've got the cash to spare, visit this low-lying Indian Ocean paradise before rising sea levels swallow it up.

Fern Cave hosts a wealth of species, including the largest colony in the world of endangered gray bats and many other species.

What caused the planets to neatly divide into terrestrial and gas giants? Scientists believe they now have the answer.