In the News: Phones, Freezers, and the Future of Biodiversity

Fig.1. Animals like this Sumatran tiger are in significant danger from poaching.  (Credit: Tim Hisgett via Flickr, 2012)

Preserving the environment requires immediate action on wildlife crimes, plant biodiversity, crop adaptability, and more. Read about how biorepositories around the world are addressing our many needs in a warmer world:

• DNA barcoding, smartphones, and social media monitoring are all part of an international effort to combat wildlife crimes: “11 Ways Technology Stops Crime Against Endangered Animals,” National Geographic (06 July 2015)

• This biorepository has the potential to be a frozen herbarium for the next generation of plant biodiversity records, but might face waning interest: “Smithsonian Sets Up Frozen-Plant Repository,” Nature (08 July 2015) 

• Growth rings of key shrub species in the Arctic show that this tundra landscape is suffering heavily from the effects of climate change: “Tundra Study Uncovers Impact of Climate Warming In The Arctic,” ScienceDaily (06 July 2015)

• In addition to holding the next wonder drug, soil microbes may be the key to phasing out pesticides but maintaining crop yield: “Mighty Farming Microbes: Companies Harness Bacteria To Give Crops A Boost,” NPR (12 June 2015)

• An “evolving gene bank” would maintain sorely needed biodiversity within crops and are better adapted to changing climate and resource needs: “An Evolving Gene Bank In Farmers’ Fields,” Agricultural Biodiversity Weblog (08 July 2015)