Google’s web page ranking algorithm can detect critical species in ecosystems

October 12th, 2009 LONDON - Scientists have warned of an alarming increase in the extinction of animal species, because of threats to biodiversity and ecosystems, like pollution, climate change and urban spread. According to a report by BBC News, the comments come two days ahead of a meeting of the Diversitas group of global experts on biodiversity in the South African city of Cape Town.

August 23rd, 2009 WASHINGTON - In a new research, a team of scientists has developed an algorithm that may be used to predict the future changes in plant populations. The algorithm has been developed by scientists Sean Hammond and Karl Niklas.

August 12th, 2009 WASHINGTON - A team of scientists from Canada has uncovered alarming invasion of the round goby fish into Great Lakes tributaries, which is likely to make an adverse impact on endangered fishes in the region. The team, from the University of Toronto (U of T), the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources and the University of Guelph has identified a drastic invasion of round goby into many Great Lakes tributaries, including several areas of the Thames, Sydenham, Ausable and Grand Rivers.

July 31st, 2009 WASHINGTON - In a new study, an international team of scientists has determined that efforts to rebuild many of the world's fisheries are worthwhile and starting to pay off in many places around the world, thanks to appropriate management. Their study puts into perspective recent reports predicting a total collapse of global fisheries within 40 years.

July 30th, 2009 WASHINGTON - In a new study, scientists have said that there is mounting evidence that human activity is changing the world's oceans in profound and damaging ways. The study was carried out by Professor Mike Kingsford of the ARC Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies and James Cook University and colleague Dr Andrew Brierley of St Andrews University, Scotland.

July 28th, 2009 LONDON - A new survey has indicated that two thirds of all species of freshwater crab maybe at risk of going extinct, with one in six species particularly vulnerable. According to a report by BBC News, the study, which is the first global assessment of the extinction risk for any group of freshwater invertebrates, makes freshwater crabs among the most threatened of all groups of animals assessed so far.

July 18th, 2009 WASHINGTON - In a study, scientists have found new evidence of invasive species threatening native ones, in the form of oyster reefs in a once-pristine California coastal estuary devastated by invasive Atlantic Coast crabs and snails. Led by marine biologist David L.

June 19th, 2009 WASHINGTON - In a new study, scientists have found that a rise in carbon dioxide (CO2) levels 200 million years ago led to a sudden ancient collapse in plant biodiversity. The evidence for the collapse in the plant biodiversity was unearthed by scientists in the form of 200 million-year-old fossil leaves collected in East Greenland.

June 10th, 2009 SYDNEY - A new research has presented convincing evidence that the increasing number of jelly fish, which is a substantial threat to the world's oceans, is due to over-fishing and excess nutrients from fertilizers and sewage. The research was led by CSIRO Climate Adaptation Flagship and University of Queensland scientist, Dr Anthony Richardson, and colleagues at the University of Miami, Swansea University and the University of the Western Cape.

June 3rd, 2009 LONDON - Using phone cameras, scientists can one day hunt for Martian life, by looking for organic matter that could indicate life. According to a report in New Scientist, research with this type of technology is already underway at the Mars Society's Desert Research Station near Hanksville, Utah, US.

May 28th, 2009 WASHINGTON - An analysis of 240 independent studies by researchers at the Yale School of Forestry and Environmental Studies has revealed that most polluted or damaged ecosystems worldwide can recover within a lifetime if societies commit to their cleanup or restoration. The Yale researchers found that forest ecosystems recovered in 42 years on average, while ocean bottoms recovered in less than 10 years.

May 28th, 2009 WASHINGTON - There's some cheerful news for conservationists. Most polluted or damaged ecosystems can recover within a lifetime if societies commit to their clean-up or restoration, according to an analysis of 240 independent studies.

May 2nd, 2009 WASHINGTON - In a new report, a team of scientists has determined that the poorly regulated US wildlife trade can lead to devastating effects on ecosystems, native species, food supply chains and human health. The report has been made by scientists from the Wildlife Trust, Brown University, Pacific Lutheran University, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and the Global Invasive Species Programme.

March 20th, 2009 WASHINGTON - Researchers at Stockholm Resilience Centre at Stockholm University and the University of East Anglia have suggested that the Internet could be used as an early warning system for potential ecological disasters. Ecosystem services such as water purification and food production are of fundamental importance for all planetary life.

January 13th, 2009 WASHINGTON - Network administrators might soon be able to mount effective, low-cost defences against self-propagating infectious programmes known as worms, thanks to a new strategy devised by an Indian American researcher. Many computers are already equipped with software that can detect when another computer is attempting to attack it.