Mn-rich chondrule rims in CO3 chondrites: Implications for the composition of nebular dust - Jillian Kirk; Myriam Telus; Pranvera Hyseni; Fatima Jorge-Chavez; Vanessa Mendoza; Steven J. Desch; Dale Burns; Steven Simon (Icarus, 2026)

Evolutionary Prevalence of the Electrostatic Switch Mechanism in P-type ATPases - Nikita S. Badve; Alyssa V. Buda; Jonas A. Káral; Zhitong Li; Taylah L. Percival; Sofia Y. Wardman; Sophia G. Tran; Simon Y. W. Ho; Ronald J. Clarke (The Journal of Membrane Biology, 2026)

A review of agricultural peat soil models and the implications for sustainable peatland use - Hilde M. van Dijk; Corina E. van Middelaar; Simon J. Oosting; Raimon Ripoll-Bosch (Agricultural Systems, 2026)

Lessons from automatic airborne pollen monitoring by holography at three Australian sites - Andelija Milic; Beth Addison-Smith; Izhar Ullah; James K. Douch; Benedict J. Keaney; Paul J. Beggs; Simon G. Haberle; Janet M. Davies (Aerobiologia, 2026)
Automatic airborne pollen monitoring offers potential to enable real-time, sustainable environmental health information to assist with management of allergic respiratory disease. Automatic systems, however, have not been widely deployed in the Southern Hemisphere, where there is considerable biodiversity. An automatic holography-based device combined with a classification algorithm was trialled in Australia for 15 months over the main pollen seasons in subtropical Brisbane, and temperate Canberra and Sydney. Common airborne pollen taxa were monitored in parallel using Hirst-type volumetric traps, with manual observations serving as a reference. In Brisbane, the monitoring campaign coincided with the most extreme grass (Poaceae) pollen season ever observed. The automatic system assigned daily Poaceae pollen concentrations with high accuracy (ρ = 0.84, p p = 0.14). In Canberra, Poaceae and Betula were detected with a moderate to high correlation to manual observations (ρ = 0.67, p p Betula and Cupressaceae were, however, mistakenly assigned to Poaceae, and Betula was also misclassified as other Betulaceae taxa: Corylus and Carpinus . Pinaceae pollen was well recognized by the automatic system at this site (ρ = 0.59, p p = 0.35). The automatic system performed poorly in Sydney, where daily pollen concentrations were low, with high misassignment. While automatic pollen monitoring reduced the need for site visits and expedited daily forecasts, inconsistencies in classification and concentration levels between methods highlight the need to calibrate automatic systems to previously trained and locally relevant, regularly monitored pollen and their levels.

Enhancements to the USGS Landsat Level 2 surface temperature and emissivity product for Collection 3 reprocessing - Saeed Arab; Chase Mueller; Christopher J. Crawford; Danika Wellington; Ray Dittmeier; Glynn Hulley; Aaron Gerace; Calli Jenkerson; Simon Hook; Amirhossein Hassanzadeh; Rehman Eon; Cody Anderson; et al. (Remote Sensing of Environment, 2026)

Diagnostic accuracy of a milk pregnancy-associated glycoprotein ELISA accounting for day since last breeding for pregnancy detection in Holstein cows - Simon Dufour; Jean Durocher; Geoffrey Fosgate; Peter C. Irons; Stephen J. LeBlanc; Elouise Molgat (Preventive Veterinary Medicine, 2026)

Complex palaeo-ice sheet dynamics in northeast Ireland during the retreat and reorganisation of the central British-Irish Ice Sheet - Alexander M. Clark; Bethan J. Davies; Sam Roberson; Simon P.E. Blockley; Adrian P. Palmer; Magret Damaschke (Geomorphology, 2026)

Temporal and spatial transferability in telemetry-based dynamic species distribution models: The effects of algorithms and pseudo-absence techniques - Joshua C Wilson; Philip N Trathan; Hugh J Venables; Horst Bornemann; Rochelle Constantine; Daniel P Costa; Luciano Dalla Rosa; Louise Emmerson; Ari S Friedlaender; Michael E Goebel; Simon Goldsworthy; Mark A Hindell; et al. (Ecological Modelling, 2026)

Thinking through compassionate conservation: A staged case study of black-footed ferret recovery - Liv Baker; William T. Borrie; Adam P.A. Cardilini; William S. Lynn; Shelley M. Alexander; Dror Ben-Ami; Gavin T. Bonsen; Simon Coghlan; Barbara J. King; Christine M. Reed; Francisco J. Santiago-Ávila; Kristen A. Walker; et al. (Biological Conservation, 2026)

Six weeks of isometric resistance training led to evidence of corticospinal but not reticulospinal adaptation in previously untrained adult males - Simon Walker; Katherine E. J. Keogh; Meghan Tanel; Aidan S. W. Baker; Anne M. E. Baker; Dawson J. Kidgell; Stuart N. Baker (Experimental Brain Research, 2026)
The latest hypothesis regarding the source of enhanced neural activation from resistance training is the reticulospinal rather than the corticospinal tract, based on invasive animal and emerging human data. The present study employed a six-week isometric resistance training intervention in a randomized controlled design to address this knowledge gap. Thirty-nine healthy, untrained males (age ~23 y, sustained contraction group n = 13, explosive contraction group n = 9, control group n = 17) underwent neuromuscular and electrophysiological testing and completed all study requirements. Maximal isometric torque (MVC) and rate of torque development (RTD) were measured during a familiarization session as well as before and after the six-week period. Transcranial magnetic stimulation was used to assess motor-evoked potential (MEP) area and silent period duration while subjects contracted to 10% of MVC. Loud sound (120 dB) was used to modulate MEP area and reaction time to visual stimuli during the StartReact test. Only the intervention groups demonstrated significant improvements in MVC (27%) and RTD (60%) (both P < 0.01), along with reduced MEP area (− 21%) and silent period duration (− 23%) (both P < 0.01). The sustained contraction group showed reduced modulation of reaction time and increased MEP suppression due to loud sound. Short-term resistance training seemed to reduce cortical inhibition and corticospinal excitability in both training groups. The study showed conflicting changes in measures purported to evaluate reticulospinal functioning. It is recommended to examine different forms of resistance training and longer training exposure in future.

Assessing the application of Optical-PhotoThermal Infrared spectroscopy for single-grain chemical palynology - Laura Scoble; Hao Meng; Simon J. Ussher; Mark F. Fitzsimons; Lauren Ansell; Mustafa Kansiz; Billy Simmonds; Nick Stone; Ralph M. Fyfe (Review of Palaeobotany and Palynology, 2026)

Dietary lemon essential oil mitigates metalaxyl-induced oxidative stress, hematological disruptions, and immunotoxicity in Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) with associated changes in splenic MAPK-and caspase-related gene expression - Elsayed M. Younis; Afaf N. Abdel Rahman; Tarek Khamis; Abdelwahab A. Abdelwarith; Simon J. Davies; Faozi S. Shamlol; Nehal A. Younis; Rowida E. Ibrahim; Gehad E. Elshopakey (Research in Veterinary Science, 2026)

Neanderthals in the desert? Population history best explains Middle Palaeolithic technological heterogeneity in Arabia - James Blinkhorn; Huw S. Groucutt; W. Christopher Carleton; Eric Andrieux; Simon J. Armitage; Ceri Shipton; Paul S. Breeze; Nick Drake; Abdulaziz Al-Omari; Faisal Al-Jibreen; Abdullah M. Alsharekh; Eleanor M.L. Scerri; et al. (Quaternary Science Reviews, 2026)

Anatomy of the Middle and Late Miocene phase of Lake Megafazzan, central Sahara, southern Libya: lake margin deposits and environmental controls - Mark W. Hounslow; Nick Drake; Mustafa J. Salem; Simon J. Armitage; Helena E. White; Ahmed S. El-Hawat (Palaeogeography, Palaeoclimatology, Palaeoecology, 2026)

Colors of Cold Classical KBOs from the HST Solar System Origins Legacy Survey (SSOLS) - Susan D. Benecchi; Simon B. Porter; William M. Grundy; Michele Bannister; Anne J. Verbiscer; J.J. Kavelaars; Keith S. Noll; Alex H. Parker (Icarus, 2026)

Examining fish diversity across an inverse salinity gradient using eDNA - Kirsty E. Richards; Simon Jarman; Benjamin J. Saunders; Euan S. Harvey (Estuarine, Coastal and Shelf Science, 2026)

Sulfate-driven phosphorus recycling and the collapse of lacustrine ecological diversity in the mid-Triassic - Wei Shi; Chao Li; Rukai Zhu; Benjamin J.W. Mills; Chunlian Wang; Jingwei Cui; Thomas J. Algeo; Mingtao Li; Mingcai Hou; Simon W. Poulton (Earth and Planetary Science Letters, 2026)

Abundant and diverse Pb nanospheres in polyphase Eoarchean zircon from the Odesa Quarry, Ukrainian Shield - Monika A. Kusiak; Simon A. Wilde; Richard Wirth; Leonid Shumlyanskyy; Bożena Gołębiowska; Martin J. Whitehouse (Chemical Geology, 2026)

Effect of using mannan-oligosaccharides and β-glucans as feed additives on growth, biochemical parameters, and immunity of Salmonella enterica serovar Enteritidis-challenged turkey - Shimaa A. Amer; Rehab I. Hamed; Gehan K. Saleh; Abdel-Wahab A. Abdel-Warith; Elsayed M. Younis; Ahmed Gouda; Rania M. Ibrahim; Nehal M. Nabil; Maram M. Tawakol; Momen M. Aladl; Walaa A. El-Sayed; Mohamed A. Mahmoud; et al. (Veterinary Research Communications, 2026)

ACMT Position Statement: Preventing Cannabis Exposures in Children (2026) - Robert G. Hendrickson; Maryann Mazer-Amirshahi; Caitlin Bonney; Michele Burns; Diane P. Calello; Suzanne Doyon; Jeremy Hardin; Hannah Hays; Diane E. Hindman; Erica Liebelt; Michael J. Moss; Lewis Nelson; et al. (Journal of Medical Toxicology, 2026)

Growth, Digestive Enzyme Activities, Antioxidant Properties, and Intestinal Histology of Nile Tilapia ( Oreochromis niloticus ) Fed Diets Supplemented With Garlic Nanoparticles - Sami Alaa Sami; Ashraf Y. El‐Dakar; Abdelwahab A. Abdelwarith; Elsayed M. Younis; Mohammed F. El Basuini; Shymaa M. Shalaby; Mohamed M. Rashad; Simon J. Davies; Mohamed F. Abdel‐Aziz (New Zealand Journal of Marine and Freshwater Research, 2026)
This work may be the first of its kind to assess the effects of varying inclusion levels of garlic nanoparticles (NPsG) as feed additives on growth and physiological indices in Nile tilapia ( Oreochromis niloticus ). Garlic contains an organosulfur compound called allicin that can promote growth and strengthen the immune system by stimulating appetite and the intestinal flora, thus enhancing energy utilization. Nanotechnology provides new tools in aquaculture nutrition, including increasing the ability of fish to absorb nutrients rapidly and the effectiveness of feed additives by enhancing their bioavailability compared to their bulk form. Five concentrations of NPsG (0, 150, 300, 600, or 1200 mg/kg) were evaluated by their addition to a basal diet (30% crude protein). 225 juveniles with an initial weight of 3.92 g ± 0.42 (SE) were randomly divided into 15 cages of polyethylene. The cage had dimensions of length: width: height (100:40:60 cm) and was continuously aerated using a 2 HP air blower with air stones. After 42 days, feeding results revealed that NPsG supplementation had significant effects ( p < 0.05) on improving the performance, physiological indicators, and histomorphometry of the intestine in comparison with the control. Fish that were fed a dietary supplement of 600 mg/kg of NPsG exhibited the highest specific growth rate (2.80%/day), along with elevated levels of intestinal enzymes lipase, amylase, and proteases (212.40, 15.00, and 318.60 U/g of intestine, respectively) and the lowest malondialdehyde level (81 nmol/g of liver tissue). This group was followed by fish fed a diet of 300 mg/kg of NPsG, which did not significantly differ from those fed 600 mg/kg of NPsG in superoxide dismutase, total antioxidant capacity, and histomorphometry of intestine villi. Finally, the complete dose–response recommendation (benefit at 300–600 mg/kg and detriment at 1200).

Multiple Strains of Trichomonas gallinae are Widespread in Reservoir Hosts and Environmental Resources in UK Farmland - Rebecca C. Thomas; Jenny C. Dunn; Helen Hipperson; Antony J. Morris; Philip V. Grice; Keith C. Hamer; Simon J. Goodman (Molecular Ecology, 2026)
Understanding transmission routes of parasites and pathogens is critical for the development of control measures and mitigation of impacts on host populations. Trichomonas gallinae is a widespread parasite in columbids worldwide, and has emerged as a lethal disease in passerines, particularly finches. The postulated transmission route from columbids to passerines via spillover at shared resources has not yet been empirically tested. Here, we screen 363 birds (261 columbids and 102 non‐columbids) in the UK and France for the presence and strain identity of T. gallinae . To quantify potential environmental transmission, we also screened 51 food and water resources common in farmland, at 12 sites over a 2‐year period. We isolated T. gallinae parasites from 79% of columbids, 36% of non‐columbids, and 39% of environmental resources. Prevalence of the Type A strain was more than double in birds sampled at fed sites compared to those at unfed sites. Strain composition was mirrored in columbids, passerines, and shared food and water resources, providing compelling evidence that T. gallinae , especially the Type A strain, is transmitted via these shared resources. T. gallinae was isolated from high density feeding resources (where supplementary food was provided) nearly three times as often as low density resources (natural areas of seed‐providing vegetation), meaning that careful management of supplementary resources has the potential to reduce T. gallinae prevalence in wild bird populations. Further work needs to test practical means of achieving this, but ensuring any supplementary feeding is provided at low density is likely to be critical to reducing parasite transmission.

Invading brown bullhead catfish (Ameiurus nebulosus) show thermal niche rigidity and benthic niche plasticity: implications for management - Paul J. Blanchfield; Tazi H. Rodrigues; Calum MacNeil; Simon D. Stewart; Finnbar Lee; Brendan J. Hicks; Shane Grayling; Soweeta Fort-D’Ath; Matthew J. Prentice; Cindy Baker; Peter Williams; Robin J.P. Holmes (Biological Invasions, 2026)

Implementing area-based management of vulnerable marine ecosystems in areas beyond national jurisdiction: A South Pacific case study - Ashley A. Rowden; Fabrice Stephenson; Martin Cryer; Carolyn J. Lundquist; Owen F. Anderson; Matthew Bennion; Andrew Biggerstaff; Tiffany Bock; Tom Brough; Lee Georgeson; Alexandra Macdonald; Marco Milardi; et al. (Ocean & Coastal Management, 2026)

Spatial models cannot compensate for sampling designs unstructured relative to isotopic variation: implications for baseline isoscape development in the Mediterranean Sea - Sarah Magozzi; Clive N. Trueman; Matthew R.D. Cobain; Kirsteen M. MacKenzie; Katie St. John Glew; José A. Canseco; Eric Díaz-Delgado; Emanuela Fanelli; Paola Rumolo; Joan E. Cartes; Boris Espinasse; Davide Agnetta; et al. (Progress in Oceanography, 2026)

Efficacy of ethyl formate as a rapid acting fumigant against Sitophilus oryzae: Laboratory bioassays and small-scale silo trials - Shiyuan Miao; Adrien Guverinoma; Suisui Wang; Xin Du; Simon J. McKirdy; Adria Nirere; Yujie Lu (Journal of Stored Products Research, 2026)

Genomic structure and environmental adaptation in northern red oak: Foundations for climate-resilient forestry - Lisa Tischenko; Nathalie Isabel; Lyne Touchette; Éric Normandeau; Brian Boyle; Martin Williams; Charalambos Neophytou; Simon Jansen; Mirko Liesebach; Antoine Kremer; John J. MacKay; André Rainville; et al. (Forest Ecology and Management, 2026)

The hidden infectious disease-related sepsis risk of wildfire-specific PM2.5 - Rahini Mahendran; Rongbin Xu; Lei Zhang; Tingting Ye; Yiwen Zhang; Zhihu Xu; Wenzhong Huang; Zhengyu Yang; Michael J. Abramson; Fay H. Johnston; Luke Knibbs; Simon Hales; et al. (Environmental Research, 2026)

Anti-environmental political agendas, firearm deregulation and illegal hunting in Brazil - Hani R. El Bizri; Thais Queiroz Morcatty; Marcela A. Oliveira; Aline Pessutti Rampini; Simon Knoop; Julia E. Fa; Kacie Henson; Camila Alvez Islas; Gabriel Favero Massocato; Arnaud L.J. Desbiez; João Vitor Campos-Silva; Daniel Zani La Laina; et al. (Biological Conservation, 2026)

Pilot-scale production of microbial protein and PHA using purple phototrophic bacteria for single-cell bioplastics - Luis D. Allegue; Sergio J. Gonzalez Camara; Maarten Muys; Shreyash Anil Gujar; Steven De Meester; Leen Bastiaens; Queenie Simons; Heleen De Wever; Joost Brancart; Siegfried E. Vlaeminck (Bioresource Technology Reports, 2026)

Standardized microhaplotype databases and frameworks for assessing and mining crop genetic diversity - Dongyan Zhao; Meng Lin; Cristiane H. Taniguti; Alexander M. Sandercock; Shufen Chen; Ebrahiem Babiker; Nahla V. Bassil; E. Charles Brummer; Jose Roberto Camacho; Warren Chatwin; Shu-Yun Chen; Shaun J. Clare; et al. (Theoretical and Applied Genetics, 2026)
Keymessage Standardized microhaplotype databases for eight diverse crops enable multiallelic analyses, comparative genetics, and breeding decisions. Abstract Microhaplotypes are short genomic segments that contain multiple tightly linked variants, providing multi-allelic data that can enhance genetic resolution compared to traditional biallelic single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) markers. Here, we present the creation and utilization of separate microhaplotype databases for eight crop species representing diverse genome sizes, ploidy levels, and breeding systems. We developed a standardized, species-agnostic pipeline for processing, filtering, and databasing microhaplotypes generated using the DArTag targeted genotyping platform. To enhance user accessibility, we developed a no-code, user-friendly application, HapApp, that uses an R Shiny front-end interface to allow breeders and researchers to add unique, standardized microhaplotype identities from raw DArTag reports and iteratively update the existing crop-specific database with the newly discovered microhaplotypes. Selected case studies with these databases highlight the operational advantages of microhaplotypes, especially for challenging, highly heterozygous, or polyploid species. They offer an informative alternative to traditional biallelic SNP analyses for resolving population structures and improving linkage map ordering. This integrated framework provides a reproducible and scalable foundation for managing and exploiting microhaplotype data in plant breeding and genetic research, enabling robust cross-project comparisons and facilitating trait discovery in both simple and complex crop genomes, while enabling comparative genomics and cross-species functional transfer that accelerates genetic gains across all crop species.

Which soil health indicators best track diversification benefits in tropical agroecosystems? - Anna M. Visscher; Simon Fonteyne; Mirjam Pulleman; Anna Alekseeva; Martin Hartmann; Jose M. Rodriguez-Castellanos; Pankaj Trivedi; Rodolfo Vilchis-Ramos; Sergio Zapata-Martínez; Bruce G. Ferguson; Helda Morales; Steven Vanek; et al. (Applied Soil Ecology, 2026)

Effects of dietary soybean lecithin on growth performance, hematological, biochemical, serum lipid, and immune responses in common carp (Cyprinus carpio) - Milad Adel; Mehdi Gholaghaie; Rolf Erik Olsen; Simon J. Davies; Thavasimuthu Citarasu; Brian C. Small; Caterina Faggio (Animal Feed Science and Technology, 2026)

Opportunities to improve detection of genetic predisposition for ovarian cancer applying the Tumor-First workflow - Vera M. Witjes; Joanne A. de Hullu; Angela van Remortele; Lilian Vreede; Michiel Simons; Nicoline Hoogerbrugge; Marjolijn J. L. Ligtenberg (Familial Cancer, 2026)
Genetic testing in ovarian carcinoma (OC) patients is very important for patients and their relatives. The Tumor-First workflow uses a tumor DNA test to stratify germline testing for hereditary cancer predisposition as well as treatment options with PARP inhibitors. This workflow is adopted and successfully implemented nationwide. Here, we evaluated recent tumor DNA testing rates in the Netherlands to identify untested OC patient groups and optimize tumor DNA testing rates. OC patients diagnosed in 2023 or 2024 were selected from the Netherlands Cancer Registry. We analyzed patient characteristics associated with the likelihood of tumor DNA testing using multivariable logistic regression. Tumor-First testing was performed for 1765 out of the 2221 (79%) OC patients. Patients diagnosed with advanced stage OC were more likely to receive tumor DNA testing (OR = 2.5, p < 0.001) than those with low-stage disease. Compared with patients who underwent surgery as primary treatment, those who received chemotherapy or no primary treatment were less likely to be tested (OR = 0.21 and OR = 0.07, respectively, p < 0.001). Patients who died within 100 days were less likely to receive testing (OR = 0.57, p = 0.003). Patients without resection after diagnosis on biopsy/cytology had the lowest Tumor-First testing rates (58% vs. 87–95%, χ2 p < 0.001). Tumor-First testing rates are high. However, OC patients that do not undergo a resection are less likely to undergo testing. With these data strategies to identify hereditary cancer predisposition in patients and their relatives can be further improved.

Mangrove genera influence bed shear stress and coastal protection ecosystem services - Alice J. Twomey; Dylan Cowley; Simon J. Murphy; David P. Callaghan; Marc Koh; Neil Saintilan; Catherine E. Lovelock (Water Research, 2026)

Evolutionary spandrels in collective animal behaviour - Andrew J. King; Ella G. Henry; Simon Garnier; William L. Allen; Robert J.P. Heathcote; Marco Fele; Marina Papadopoulou; Daniel W.E. Sankey; Ines Fürtbauer (Trends in Ecology & Evolution, 2026)

Luminescence chronology and sedimentology of the Maputaland barrier–dune complex (South Africa): new insights into MIS 5e dune construction and Late Holocene reactivation - Daria Semikolennykh; Alastair C. Cunningham; Aysylu Khisamutdinova; Anastasia Novikova; Simon J. Armitage; Mary Evans; Jasper Knight; Rachel Haupt; Axel Hofmann (Palaeogeography, Palaeoclimatology, Palaeoecology, 2026)

Rich litter admixture effects on belowground carbon dynamics in temperate forests: From leaf litter input to molecular composition of soil organic matter - S.E. Nijdam; K. Vancampenhout; B. Jansen; E. Morriën; J. Schellekens; B. Leenders; J. Simons; L. Van den Berg; M. de Graaf; B. Nyssen; B. Muys; E. Desie (Forest Ecology and Management, 2026)

Thermal stress restructures volatile gas emissions from the model cnidarian Aiptasia - Maggie Wuerz; Caitlin A. Lawson; Clinton A. Oakley; Malcolm Possell; Arthur R. Grossman; Virginia M. Weis; David J. Suggett; Simon K. Davy (Coral Reefs, 2026)
Coral bleaching events, in which symbionts are lost from host tissues, have become more frequent and severe because of climate change—specifically, elevated temperatures. How such events impact biogenic volatile organic compound (BVOC) emissions, compounds that can function as metabolic signalling elements, remains underexplored. Here we used gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry (GC–MS) to characterise the suite of BVOCs (collectively the ‘volatilome’) from the model sea anemone Exaiptasia diaphana (‘Aiptasia’) under three temperatures (control: 25 °C; sub-bleaching: 30 °C; and bleaching: 33.5 °C), both without symbionts (aposymbiotic) and when populated by its native dinoflagellate symbiont, Breviolum minutum . The volatilome of symbiotic anemones during bleaching at an elevated temperature was distinct from that at lower temperatures, with high dimethyl sulphide (DMS), eucalyptol, and 1-iodododecane levels at the higher temperature. In comparison, the volatilome of aposymbiotic anemones at sub-bleaching temperature produced the most differentially abundant BVOCs, including 2-phenyl-3-methyl-pyrrolo(2,3-b)pyrazine, acetone, and naphthalene. Symbiotic anemones had 12-fold more ‘core volatiles’ (BVOCs in all biological replicates across all temperature treatments) than aposymbiotic anemones (48 vs . 4 BVOCs); during thermal stress, the symbiotic anemone volatilomes retained their compound richness, whereas the richness of aposymbiotic anemone volatilomes decreased. These observations suggest that symbiotic dinoflagellates enhance BVOC diversity and abundance and may confer a degree of metabolic stability to the intact symbiosis (i.e. ‘holobiont'). Such changes in metabolic outputs can inform our understanding of how coral holobionts respond to increasing seawater temperatures, enable targeted studies of BVOC function, and facilitate the development of biomarkers indicative of coral reef health.

Historical bottlenecks and restricted gene flow in one of the last remaining stronghold populations of the southern black-throated finch (Poephila cincta cincta) - Skye Davis; Adam J. Stow; Jemma McCrossin; Wilbur Ashley; John M. van Osta; Brad Dreis; Simon C. Griffith (Conservation Genetics, 2026)
Habitat fragmentation is a key driver of reduced genetic connectivity and loss of genetic variation among populations, elevating the risk of inbreeding depression and reduced adaptive potential. The black-throated finch ( Poephila cincta ) is an endemic Australian finch with two recognised subspecies, a northern ( P. c. atropygialis ) and southern form ( P. c. cincta ) separated by a biogeographic barrier in northern Australia. The southern subspecies is nationally endangered and has experienced severe range contractions since the rise of pastoralism, with only two stronghold populations remaining (Townsville Coastal Plain and Desert Uplands Bioregion). Using a panel of more than 14,000 genome-wide single nucleotide polymorphisms for 107 individuals, we characterised spatial genetic structure for the Desert Uplands population. We mapped effective migration surfaces and tested for isolation by resistance to identify potential barriers to gene flow, estimated contemporary effective population sizes and reconstructed the demographic history of this population. We found evidence of restricted gene flow between localities only 16 km apart and strong isolation by geographic distance. Landscape resistance modelling identified areas of suitable woodland habitat that facilitated effective dispersal. More restricted gene flow in the southern range of this population is likely influenced by the fragmentation of suitable vegetation communities. Contemporary effective population sizes were near or below 1000, and we detected two historical population bottlenecks (> 50% decline) occurring around 60–100 and 700 years ago. Given recent evidence that the Desert Uplands population is genetically isolated from the only other stronghold population in Townsville, the results of this study suggest future losses of genetic diversity and adaptive potential may continue without effective management. To improve the long-term persistence of southern-black throated finch across their range, prioritising the conservation and restoration of habitat that promotes genetic connectivity is essential.

Freshwater biodiversity in a rapidly changing Arctic: An expert horizon scan of key research questions - Joseph M. Culp; Michael Power; Kirsten S. Christoffersen; Willem Goedkoop; Kimmo K. Kahilainen; Milla Rautio; Fernando Chaguaceda; Marie-Pier Hébert; Sanne M. Moedt; Dermot Antoniades; Simon Belle; Daniel Bolnick; et al. (Ambio, 2026)
Arctic freshwater biodiversity is rapidly changing due to climate warming, resource extraction, infrastructure development, and landscape transformation. To improve understanding, predict future responses, and inform policy formulation, research needs must be clearly identified. Using a horizon scan survey, Arctic freshwater experts from government, international agencies, and Indigenous Peoples identified 77 biodiversity research questions with 17 highlighted as most important for near term assessment. These questions span nine thematic categories: biodiversity and taxonomic challenges, hydrological change, productivity and food webs, ecosystem connectivity, methods, monitoring and assessment, permafrost change, winter ecology, anthropogenic development, and Indigenous Knowledge. Climate change emerged as the major driver among all categories and research questions. A key priority identified was the urgent need for long-term, harmonized monitoring programs among Arctic countries. Multiple knowledge gaps detected suggest that circumpolar research collaborations are required to tackle these issues.

Community biocultural mapping reveals historical occupation and enables defense of African rainforests - Ibola Dja Bana Ba Massaha; Serge Ekazama Koto; Gretchen M. Walters; Honorine Asatsi Mabo; Fulbert Makala; Paulin Ndanga Azeon; Jean Mabo; Philippe N. Mandoumilele; Jean P. Hendje; Dieu-Donné Baza Djia; HB Betotobeya; Modeste Ndongoabendje; et al. (Ambio, 2026)
Global conservation maps often overlook community lands, impacting decision-making and reducing local agency. We focus on the high-profile and regionally important case of Massaha’s ancestral territory (Ibola Dja Bana Ba Massaha). In Gabon, the forest is largely gazetted into logging concessions and described as an Eden-like wilderness despite long-term human presence. We compare Massaha’s biocultural maps to global, colonial, and post-colonial maps, in a community peer review process. While these maps show Ibola Dja Bana Ba Massaha as devoid of logging and settlement, Massaha’s maps show long-term settlement, sacred areas and industrial logging. Massaha used their maps to request the government to protect their forest from logging and update the forestry code to enable community conserved areas, prompting a national debate on the legal recognition of “territories of life”, while revitalising ancestral practices. We show that “big data” conservation mapping must account for biocultural knowledge if it is to be effective in guiding conservation decisions.

Prioritizing Shark, Ray, and Chimaera Conservation in Rapidly Changing Polar Waters - Vanessa B. Bettcher; Amanda Batlle‐Morera; Peter M. Kyne; Ryan Charles; Emiliano García‐Rodríguez; Christoph A. Rohner; Asia O. Armstrong; Margaret O’Leary Amsler; Natalia V. Chernova; Brynn M. Devine; Andrey V. Dolgov; Meghan M. Donovan; et al. (Global Change Biology, 2026)
Climate‐driven alterations in sea‐ice dynamics and shifting fishing activity are reshaping ecosystems across the Arctic and Antarctic, yet conservation‐relevant information for chondrichthyans (sharks, rays, and chimaeras) remains limited. We present the first assessment of Important Shark and Ray Areas (ISRAs) across Polar Waters, integrating species distributions, extinction risk, critical habitat evidence, spatial protection coverage, apparent fishing effort (2013–2018 vs. 2019–2024), and sea‐ice concentration trends. Of 86 chondrichthyan species reported from Polar Waters, only 15 (17.4%) had sufficient evidence to meet the ISRA Criteria, and 28 (32.6%) are threatened with extinction. We identified 35 ISRAs (27 Arctic; 8 Antarctic) covering 0.75% of the Polar Waters region. ISRAs were delineated predominantly based on data from scientific fishing surveys and harvest fisheries. Most Antarctic ISRAs were delineated under Criterion B—Range Restricted, reflecting endemism and scarce life‐history evidence. Major knowledge gaps persist, particularly for highly adapted Polar Species (10 species) and deepwater taxa (72.1% of regional chondrichthyan fauna). Between 2013 and 2024, the spatial footprint of fishing expanded in both poles for trawlers and longliners, despite stable or declining fishing hours in some fleets. Concurrent areas of increasing fishing effort and decreasing sea‐ice concentration remained minimal. However, apparent fishing effort overlapped with most ISRAs, indicating ongoing fishing pressure in critical habitats. Marine Protected Area (MPA) coverage remains uneven: 8.2% of Arctic ISRA spatial extent overlaps MPAs (0.8% no‐take), compared with 43.8% in the Antarctic (14.8% no‐take), with insufficient effective coverage in areas beyond national jurisdiction. These results reveal substantial mismatches between chondrichthyan critical habitats, fishing exposure, and existing protection measures. Integrating ISRAs into existing management frameworks, such as Target 3 of the Global Biodiversity Framework, High Seas Treaty mechanisms, and fisheries governance bodies, will be essential to safeguard vulnerable polar chondrichthyans as sea‐ice concentration declines and exposure risk increases.

Using life-history information to identify management priorities within an emergent multi-species grey mullet fishery - Calum J. Pritchard; Ayşegül Tuğçe Han; Andrew Macleod; Rachel M. Turnbull; Jamie Small; Sarah Birchenough; Simon Pengelly; Benjamin J. Ciotti (Fisheries Research, 2026)

Assessing the vulnerability of elasmobranchs to western and central Pacific tuna fisheries using an improved ecological risk assessment method - Nicholas J. Hill; Shane Griffiths; Valerie Allain; Simon Nicol; Joanne Potts; Naiten Bradley Phillip; Cassandra L. Rigby (Fisheries Research, 2026)

Soil cultivation for potatoes. A global survey of cultivation practices - Mark A. Stalham; Shaunagh Slack; Ryan Barrett; Ranjan Bhattacharyya; Karina M.V. Cavalieri-Polizeli; Rosario Fuentes del Río; Iain Kirkwood; John E. McPhee; Simon McWilliam; Mark J. Pavek; Mehdi Rahmati; Lautaro Rios; et al. (Soil and Tillage Research, 2026)

The role of miR-279b-5p regulating TcHex2 in hypoxic tolerance of Tribolium castaneum - Yunlong Wu; Ying Xu; Heyun Sun; Shiyuan Miao; Simon J. McKirdy; Suisui Wang; Lei Wang; Yujie Lu (Insect Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, 2026)

Land sparing outperforms land sharing across an elevational gradient in tropical cattle-farming landscapes - Giovanny Pérez; Simon C. Mills; Jacob B. Socolar; Jose M. Ochoa Quintero; Torbjørn Haugaasen; Robert P. Freckleton; Jos Barlow; James. J. Gilroy; David P. Edwards (Biological Conservation, 2026)

“Going Flat” After Mastectomy: A Social Media Analysis of Patient Perspectives and Educational Needs - Gabrielle Knauer; Tamara Lalovic; Catherine Simon; Richard J. Bleicher; Adam Walchak; Sameer A. Patel; Austin D. Williams (Journal of Cancer Education, 2026)
Aesthetic flat closure (AFC) is a surgical option following mastectomy that aims to create a smooth chest wall. Although formally recognized by the National Cancer Institute in 2020, patients continue to report challenges in accessing AFC. Social media platforms may serve as an important source of support and education for patients considering this option. We characterized patient perspectives and experiences related to AFC through analysis of discussions on Reddit and TikTok. Using the search term “flat,” posts from the r/breastcancer forum were reviewed within Reddit’s 1,000 post-and-comment visibility limit. AI-assisted thematic analysis was used to identify recurring discussion themes. TikTok was searched using the terms “going flat,” “going flat mastectomy,” and “aesthetic flat closure.” A total of 370 Reddit posts and 74 TikTok posts met inclusion criteria for relevance to AFC. Posts were most often neutral in tone; however negative sentiment was nearly three times more common on Reddit than TikTok (28.9% vs. 11%). On Reddit, the most common area of discussion was comparison of AFC with other post-mastectomy reconstructive options. “Flat denial,” defined as neglecting to perform a true AFC either intentionally or inadvertently, appeared more frequently on Reddit (8.4% vs. 4.0%). AI analysis identified recurring themes including flat denial, inadequate counseling, and misinformation regarding AFC. While discussions surrounding AFC were often neutral or positive, concerns regarding inadequate information, patient counseling, and flat denial persist. These findings highlight the need for greater surgeon familiarity with AFC and more comprehensive patient education on post-mastectomy options.

Age-related differences in corticospinal and reticulospinal adaptations to short-term strength training - Ummatul Siddique; Ashlyn K. Frazer; Jamie Tallent; Oliver Hayman; Yonas Akalu; Mohamad Rostami; Sergio Uribe; Simon Walker; Dawson J. Kidgell (European Journal of Applied Physiology, 2026)

Intraoperative drug delivery to hindbrain tumours via an injectable hydrogel is well tolerated and confers survival benefit against atypical teratoid/rhabdoid xenografts - Cara Moloney; Phoebe McCrorie; Amr ElSherbeny; Harry Porter; Chiara Bastiancich; Hasan Slika; Aanya Shahani; Emre Derin; Esteban Velarde; Jackson Miller; John Theodore; Khushi Varshney; et al. (Drug Delivery and Translational Research, 2026)

Evaluating MXene-doped PEDOT coating on carbon fiber microelectrodes for dual-functional neural interfacing - Sorel E. De León; Rana Jaylani; Young Jun Jung; Negin Jalilinejad; Toon Goris; Simon Higham; Kate Fox; Michael Ibbotson; Steven Prawer; Shadi Houshyar; Wei Tong; David J. Garrett (Analytica Chimica Acta, 2026)

Environmental uncertainty affects movement and space-use in sheep - Sarah T. Bartsch; William H. E. J. van Wettere; Simon C. Griffith; Stephan T. Leu (Behavioral Ecology and Sociobiology, 2026)
Animals regularly experience periods of food uncertainty due to seasonal changes and environmental variability. Further, the changing climate is leading to more variable weather patterns, which alter environmental conditions, and can result in resource distributions being less predictable in space and time. How animals respond to uncertain conditions, and in particular a changing distribution of food resources, remains largely unclear and is an important question in the field of movement and animal ecology. We used an experimental approach to study how Merino sheep ( Ovis aries ) respond to different levels of food location uncertainty in a drought-impacted region of the Australian arid zone. Sheep were unfamiliar with the experimental food locations at the start and progressively decreased their uncertainty (i.e., increased their environmental knowledge) when discovering an increasing number of foraging patches. We tracked 50 sheep with GPS collars (1 location every 15 s) and deduced their movement and space use behaviour. When food uncertainty decreased, individuals moved more directionally (greater step length, smaller turn angles) and moved greater distances per day. They also had larger daily ranges. Displacement (distance between first and last location of the day) increased once and otherwise remained similar across levels of uncertainty. Our study demonstrates how an arid zone ungulate, in a large 600 ha enclosed paddock, adjusted its movement and space use behaviour as it gained environmental information on food distribution. Our study provides important insights into how animals cope with variable environments in order to forage efficiently during periods of uncertainty. Significance statement Food distributions are often unpredictable over time, with climate change exacerbating variability. Understanding how animals respond to periods of environmental uncertainty is crucial to predict animal movement in space and time. We used an experimental approach and investigated how different levels of food location uncertainty affected the movement and space-use behaviour in sheep freely moving in a large 600 ha paddock. We used the number of discovered experimental food patches as a proxy for environmental knowledge (inverse of uncertainty). Movement was faster and more directional, and daily range size increased as food uncertainty decreased and sheep gained knowledge about the food locations. Our study demonstrates how an arid zone ungulate adjusted its movement and space use behaviour as it gained environmental information about food patch distributions.

Diet of juvenile skipjack herring Alosa chrysochloris : Ontogenetic shifts, predator–prey size ratios and mouth gape allometry - Joshua P. Egan; Peter J. Hundt; Neil P. Rude; Jason A. DeBoer; Benjamin J. Lubinski; Kristopher A. Maxson; Levi E. Solomon; Andrya L. Whitten Harris; Andrew M. Simons (Journal of Fish Biology, 2026)
The skipjack herring Alosa chrysochloris inhabits Gulf of Mexico drainages, primarily the Mississippi River Basin, and estuarine environments in the Gulf of Mexico. The trophic ecology of the skipjack herring is poorly understood, therefore we quantified the length, mouth gape and gut contents of juvenile skipjack herring from the Mississippi River (fish n = 6), Illinois River (fish n = 181) and Ohio River (fish n = 255) and tested for changes in diets and predator–prey size ratios during ontogeny. We identified statistically significant changes in prey type consumption during ontogeny. Aquatic insects dominated the diets of skipjack herring 40 mm SL were primarily composed of fishes. The most prevalent fish species consumed by skipjack herring were invasive bigheaded carps Hypophthalmichthys spp. and preliminary evidence indicated that inter‐annual variation in the consumption of bigheaded carps was driven by variation in juvenile bigheaded carp abundance. Additional research is needed to determine if the enhancement of native skipjack herring populations could be used as a tool to limit bigheaded carp population sizes. Skipjack herring SL and mouth gape were both significantly positively correlated with maximum, median and minimum sizes of prey consumed. There were allometric changes in the mouth gape of juvenile skipjack herring, with the ratio of mouth gape to SL increasing until ~80 mm SL, then gradually declining. Maximum mouth gape to SL ratios corresponded to substantial increases in the consumption of fishes, indicating that mouth gape allometry may facilitate the ontogenetic transition to piscivory in the skipjack herring. This study improves our understanding of skipjack herring ecology and provides data that can be incorporated into future ecological and evolutionary research, such as the development of food web models.

The Effects of Land‐Use Dynamics on Avian Phylogenetic Diversity Across Island Ecosystems - Halvina G. Saiya; David P. Edwards; Matthew J. Struebig; David J. I. Seaman; Robby Butarbutar; Nurul L. Winarni; Simon L. Mitchell; Jatna Supriatna; Rob W. Martin; Adi Karya; Robert P. Freckleton (Journal of Biogeography, 2026)
Aim To test whether forest extent and recent forest‐cover change are associated with avian phylogenetic diversity and community‐level evolutionary value across islands. Location Seven islands spanning Borneo and Wallacea in the Malay Archipelago. Taxon Terrestrial birds. Methods We sampled 1410 sites (2010–2022). We calculated phylogenetic diversity (PD), mean phylogenetic distance (MPD), mean nearest taxon distance (MNTD) and their standardised effect sizes (SES), as well as community‐level EDGE (Evolutionarily Distinct and Globally Endangered). Responses to (i) average forest proportion (250‐m radius) and (ii) recent forest‐cover change were analysed with spatial linear mixed‐effects. Results Observed PD showed a negative visual trend with increasing forest proportion, whereas SES PD declined. MPD showed only a weak positive visual trend with forest proportion, whereas SES MPD showed no clear response. Although observed MNTD appeared to increase in the binned visual summaries, both observed MNTD and SES MNTD showed significant negative associations with forest cover in the spatial models, indicating stronger nearest‐neighbour phylogenetic clustering in more forested sites. Effects of recent forest loss (2010–2022) on SES metrics were generally weak and inconsistent. Although PD also declined with decreasing rates of forest change, community‐level EDGE was higher where forest cover was greater, indicating higher average evolutionary distinctiveness and extinction risk. Main Conclusions In this archipelagic system, forest amount is a key correlate of phylogenetic structure and the retention of evolutionarily distinctive, high‐risk lineages. By contrast, recent forest‐cover change showed weaker and more context‐dependent associations. Conserving intact forests remains crucial for safeguarding the evolutionary legacy of island bird communities.

Stomatal Decoupling From Photosynthesis Under High Temperatures Is Consistent With Stomatal Optimisation - Simon R. G. Jones; Georg Wohlfahrt; Andrew D. Friend; Peter J. Franks; Alexander W. Cheesman; Lucas A. Cernusak; Haoyu Diao; Xiaolong Feng; Josef Urban; Tyeen Taylor; Martijn Slot; Lina M. Mercado; et al. (Global Change Biology, 2026)
Stomatal pores on plant leaves regulate the gain of carbon through photosynthesis and the loss of water through transpiration. Through their responses to environmental conditions, stomata can constrain plant productivity and transpiration fluxes, exerting a strong control on climate feedbacks over land. Although mechanistic modelling of stomata remains a challenge, semi‐empirical and optimisation models have been successfully applied to improve the simulation of land‐atmosphere fluxes of water and carbon. Optimisation approaches assume that some aspect of plant function, such as photosynthesis or growth rate, is optimised with respect to an environmental constraint, such as available soil water. Both optimisation models and semi‐empirical models predict that stomatal conductance will increase in concert with rising photosynthetic rates as temperatures approach a thermal optimum, beyond which declines in both photosynthesis and stomatal conductance are expected. However, a growing number of experiments have found that while photosynthesis declines beyond its thermal optimum, stomatal conductance often continues to increase at high temperatures. Early modelling work suggests that this phenomenon can be captured and explained by an optimal thermoregulation strategy via increased evaporative cooling at the leaf surface. However, many stomatal conductance models that are embedded within climate and Earth System Models do not correctly account for this feedback and so cannot capture observed decoupling. Here, we demonstrate that if leaf temperature is calculated iteratively outside the optimisation scheme, as is commonly done in Earth System Models, stomatal decoupling will not be captured. However, by calculating leaf temperature in parallel with optimal stomatal conductance, we find that we are able to capture observed decoupling and improve predicted leaf temperature and gas exchange. Correctly implementing the leaf energy balance equation within stomatal optimisation models will be essential for capturing high temperature responses of forests across the globe.

Contrasting cryptofaunal responses to seabird nutrient inputs illuminate coral reef productivity pathways - Laura‐Li Jeannot; Ruth E. Dunn; M. Joyce P. Velos; Gareth J. Williams; Cassandra E. Benkwitt; Nicholas A. J. Graham; Simon J. Brandl (Ecology, 2026)
Nutrients moving across ecosystems can propagate through food webs via distinct trophic pathways. Their integration into food webs is often mediated by small, abundant taxa that channel subsidies from primary producers to higher trophic levels. On coral reefs, cryptobenthic fishes and invertebrates can fill these roles, yet their responses to allochthonous nutrients are poorly understood. We compared cryptofaunal communities and associated trophic dynamics across nutrient‐rich islands with intact seabird populations and nutrient‐poor rat‐infested islands in the Chagos Archipelago, Indian Ocean. Specifically, we evaluated how the presence of seabird colonies influenced cryptofaunal nutrient assimilation, biomass, structure, and isotopic niche dynamics, and how these shifts propagated to mesopredators and higher order piscivorous and invertivorous fishes. Most cryptobenthic fishes and some invertebrates showed nutrient enrichment near seabird colonies. Although the isotopic niches of cryptobenthic fishes and invertebrates overlapped, niche widths diverged in nutrient‐rich environments, with invertebrates exhibiting broader niches and cryptobenthic fishes remaining comparatively constrained, reflecting differential access to shared resources. Mixing models also reflected a shift toward cryptobenthic fishes in the diet of a mixed carnivore near seabird colonies. Community patterns revealed strong asymmetries: Nutrient‐rich reefs supported twice the amount of cryptobenthic fish biomass and a 10‐fold increase in larger piscivorous fish productivity, while reefs near rat‐infested islands were characterized by relatively greater cryptic invertebrate biomass and higher invertivore productivity. Taken together, these results suggest that cryptobenthic fishes' capacity to capitalize on seabird nutrients may allow them to exert competitive dominance and top‐down control over invertebrates in nutrient‐rich environments, thereby amplifying piscivorous pathways, while nutrient‐poor environments appear to favor invertebrates and their consumers. Rather than reflecting uniform biomass loss under rat invasion, these patterns indicate a shift in trophic routing from fish‐mediated to invertebrate‐mediated energy channels. Our findings demonstrate that cross‐ecosystem nutrient vectors do not simply enhance reef productivity but reorganize trophic structure. Therefore, invasive species that sever these linkages can drive the emergence of alternative food‐web configurations with distinct energetic pathways.

Evaluating a structured expert elicitation approach for adaptive conservation management based on lessons from five years in practice - Helen J. Mayfield; James Brazill‐Boast; Mick Andren; Michiala Bowen; Adam Fawcett; Trent Forge; Luke Foster; Ross Goldingay; Paul Hillier; Meagan Hinds; Simon Lee; Erica Mahon; et al. (Conservation Biology, 2026)
Adaptive management of threatened species relies on having ex ante estimates of species’ responses to different interventions. Structured expert elicitation is often used to generate these estimates, but comparisons of these expert‐predicted outcomes with observed results are rare. This study aims to evaluate the utility of expert elicitation for adaptive management in the New South Wales Saving our Species program in Australia by revisiting six species management plans that were generated from tailored structured elicitation guidelines developed five years prior. Each species’ management plan included a defined scope, conceptual model, monitoring indicators, and estimated response to management curves under different scenarios. Experts reviewed the conceptual models after five years of management and compared the predicted response to management with observed monitoring data. In three of the six case studies, observed outcomes closely matched predictions. Where predictions diverged, factors such as unanticipated new threats and unexpected responses to interventions potentially contributed to discrepancies. However, in all cases, the structured approach provided a clear logic for planning, enabling managers to systematically refine their understanding. The conceptual models and response curves were valuable for collaborating, communicating, and generating hypotheses for unexpected results. This work demonstrates the value of tailored guidelines in supporting adaptive management processes and showcases the value of documenting expert knowledge in management settings with high uncertainty.

Thermal infrared and ultraviolet remote sensing of sulfur dioxide gas emitted during the 2018 lower East Rift Zone eruption of Kīlauea, Hawaiʻi - Andrea Gabrieli; Christoph Kern; Allan Lerner; Vincent J. Realmuto; Simon Carn; Patricia A. Nadeau; Robert Wright; John N. Porter (Bulletin of Volcanology, 2026)

Analysis of second-generation epigenetic clocks reveals further associations between disproportionate biological ageing and hippocampal volume - Lidija Milicic; Michael Vacher; Vincent Doré; Pierrick Bourgeat; Rosita Shishegar; James D. Doecke; Paul Maruff; Christopher C. Rowe; Victor L. Villemagne; Michael Weiner; Paul Aisen; Ronald Petersen; et al. (GeroScience, 2026)

Artificial night lighting in the Mediterranean: Management priorities and constraints for sea turtle conservation - Charalampos Dimitriadis; Nikolaos Simantiris; Fulvio Maffucci; Mustapha Aksissou; Mouloud Benabdi; Piero Carlino; Paolo Casale; Simon Demetropoulos; Wayne J. Fuller; Marc Girondot; Brendan J. Godley; Abdulmaula Hamza; et al. (Marine Pollution Bulletin, 2026)

Normative scores for the three factor eating questionnaire (TFEQ-R18) in a UK population-based cohort - Cara F. Ruggiero; Laura Kudlek; Julia Mueller; Simon J. Griffin; Stephen J. Sharp; Nick J. Wareham; Soren Brage; Nita G. Forouhi; Ken K. Ong; Amy Ahern (Appetite, 2026)

Can lizards count? Testing numerosity in an Australian skink using spontaneous quantity discrimination - K.N. Rachel Wong; Simon Jeni; Benjamin J. Ashton; Culum Brown; Martin J. Whiting (Animal Behaviour, 2026)

Swimming in urban estuaries: Understanding stormwater contamination events and recovery from historical data - Simon D. Lloyd; Josef I. Bisits; Gordana Popovic; Paul Osmond; David J. Roser; Stuart J. Khan (Water Research, 2026)

Omega-3 and omega-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids in neurodevelopment and prematurity: Correcting imbalances and closing the Preterm PUFA Gap - Simon C. Dyall; J. Thomas Brenna; Susan E. Carlson; Michael A. Crawford; Camilia R. Martin; Norman Salem (Progress in Lipid Research, 2026)

Reconstructing one of the largest explosive eruptions of the Quaternary through high-resolution tephra geochemistry: the 349 ka Whakamaru supereruption - Anna L. Miller; Simon J. Barker; Colin J.N. Wilson (Journal of Volcanology and Geothermal Research, 2026)

Outdoor sport apps: wrong routes are shared unintentionally - Arne Schwietering; Leon Rade; Simon Reuter; Sofie Paulus; Manuel J. Steinbauer (Journal of Outdoor Recreation and Tourism, 2026)

Mycobacterium avium complex in captive swamp wallabies (Wallabia bicolor): a case series highlighting liver, lymphoid and bone predilection - Andreu Masdefiol Garriga; Stephanie M. Mota; Barbara Ferreira; Simon J. Girling; Liam A. Wilson (Journal of Comparative Pathology, 2026)

The influence of abiotic (snow fences) and biotic (hedgerows) vertical structures on natural plant recolonization in subarctic mine site reclamation - Benjamin F. Budzey; Simon M. Landhäusser; Katherine J. Stewart (Ecological Engineering, 2026)

The Sedimentary Geochemistry and Paleoenvironments Project Phase 2 data release: An open data resource for the study of Earth's environmental history - Úna C. Farrell; Hunter C. Olson; Maya O. Thompson; Michelle L. Abshire; Oyeleye O. Adeboye; Anne-Sofie C. Ahm; Lewis J. Alcott; Thomas J. Algeo; Ross P. Anderson; Arif H. Ansari; Lucas Pinto Heckert Bastos; Kohen W. Bauer; et al. (Chemical Geology, 2026)

Extracellular electron transfer by the cultured coral photosymbiont Symbiodinium microadriaticum - Loris Marcel; James T. Simon; Joshua M. Lawrence; Svetlana Menkin; Adrian C. Barbrook; R. Ellen R. Nisbet; Christopher J. Howe; Jenny Z. Zhang (Photosynthesis Research, 2026)
Photosynthetic microorganisms may show extracellular electron transfer (EET), in which some of the electrons generated by photosynthesis or respiration are lost from the cell. Most studies have focussed on cyanobacteria, with very few on eukaryotic algae. Here we demonstrate EET from the eukaryotic dinoflagellate alga Symbiodinium microadriaticum , a species that can form symbiosis with corals and other Cnidaria. We show that the EET involves diffusible electroactive species, which may represent a previously unsuspected route for communication between symbionts and hosts. We show that EET can be used to study photosynthetic and respiratory functions in the dinoflagellate. We also show that it can provide information on the effects of environmental stresses including changes in temperature (linked to coral bleaching), pH and light intensity. The electrochemical platform outlined in this study offers a novel tool for studying dinoflagellate physiology, the coral-dinoflagellate symbiosis, and the molecular mechanisms of bleaching.

Correction: Wind conditions do not consistently affect large-scale movement decisions of large savanna herbivores - Sara Gomez; Melinda Boyers; Alexandre Caron; Daniel Cornelis; Henjo de Knegt; Michel de Garine-Wichatitsky; Jasper A. J. Eikelboom; J. Werner Kilian; Norman Owen-Smith; Thomas Prin; Adrian M. Shrader; Jared A. Stabach; et al. (Oecologia, 2026)

Depth is a strong driver of functional diversity in Caribbean reef-fish communities - Juliette Jacquemont; Simon J. Brandl; Carole C. Baldwin; Luke Tornabene (Oecologia, 2026)
Functional diversity patterns have been thoroughly described for reef fishes across geographic gradients, but the effect of depth on these patterns remains largely unknown. Using diet, life-history, and behavioral traits, we evaluated the functional diversity of Caribbean reef-fishes from the surface to 450 m depth to test if taxonomically distinct communities along the reef slope are characterized by similar or distinct ecological traits. Core ecological traits found in shallow reef-fish communities were conserved in the upper section of deep reefs (i.e., mesophotic zone) across three taxonomically distinct assemblages. By contrast, the deepest reef communities (i.e., rariphotic zone) displayed a distinct functional structure, mainly driven by trait loss. Functional redundancy was highest in the deepest reef communities and was generated by intrageneric diversification and functional convergence across phylogenetic lineages. The decrease in functional richness and divergence combined with an increase in functional redundancy suggest that environmental filtering is the dominant evolutionary constraint shaping the functional diversity of deep-reef fishes.

User Guided Selection and Alignment of Sequence Data by GeneMatrix - Simon J. Goodman; Ian M. Carr (Journal of Molecular Evolution, 2026)
The alignment of multiple protein or DNA sequences is a common task in many biological fields. These alignments may then be used to identify conserved regions or positions, which could in turn be used to score the likely pathogenicity of a sequence change in a patient, detect functional domains that can determine the activity of an unknown gene, or map evolutionary relationships by tracking changes in conserved regions. The development of high-throughput sequencing technologies has trivialised the generation of sequencing data, which is made available through public repositories, such as GenBank, hosted by the NCBI. In October 2024, GenBank held approximately 4.7 billion sequences from over 580,000 species. Consequently, the constraints of multiple sequence alignment estimation have moved from data generation to data retrieval, extraction and filtering. While human-curated datasets for widely used sequences have been released, retrieving datasets for less commonly used sequences can be onerous. Therefore, we have developed GeneMatrix, an application that aids the extraction, filtering, aggregation, and alignment of DNA and protein sequences from GenBank-formatted files of single gene sequences or genomes such as viruses and mitochondria.

Repeatable methods to establish and maintain cultures of Antarctic bdelloid rotifers - Melanie D. Borup; Catherine K. King; Simon J. Wotherspoon; Kerrie M. Swadling; John A. E. Gibson (Hydrobiologia, 2026)

Genetic analysis of the SH gene of mumps virus genotype C in Kerala during 2024–25 - Rajendra Kumar; Minju Sara Simon; B. Aneesh; P. S. Chippy; Arun V. Jose; Amogh Auti; D. J. Hima; S. Aswathyraj; E. Sreekumar (Virus Genes, 2026)

Structural characterisation of a fucose-rich acidic extracellular polysaccharide produced by Lindavia intermedia in New Zealand lakes - Cara A. Luiten; Ian M. Sims; Tracey J. Bell; Peter T. Northcote; A. Jonathan Singh; Andrew R. Lewis; Guilherme L. Sassaki; Phil M. Novis; Marc Schallenberg; Simon F.R. Hinkley (Algal Research, 2026)

Critical habitats for sharks and rays in Asia remain largely unprotected - Adriana Gonzalez-Pestana; Peter M. Kyne; Emiliano García-Rodríguez; Ryan Charles; Vanessa Bettcher Brito; Asia O. Armstrong; Amanda Batlle-Morera; Marta D. Palacios; Christoph A. Rohner; Giuseppe Notarbartolo di Sciara; Jo Marie V. Acebes; Serena Adam; et al. (Biodiversity and Conservation, 2026)
The Asia region harbors exceptional chondrichthyan (shark, ray, and chimaera) diversity but faces intense fishing pressure. The Important Shark and Ray Areas (ISRA) process provides a collaborative, evidence-based framework to identify critical habitats and inform spatial management. We assessed ISRAs across the Bay of Bengal, Southeast Asia, and the Northwest Pacific to characterize their extent, ecological significance, and conservation relevance. We delineated 122 ISRAs spanning ~ 1 million km 2 (~ 3% of the region) across 12 jurisdictions and international waters, encompassing habitats for 121 species (~ 30% of Asia’s chondrichthyans), 76% of which are threatened. Depleted taxa (e.g., giant guitarfishes, Glaucostegidae) were represented, but charismatic megafauna (e.g., Whale Shark Rhincodon typus ) were overrepresented. In contrast, deepwater and freshwater species were underrepresented. Reproductive Areas were the most common ISRA sub-criterion applied (52% of ISRAs), largely in nearshore zones, while areas for range-restricted species were less frequently (18%) identified. Twelve ISRAs overlapped with biodiversity hotspots, including seven in areas of high overall chondrichthyan species richness and five in areas of high range-restricted species richness. Citizen science was the predominant research method used to delineate ISRAs, while fisheries data were underused despite the region’s major fisheries footprint. Geographic coverage was uneven: Indonesia held the most ISRAs (n = 40; 71.7% of ISRA coverage) while eight jurisdictions (e.g., Viet Nam, China, Republic of Korea) lacked ISRAs due to data gaps. Protection shortfalls are stark: MPAs cover

Predatory crows use behavioural flexibility to overcome a novel, toxic prey - Stephanie Deering; Martin J. Whiting; J. Sean Doody; Richard P. Duncan; Harry Fryer; Simon Clulow (Behavioral Ecology and Sociobiology, 2026)
Some invasive species threaten native species because they possess traits to which natives are evolutionarily naïve. In Australia, many predators have been severely impacted by the introduction of cane toads, which produce toxins that native species have never encountered. Torresian crows, however, have been observed consuming cane toads safely by avoiding their toxin glands, suggesting learned behavioural adaptations. To investigate this, we used baited camera stations to test whether wild crows with 1–10 years exposure to cane toads consumed toads differently compared to non-toxic native frogs. Crows were presented with four prey types: native frogs, intact toads, toads with toxin glands removed, and toads with toxin glands removed but toxin reapplied. In all trials with native frogs and toads lacking toxin glands, crows consumed the entire prey item, correctly recognising them as non-toxic. With intact toads, crows consumed only non-toxic parts in 89% of trials, demonstrating strategies to safely exploit this toxic prey. When toxin glands were removed but toxin reapplied, crows consumed only non-toxic parts in 58% of trials, suggesting that some individuals may rely on the presence of toxin glands as a visual cue of toxicity. These findings provide clear evidence of behavioural flexibility in Torresian crows, highlighting their capacity to rapidly adapt to novel threats posed by invasive species.

Whole‐Genome‐Sequencing Reveals Demographic History and Patterns of Parallel Adaptive Evolution in Indo‐Pacific Bottlenose Dolphins ( Tursiops aduncus ) Across Coastal Australian Seascapes - Svenja M. Marfurt; Adrien Tran Lu Y; Benjamin Dauphin; Manuela R. Bizzozzero; Masaomi Hatakeyama; Delphine B. H. Chabanne; Simon J. Allen; Felix Smith; Guido J. Parra; Michael Krützen (Molecular Ecology, 2026)
Understanding how demographic dynamics interact with environmental heterogeneity is central to explaining patterns of genomic variation in the marine realm. Indo‐Pacific bottlenose dolphins ( Tursiops aduncus ) occur along most of the Australian coastline, from tropical to temperate waters, encompassing pronounced differences in temperature, salinity, chlorophyll‐a concentration and ocean currents. Using whole‐genome sequencing of individuals covering this range, we examined population genetic structure and adaptive divergence at a continental scale. Genome‐wide variation mirrored geographic patterns, consistent with a common origin in the north, followed by two independent stepping‐stone‐like colonization patterns along the eastern and the western coastlines from north to south. In contrast, putatively adaptive loci clustered individuals by tropical waters regardless of geographic distance, indicating strong parallel adaptation in tropical habitats. Candidate loci were enriched for functions related to metabolism and ion transport, with some mapping to genes with regulatory functions. Additional signals potentially suggest involvement of neuronal pathways, consistent with adaptation in a highly social and cognitively advanced marine mammal. Our results highlight the complex interplay between demographic history and selection and suggest tropical–temperate, potentially ecotype‐like differentiation across Australian waters. In the face of accelerating climate change, recognizing such adaptive structuring is critical for preserving evolutionary potential. Incorporating adaptive genomic information into conservation planning, alongside neutral genetic data, will be essential for anticipating population responses to future environmental change and for identifying biologically meaningful conservation units.

Assessment of two minimally invasive methodologies for sex identification in the European eel, Anguilla anguilla - Michael J. Williamson; Jack A. Brand; Kevin Hopkins; Luke O'Connor; Matthew W. Perkins; Christopher Sergeant; Simon Spiro; Taina Strike; Jessica Whinfield; Rosie S. Williams; Ethan Wrigglesworth; Rosalind M. Wright; et al. (Journal of Fish Biology, 2026)
Sex is an important driver of variation in behaviour, ecology and physiology. Sex identification in the Critically Endangered European eel ( Anguilla anguilla ) currently requires fish sacrifice, or the use of morphological differences such as body length, which can be inaccurate in certain habitats and at intermediate body lengths. Non‐lethal tools for accurate sex identification in this species are therefore required. Here, we test the efficacy of two minimally invasive methods of sex identification: (1) ultrasonography and (2) molecular markers taken from pectoral fin clips. Both methodologies were applied to riverine European silver eel and compared to histological sex identification. Ultrasonography accurately identified the gonads in female eel, with males identified by the absence of detectable gonadal structures. The level of expression of three molecular markers ( dcn, LOC111853410 , kera ) previously used to identify sex in Japanese eel ( Anguilla japonica ) were evaluated. There was no significant differential expression of the three molecular markers between sexes, suggesting that these markers cannot be accurately used to identify sex in European eel. Our findings suggest that minimally invasive imaging using ultrasonography can be a reliable tool for identifying sex in early‐stage adult migratory European eels, with particular use at intermediate sizes (400–500 mm) and animals in habitats where migration potential is limited and may regularly exceed typical growth sizes. This technique can be highly valuable for studies that address ecological, behavioural, conservation and management issues in this Critically Endangered species.

Genesis and structural evolution of the San Albino orogenic gold deposit, NW Nicaragua with implications for Mesozoic tectonic and metallogenic processes in Central America - Ben M. Frieman; Bradley L. Squires; Thomas Monecke; Richard J. Goldfarb; Joseph E. Andrew; Simon Kocher (Mineralium Deposita, 2026)

Growth and erosion of volcanic islands since 1963 analyzed by multi-sensor satellite data and historical records - Simon Plank; Ronni Grapenthin; Hannah R. Dietterich; Ulrich Kueppers; Francesco Marchese; Nicola Pergola; Emanuele Ciancia; Nicola Genzano; Franz J. Meyer; Sandro Martinis; Hannes Taubenböck; Tobias Ullmann; et al. (Bulletin of Volcanology, 2026)
Most volcanic activity is taking place in the oceans. Depending on water depth, eruption recurrence times and volumes, a new island can form. The power of erosional forces, the type of erupted material and the efficiency of secondary processes determine the island’s lifetime. Since the famous eruption of Surtsey (Iceland) in 1963, at least another 23 volcanic islands have appeared. Some islands remained intact for years or decades, whereas others disappeared within just weeks or months. In this study, we analyzed satellite data to determine growth and erosion rates of the volcanic edifices related to these 24 islands. We combined multi-sensor (optical, thermal, radar) satellite data time series with information from literature and the Global Volcanism Program database. We developed a comprehensive dataset, including 19 parameters, on the islands’ lifetime, shape, area, volume, eruption style and duration, environmental conditions, development of sedimentary deposits, and the geomorphic evolution of the island over time. Our dataset is available in a database format. This database allows us to test eight hypotheses about factors influencing the islands’ lifetime. Our results show that instead of one single critical factor, a combination of different factors influences the life history of volcanic islands. For instance, we show that larger islands do not necessarily live longer. The mechanical properties of the eruption products affect the island’s structural integrity. Irrespective of the material, a minimum initial area of around 50,000 m 2 seems to be a reasonable threshold to give the island a chance to exist longer.

Impact of an online-guided physical activity intervention on cognition, resting-state brain connectivity, and the gut microbiome in healthy older adults—a randomized controlled trial - Simon J. Schrenk; Corinna Bang; Lena Best; Thomas Dost; Stefano Flor; Christiane Frahm; Christian Gaser; Rami Abou Hamdan; Marco Herbsleb; Christoph Kaleta; Fabian Kattlun; Hans-Josef Müller; et al. (GeroScience, 2026)
Introduction Physical activity may enhance cognition in older adults, yet evidence from randomized controlled trials (RCTs) on mechanistic pathways remains inconclusive. Methods This single-blinded RCT examined the effects of an 8-week, online-guided, multicomponent physical activity intervention on cognitive function, resting-state functional brain connectivity (rsFC), and the gut microbiome in 92 healthy older adults (M age = 66.35). Participants were randomized to a physical activity group performing moderate-to-vigorous-intensity aerobic, coordination, and balance exercises, or to an active control group engaging in progressive muscle relaxation and listening to aging-related podcasts. The primary outcome was change in visual processing speed (items/s) from pre- to post-assessment. Secondary outcomes included changes in additional cognitive measures, rsFC, cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF), and the gut microbiome. Results The primary outcome showed no significant between-group differences. However, exploratory analyses revealed potential improvements in inhibition ( η 2 = 0.061; p = 0.025) and visual memory ( η 2 = 0.047; p = 0.040) in the physical activity group. This group also showed a potential increase in rsFC between visual and dorsal attention networks ( η 2 = 0.101; p = 0.009). Visual memory gains correlated with improvements in rsFC ( p = 0.013). No between-group differences were observed in CRF or gut microbiome composition. Discussion While the primary outcome (visual processing speed) and predefined mechanistic pathways (e.g., gut microbiome composition) remained unaffected, this may partly reflect the sample’s high baseline fitness, which likely limited observable improvements. Exploratory findings suggest potential cognitive and associated rsFC benefits in memory and attention-related networks. The online format enabled a structured, scalable intervention while minimizing potential confounding from social interaction. Trial registration https://drks.de/search/de/trial/DRKS00028022 (date of registration: 14.02.2022).

Role of funders in embedding tests in conservation practice - Rebecca K. Smith; Nancy Ockendon; Nida Al‐Fulaij; Alessandro Badalotti; Rachel Beattie; James Byrne; Sophia Cooke; Tiago de Zoeten; Winifred F. Frick; Stephan M. Funk; Douglas Gibbs; Lauren Gupta; et al. (Conservation Biology, 2026)
Effective conservation practice requires decisions based on reliable and relevant evidence, but significant gaps in the evidence base exist. Incorporating well‐designed tests of the effectiveness of interventions for biodiversity in conservation projects is one of the best ways to scale up the rate of evidence generation. Funders of conservation projects are uniquely positioned to support and incentivize such tests as part of the grant‐making process. Using a structured process, as 25 conservation funders and members of Conservation Evidence, we identified means of improving the effectiveness of the work funded through the support of enhanced evidence generation. We identified 11 approaches through which funders can support embedding testing, ranging from encouraging inclusion of a test in the project proposal, to designating separate funds for incorporating a test, to supporting an external testing unit to provide training and advice. The appropriate approaches vary depending on the scale, process, and type of funding. Barriers to supporting testing and potential solutions were discussed, barriers such as a lack of skills to check tests are appropriate and well designed and the additional time needed to develop, implement, and see outcomes of tests and differing types of projects. By encouraging testing of actions as part of conservation practice (where appropriate), funders will ultimately facilitate a stronger evidence base for more effective decision‐making and better outcomes for nature and society.

Mangrove sediments reveal drivers of Late Holocene sea-level change in the equatorial Pacific Ocean - Juliet P. Sefton; Andrew C. Kemp; Simon E. Engelhart; Matthew J. Brain; Joanna C. Ellison; Roger Creel; Christopher G. Piecuch; Robert E. Kopp; Blair Charley; Saimon Lihpai (Quaternary Science Reviews, 2026)

Examining different methods to assess feed intake, milk yield, and enteric methane emissions at smallholder dairy farms: A case study in West Java, Indonesia - Titis Apdini; Aart van der Linden; Jasper Engel; Corina E. van Middelaar; Simon J. Oosting (Livestock Science, 2026)

Source-specific short-term-ozone exposure and specific cancer mortality risk: A multi-country study in 11,215 communities - Pei Yu; Rongbin Xu; Wenzhong Huang; Yanming Liu; Zhengyu Yang; Michael J. Abramson; Eric Lavigne; Simon Hales; Lidia Morawska; Paulo H.N. Saldiva; Fay H. Johnston; Luke Knibbs; et al. (Journal of Hazardous Materials, 2026)

Petrogenesis and Provenance of Unique Amphibole-Bearing Carbonaceous Chondrite Almahata Sitta 202: Further Evidence for a Ceres-Sized, Water-Rich Parent Body - Cyrena A. Goodrich; Victoria E. Hamilton; Michael E. Zolensky; Noriko Kita; Issaku Kohl; Lauren Tafla; Robert J. Macke; Takahiro Hiroi; Yoko Kebukawa; Wayne Buckley; Jacob B. Setera; Justin I. Simon; et al. (Geochimica et Cosmochimica Acta, 2026)

Reinforcement of pea protein isolate gels through NaCl-assisted pea protein fibril formation at acidic pH - Parisa Eslami; Kevin Hutomo Putera; Andrew J. Clulow; Simon Crawford; Gareth H. McKinley; Victoria S. Haritos; Leonie van ‘t Hag (Food Hydrocolloids, 2026)

Climate and farming system dominate wheat yield responses across European pedoclimatic zones, despite widespread soil nutrient surpluses - Manuel Conde-Cid; Paula Pérez-Rodríguez; Andrés Rodríguez-Seijo; Manuel Arias-Estévez; Antía Gómez-Armesto; Flora Alonso-Vega; Juan Carlos Nóvoa-Muñoz; Claudia Campillo-Cora; Vanesa Santás-Miguel; María J. I. Briones; Irene Ollio; Eva Lloret; et al. (Plant and Soil, 2026)
Background and aims European wheat production faces the challenge of maintaining yields while reducing environmental impacts from agrochemicals. Organic farming is often considered a sustainable alternative to promote soil health and reduce chemical inputs. This study assessed nutrient status in wheat soils across nine European pedoclimatic zones, comparing conventional and organic systems and evaluating management practices such as crop rotation, tillage and fertilization type. Methods A total of 188 soils were analyzed for macro- and micronutrients, and wheat yield data were evaluated in relation to soil nutrients, climate, wheat type (winter- vs. spring-sown), and management using correlation, random forest, and regression analyses. Results Soils showed excess P, K, Mg, Cu, Fe, Mn, and Zn, but S and B deficiencies. Organic systems increased total N, while conventional farming enhanced nitrate, sulfate, and boron. Wheat yield was primarily driven by temperature, precipitation, wheat type (winter- vs. spring-sown), and farming system, with additional contributions from fertilization and nutrients (particularly exchangeable Ca, Fe, Mn, and Zn). On average, organic yields were 37% significantly lower than conventional, but these differences were smaller in Mediterranean zones due to reduced pest pressure and improved water retention and infiltration. Practices such as crop rotation, residue incorporation, and reduced tillage positively influenced yield. Conclusion Organic farming supports soil health and sustainable use of resources, but may reduce wheat yield in northern and central European pedoclimatic zones. Tailored nutrient management combined with agronomic practices can enhance productivity while minimizing environmental impacts, especially in climate-stressed regions.

Carbon Fluxes of Contrasting Degraded Peatland Pilot Sites During Early-stage Restoration: Ex-milled Bare Peat and Grazed Grassland Conversion - Anna T. Keightley; Christopher D. Field; Michael Longden; Simon J. M. Caporn (Environmental Management, 2026)
The recovery of degraded peatlands can make significant contributions to reducing greenhouse gas emissions and climate warming. This study examines restoration techniques on shallow ex-milled peatland and intensively grazed pasture on deeper peat, both subject to prior drainage. Carbon greenhouse gases (GHGs) were monitored for 3 years following restoration treatment. After drainage-blocking measures, the ex-milled peatland was ‘companion planted’ with Eriophorum species and Sphagnum . The carbon balance was highly dependent on plant age and condition, with a high CO 2 equivalent (CO 2 e) uptake when plants were vigorously growing (year 1: −22.4 ± 32.9 t CO 2 e ha −1 yr −1 ), and high emission when plants were mature and in various stages of senescence (year 2: 26.1 ± 26.4 and year 3: 16.4 ± 9.7 t CO 2 e ha −1 yr −1 ). Bare peat controls had a mean emission of 6.21 ± 1.68 t CO 2 e ha −1 yr −1 over the study period. At the other site, the grazed pasture was stripped, the bare surface planted with Sphagnum plugs, and irrigation was intensively managed via bunding, ditches, and automatic water pumping. Carbon GHG emissions were significantly reduced on this ‘carbon farm’ (2.77 ± 0.95 t CO 2 e ha −1 yr −1 ) compared to a neighbouring drained, grazed pasture control (31.7 ± 10.3 t CO 2 e ha −1 yr −1 ) over the study period (mean ± SD throughout). It appears clear that the cyclical nature of Eriophorum plant growth may only deliver carbon benefits on shallow peat over the long term if groundwater levels can be adequately supported and if climatic conditions are favourable. Conversion of grazed pasture to wetter farming crops, such as Sphagnum , can potentially deliver immediate carbon benefits, although, in this pilot, any potential loss of CO 2 e due to degraded topsoil removal, creation of bunds and irrigation ditches was not accounted for.

Thermomechanics coupling to Monte Carlo particle transport on unstructured mesh geometries using Cardinal - Mahmoud Eltawila; Pierre-Clément A. Simon; Guillaume L. Giudicelli; Helen Brooks; Nicholas Wozniak; April J. Novak (Annals of Nuclear Energy, 2026)

Diversity and functional group composition drive biogeographic patterns in marine biogenic structural complexity - Dean S. Janiak; Matthew A. Whalen; David R. Branson; Soledad Álvarez; Gail V. Ashton; Nicholas M. Bartkowiak; Simon J. Brandl; João Canning‐Clode; Jordan M. Casey; Max C. N. Castorani; Carolina César‐Ávila; Rachel Collin; et al. (Ecology, 2026)
Biogenic structural complexity is a key driver of biodiversity and ecosystem functioning, yet its ecological and environmental determinants remain poorly understood across broad biogeographic scales. Here, we conducted standardized 90‐day field experiments at 16 coastal sites, spanning a 41‐degree latitudinal gradient, using naturally assembled marine fouling communities on settlement panels. We measured rugosity as our metric of biogenic structural complexity and modeled its relationship with species richness, community composition, community growth rates, and abiotic conditions (salinity and temperature). Species richness increased with temperature and salinity and declined with latitude, with more diverse communities exhibiting greater biogenic complexity due to increased morphological variation. At high‐latitude sites, low‐diversity communities dominated by arborescent bryozoans also had increased complexity. Structural equation models showed that abiotic conditions influenced growth and composition, which in turn shaped complexity. Warmer, saltier sites promoted richness‐driven complexity, while colder conditions favored structurally important dominant taxa. We found that biodiversity is important not only as a beneficiary of complexity but also as a contributor to complexity itself within fouling communities. Our results also demonstrate that both species richness and functional group identity regulate biogenic complexity across environmental gradients, underscoring biodiversity's role in supporting ecosystem structure and resilience in the face of increasing global change. Understanding these relationships is essential for biodiversity conservation and the management of marine ecosystems facing increasing anthropogenic pressures.

Heterogeneity in seed traits: an overlooked breeding opportunity - Luqman B. Safdar; Ian D. Fisk; Rahul A. Bhosale; Simon Griffiths; Malcolm J. Hawkesford; Scott A. Boden; M. John Foulkes (Trends in Plant Science, 2026)

Fennel essential oil as a natural feed additive to mitigate heat stress in broilers: Effects on growth, physiological and immunological responses, and intestinal morphology - Samar A. Tolba; Shimaa A. Amer; Abdel-Wahab A. Abdel-Warith; Elsayed M. Younis; Ahmed Gouda; Gehad E. Elshopakey; Noura A. Abd-Allah; Rehab Reda; Rehab I. Hamed; Gehan K. Saleh; Gehan N. Alagmy; Simon J. Davies; et al. (Journal of Thermal Biology, 2026)

Secondary resources and advanced separation technologies for critical metal recovery: Progress and challenges - Phong H.N. Vo; Tan Phat Vo; Lai Nguyen Huy; Chawalit Chaiwong; Mojtaba Ajorloo; Tim J. Evans; Simon M. Clark; Vladimir Strezov (Journal of Environmental Chemical Engineering, 2026)

Lithospheric mantle cooling recorded by zoned diamonds: forward modelling the nitrogen aggregation thermometer - Matthew M. Wincott; Laura Speich; Galina P. Bulanova; Ian J. Parkinson; Christopher B. Smith; Simon C. Kohn (Earth and Planetary Science Letters, 2026)

Wind conditions do not consistently affect large-scale movement decisions of large savanna herbivores - Sara Gomez; Melinda Boyers; Alexandre Caron; Daniel Cornelis; Henjo de Knegt; Michel de Garine-Wichatitsky; Jasper A. J. Eikelboom; J. Werner Kilian; Norman Owen-Smith; Thomas Prin; Adrian M. Shrader; Jared A. Stabach; et al. (Oecologia, 2026)

Divergent Selection on Dispersal Targets Chemosensory and Neuronal Genes in Tribolium castaneum - Michael D. Pointer; Will J. Nash; Lewis G. Spurgin; Mark McMullan; Simon Butler; David S. Richardson (Molecular Ecology, 2026)
Dispersal is key to the life history, ecology and evolution of many organisms and important in pest invasiveness. However, the genetic architecture underlying variation in dispersal behaviour remains poorly understood outside of a few model species. We investigated the genomic basis of dispersal using artificial selection on replicated lines of Tribolium castaneum , a flour beetle, an emergent model system and an economically important agricultural pest. Combining whole‐genome resequencing with population‐level genotype–phenotype association analysis, we identify nine genomic regions and 42 genes associated with selection on dispersal. Identified candidate genes were significantly enriched for functions related to neuronal structure and function, as well as chemosensory behaviour and mating, suggesting that variation in dispersal is mediated by neural and chemosensory pathways. Our results demonstrate that dispersal propensity has a polygenic basis and support an interaction between dispersal and mating ecology in this system. These findings contribute to a deeper understanding of the genetic mechanisms driving dispersal evolution and its role in shaping eco‐evolutionary dynamics.

Origins and environmental impacts of distal rhyolitic tephra layers on Chatham Island, New Zealand - Anna L. Miller; Simon J. Barker; Katherine A. Holt; Stephen B. Piva; Colin J. N. Wilson (Journal of Quaternary Science, 2026)
Chatham Island, ~700 km east of mainland New Zealand, preserves several macroscopic tephra beds, sourced from the central Taupō Volcanic Zone (TVZ) some 850 km away. These layers, often enclosed within peat, provide insights into the eruptive characteristics, timing and paleoenvironmental impacts of large explosive rhyolitic eruptions in a distal setting. We report the nature, origins and impacts of these tephras by documenting bulk and centimetric‐scale stratigraphic changes in glass shard geochemistry and millimetric‐scale changes in pollen assemblages in the enclosing peats. Three layers are investigated: the ~25.5 ka Kawakawa–Ōruanui Tephra (KOT), the ~345 ka Rangitawa Tephra and one newly discovered tephra. The KOT shows no stratigraphic variability in glass composition throughout ~15 cm thickness. The Rangitawa Tephra contains three glass populations that were deposited sequentially throughout the eruption and further link this tephra to the Whakamaru supereruption. The new tephra has two glass populations and is matched to the ~322 ka Matahina caldera‐forming eruption. High‐resolution sampling of peat bracketing the KOT and Rangitawa Tephra reveals marked changes in local vegetation following the deposition of both tephras. The nature of the changes varies between events and can be explained by differing paleoenvironmental settings, climate and/or tephra thickness.

Comparative Biogeography of Benthic and Mid‐Water Coastal Fish Communities of the Galapagos: Stereo‐ BRUVs Surveys Support the Use of Bioregions for Management - Etienne Rastoin‐Laplane; Simon James McKinley; Pelayo Salinas‐de‐León; David Acuña‐Marrero; Jordan Goetze; Benjamin J. Saunders; Hannah Ashe; Megan Cundy; Euan S. Harvey (Journal of Biogeography, 2026)
Aim Biogeographical frameworks inform effective marine spatial planning, assessing ecological patterns across taxa and environments. In the Galapagos Archipelago, benthic bioregions guided marine reserve zoning, yet their representation of the mid‐water environment remains unassessed. Our study aimed to strengthen the understanding of patterns in marine biogeography in Galapagos by assessing whether the currently accepted benthic bioregions also represent mid‐water reef fish communities. Location Galapagos Archipelago. Taxon Marine fish species. Methods We used baited remote underwater stereo‐video systems to conduct archipelago‐wide surveys of benthic and mid‐water fish communities. Locations were sampled during the cold and warm seasons, yielding 598 deployments which were analysed to compare multivariate patterns between bioregions and environments. Results Bioregion partitioning based on benthic fish community data was more distinct than in previous studies with the Far‐North, North, Centre‐Southeast and West bioregions displaying significantly different community compositions. The main Galapagos bioregions displayed less distinct coastal mid‐water fish communities suggesting three subdivisions may be more representative, namely the Far‐North, West and the Centre‐Southeast plus North combined. When compared with benthic communities, mid‐water communities displayed higher heterogeneity, lower species richness and were dominated by species with extensive distribution ranges. Main Conclusions Our study builds upon previous biogeographic studies in the Galapagos Islands by considering previous limitations and assessing both benthic and mid‐water environments. Our results support the currently accepted bioregion scheme but suggest that the coastal mid‐water environment could be divided into three, not four bioregions. Mid‐water stereo‐BRUVs represent a useful tool to study mid‐water biogeographical patterns, and we recommend their application in other regions of the world to improve our understanding of biogeography in this understudied environment.

Thermal Stress‐Induced Alterations to Oxylipin Signal Receptors in the Cnidarian–Dinoflagellate Symbiosis - Andrea G. Gamba; Clinton A. Oakley; Immy A. Ashley; Arthur R. Grossman; Virginia M. Weis; David J. Suggett; Simon K. Davy (Environmental Microbiology, 2026)
The continuous exchange of molecular signals between partners in the cnidarian–dinoflagellate symbiosis is fundamental for maintaining a healthy relationship. This homeostasis is affected by rising seawater temperatures resulting from climate change (i.e., coral bleaching), though little is known about how these molecular signals are altered. Here, we investigated the localisation and abundance of four receptors in the sea anemone Exaiptasia diaphana (‘Aiptasia’) exposed to thermal stress. Using immunohistochemistry, we examined Transient Receptor Potential channel A1 (TRPA1), Prostaglandin E2 receptors 2 (EP2) and 4 (EP4) and Glutamate receptor ionotropic kainate 2 (GRIK2). TRPA1, EP2 and EP4 are involved in oxylipin‐mediated signalling via hydroxyoctadecadienoic acid (HODE) and prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), while GRIK2, part of the ionotropic glutamate receptor (iGluR) family, has been linked to chemosensory perception in invertebrates. All four receptors were detected in both gastrodermis and epidermis across treatments. While EP4 abundance was unaffected, EP2 increased significantly at 31°C and 34°C in both tissue layers. TRPA1 abundance increased at 34°C in both layers, and GRIK2 increased at 31°C in the gastrodermis and at 34°C in both layers. These results suggest that lipid signalling pathways are thermally modulated, potentially contributing to symbiosis dysfunction and bleaching.

Characterisation of past marine heatwaves around South Pacific Island countries: what really matters? - Shilpa Lal; Sophie Cravatte; Christophe Menkes; Jed Macdonald; Romain Le Gendre; Ines Mangolte; Cyril Dutheil; Neil J. Holbrook; Simon Nicol (Ocean Science, 2026)
Marine heatwaves (MHWs) can have devastating and lasting impacts on marine ecosystems. We investigated past MHW characteristics around 12 southwestern Pacific Island countries and territories (PICTs) using two observed sea surface temperature products and an ocean reanalysis product. PICTs are highly dependent on their marine resources for their livelihoods: a better understanding of MHW characteristics is needed for planning and adaptation to risks associated with MHWs. Our research builds on previous studies where MHWs have been detected and described using a point-based definition. We first revisit past MHW characteristics based on their spatial extent, vertical extent and seasonality. We show that filtering MHWs by size (spatial extent) and seasonality can greatly affect their characterisation and help trace their physical drivers. We then characterise past events inside each Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) and at the coast with MHW indices tailored to benefit Pacific Island stakeholders. We consider two types of events: large-scale events, covering a large part of the EEZ, likely to affect pelagic fisheries, and events affecting coastal zones and ecosystems. We distinguish between events occurring in the hot season (November to April), and in the cold season (May to October). We show that all 12 PICTs experienced MHWs in the past 30 years that are getting more frequent with greater spatial extents, longer durations, explained by the long-term warming trend in sea surface temperature, but with lower maximum intensity. New Caledonia, Vanuatu, Fiji and Tonga appear to be more exposed to MHWs with longer duration, higher maximum intensity, and deeper extent compared to other countries.

High thermotolerance to extreme marine heatwaves for four New Caledonian sponges - Barbara J. Graham; Simon K. Davy; Lisa Woods; Torsten Thomas; Riccardo Rodolfo-Metalpa; James J. Bell (Marine Pollution Bulletin, 2026)

Clostridium autoethanogenum protein as an alternative for soybean meal in the diet of rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss): Considering the effects of microcrystalline cellulose - Xuemei Zhao; Killian Chary; Ollie van Hal; Simon J. Oosting; Min Xue; Corina E. van Middelaar (Aquaculture, 2026)

Wild UK deer as carriers of livestock lameness associated pathogens - Simon R. Clegg; Andrew S. Cooke; Elektra Poluha; Stefan H. Millson; Joseph W. Angell; Nicholas J. Evans (Research in Veterinary Science, 2026)

Corrigendum to “Eoarchean low δ18O zircon indicates emergent land at 3.73 Ga” [Precambrian Res. 408 (2024) 107416] - Piotr Król; Monika A. Kusiak; Martin J. Whitehouse; Daniel J. Dunkley; Simon A. Wilde (Precambrian Research, 2026)

Improved management of base metal mine tailings impoundment and receiving environment sulfur risks: Nature-based solutions - Lauren E. Twible; James L.S. Arrey; Yunyun Yan; Tara E. Colenbrander Nelson; Kelly J. Whaley-Martin; Chad Jarolimek; Josh J. King; Simon Apte; Lesley A. Warren (Journal of Environmental Management, 2026)

Multi-millennial reconstruction of fire return intervals from a fynbos – Afrotemperate forest ecotone in the Cape Floristic Region, South Africa: Paleoecological implications for present-day management - Stella G. Mosher; Mitchell J. Power; Lynne J. Quick; Brian M. Chase; Torsten Haberzettl; Thomas Kasper; Simon C. Brewer; David R. Braun; J. Tyler Faith (Global and Planetary Change, 2026)

A novel analytical approach for evaluating thermally active underground retaining walls - Aakash Gupta; Fleur Loveridge; Ida Shafagh; Simon J. Rees (Geomechanics for Energy and the Environment, 2026)

Seasonal variation of sharks and predatory fish in the northern Galapagos Islands of Darwin and Wolf - Marthje H. Schüler; Simon J. McKinley; Gabriel M.S. Vianna; Ana V. Moya-Serrano; Pelayo Salinas-de-León (Estuarine, Coastal and Shelf Science, 2026)

Standardising research on marine biological carbon pathways required to estimate sequestration at Polar and sub-Polar latitudes - Simon A. Morley; David K.A. Barnes; Camila Neder; Ricardo Sahade; Chester J. Sands; Carla M. de Aranzamendi; Kaja Balazy; Piotr Balazy; Facundo Barrera; Narissa Bax; Sofia Becerra; Lucia Bergagna; et al. (Earth-Science Reviews, 2026)

Slow co-pyrolysis of faecal sludge and rice husks into biochar - Elisa Basika; Allan J. Komakech; Simon S. Kizito; Richard D. Lee; Therese Schwarzböck (Biomass and Bioenergy, 2026)

Determining the cortical, corticospinal, and reticulospinal responses to metronome-paced and self-paced strength training - Yonas Akalu; Jamie Tallent; Ashlyn K. Frazer; Ummatul Siddique; Mohamad Rostami; Glyn Howatson; Simon Walker; Dawson J. Kidgell (European Journal of Applied Physiology, 2026)
Purpose The acute neurophysiological responses to resistance training (RT), particularly in corticospinal and reticulospinal pathways, remain unclear. This study investigated the effects of different RT modalities on these pathways. Methods Thirty-six RT-naive participants (10 males, 2 females per group) were randomly assigned to metronome-paced RT (MP-RT), self-paced RT (SP-RT), or a control group. Cortical, corticospinal, and cortico-reticulospinal responses were assessed using transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS), while reticulospinal tract (RST) excitability was evaluated by examining the effect of startle stimulus on rate of force development (RFD) at baseline, 5 min, and 30 min post-exercise. Results MP-RT enhanced corticospinal excitability by 50% at 5 min ( p = 0.017) and 72% at 30 min ( p < 0.001). MP-RT reduced short-interval cortical inhibition (SICI) by 56% and cSP by 12% at 5 min and ~ 20% at 30 min. SP-RT reduced cSP by 17% at 5 min at 150% active motor threshold (AMT; p < 0.05). At 170% AMT, cSP reductions were observed in both MP-RT (23%) and SP-RT (18.9%; p < 0.001). SP-RT increased ipsilateral to contralateral motor evoked potential amplitude ratio (ICAR) by 48% at 30 min ( p < 0.001), and RFD during the initial 50 ms under startling stimuli by 60% at 30 min ( p = 0.039). Conclusion MP-RT enhances intracortical/corticospinal excitability and may support rehabilitation from corticospinal injury/impairment, while SP-RT improves cortico-reticular and reticulospinal excitability, making it suitable for athletes or older adults seeking improved gross strength. Graphical Abstract

Low foliar nitrogen and elevated defensive metabolites in the invasive weed Calluna vulgaris (heather) may impair biocontrol agent performance - D. Paul Barrett; Maria A. Minor; Paul Peterson; Simon V. Fowler; Arvind K. Subbaraj; David J. Lun; Andrea Clavijo McCormick (Biological Invasions, 2026)
Introducing insect biocontrol agents to manage invasive plants is an effective and sustainable management option. However, biocontrol agents sometimes fail to establish or are ineffective in the new range. Heather beetle Lochmaea suturalis, (Thomson, 1866) (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) sourced from the United Kingdom (UK), was introduced into New Zealand’s North Island Central Plateau (CP) to control invasive Calluna vulgaris (L.) Hull (heather). The beetle was difficult to establish and the few populations that did, achieved poor population growth rates and expansion in contrast to the rapid rates associated with its conspecifics in the UK. We hypothesize that low soil nutrients such as nitrogen and phosphorous (N and P) on the CP may be linked to changes in C. vulgaris’ primary nutritional and secondary defensive metabolites, leading to poor beetle performance. Testing this hypothesis involved application of N and P to soil in C. vulgaris field plots, measurement of foliar N and Carbon (C), plus using non-targeted metabolomics, exploring differences in the primary and secondary metabolites between treatments. Raising soil nutrients amplified several primary metabolites including N-based amino acids and concomitantly reduced the majority of phenylpropanoids, a secondary metabolite group containing many defensive compounds. This work seeks to better understand, how abiotic conditions in a new environment, influence invasive plant metabolism, potentially altering the efficiency of foliage assimilation which may impair biocontrol agent establishment and effectiveness. Such understanding may be applied to mitigate potential foliar deficiencies at release sites and contribute to improving success rates of biocontrol as a management strategy for invasive plants.

Examining Marine Assemblages Across an Inverse Salinity Gradient - Kirsty E. Richards; Simon Jarman; Benjamin J. Saunders; Shaun Wilson; Euan S. Harvey (Molecular Ecology, 2026)
Salinity gradients and fluctuations can create a natural ecological filter, with few species tolerating salinity above 50 practical salinity units (PSUs). We investigated how an inverse salinity gradient affected marine community diversity and composition in Shark Bay, a remote hypersaline coastal embayment in Western Australia. We used 16S(fish), 18S and 16S(Bacteria) eDNA metabarcoding assays to analyse genetic sequences collected from 220 surface water samples and 216 benthic roller samples. The 44 survey sites encompassed a salinity gradient of 40.1 PSU in the Eastern Gulf to 76.0 PSU in Hamelin Pool. 24,011,345 eDNA sequencing reads were detected from 5575 operational taxonomic units (OTUs). The number of Families and OTUs, and OTUs within key Phyla, all decreased with increasing salinity, the most dramatic changes occurring over a narrow salinity range (50–60 PSU). However, the relative proportion of Families from each Phyla contributing to the total assemblage within each salinity range remained relatively stable. Key processes may therefore be maintained across the salinity gradient, although redundancy and resilience are compromised as diversity declines and the taxonomic composition of the communities changes. Although primary producers such as cyanobacteria, seagrass and the bivalve mollusc Fragum spp. were under‐represented within our data set, this may be due to a limitation of the eDNA methods used rather than their absence within the ecosystem. Even with these limitations, eDNA has proven a useful tool for examining the whole marine assemblage across an inverse salinity gradient in a remote area at a broad taxonomic level.

Drivers of Viral Diversity and Sharing in Marine Mammals - Matthew J. Arnold; Laura M. Bergner; Haris Malik; Mariel ten Doeschate; Nicholas J. Davison; Andrew Brownlow; Nardus Mollentze; Simon A. Babayan; Daniel G. Streicker (Molecular Ecology, 2026)
Knowledge of viral infection in marine mammals, a group severely threatened by human activity, is largely limited to the pathology and epidemiology of few endemic viruses. The recent emergence in marine mammals of high‐consequence viruses, such as H5N1 avian influenza and rabies, underscores the importance of understanding the ecology of viral transmission in these species. Metatranscriptomic approaches now enable relatively unbiased characterisation of full viral communities that can reveal ecological and evolutionary drivers of infection. We sequenced RNA from 15 marine mammal species (42 pools, 237 tissues, 128 animals) sampled in Scotland through the Scottish Marine Animal Strandings Scheme. Viral sequences were detected in 41 of 42 pools, representing more than 120 distinct viral taxonomic units (vOTUs). Virus host network analysis showed that viral communities were partly structured by host taxonomy, with clear differences between seals and cetaceans. However, vOTUs were frequently shared between species, mirroring reported ecological interactions, including cross‐order sharing between seals and cetaceans. Generalised linear models showed no effect of host taxonomy on viral richness. Instead, age was the strongest predictor: juvenile pools contained roughly twice as many viral taxa as adults and more than neonates, indicating that changing population demography may impact viral transmission in marine mammals. These results provide a basis for understanding how anthropogenic stressors may exacerbate viral transmission in marine mammals and demonstrate the increasing practicality of using genomics to understand ecological and evolutionary drivers of virus infection in natural populations.

Local and Landscape‐Level Environmental Conditions Drive Habitat Selection Across Terrestrial Mammal Species - Björn H. Franke; Aafke M. Schipper; Tal Avgar; Luca Börger; Nilanjan Chatterjee; Thomas Müller; Brian J. Smith; Briana Abrahms; Abdullahi H. Ali; Nina Attias; Hattie L. A. Bartlam‐Brooks; Floris M. van Beest; et al. (Global Ecology and Biogeography, 2026)
Aim Animal movements are a fundamental process affecting communities and ecosystems. Quantifying habitat selection across species and habitats is key for understanding how animals respond to environmental change. Currently, we lack comparative studies that examine how habitat selection varies across species traits and landscapes. We aim to quantify global patterns of habitat selection to help understand the fundamental drivers of movement behaviour. Location Global. Time Period Contemporary. Major Taxa Studied Terrestrial mammals. Methods We estimated selection coefficients for terrain ruggedness, vegetation productivity, human population density and distance to roads of individual terrestrial mammals through step‐selection analysis of 1344 GPS tracks across 48 species. We quantified intra‐ and interspecific variation and tested whether selection coefficients were associated with species traits and habitat availability. Results We observe an overall avoidance of roads and areas of high human population density as well as rugged terrain, with a large proportion of individuals selecting for areas of intermediate NDVI. However, we also found large intraspecific variation in habitat selection and show that this variation is predicted by local and landscape‐level environmental conditions rather than species traits. Individuals in more remote areas exhibited weaker functional responses to human presence than those in more disturbed areas. Avoidance of rugged terrain is also context‐dependent, with stronger avoidance when local ruggedness is high. The only exception to the observed intraspecific variability is consistent species‐level responses to road proximity. Main Conclusions Our findings contribute to the understanding of habitat selection by terrestrial mammals, showing that selection is largely shaped by environmental conditions and that animals exhibit high plasticity in their responses. Our results also provide further evidence for the significant impact of roads on animal movement. These insights can help us to understand the potential effects of environmental change on the behaviour of mammal species around the world.

A Conceptual Framework and Methods for Studying the Connectivity of Fishes - Jordanna N. Bergman; Jessica A. Robichaud; Jasper McCutcheon; Michael T. Booth; Brendan Campbell; Grace A. Casselberry; Cienna R. Cooper; Bronwyn M. Gillanders; Lucas P. Griffin; Edward Hale; Luc LaRochelle; Karen J. Murchie; et al. (Fish and Fisheries, 2026)
Connectivity is a multifaceted concept that has important implications for the management and conservation of marine and freshwater fishes. We developed a conceptual framework that encompasses multiple, interrelated categories of connectedness, including landscape (e.g., structural, functional) connectivity and ecological (e.g., trophic, genetic, demographic) connectivity, that together shape the flow of organisms, energy and information across ecosystems. We also synthesised six key methods that can be used to study connectivity of fishes: (1) telemetry, including satellite, acoustic, radio and passive integrated transponders (PIT), (2) mark‐recapture, (3) environmental tracers, including stable isotopes and otolith‐microchemistry, (4) genetics, (5) community structure analysis and (6) emerging technologies and tools (e.g., remote sensing and artificial intelligence). For each method, we describe the categories of connectivity it can assess and provide real‐world examples where they have been effectively used. We also identify limitations of each method. This article highlights the diverse and evolving toolbox of methods used to assess fish connectivity, underscoring the need for continued collaboration, innovation and integration of new approaches to refine our understanding and address remaining challenges in this critical area of aquatic ecology and fisheries management.

‘Building the (Im)perfect Beast’: Strategies for Identifying Appropriate Spatial Stock Assessment Model Complexity From an International, Blinded High‐Resolution Simulation Experiment - Aaron M. Berger; Daniel R. Goethel; Simon D. Hoyle; Patrick Lynch; Caren Barceló; Alistar Dunn; Brian J. Langseth; Carolina Minte‐Vera; Jemery Day; Haikun Xu; Francisco Izquierdo; Dan Fu; et al. (Fish and Fisheries, 2026)
Despite their potential to inform sustainable regional harvest and climate‐resilient fisheries management, spatial stock assessment models remain underused for management advice. To identify barriers that inhibit broader use of these methods, we conducted a blinded international simulation experiment mimicking real‐world stock assessment development when confronting spatial complexity. Seven analyst teams built spatially aggregated and spatially explicit assessment models using data simulated from high‐resolution operating models based on Indian Ocean yellowfin tuna and Ross Sea Antarctic toothfish dynamics. Each team documented how assessment software platform, data analyses, model building approach, and diagnostics influenced model complexity and realism. A consensus emerged on key assessment building approaches: (1) conduct high‐resolution data analyses to identify appropriate spatial structure; (2) start with simplified models and incrementally add complexity; (3) iteratively evaluate diagnostics to determine necessary spatial complexity; and (4) maintain models with different spatial structures to aid interpretation. The experiment also revealed several valuable insights for parameterising assessments, including consideration of data pre‐processing with spatiotemporal models to better inform data‐sparse regions; regression trees to identify fleet and spatial structure; trade‐offs in complexity between productivity and movement dynamics to achieve tractable and stable model structures; and ensemble modelling approaches to address structural uncertainty. Our findings demonstrate that international collaborations and simulation experiments are crucial for addressing challenges in implementing spatial stock assessments and for evaluating whether their added complexity is justified given management objectives. Broader collaborations are encouraged to foster innovation in fisheries management and to help recognise the practical trade‐offs between model parsimony and complexity.

Effects of Microbial Biomass and Mineral Premixes on Growth Performance and Nutrient Utilisation in Penaeus monodon Fed Low Fishmeal Diets - Ha H. Truong; Matthew R. P. Briggs; Barney M. Hines; Nicholas A. Bourne; Artur N. Rombenso; Cedric J. Simon (Fishes, 2026)
The growth performance of Penaeus monodon is often reduced when fishmeal is extensively replaced with terrestrial ingredients. This study evaluated the efficacy of a marine microbial biomass, NovaqPro™ (NQ), and inorganic mineral premixes in improving the performance of low fishmeal diets. Diets containing soybean meal, soy protein concentrate, and bloodmeal were formulated with fishmeal limited to 6%. Treatments included 10% NQ, an experimental inorganic mineral premix, a commercial mineral premix, and their combinations added to the low fishmeal control. A high fishmeal diet was also assessed as a benchmark of performance. NQ supplementation significantly improved shrimp growth, increasing weight gain by 78.7% compared with the low fishmeal control (2.77 vs. 1.55 g shrimp−1) and numerically improved by 25.3% compared with the high fishmeal diet (2.21 g shrimp−1). Similar responses were observed for FCR where NQ diets (1.47–1.68), as well as the high fishmeal diet (1.59), were superior to that of the control diet (2.02). Growth improvements were associated with increased feed intake and higher retention of protein and gross energy. In contrast, mineral premix supplementation did not improve growth, and weight gain was numerically reduced relative to the low fishmeal control. The NQ diet showed higher apparent digestibility of calcium, phosphorus, and magnesium compared with the high fishmeal diet. These results demonstrate that NQ is an effective mitigation strategy to reduce growth limitations associated with low fishmeal diets in P. monodon, without the need for additional inorganic mineral supplementation.

Possible dickinsoniomorphs from the latest Ediacaran Nama Group, southern Namibia - Brandt M. Gibson; Joshua H.F.L. Davies; Simon A.F. Darroch; Ajani Bissick; Andrea Boscaini; Galen P. Halverson; Frederick J. Hilgen; Peter R. Liberty; Johnathan A. Sorrentino; Bianca R. Spiering; Patricia Vickers-Rich; Marc Laflamme (Precambrian Research, 2026)

Isolation and characterisation of cell wall polysaccharides from taewa (Māori potatoes; Solanum tuberosum L.) - Cara.A. Luiten; Simon F.R. Hinkley; Nick R. Roskruge; Saii A. Semese; Anne-Louise M. Heath; Tracy L. Perry; Nancy J. Rehrer; Ian M. Sims (Food Hydrocolloids, 2026)

The Sedimentary geochemistry and paleoenvironments project phase 2 data release: An open data resource for the study of Earth's environmental history - Úna C. Farrell; Hunter C. Olson; Maya O. Thompson; Michelle L. Abshire; Oyeleye O. Adeboye; Anne-Sofie C. Ahm; Lewis J. Alcott; Thomas J. Algeo; Ross P. Anderson; Arif H. Ansari; Lucas Pinto Heckert Bastos; Kohen W. Bauer; et al. (Chemical Geology, 2026)

Computational Modeling of Flow in an in Vitro Cerebrovascular Model Under Pulsatile Conditions with Experimental Validation - Boyang Su; Brent A. Craven; Cody J. Kubicki; Daniel Khalil; Scott D. Simon; Keefe B. Manning (Cardiovascular Engineering and Technology, 2026)
Purpose Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) has been widely used to understand various cardiovascular diseases such as acute ischemic stroke (AIS), which occurs when a blood clot lodges in the cerebrovasculature and obstructs blood flow that may lead to brain damage or death. Compared with medical imaging, CFD can predict hemodynamics and clot migration, which are crucial in better understanding the biomechanics of AIS. To rely on computational modeling, however, the simulations need to be validated by comparing with experiments Methods In this study, we develop an in vitro experimental model of pulsatile flow in the aorta and cerebrovasculature. The model was filled with a blood analog fluid and pulsatile flow was driven by a piston pump to generate realistic physiological flow conditions. Experimental measurements of the time-varying pressure and flow rate were acquired and are used to validate corresponding CFD simulations Results CFD predictions of the time-averaged pressure at the outlets are shown to be within 8% of the experimental measurements, while the time-averaged flow rate is within 1%. Conclusions This work demonstrates a promising capability for modeling embolus migration and lodging in the brain. Future work will validate simulations of clot migration that may be used to better understand AIS biomechanics and treatment options.

Crop rotation phase has a greater impact on soil biology than crop rotation diversity - Marijke Struijk; Erika Degani; Samuel G. Leigh; Emma Bowen; Sion Thomas; Simon R. Mortimer; Andrew P. Whitmore; Frank Ashwood; Suzanne J. Clark; Tom Sizmur (Agriculture, Ecosystems & Environment, 2026)

Agronomic phosphorus fertiliser value of animal manures is comparable to monoammonium phosphate for wheat production - Maryam Barati; Timothy I. McLaren; Chelsea Janke; Simon Diffey; Michael J. Reading; Abraham Gibson; Terry J. Rose (Agriculture, Ecosystems & Environment, 2026)

High precision in age predictions derived from multivariate ensemble analyses of otolith biometry for a long-lived deepwater snapper - Corey B. Wakefield; Luke Loudon; Euan S. Harvey; Simon J. Nicol; Ashley J. Williams; Stephen J. Newman (Fisheries Research, 2026)

Assessing the intensity of Late Quaternary humid phases in the Nefud Desert, northern Arabia - Richard Clark‐Wilson; Simon J. Armitage; Ian Candy; Paul S. Breeze; Nick A. Drake; Huw S. Groucutt; Abdullah M. Alsharekh; Faisal Al‐Jibreen; Michael D. Petraglia; David B. Ryves (Journal of Quaternary Science, 2026)
The climate history of the major dryland zones of the world, such as the Saharo–Arabian Desert belt, plays a key role in the dispersal of early humans through these intermittently inhospitable regions. Here, we assess the relative intensity of Late Quaternary humid phases in northern Arabia through lithological, geochemical, palaeoecological and geochronological analysis of three sediment sequences in the Nefud Desert. Two sequences are marl beds that accumulated in perennial, groundwater‐fed lake systems during two distinct humid phases that occurred in MIS 5e and MIS 5a. The third records sediment accumulation within an ephemeral lake system during the terminal Pleistocene/early Holocene. The altitude of the two MIS 5 deposits indicates that the water table must have reached altitudes of >929 m ASL (MIS 5e) and >922 m ASL (MIS 5a). In contrast, the sedimentary characteristics of the early Holocene sequence imply that, during this interval, the water table was

Changes in Key Biodiversity Area networks following national comprehensive assessments - Andrew J. Plumptre; Zoltan Waliczky; Daniele Baisero; Olivia Crowe; Jeannot Kivono; Cecilia Tobar; Maria Gabriela Toscano; Natalia Boulad; Hugo Costa; Camila Davila; Sophie Dirou; Eleuterio Duarte; et al. (Conservation Biology, 2026)
Key Biodiversity Areas (KBAs) are sites of significance for the global persistence of biodiversity. Based on the Global Standard for the Identification of Key Biodiversity Areas (KBA Standard), published in 2016, sites are currently being assessed for KBA designation in a growing number of countries across the world. For these assessments, the KBA criteria are applied to all species and ecosystems with available data. We reviewed the first comprehensive assessments of 11 countries and compared the KBA network before and after assessments. The mean (SD) number of KBAs per country increased by 69.6% (102.1), and the mean total extent of KBAs per country increased by 164.2% (150.7). More than half of the KBAs in 2024 had >50% of their area outside the 2019 KBAs, indicating a substantial increase in KBA extent (54.0% [18.8] of KBAs). The mean proportion of each KBA covered by protected or conserved areas decreased from 56.2% (20.2) to 44.5% (15.5), owing to the incorporation of unprotected sites in the KBA network. On average, 41.1% (14.0) of sites in each country (mean 44.5 [46.4] sites per country) and 47.2% (20.5) of new KBA area after the assessment were completely unprotected, indicating that many of the new sites were not recognized in national protected area networks as significant for biodiversity before the assessment. Making a comprehensive assessment of KBAs increased the combined coverage of protected and conserved area networks from 25.4% (10.6) to 32.0% (13.1) in each country and thus contributed to reducing biodiversity loss. Therefore, comprehensive assessments of KBAs led to a substantially increased number and extent of recognized sites of importance for biodiversity published in the World Database of KBAs. Where such assessments have not been made, many important areas for biodiversity may be overlooked. We therefore encourage other nations to update their KBA networks to inform efforts to meet the goals and targets of the Kunming–Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework.

Vulnerability of marine megafauna to global at‐sea anthropogenic threats - Michelle VanCompernolle; Juliet Morris; Hannah J. Calich; Jorge P. Rodríguez; Sarah A. Marley; Jessica R. Pearce; Briana Abrahms; Katya Abrantes; André S. Afonso; Alex Aguilar; Andrews Agyekumhene; Tomonari Akamatsu; et al. (Conservation Biology, 2026)
Marine megafauna species are affected by a wide range of anthropogenic threats. To evaluate the risk of such threats, species’ vulnerability to each threat must first be determined. We build on the existing threats classification scheme and ranking system of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List of Threatened Species by assessing the vulnerability of 256 marine megafauna species to 23 at‐sea threats. The threats we considered included individual fishing gear types, climate‐change‐related subthreats not previously assessed, and threats associated with coastal impacts and maritime disturbances. Our ratings resulted in 70 species having high vulnerability ( v > 0.778 out of 1) to at least 1 threat, primarily drifting longlines, temperature extremes, or fixed gear. These 3 threats were also considered to have the most severe effects (i.e., steepest population declines). Overall, temperature extremes and plastics and other solid waste were rated as affecting the largest proportion of populations. Penguins, pinnipeds, and polar bears had the highest vulnerability to temperature extremes. Bony fishes had the highest vulnerability to drifting longlines and plastics and other solid waste; pelagic cetaceans to 4 maritime disturbance threats; elasmobranchs to 5 fishing threats; and flying birds to drifting longlines and 2 maritime disturbance threats. Sirenians and turtles had the highest vulnerability to at least one threat from all 4 categories. Despite not necessarily having severe effects for most taxonomic groups, temperature extremes were rated among the top threats for all taxa except bony fishes. The vulnerability scores we provide are an important first step in estimating the risk of threats to marine megafauna. Importantly, they help differentiate scope from severity, which is key to identifying threats that should be prioritized for mitigation.

Knockdown of the fly spliceosome component Rbp1 (orthologue of SRSF1) extends lifespan - Dan J. Hayman; Mirre J. P. Simons (GeroScience, 2026)
Biological regulation is an intricate process involving many layers of complexity, including at the RNA level. Alternative splicing is crucial in the regulation of which components of a protein-coding gene are spliced into a translatable mRNA. During ageing, splicing becomes dysregulated, and alternative splicing is implicated in disease and known anti-ageing treatments such as dietary restriction (DR) and mTOR suppression. In prior work, we have shown that DR and mTOR suppression modulate the expression of the spliceosome in the fly ( Drosophila melanogaster ). Here, we manipulated the five top genes that change in expression in both these treatments. We found that knockdown (using conditional in vivo RNAi in adults) of some spliceosome components rapidly induces mortality, whereas one, Rbp1 , extends lifespan. Treatments that have more instant benefits on longevity are more translatable. We therefore subsequently repeated the Rbp1 experiment but initiated Rbp1 knockdown at later stages in adult life. We find that irrespective of the age of induction, knockdown of Rbp1 extends lifespan. Our results posit the spliceosome itself as a hub of regulation that when targeted can extend lifespan, rendering it a promising target for geroscience.

Linking persistent open-vent activity and caldera-forming eruptions at Tofua volcano, Tonga - Chris W. Firth; Shane J. Cronin; John T. Caulfield; Simon P. Turner; Adinda Peyra; James B. Garvin; Taaniela Kula; Annahlise Hall (Bulletin of Volcanology, 2026)
Tofua volcano (Tonga) currently exhibits persistent, open-vent activity; however, this contrasts with previous explosive, caldera-forming eruptions. To understand the relationship between these dichotomous eruption styles, we present new field observations and satellite remote sensing data that reveal excess degassing of SO 2 and demonstrate significant magma accumulation over timescales of centuries. Current activity takes the form of open-vent behaviour, with a small, active lava lake and persistent gas and heat emissions. Heat flux, determined by the Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer, averages 6.9 MW and has been both persistent over 24 years and consistent in magnitude. SO 2 flux measured by in situ UV spectrometry in October 2022 averaged 8.1 kg/s. Satellite and aerial imagery reveal no change to the volcano’s morphology and negligible eruption of lava since at least 1968. Patchy historical reports suggest activity like this has continued for 200 years or more. The observed gas flux requires magma supply rates of 6.1 × 10 4 m 3 /day. These are clearly not matched by eruption rates, implying an excess degassing process with magma accumulating rapidly beneath the volcano. The history of this volcano suggests that such accumulated magma may be tapped on intervals as short as ~ 450 years to produce large-volume (5–10 km 3 ), caldera-forming eruptions. This is consistent with tephra records which show that two or possibly three large caldera-forming eruptions have occurred in the last 1.3 ka. This process is corroborated by 226 Ra isotope evidence, which shows that caldera-forming ignimbrites tapped magmas that were stored for 1–2 kyr longer than those feeding post-caldera lavas.

An initial map of European intertidal seagrass - Bede Ffinian Rowe Davies; Simon Oiry; Mar Roca; Philippe Rosa; Maria Laura Zoffoli; Dimitris Poursanidis; Tobias Dolch; Bárbara Ondiviela; Cristina Galván; Ana C. Brito; Richard J. Lilley; Laura L. Govers; et al. (Remote Sensing of Environment, 2026)

deadtrees.earth — An open-access and interactive database for centimeter-scale aerial imagery to uncover global tree mortality dynamics - Clemens Mosig; Janusch Vajna-Jehle; Miguel D. Mahecha; Yan Cheng; Henrik Hartmann; David Montero; Samuli Junttila; Stéphanie Horion; Mirela Beloiu Schwenke; Michael J. Koontz; Khairul Nizam Abdul Maulud; Stephen Adu-Bredu; et al. (Remote Sensing of Environment, 2026)

Synergistic ethyl formate and carbon dioxide fumigation for quarantine disinfestation of Pseudococcus jackbeardsleyi and quality preservation in pineapple - Changyao Shan; Li Li; Baishu Li; Lingling Gao; Bob Du; Simon J. McKirdy; Tao Liu (Postharvest Biology and Technology, 2026)

Polyethyleneimine-modified mesoporous silica nanoparticles loaded with methoprene increased the insecticidal efficacy against Tribolium castaneum - Shiyuan Miao; Suisui Wang; Kaiwei Wang; Yonglin Ren; Simon J. McKirdy; Yujie Lu (Pesticide Biochemistry and Physiology, 2026)

From spontaneous apple fermentations to Calvados: Insights into its aromatic complexity - B. Misery; P. Legendre; J.-P. Simon; V. Bouchart; H. Guichard; A. Sesboue; J.-M. Laplace; M. Cretenet (International Journal of Food Microbiology, 2026)

Phthalates, bisphenols, and childhood allergic Phenotypes: Findings from two birth cohort studies - Thomas Boissiere-O'Neill; Nina Lazarevic; Anne-Louise Ponsonby; Peter D. Sly; Aimin Chen; Tamara L. Blake; Jeffrey R. Brook; Cassidy Du Berry; Louise King; Piushkumar J. Mandhane; Theo J. Moraes; Elinor Simons; et al. (Environmental Pollution, 2026)

Guidelines for producing integrated 210Pb and 14C age-models - Joan-Albert Sanchez-Cabeza; Marco A. Aquino-López; Maarten Blaauw; Ana Carolina Ruiz-Fernández; Johanna L.J. Jupin; Lysanna Anderson; Clarke A. Knight; Marie Rhondelle Champagne; Nicole K. Sanderson; Simon Goring; J. Andrés Christen (Earth-Science Reviews, 2026)

Compassionate conservation practice: supporting diverse conservation actions but context matters - Adam P.A. Cardilini; Liv Baker; William S. Lynn; William T. Borrie; Shelley M. Alexander; Dror Ben-Ami; Simon Coghlan; Tristan Derham; Oded Keynan; Barbara J. King; Christine M. Reed; Erin A. Ryan; et al. (Biological Conservation, 2026)

Correction to: Granulopoietic Dysregulation in a Patient-Tailored Mouse Model of Barth Syndrome - Elizabeth A. Sierra Potchanant; Maegan L. Capitano; Donna M. Edwards; Baskar Ramdas; Scott Cooper; James Ropa; S. Louise Pay; Aditya Sheth; Paige L. Snider; Hilary J. Vernon; Ngoc-Tung Tran; Reuben Kapur; et al. (Stem Cell Reviews and Reports, 2026)

Access to agricultural lands influences the effects of seasonal drought on early growth and juvenile body mass in a large herbivore - Noa Rigoudy; Nicolas Morellet; Arnaud Bonnet; Nicolas Cebe; Simon Chamaillé-Jammes; Yannick Chaval; Jean-Michel Gaillard; Bruno Lourtet; Joël Merlet; Jean-Luc Rames; A. J. Mark Hewison (Oecologia, 2026)

Basking sharks (Cetorhinus maximus) in the Northeast Atlantic show high occurrence of parasitism by sea lamprey (Petromyzon marinus) - Fiona S. A. Bracken; Zenia Sherman; Emmett M. Johnston; Nick J. Pfeiffer; Nick Massett; Ken M. O’Sullivan; Shane Wasik; Simon D. Berrow; Mary Kelly-Quinn; Jens Carlsson (Hydrobiologia, 2026)
Sea lamprey ( Petromyzon marinus ) are anadromous fish that spend one to two years as haematophagous ectoparasites in marine environments. This study provides the first quantitative insight into their feeding phase, which remains poorly understood. We investigate the occurrence of P. marinus feeding on basking sharks ( Cetorhinus maximus ) in the Northeast Atlantic. Between 2011 and 2020, 775 records of basking sharks were collected via video, photographs and written observations. After quality control, 434 records were analysed. Of these, 41.8% showed lampreys attached. The number of lampreys per shark ranged from one to eight, with an average of 1.9 (± 1.4 SD). Lampreys were significantly more likely to attach to the ventral surface, although attachment site was not linked to shark sex. We discuss mechanisms of attachment, as well as the role of shark migratory behaviour and olfactory cues from coastal aggregations that may increase opportunities for P. marinus to attach. This study provides the first evidence of a significant ecological association between the two species, suggesting C. maximus may be a preferred or more accessible host. These findings offer new insight into lamprey ecology and may inform understanding of how this species could respond to future environmental change.

A method to identify positive tipping points to accelerate low-carbon transitions and actions to trigger them - Timothy M. Lenton; Thomas W. R. Powell; Steven R. Smith; Frank W. Geels; Floor Alkemade; Martina Ayoub; Pete Barbrook-Johnson; Scarlett Benson; Fenna Blomsma; Chris A. Boulton; Joshua E. Buxton; Sara M. Constantino; et al. (Sustainability Science, 2026)
Meeting the Paris Agreement to limit global warming to “well below 2 °C” requires a radical acceleration of action, as the global economy is decarbonising at least five times too slowly. Tipping points, where low-carbon transitions become self-propelling, could be key to achieving the necessary acceleration. We deem these normatively ‘positive’, because they can limit considerable, inequitable harms from global warming and help achieve sustainability. Some positive tipping points, such as the UK’s elimination of coal power, have already been reached at national and sectoral scales. The challenge now is to credibly identify further potential positive tipping points, and the actions that can bring them forward, whilst avoiding wishful thinking about their existence, or oversimplification of their nature, drivers, and impacts. Hence, we propose a methodology for identifying potential positive tipping points, assessing their proximity, identifying the factors that can influence them, and the actions that can trigger them. Building on relevant research, this ‘identifying positive tipping points’ (IPTiP) methodology aims to establish a common framework that we invite fellow researchers to help refine, and practitioners to apply. To that end, we offer suggestions for further work to improve it and make it more applicable.

Circular food systems in Kenya: Exploring the role of livestock - Dagmar J.M. Braamhaar; Benjamin van Selm; Jan van der Lee; Simon J. Oosting (Agricultural Systems, 2026)

Spaceborne estimates of canopy temperature and soil moisture predict daily and annual subalpine tree growth - Eli W. Estey; Jan U.H. Eitel; Lee A. Vierling; Grace L. Peven; Kerry A. Cawse-Nicholson; Simon J. Hook; Kevin L. Griffin (Agricultural and Forest Meteorology, 2026)

Changes to virus taxonomy, the international code of virus classification and nomenclature, and the ICTV statutes ratified by the International Committee on Taxonomy of Viruses (2025) - Peter Simmonds; Evelien M. Adriaenssens; Elliot J. Lefkowitz; Hanna M. Oksanen; Francisco Murilo Zerbini; Poliane Alfenas-Zerbini; Frank O. Aylward; Donald M. Dempsey; Juliana Freitas-Astúa; R. Curtis Hendrickson; Holly R. Hughes; Mart Krupovic; et al. (Archives of Virology, 2026)
The 56th meeting of the Executive Committee (EC) of the International Committee on Taxonomy of Viruses (ICTV) was held in Bari, Italy, in July/August, 2024, and 115 submitted taxonomy proposals were reviewed. A total of 112 were subsequently ratified by the ICTV membership. An additional 9 error correction proposals were also approved in August 2025. This article lists the taxonomy proposals that have now been incorporated into release 40 version v2 of the Master Species List ( https://ictv.global/msl ), the Virus Metadata Resource ( https://ictv.global/vmr ), and associated ICTV databases. In addition to the assignments of 1,563 new virus species, 243genera, 55 families, 11 orders, and 8 classes, there were substantial additions to higher taxonomic ranks. These include the creation of a new realm ( Singelaviria ), which is based on the recognition of a separate evolutionary origin for the hallmark capsid genes of members of the kingdom Helvetiavirae. These express capsid proteins forming a single jelly-roll fold that is structurally and evolutionarily distinct from those of members of the family Bamfordvirae , assigned to the realm Varidnaviria . Furthermore, the realm Varidnaviria underwent a major reorganization, including the addition of a new kingdom, Abadenavirae . Another notable change was the classification of the vertebrate-infecting single-stranded DNA anellovirids into a new phylum Commensaviricota (kingdom Shotokuvirae , realm Monodnaviria ). Archaeal viruses infecting the hyperthermophilic Archaeoglobi were assigned to a new phylum Calorviricota , in the kingdom Trapavirae (realm Monodnaviria ), whereas RNA viruses infecting hyperthermophilic bacteria were classified into a new phylum Artimaviricota (realm Riboviria ). In recognition of his extensive and valuable contributions to virus taxonomic developments in Study Groups and over the period of his EC membership, Stuart Siddell was honoured as a new life member of the ICTV. The ICTV has created a new strategy for disseminating information on taxonomy advances through annual open-access publication of citeable taxonomy proposal summaries from each ICTV Subcommittee. A collective total of 354 co-authors of the seven summaries were drawn from members of each Subcommittee, the EC, and a very large number of contributors from the wider virology community.

Strong Variation in Land‐Use Change Impacts on Tropical Avian Phylogenetic Diversity Between Ecoregions Highlights the Need to Sample Large Spatial Scales - Giovanny Pérez; Simon C. Mills; Jacob B. Socolar; Jose M. Ochoa Quintero; Robert P. Freckleton; Torbjørn Haugaasen; James J. Gilroy; David P. Edwards (Global Change Biology, 2026)
Forest conversion for agriculture is a major cause of tropical biodiversity loss, but its impacts vary with spatial scale. Higher species turnover in forests than in farmland means that land‐use change causes greater biodiversity loss at broader than at local scales, yet broad‐scale assessments are scarce. Phylogenetic diversity is increasingly prioritised in conservation to protect evolutionary history under global change, yet how deforestation‐driven changes in phylogenetic diversity scale spatially and accumulate in regions of high species turnover remains unclear. We compiled a large field database from across 13 biogeographically diverse regions affected by deforestation for cattle farming, covering most of Colombia, a megadiverse tropical country. Using occupancy models, we estimated bird communities for 1547 (936 observed plus 611 never‐observed) species across ecoregions and nationally in both forest and pasture habitats to quantify changes in phylogenetic diversity metrics and determine whether these impacts are dependent on spatial scale. We found an average loss of 2300 Myr of phylogenetic diversity at the country scale, with most species negatively affected across the phylogeny. Although single regional‐scale relative loss was on average comparable to broader scales, there was high variability between regional units. The latter was especially critical when evaluating metrics of evolutionary distinctiveness, which are key indicators for biodiversity conservation planning. Such underestimation of national‐scale impacts highlights the importance of sampling across multiple regions. Immediate conservation action is needed to safeguard evolutionarily unique species and prevent phylogenetic homogenisation driven by agricultural expansion across spatial scales—a threat often underestimated due to assessments limited to single biogeographic regions.

Genetic Differences in Plasticity Across Environmental Scales Determine Fitness Along an Ecological Gradient - Greg M. Walter; Giuseppe Emma; Delia Terranova; James Clark; Salvatore Cozzolino; Simon J. Hiscock; Antonia Cristaudo; Jon Bridle (Ecology Letters, 2026)
When populations suffer reduced fitness in novel environments, genotypes that better adjust their phenotype to cope with environmental change can aid persistence by reducing the severity of fitness declines. However, we know little about how plastic changes in phenotype allow different genotypes to track environmental variation across ecological gradients, particularly as environments become novel. We transplanted clones of 19 genotypes of a Sicilian daisy, Senecio chrysanthemifolius , at four elevations on Mt. Etna. We assessed fitness within native and novel elevations, and quantified leaf plasticity across and within elevations. Genotypes with higher fitness at novel elevations showed lower variance in fitness, lower plasticity across elevations, but higher plasticity within elevations compared to those with higher fitness in the native range. Our results suggest there are genotypes hidden in populations whose plasticity better tracks novel environmental variation at multiple ecological scales. Such genotypes will be crucial for population persistence under rapid environmental change.

Food limitation erodes the thermal tolerance of larvae in an ecologically influential marine herbivore - Maya J. Munstermann; Sam E. Karelitz; Rachele Ferraro; Laura Rogers‐Bennett; Rachel D. Simons; Daniel K. Okamoto (Ecology, 2026)
Biologists often use organismal thermal tolerance to help explain or forecast responses of populations to climate change. Yet many studies quantify thermal tolerance under isolated laboratory conditions despite extreme events, such as heatwaves, often coinciding with other stressors such as nutrient or food limitation. These oversights may be consequential as recent theory suggests thermal tolerance itself can be fundamentally altered by food limitation. Here, we experimentally test how food limitation (500–10,000 cells mL −1 ) affects long‐term survival, development, and growth across a present‐day range of temperatures (10–20°C) in the most sensitive life stages of an important marine herbivore, purple sea urchins ( Strongylocentrotus purpuratus ). We show food limitation substantially erodes thermal tolerance in terms of survival, but when provided ample food, larvae exhibited robust survival across temperatures currently experienced by larvae in nature. Reductions in food however lowered optimal survival temperatures and shifted survival thresholds to those conditions observed during recent marine heatwaves. These results are consistent with the “metabolic meltdown” hypothesis—shifting optima and upper limits to cooler temperatures—and illustrate how present‐day warming coupled with lower productivity may lead to substantial, unexpected declines in larval survival and recruitment. In contrast to survival, developmental rates and time to metamorphic competency, which ranged from 21 to 61 days, were driven largely by temperature with little impact of food concentration. Our findings relate to historical observations of declines in larval supply at the southern edge of the species range. Overall, these results have broad‐reaching implications beyond sea urchin populations as sea urchin herbivory is known to control productivity of kelp forest communities. We provide evidence of how laboratory derived thermal reaction norms can be coupled with ecologically relevant food concentrations to inform unexpected vital rate declines of sensitive life stages in a changing climate.

Embracing Holistic Formulation Strategies to Maximise Positive Outcomes in Aquaculture Nutrition - Artur N. Rombenso; Brett D. Glencross; Kyla Zatti; Helen Ann Hamilton; Luiz H. David; Ha H. Truong; Cedric J. Simon (Reviews in Aquaculture, 2026)

Longitudinal effects of cerebrovascular reactivity and cerebral pulsatility in cognitively intact older adults with APOE4: links with cognition - Zacharie Potvin-Jutras; Pierre-Luc Tremblay; Hanieh Mohammadi; Sylvia Villeneuve; R. Nathan Spreng; Claudine J. Gauthier; Sylvia Villeneuve; Judes Poirier; John C.S. Breitner; Jennifer Tremblay-Mercier; Jordana Remz; Jean-Michel Raoult; et al. (GeroScience, 2025)

Recycling of ash particles during highly explosive eruptions: multiple glass populations in the 1.8 ka Taupō tephra - Simon J. Barker; Stephen B. Piva; Colin J. N. Wilson; David J. Lowe; Bruce L. A. Charlier; Alan R. Orpin (Bulletin of Volcanology, 2025)

Intervertebral disc degeneration is accelerated by GH overexpression but attenuated by GH antagonism - Abhijit Sukul; Siqi Ren; Anna E. Miller; Huanhuan Liu; Olanrewaju Akande; Simon Y. Tang; Patrick O’Connor; John J. Kopchick; Shouan Zhu (GeroScience, 2025)
Background Intervertebral disc degeneration (IVDD) is a leading contributor to lower back pain, yet its underlying mechanisms remain poorly defined. While insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) has been implicated in disc homeostasis, the specific contributions of growth hormone (GH)—a key upstream regulator of IGF-1 that also acts and independently influences skeletal tissues—have not been thoroughly investigated in the context of IVDD. Methods We utilized transgenic mouse models with altered GH signaling, including bovine GH (bGH)-expressing and GH receptor antagonist (GHA) mice, to investigate how GH excess or GH antagonism influences disc structure, degeneration, and to identify potential molecular pathways involved in disc maintenance and degradation. Disc histology was evaluated using Safranin-O/Fast Green staining and quantitative scoring across the nucleus pulposus (NP), annulus fibrosus (AF), and endplate (EP) compartments. Bulk RNA sequencing was conducted on intervertebral discs harvested from 12-month-old bovine GH-overexpressing (bGH) and wild-type (WT) mice to identify transcriptional changes associated with GH overexpression. Results bGH mice developed visible IVDD as early as 3 months of age, with degenerative features across all disc compartments. At 15 months, bGH males exhibited more severe degeneration than females, including greater proteoglycan loss, disc height reduction, and fibrotic remodeling. In contrast, 2-year-old GHA mice were protected from age-related disc degeneration, maintaining disc integrity and low histological scores. Transcriptomic analysis revealed sex-specific upregulation of inflammatory and catabolic pathways in bGH discs, including TNF, IL-17, and NOD-like receptor signaling, alongside downregulation of anabolic and ECM maintenance pathways such as PI3K-Akt and mTOR. Notably, these effects were more pronounced in males than females. Conclusion Abundance of GH accelerates IVDD through sex-dependent activation of inflammatory and matrix-degrading pathways, while GH antagonism confers protection against age associated disc degeneration. These findings identify GH as a critical regulator of disc homeostasis and a potential therapeutic target for mitigating IVDD and associated low back pain. Graphical Abstract

Two contrasting swamp forest succession pathways in central Congo Basin peatlands - Donna Hawthorne; Ian T. Lawson; Greta C. Dargie; Nicholas T. Girkin; Bart Crezee; William Hiles; George E. Biddulph; Yannick E. Bocko; Arnoud Boom; Corneille E.N. Ewango; Yannick Garcin; Pauline Gulliver; et al. (Quaternary Science Reviews, 2025)

Fracture analysis of the lithium-bearing Cligga Head granite: Impacts on critical mineral mobilisation and fluid flow - Andrew J.M. Evans; Natalie J.C. Farrell; David A. Neave; Margaret E. Hartley; David Healy; John P. Waters; Tara R. McElhinney; Joshua J. Shea; Nico Bigaroni; Simon A. Hunt (Journal of Structural Geology, 2025)

Sorbic acid resistance and metabolism of Brettanomyces bruxellensis in the spoilage of low sugar soft drinks - Harry J. Harvey; Kamil J. Szepe; Alex C. Hendry; David B. Archer; Simon V. Avery (International Journal of Food Microbiology, 2025)

Multi-temporal DEMs used to quantify the geomorphological impact of a late 20th century glacier re-advance at Schwarzberggletscher, Switzerland - Toby N. Tonkin; Nicholas G. Midgley; Simon J. Cook (Geomorphology, 2025)

Elevation controls bacterial branched GDGT-based temperature proxies: A regional to global perspective - Biswajit Roy; Rasmus Thiede; Sibin Simon; Anurag Kumar; Saisiddhant Moharana; Saptarshi Dey; Felix J. Elling (Global and Planetary Change, 2025)

Halogenated persistent organic pollutants in selected processed small fish species from Ghana - L. Uhr; J. Pucher; A. Atter; A. Jahnke; A. Jährmann; M. Kjellevold; K. Simon; L. Wessels; M. Yamamoto; A. Lüth (Food Chemistry, 2025)

Combined effects of application-specific plastic composition and environmental conditions on algal pigments and microbial activity of freshwater biofilms - Camille M. Touchet; Florian Mermillod-Blondin; Sylvain Dolédec; Zoraida J. Quiñones-Rivera; Ludovic Guillard; Laurence Volatier; Félix Vallier; Marjolaine Rey; Stefan Krause; Laurent Simon (Environmental Pollution, 2025)

Integrated valuation of instrumental and relational values of marine protected areas in the United Arab Emirates - Jasper O. Kenter; Simon J. Pittman; Marina Antonopoulou; Balagopal Menon; Kostantinos A. Stamoulis; Maitha M. Al Hameli; Daniel Mateos-Molina (Ecosystem Services, 2025)

Efficient synthetic natural gas production from direct air capture using titania-based dual function materials - Mathew J. Rasmussen; Sawyer Halingstad; Nathan C. Ellebracht; Melinda L. Jue; Alex Hill; Matthew M. Yung; Simon H. Pang (Chemical Engineering Journal, 2025)

Food over features: supplementary feeding has the strongest influence on hedgehog (Erinaceus europaeus) occupancy in urban gardens - Kelly Hitchcock; Simon Tollington; Hannah Khwaja; Leah J. Williams; Kat Hamill; Richard W. Yarnell (Urban Ecosystems, 2025)
Private residential gardens provide habitats for many species of conservation concern, and often particular garden features are promoted to benefit biodiversity or particular faunal groups and species. However, quantifying and evidencing the benefits of garden features to particular species is challenging because the density and distribution of any feature varies between and within gardens and across wider urban landscapes. Here we present findings from a citizen science project that gathered information from 415 gardens across the City of Chester in the UK, to identify which garden features were related to garden use by Western European hedgehogs ( Erinaceus europaeus ) which is a species of conservation concern across Europe. Anthropogenic supplementary food was the only significant predictor of hedgehog occupancy, with 77.5% (95% CI: 68.8%, 84.3%) of gardens where food was supplied being used, compared to 49.9% (95% CI: 43.8%, 56.0%) in gardens without. Our findings show that no garden features were influential in predicting hedgehog occupancy. This included those features considered “wildlife-friendly” and promoted by conservation charities as being beneficial, such as log piles and bug hotels, illustrating the over-riding effects of supplementary food provisioning influencing garden use by hedgehogs.

Evaluation of lactoferrin administration as an antibiotic alternative growth promoter: impacts on rabbit’s growth, meat quality, blood biochemical parameters, immune status, antioxidant status, and tissue histology - Tharwat A. Imbabi; Shimaa A. Amer; Eman H. Halawa; Islam I. Sabeq; Abdel-Wahab A. Abdel-Warith; Elsayed M. Younis; Shimaa N. Edris; Simon J. Davies; Lamiaa M. El-Maghraby; Abdalla El-Hadary; Ebrahim Elkhtab; Mohamed H. Abdel Aal; et al. (Tropical Animal Health and Production, 2025)

The impacts of novel lyophilized milk fermented with potential probiotic Lactobacillus sp. on the physiological indicators, meat characteristics, blood parameters, and gene expression in weaned rabbits - Ebrahim Elkhtab; Ali Osman; Rania M. Y. Heakel; Elsayed M. Younis; Abdel-Wahab A. Abdel-Warith; Ahmed A. Aly; Mohamed H. Abdel Aal; Islam Sabeq; Shimaa A. Amer; Simon J. Davies; Tharwat A. Imbabi (Tropical Animal Health and Production, 2025)

Relocation of 3 April 2017 Moiyabana Earthquake in Botswana Using Seismological Data from Local Network of Autonomously Recording Seismographs and International Monitoring System Stations - Rapelang E. Simon; J. G. King; L. C. Moffat; M. D. Moidaki; M. T. O. Kwadiba; K. G. Jackson; O. Ntibinyane; R. T. Ranganai (Pure and Applied Geophysics, 2025)
On the 3rd April 2017 a widely felt Moiyabana earthquake shook Botswana and the rest of southern Africa. Previous Moiyabana earthquake locations used mainly teleseismic or regional seismograms; and/or non-seismic methods which include Synthetic Aperture Radar (InSAR), and magnetotelluric (MT). These results did not agree, as evidenced by the depth of the earthquake that ranged from zero to 30 km (i.e. indicating either a man-made event or a natural event); thus motivating us to re-assess the location parameters. Unfiltered seismic waveform data from the recent project of the Network of Autonomously Recording Seismographs (NARS) in Botswana was complimented with stations from the International Monitoring System (IMS) to relocate the event. Relocated parameters are origin time, epicentre, focal depth, and magnitude. Geotool software from the Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty Organization (CTBTO), and the Regional Seismic Travel Time model (RSTT) were used to process vertical components waveforms from 9 NARS and 32 IMS stations. Geotool results are: earthquake epicentre (22.645 °S: 25.220 °E); origin time of 17:40:16.9 (UTC); hypocentral depth range of 22 to 24 km; body magnitude (mb) and local magnitude (ml) of 6.3 ± 0.6 and 6.0 ± 0.8, respectively. RSTT results are: earthquake epicentre (22.667 °S: 25.257 °E); origin time of 17:40:16.95 (UTC); hypocentral depth of 25 km; and mb of 6.65 ± 0.03. The seismological location parameters from Geotool and RSTT, agree very well within experimental uncertainties with the non-seismic geophysical methods.

New chlorophylls designed by theoretical spectroscopy and machine learning - Fabian Weber; Simon Petry; Dennis J. Nürnberg; Jan P. Götze (Photosynthesis Research, 2025)
The main pigment for oxygenic photosynthesis, chlorophyll (Chl) a , is structurally related to several other Chl variants, naturally occurring mostly with mono-oxidized substitutions. These include Chl b , Chl d and Chl f and divinyl chlorophylls (DVChls) a and b . In this contribution, we computationally explore an expanded set of over 250,000 Chl variants, looking for potentially interesting targets for synthetic biology. We focus on optical properties, employing a machine learning (ML) approach and subsequently verifying the corresponding predictions using time-dependent density functional theory (TD-DFT) and multireference DFT (DFT/MRCI). We find that (i) Chl f is the best monosubstituted red-shifted Chl, as no other Chl in our set exceeds Chl f in terms of both red shift and absorption intensity, (ii) Chl b is not the best Chl to harvest photons from the green region of the optical spectrum, as several other Chls with the same or better green absorbance were identified (most notably DVChl b ) and (iii) the T 1 energy of Chls can be slightly adapted. The latter would enable experiments to determine whether it is beneficial having the T 1 transition energy located between the two lowest O 2 singlet state transitions, as it is found for Chl a . This might be a prerequisite for stable, efficient oxygen generation. Our ML approach thus provides a comprehensive overview on an extensive subset of potential Chl modifications that could be used for tuning oxygenic photosynthesis, if suitable synthesis pathways can be found.

Community structure and microhabitat associations of cryptobenthic reef fishes in Veracruz, Mexico - Mariana Rivera-Higueras; Christopher R. Hemingson; Aurora de Monserrat Pouchoulen Alemán; Kyra Jean M. Cipolla; Philip M. Souza; Simon J. Brandl (Coral Reefs, 2025)

Ontogenetic and Geographic Phytochemical Variation in Mimulus moschatus, a Perennial Monkeyflower - Simon G. Innes; Liza M. Holeski; Nicholas J. Kooyers (Journal of Chemical Ecology, 2025)

A novel mutation in FNIP1 associated with a syndromic immunodeficiency and cardiomyopathy - Ilia Spivak; Atar Lev; Amos J. Simon; Ortal Barel; Ido Somekh; Raz Somech (Immunogenetics, 2025)
Genetic variants in Folli culin inte racting protein 1 (FNIP1) were recently discovered as monogenic causes for immunodeficiency and cardiomyopathy, with only a few patients diagnosed thus far. In this study, we describe a patient harboring a novel genetic variant in FNIP1 causing immunodeficiency with cardiac involvement. Clinical and immunological workups were performed. Genetic evaluation utilizing whole-exome sequencing (WES) and Sanger sequencing was conducted. The index patient (subject II-4) presented with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, recurrent infections, and chronic diarrhea during infancy. Immune workup revealed agammaglobulinemia and a lack of B lymphocytes. Genetic evaluation identified a homozygous 13-bp duplication variant in FNIP1 (c.52_64dupGCGCCCGGCCGCG, p. Asp22GlyfsTer21) resulting in a frameshift in exon 1/18. She was treated with supplemental intravenous immunoglobulins (IVIg) with good control of sinopulmonary and gastrointestinal manifestations. Her sibling (subject II-1) had similar clinical features, along with dysmorphic facial features and hypotony, and succumbed to cardiogenic shock at the age of 2 months, prior to genetic evaluation. Diagnosis of novel immunodeficiencies promotes our understanding of the immune system, enabling genetic counseling as herein, and may assist in the development of novel medical therapies in the future. FNIP1 loss-of-function should be considered in patients presenting in infancy with cardiac manifestations along with agammaglobulinemia (and B-cell lymphopenia).

First dinosaur remains from Serbia: Sauropod and theropod material from the uppermost Cretaceous (Maastrichtian) of Osmakovo - Zoran Marković; Miloš Milivojević; Richard J. Butler; Paul M. Barrett; Simon Wills; Andrew A. van de Weerd; Wilma Wessels; Predrag Radović (Cretaceous Research, 2025)

Suspended sediment properties and visual clarity of the Manawatū River, New Zealand - Rob J. Davies‐Colley; Andrew O. Hughes; Arman Haddadchi; John R. Dymond; Simon S. Vale; Hugh G. Smith (New Zealand Journal of Marine and Freshwater Research, 2025)
Studies of river suspended sediment typically focus on mass loads with little attention devoted to sediment properties such as particle size distribution (PSD) or light attenuation. However, environmental behaviour and ecological effects of suspended sediment vary greatly with particle properties. Visual clarity is a particularly important attribute of waters that is strongly affected by particle properties. We studied the relationship between visual clarity and suspended sediment in the Manawatū River – by combining event auto‐sampling with long‐term state‐of‐environment monitoring. We fractionated stormflow samples into sand and ‘mud’ (silt + clay) by wet‐sieving at 63 μm, and the mud fraction was further analysed for organics, PSD and light beam attenuation (which controls visual clarity). Light beam attenuation correlated very closely with high‐frequency field turbidity – providing an absolute optical calibration. The ratio of light beam attenuation to mass concentration (known as ‘optical cross‐section’) averaged about 0.5 m 2 /g – somewhat higher than expected for silt particles in the measured size range, probably due to plate‐shaped clays. The visual clarity regime, estimated from field turbidity, was consistent with monthly direct observations. Our study illustrates how certain sediment ‘quality’ metrics can usefully extend sediment monitoring applications, and we encourage closer integration of sediment and water quality monitoring.

Bryde's whale ( Balaenoptera edeni ) occurrence and foraging behaviour along the east coast of Australia - Vanessa Pirotta; Daniele Cagnazzi; Brett Dixon; Simon Millar; Jessica Millar; Greg Pickering; Paul A. Butcher; Karen A. Stockin; Katharina J. Peters (New Zealand Journal of Marine and Freshwater Research, 2025)
Despite their global occurrence in warm‐temperate waters and their suspected non‐migratory lifestyle, Bryde's whales ( Balaenoptera edeni spp.) are considered the least‐known large baleen whale species. In Australian waters, information on their distribution, ecology and behaviour is scarce. This study documents Bryde's whale occurrence and foraging behaviours along the Australian East Coast using opportunistic citizen science sightings via drone aerial photography, vessel and land‐based observations. We observed foraging in both shallow (seafloor visible, beach and breaking waves present) and deep waters. We observed a range of foraging behaviours including lunge feeding (exhibited by individual whales and in pairs), sub‐surface and surface skim feeding (shallow waters only) and described multispecies associations. We describe a potentially novel feeding behaviour in shallow waters, where Bryde's whales are feeding directly within or behind the surf break ( shallow water surf feeding ). We quantify the presence of mother‐calf pairs in Australian waters, highlighting the use of these waters for potential calving. This study provides insights into Bryde's whale occurrence and foraging behaviour in both shallow and deep waters of eastern Australia.

The Evolution of Southern Ocean Net Primary Production in a Changing Climate: Challenges and Opportunities - Alessandro Tagliabue; Thomas Ryan‐Keogh; Alex Baker; Thomas S. Bibby; Chris Follett; Maeve C. Lohan; Alberto Naveira‐Garabato; Daniel J. Mayor; Angela Milne; C. Mark Moore; Simon Ussher (Global Change Biology, 2025)
Net primary production in the Southern Ocean plays a critical role in governing ecosystem production, the biological carbon pump, and global biogeochemical cycles. Recent work has advanced our understanding of novel factors regulating Southern Ocean net primary production and the regional physiological adaptations employed by Southern Ocean phytoplankton in terms of their photosynthetic strategies and resource acquisition. Here we assess trends in Southern Ocean net primary production from different remote sensing algorithms and bgc‐Argo floats to compare them to the latest Earth System Models used to forecast future changes under three different future climate scenarios. Overall, remote sensing and bgc‐Argo floats indicate net primary productivity in the Southern Ocean is declining at basin scale. This contrasts with the Earth System Models that display muted contemporary trends and consistent increases in net primary production that are relatively robust across SSP2‐45, SSP3‐70, and SS5‐85. This mismatch in trends suggests low confidence in these projected net primary production changes, with implications for assessments of changes in ecosystem services. Despite their coherence in terms of net primary production trends, Earth System Models show large disagreement in the relative role of different drivers, suggesting we lack sufficient mechanistic understanding. Improved knowledge of the role of manganese alongside iron and the coupled responses of phytoplankton and zooplankton through the integration of observations and experiments into a new generation of models is necessary to deliver confident forecasts of Southern Ocean ecosystem change. Advancing knowledge in these areas is an important priority for future research in the region and provides context for policy discussions around the marine protection of Antarctic ecosystems that depend on sufficiently confident projections of climate change impacts.

Correction to: Effects of neonicotinoids and fipronil on non-target invertebrates - L. W. Pisa; V. Amaral-Rogers; L. P. Belzunces; J. M. Bonmatin; C. A. Downs; D. Goulson; D. P. Kreutzweiser; C. Krupke; M. Liess; M. McField; C. A. Morrissey; D. A. Noome; et al. (Environmental Science and Pollution Research, 2025)

Sclerochronological age synchrony corroborates remarkable lifespan and protracted asymptotic growth for a deepwater snapper (Pristipomoides zonatus) in the Indian and Pacific Oceans - Corey B. Wakefield; Joyce J.L. Ong; Ashley J. Williams; Brett M. Taylor; Allen H. Andrews; Mark Burton; Simon J. Nicol; Stephen J. Newman (Fisheries Research, 2025)

‘Earth system engineers’ and the cumulative impact of organisms in deep time - Simon A.F. Darroch; Michelle M. Casey; Alison T. Cribb; Amanda E. Bates; Matthew E. Clapham; Dori L. Contreras; Matthew Craffey; Ivo A.P. Duijnstee; William Gearty; Nicholas J. Gotelli; Marcus J. Hamilton; Riley F. Hayes; et al. (Trends in Ecology & Evolution, 2025)

Balancing accuracy and feasibility in diurnal temperature modeling: A comparison of data-driven and physical-based models using geostationary satellite observations - Nur Fajar Trihantoro; Karin J. Reinke; Simon D. Jones (Remote Sensing of Environment, 2025)

Composite Wildfire Impact (CWI) rating: Integrating fire intensity and burn severity earth observations - Konstantinos Chatzopoulos-Vouzoglanis; Karin J. Reinke; Mariela Soto-Berelov; Simon D. Jones (Remote Sensing Applications: Society and Environment, 2025)

Otolith-derived chemical chronologies reveal distinct patterns in physiology and environmental life histories of deep-sea snappers - Joseph B. Widdrington; Patrick Reis-Santos; Jed I. Macdonald; Simon J. Nicol; Bronwyn M. Gillanders (Marine Environmental Research, 2025)

Reticulospinal and corticospinal responses in long-term strength-trained and untrained adults - Meghan Tanel; Dawson J. Kidgell; Sakari Vekki; Juha P. Ahtiainen; Gonzalo Gomez-Guerrero; Eeli J. Halonen; Stuart N. Baker; Simon Walker (European Journal of Applied Physiology, 2025)
Purpose Studies investigating neural adaptation to strength training have yet to determine the loci of previously observed improvements in motor pathway function. While transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) studies have typically focused on the corticospinal tract, recent evidence from primates suggests that the subcortical reticulospinal tract may be the primary candidate for adaptation. Methods: Using a cross-sectional comparison, long-term strength-trained athletes ( n = 15, 11M/4F, 32 ± 6 y) and untrained adults ( n = 18, 11M/7F, 32 ± 4 y) underwent a series of neurophysiological tests designed to target corticospinal and reticulospinal functioning based on biceps brachii muscle responses. The StartReact test was used to determine reaction time, rate of torque development, and muscle activity in response to visual (V), visual–auditory (VA, 80 dB), and visual–startle (VS, 120 dB) cues. Reaction times were used to calculate reticulospinal gain ([V–VS]/[V–VA]). Neuro-navigated monophasic TMS to the motor cortex was given during low-force level isometric voluntary contractions (10% of maximum) with both posterior–anterior (100–180% active motor threshold) and anterior–posterior currents (120% active motor threshold). Motor evoked potentials (MEPs) from stimuli given at 120% active motor threshold were compared to startle cue-conditioned responses and anterior–posterior current responses. Results: Untrained adults benefitted more from StartReact (reticulospinal gain, p = 0.003), whereas strength-trained athletes showed greater MEP size at higher stimulation intensities (180% active motor threshold, p = 0.048, 140–180% area-under-the-curve, p = 0.020) and shorter silent period (180% active motor threshold, p = 0.035). Conclusions: Evidence provided here suggests greater cortico-reticulospinal excitability/functioning in long-term strength-trained athletes.

Sex‐Chromosome‐Dependent Ageing in Female Heterogametic Methylomes - Marianthi Tangili; Joanna Sudyka; Fabricio Furni; Per J. Palsbøll; Simon Verhulst (Molecular Ecology, 2025)
Recent research in humans and both model and non‐model animals has shown that DNA methylation (DNAm), an epigenetic modification, is one of the mechanisms underlying the ageing process. DNAm‐based indices predict mortality and provide valuable insights into biological ageing mechanisms. Although sex‐dependent differences in lifespan are ubiquitous and sex chromosomes are thought to play an important role in sex‐specific ageing, they have been largely ignored in epigenetic ageing studies. We characterised the genome‐wide distribution of age‐related CpG (Cytosine‐phosphate‐Guanine) sites from longitudinal samples in two avian species (zebra finch and jackdaw), including for the first time the avian sex chromosomes (Z and the female‐specific, haploid W). In both species, we find a small fraction of the CpG sites to show age‐related changes in DNAm with the majority of them being located on the haploid, female‐specific W chromosome, where DNAm levels predominantly decrease with age. Age‐related CpG sites were over‐represented on the zebra finch but under‐represented on the jackdaw Z chromosome. Our results highlight distinct age‐related changes in sex chromosome DNAm compared to the rest of the genome in two avian species, suggesting this previously understudied feature of sex chromosomes may be instrumental in sex‐dependent ageing. Moreover, studying the DNAm of sex chromosomes might be particularly useful in ageing research, facilitating the identification of shared (sex‐dependent) age‐related pathways and processes between phylogenetically diverse organisms.

Putting Regional Fisheries Management Organisations' Climate Change House in Order - Kamal Azmi; Graham Pilling; Johann Bell; Yi‐Jay Chang; Adele Dutilloy; Timothy H. Frawley; Paul Hamer; John Hampton; Quentin Hanich; Tyla Hill‐Moana; Jhen Hsu; Glenn Hurry; et al. (Fish and Fisheries, 2025)
Climate change is expected to have significant impacts on the biology, abundance and distribution of transboundary fish stocks, not only among neighbouring countries within the jurisdictions of regional fisheries management organisations (RFMOs) but also between adjacent RFMOs. Using South Pacific albacore tuna ( Thunnus alalunga ) as a case study, we highlight how RFMOs need to understand the impacts of climate change on transboundary stocks under their purview with greater certainty. We identify four areas of research that should assist RFMOs to adapt their scientific processes—strengthened understanding of changes in the biology of target stocks; enhanced collection of data to support modelling; improved modelling of catch‐per‐unit of effort (CPUE) to better reflect climate change impacts on stock abundance for assessments; and ensuring that scientific advice is adaptive and robust to climate change, including through implementation of tested harvest strategies. Investments in these research areas should enable RFMOs to improve the science underpinning management measures designed to sustain transboundary stocks and increase fishery performance during climate change.

Novel evidence of age-related cortical and subcortical constraints in cross-education - Ummatul Siddique; Ashlyn K. Frazer; Jamie Tallent; Oliver Hayman; Justin Andrushko; Matt S. Stock; Joshua Carr; Yonas Akalu; Mohamad Rostami; Sergio Uribe; Simon Walker; Dawson J. Kidgell (GeroScience, 2025)
Cross-education (CE), the phenomenon whereby unilateral strength training induces neuromuscular adaptations in the contralateral limb, is underpinned by distributed cortical and subcortical plasticity. This study evaluated acute neural responses to a single bout of metronome-paced unilateral strength training in younger (n = 17; 27 ± 6 years) and older adults (n = 18; 67 ± 5 years). Neurophysiological assessments included corticospinal excitability and inhibition via transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS), intracortical inhibition through short-interval intracortical inhibition (SICI), and reticulospinal drive using the StartReact paradigm. Following training, younger adults exhibited a significant reduction in the responsiveness of intracortical inhibitory interneurons, reflected as a release of SICI (pre: 58.05, 95% CI 48.83–67.27; post: 68.88, 95% CI 59.69–78.06; p < 0.01), consistent with diminished GABA- A -mediated synaptic efficacy. In contrast, older adults showed no changes (pre: 65.73, 98% CI 57.00–74.46; post: 60.71, 95% CI 52.03–69.39; p = 0.13), indicating no significant modulation of GABA- A -mediated inhibitory circuits with ageing. No changes in corticospinal excitability were observed in either group. StartReact responses remained stable across timepoints, implying insufficient acute engagement of the reticulospinal tract. Notably, younger adults exhibited a decline in rate of force development (RFD; pre: 912.70, 95% CI 821.97–1003.44 N/s; post: 791.02, 95% CI 700.29–881.75 N/s; p < 0.05), potentially reflecting central fatigue, while older adults displayed no significant change. These findings reveal age-dependent asymmetries in the neural mechanisms underpinning CE, with older adults exhibiting a lack of adaptive modulation in intracortical and subcortical systems. The absence of reticulospinal adaptation underscores the need for sustained or higher-intensity training stimuli to elicit subcortical plasticity. These results inform the development of targeted, age-sensitive neuromuscular rehabilitation strategies. Graphical Abstract

Spheroidal carbonaceous particles and other black carbon from Crawford Lake, Ontario, Canada - Joshua M. Moraal; Francine M. G. McCarthy; Simon D. Turner; Michael F. J. Pisaric; Brian F. Cumming; Nicholas L. Riddick; Joseph I. Boyce (Palynology, 2025)

Hindsight informs foresight: revisiting millennial forecasts of impacts and status of rocky shores in 2025 - Stephen J. Hawkins; Kathryn A. O'Shaughnessy; George M. Branch; Laura Airoldi; Simon Bray; Paul Brooks; Michael T. Burrows; Juan Carlos Castilla; Tasman P. Crowe; Thomas W. Davies; Louise B. Firth; Keith Hiscock; et al. (Marine Pollution Bulletin, 2025)

A comparison of the life history and distribution of vermilion rockfish (Sebastes miniatus) and its cryptic pair, sunset rockfish (S. crocotulus) along the Pacific Coast - John H. Harms; Anita Wray; John R. Hyde; Gary C. Longo; Jennifer A. Hempelmann; Anna E. Elz; R. Matthew Barnhart; James A. Benante; Aaron C. Chappell; Peter H. Frey; Colin L. Jones; Betty Kamikawa; et al. (Fisheries Research, 2025)

Assessing the climate impact of dairy farming: Incorporation of climate modelling and food-feed competition - Yue Wang; Simon J. Oosting; Yong Hou; Corina E. van Middelaar (Science of The Total Environment, 2025)

Water-group ion irradiation studies of Enceladus ice analogues: Can radiolysis account for material in and around the south polar plume? - Grace Richards; Richárd Rácz; Sándor T.S. Kovács; Victoria Pearson; Geraint Morgan; Manish R. Patel; Simon Sheridan; Duncan V. Mifsud; Béla Sulik; Sándor Biri; Nigel J. Mason; Robert W. McCullough; et al. (Planetary and Space Science, 2025)

Regenerative farming of medicinal crops as a source of robust, sustainable and novel supply chains for the cosmetic industry (BIOSURE) - Simon J. Jackson; Paolo Goi; Dario Fornara; Enrico Martani; Gabriele Costantino (Phytochemistry Letters, 2025)

Planar chromatography method development for the herbal metabolomic study on Achillea millefolium (Asteraceae) - Simon J. Jackson; Paolo Goi; Dario Fornara; Tim Yeomans; Katie Shiels; Emma Murphy (Phytochemistry Letters, 2025)

Provenance analysis of late Pleistocene sediment from IODP site U1477 reveals climate and river basin dynamics in the Zambezi river catchment - Youhong Gao; Hucai Zhang; Xiaonan Zhang; Lizeng Duan; Huayong Li; Ian R. Hall; Sidney R. Hemming; Leah J. LeVay; Junsheng Nie; Xibin Han; S. Barker; M.A. Berke; et al. (Gondwana Research, 2025)

Residential greenspace indicators and metabolic syndrome in the UK Biobank Cohort: mediation through behavioural, environmental, social and biomarker pathways - Chinonso Christian Odebeatu; Darsy Darssan; Charlotte Roscoe; Simon Reid; Nicholas J. Osborne (Environmental Research, 2025)

Granulopoietic Dysregulation in a Patient-Tailored Mouse Model of Barth Syndrome - Elizabeth A. Sierra Potchanant; Maegan L. Capitano; Donna M. Edwards; Baskar Ramdas; Scott Cooper; James Ropa; S. Louise Pay; Aditya Sheth; Paige L. Snider; Hilary J. Vernon; Ngoc-Tung Tran; Reuben Kapur; et al. (Stem Cell Reviews and Reports, 2025)
Barth syndrome (BTHS) is an X-linked recessive disorder characterized by cardiomyopathy, skeletal muscle myopathy and fatigue, growth restriction, and neutropenia. Neutropenia increases the risk of life-threatening bacterial infections, a major cause of death in individuals with BTHS. Currently, there is no curative treatment for BTHS or associated neutropenia. The development of therapeutic strategies to correct BTHS-associated neutropenia has been hindered by a limited understanding of the underlying molecular mechanisms involved. BTHS is caused by a mutation in the Tafazzin gene encoding a transacylase required for the maturation of cardiolipin, an inner mitochondrial membrane phospholipid crucial for mitochondrial structure and function. We introduced a BTHS patient’s point mutation ( TAZ D75H ) into the mouse Tafazzin enzyme’s critical acyltransferase site using CRISPR/Cas9 -mediated genome editing, resulting in a patient-tailored point mutant knock-in BTHS model ( Taz D75H ) that expresses a stable mutant Taz D75H protein lacking transacylase activity. Taz D75H mice were then used to investigate how loss of Tafazzin enzymatic activity impacts hematopoiesis. Male Taz D75H mice exhibited impaired granulopoiesis and neutropenia secondary to impaired function of hematopoietic progenitors. Furthermore, they demonstrated age-dependent neutrophil maturation impairment reflecting the variable neutropenia observed in BTHS patients. Additionally, male Taz D75H mice exhibit chronic lymphopenia that persists post Taz D75H bone marrow transplantation. Mechanistically, the TAZ D75H point mutation caused hematopoietic cell mitochondrial dysfunction in patient-derived immortalized TAZ D75H lymphoblasts, increasing reactive oxygen species production and mitochondrial membrane depolarization. Likewise, Cyclosporine A treatment rescued these mitochondrial phenotypes in vitro, confirming TAZ D75H mitochondrial dysfunction. Overall, our findings demonstrate that mitochondrial dysfunction secondary to TAFAZZIN loss of enzymatic function underlies BTHS-associated neutropenia and lymphopenia.

Apatite as a pathfinder to tin mineralisation: prospects and caveats - Martin F. Mangler; Nicholas J. Gardiner; Dominic Skeat; Nick M. W. Roberts; Simon Tapster (Mineralium Deposita, 2025)
Granite-related mineral deposits are major primary sources of the critical metals tin (Sn) and lithium (Li). The utility of accessory minerals such as zircon and apatite as pathfinders to these ore deposits has been a subject of great interest in recent years, with a number of geochemical discriminants having been developed to distinguish barren from metal-fertile and mineralised intrusions. Here, we study the potential of apatite as an indicator mineral for tin and lithium mineralisation using a compilation of published apatite trace element data as well as new data for the mineralised Cornubian batholith and barren Bhutanese leucogranites. Critical examination of common geochemical discriminants tracing magma fractionation and redox conditions (Mn, Eu/Eu*, La/Yb N and Sr/Y) reveals large and overlapping data scatter for both barren and Sn-fertile intrusions. This calls into question the utility of these petrogenetic indicators to pinpoint tin metallogeny. Instead, prima facie metal concentrations directly related to tin mineralisation (i.e., Sn and Li) are consistently elevated in apatite from fertile and mineralised intrusions. Based on our data compilation, Li and Sn concentrations in apatite are the most robust indicators for Sn (and Li) mineralisation, and we encourage the community to include Li and Sn in their analytical routines to further test these observations and explore their implications for tin metallogeny.

Digital technologies for precise carbon balancing in timber procurement - Martin Hoppen; Simon Baier; Lennart Schinke; Martin Ziesak; Lukas J. Schreiber; Arthur Wahl; Jiahang Chen; Anil Riza Bektas; Frank Heinze; Michael Schluse; Jürgen Roßmann (European Journal of Forest Research, 2025)
Detailed tracking of all relevant– natural and man-made– activities in the forest enables real-time monitoring of carbon dynamics, providing immediate feedback on the carbon impact of specific forestry operations. Carbon is sequestered and emitted at many points along the wood supply chain as well as its upstream and downstream processes. The spatial, technical, and organizational aspects of the associated process steps are very heterogeneous, making them complex to capture in the real world and in the information world. This article initially provides an overview of digital technologies for precise carbon balancing in timber procurement. We then show how to use these technologies to capture and consolidate data at the stem section level to enhance the precision of carbon accounting. This granular approach allows for detailed accounting of carbon sequestration and emissions, which is crucial for developing effective carbon management strategies. We propose technical building blocks and an architecture to consider this in an integrated approach. The architecture is based on Digital Twins to individually acquire data with Internet of Things technologies for networking. Data sovereignty among the participating stakeholders is ensured through a dataspace approach yielding a “Dataspace Forestry 4.0”. Integrated human-machine interfaces give stakeholders access to relevant data, and simulation technologies allow them to explore process variants to support decision-making.

Hypolimnetic Nutrient Subsidies to Surface Waters of a Large Lake: A Coupled Hydrodynamic Modelling and Nitrogen Isotope Field Assessment - Simon D. Stewart; David P. Hamilton; W. Troy Baisden; Piet Verburg; Kohji Muraoka; Derek C. Roberts; Brendan J. Hicks; Ian C. Duggan; Nico Donovan-Pereira (Ecosystems, 2025)
Upwelling of hypolimnetic water in lakes is important for littoral food webs as it enhances production through nutrient subsidies to surface waters. The aim of this study was to understand the role of hypolimnetic upwelling on littoral nutrient supply and diet of a freshwater unionid mussel, kākahi ( Echyridella menziesii) in an oligotrophic lake using stable isotopes (δ 15 N) as a tracer of hypolimnetic nitrogen. Upwelling events can be highly variable spatially and temporally, so to complement observations, this study used a three-dimensional hydrodynamic model (AEM3D) to simulate the transport of water from upwelling events and understand their potential impacts on kākahi. The study was conducted over an annual cycle in a large (area 620 km 2 , average depth ~ 94 m), monomictic, oligotrophic New Zealand lake. The hydrodynamic model simulations showed a strong spatial gradient. Upwelling was strongest along north-facing areas of the western shoreline owing to the prevailing south-westerly winds. The spatio-temporal distribution of nitrate-δ 15 N within the littoral zone was positively related to the rate of simulated upwelling, indicating inputs of 15 N-enriched hypolimnetic water. Kākahi δ 15 N values were positively related to upwelling averaged over an annual period, demonstrating that upwelling hotspots are ecologically meaningful. Interestingly, littoral particulate organic matter δ 15 N showed no pattern with upwelling but were homogeneous in distribution, consistent with rapid flushing with offshore water. These findings suggest that benthic littoral habitats act as hotspots for nutrient subsidies to surface waters, and that the signature of 15 N is retained over periods far longer than the duration of the upwelling by cycling within benthic primary producers and consumers.