News

A research team with IGB has made significant progress in understanding the bacterial genus Fontibacterium, which is widespread in both freshwater and marine environments. In a recent publication in the journal Nature Microbiology, the scientists greatly expanded the phylogenetic tree of Fontibacterium, described two previously unknown species and analysed their ecology.

Some organisms can slow their development to withstand wind and weather. This strategy is found in plants, animals, and even microorganisms, both on land and in water.

Tires abrade fine particles when driving. These contain a complex mixture of different compounds, including toxic substances. If the tire wear particles end up in freshwater ecosystems, the pollutants are leached out there. A new review article in the Journal of Environmental Management summarises the current state of knowledge on the occurrence of tire wear particles and the release of pollutants in aquatic ecosystems. The researchers warn of the toxic effects on aquatic organisms and associated ecological consequences.

In an ICPO consultation, the IGB recommends that the salinity of the Oder should be made an important management issue. 

Biological invasions are widely acknowledged as a serious threat to biodiversity, global economies, and a good quality of life. Yet, they are not universally perceived as a nuisance and are sometimes gaining – often unexpectedly – cultural acceptance in local communities around the world. The consequences of this acceptance are not trivial for the management of invasive species.

Aquatic fungi are among the least researched groups of organisms on Earth. A video project reveals their hidden world.

A study in Nature Cities shows that artificial light, together with urban heat, may be lengthening the growing season in urban environments by as much as 3 weeks compared to rural areas. Light pollution has a greater impact than urban heat, particularly at the end of the growing season. For the study published in Nature Cities, the researchers analysed satellite data from 428 urban centres in the northern hemisphere over a period of seven years.

IGB gave feedback in the Call for Evidence on the new EU Bioeconomy Strategy and highlighted the central role of water and freshwater ecosystems.