Keyword: Biodiversity Unit of the University of Turku
Dozens of New Spider Species discovered in Iran by Doctoral Researcher (Dissertation: MSc Alireza Zamani, 12.5.2023, biodiversity research)
MSc Alireza Zamani examined over 9000 spider specimens collected from different regions in Iran and discovered 147 new spider species.
Residues of Glyphosate-based Herbicides in Soil Negatively Affect Plant-beneficial Microbes
Researchers at the University of Turku found that even very low levels of glyphosate-based herbicide residues have a negative effect on endophytic microbes associated with garden strawberry.
Pioneering Glyphosate Article of the University of Turku Wins Elias Tillandz Prize 2022
Researchers of the Biodiversity Unit and the Department of Biology at the University of Turku won this year’s Elias Tillandz Prize with their opinion piece on the effects of the herbicide glyphosate on species interactions and insect biodiversity. The Prize was awarded to the researchers at the BioCity symposium on Thursday, 25 August 2022.
Networked Co-operation Brings Biodiversity-related Courses Available to Students
The University of Turku, together with the Universities of Eastern Finland, Oulu, Helsinki and Jyväskylä and Åbo Akademi University are collaborating in biodiversity education, and the course catalogue for this academic year has been published. Through the Biodiversity education network, students at the University of Turku have a possibility to take biodiversity-related courses from other universities.
Bringing Biodiversity Loss to a Halt Requires Interdisciplinary Research
Biodiversity loss is accelerating at an alarming rate, which also impacts the welfare of humankind. In the BIODIFUL research project, led by the Biodiversity Unit of the University of Turku and Turku School of Economics, enthusiastic researchers and experts work passionately to combat biodiversity loss.
Herbicide residues in soil affect hormone levels in crop plants
A new study finds that glyphosate residues in soil affect phytohormones in aboveground plant parts. Academy of Finland funded postdoctoral researcher Dr. Benjamin Fuchs investigates the effects of herbicide residues in soil on plant physiology and chemical ecology of plant-insect interactions.
A common plant disease was found to defend its host against pests
Scientists from University of Turku observed that ergot, a common plant disease on rye, defended its host plant chemically against grass feeding insects. The ergot disease in grains spoils the yield and causes seed loss to the plant. Based on this, it is classified as harmful from the human perspective. A new study states that the ergot appears to be a beneficial protector for its host plant capable of even increasing plant fitness.
Individual Protected Areas in Amazonia Differ Greatly in How Effectively They Help to Fight Deforestation and Carbon Emissions
While tropical forests remain threatened and their future is uncertain, the importance of understanding how well individual protected areas avoid deforestation increases. Researchers from the University of Turku and University of Helsinki, Finland, have investigated this question in a newly published study that focuses on the State of Acre in Brazilian Amazonia.
The Giant Panda’s Mystery Revealed – the Evolution of the Temporomandibular Joint and Premolar Teeth Enabled Adaptation to Bamboo Diet
Although the giant panda is in practice a herbivore, its masticatory system functions differently from the other herbivores. Through the processes of natural selection, the giant panda’s dietary preference has strongly impacted the evolution of its teeth and jaws.