http://www.sciencedaily.com/news/plants_animals/endangered_plants/ Endangered plant research. Read about interesting mechanisms for plant survival and what is being done to save threatened and endangered plants. en-us Wed, 15 Feb 2012 18:05:02 EST Wed, 15 Feb 2012 18:05:02 EST 60 http://www.sciencedaily.com/images/logosmall.gif http://www.sciencedaily.com/news/plants_animals/endangered_plants/ For more science articles, visit ScienceDaily. http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/02/120213185654.htm In a study of the molecular underpinnings of plants' pest resistance, biologists have shown that plants use circadian rhythms to both anticipate raids by hungry insects and to time the production of defensive hormones that protect against insect attack. The researchers demonstrated that when the plants' timing was shifted, the plants were defenseless against daytime-feeding caterpillars. Mon, 13 Feb 2012 18:56:56 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/02/120213185654.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/02/120210133348.htm Researchers have taken a major step in the ongoing effort to find sources of cleaner, renewable energy by mapping the genomes of two originator cells of Miscanthus x giganteus, a large perennial grass with promise as a source of ethanol and bioenergy. Fri, 10 Feb 2012 13:33:33 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/02/120210133348.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/02/120209135840.htm Over-reliance on glyphosate-type herbicides for weed control on US farms has created a dramatic increase in the number of genetically-resistant weeds, according to agricultural researchers, who say the solution lies in an integrated weed management program. Thu, 09 Feb 2012 13:58:58 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/02/120209135840.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/02/120207095539.htm The famed “corpse flower” plant – known for its giant size, rotten-meat odor and phallic shape – has a new, smaller relative: A botanist has discovered a new species of Amorphophallus that is one-fourth as tall but just as stinky. Tue, 07 Feb 2012 09:55:55 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/02/120207095539.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/02/120206122618.htm Several periods of field work during 2008 have led to the discovery of a new species of bamboo-feeding plant lice in Costa Rica's high-altitude region Cerro de la Muerte. The discovery was made thanks to molecular data analysis of mitochondrial DNA. The collected records have also increased the overall knowledge of plant lice (one of the most dangerous agricultural pests worldwide) from the region with more that 20 percent. Mon, 06 Feb 2012 12:26:26 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/02/120206122618.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/02/120205163758.htm Plants leaves are sealed with a gas-tight wax layer to prevent water loss. Plants breathe through microscopic pores called stomata on the surfaces of leaves. As the key conduits for carbon dioxide uptake and water evaporation, stomata are critical for both our climate and plant productivity. Thus, not surprisingly, the total number and distribution of stomata are strictly regulated by plants to optimize photosynthesis while minimizing water loss. But the mechanisms for such regulation have remained elusive until now. Sun, 05 Feb 2012 16:37:37 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/02/120205163758.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/02/120202151248.htm 'Yellow biotechnology' refers to biotechnology with insects -- analogous to the green (plants) and red (animals) biotechnology. Active ingredients or genes in insects are characterized and used for research or application in agriculture and medicine. Scientists in Germany are now using a procedure which brings forward ecological research on insects: They study gene functions in moth larvae by manipulating genes using the RNA interference technology (RNAi). RNAi is induced by feeding larvae with plants that have been treated with viral vectors. This method -- called "plant virus based dsRNA producing system" (VDPS) -- increases sample throughput compared to the use of genetically transformed plants.  Thu, 02 Feb 2012 15:12:12 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/02/120202151248.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/02/120201181445.htm Today's alarmingly high rate of plant extinction necessitates an increased understanding of the world's biodiversity. An estimated 15 to 30 percent of the world's flowering plants have yet to be discovered, making efficiency an integral function of future botanical research. Wed, 01 Feb 2012 18:14:14 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/02/120201181445.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/02/120201135318.htm Studying self-replicating genetic units, called plasmids, found in one of the world's widest-ranging pathogenic soil bacteria -- the crown-gall-disease-causing microorganism Agrobacterium tumefaciens -- biologists are showing how freeloading, mutant derivatives of these plasmids benefit while the virulent, disease-causing plasmids do the heavy-lifting of initiating infection in plant hosts. The research confirms that the ability of bacteria to cause disease comes at a significant cost that is only counterbalanced by the benefits they experience from infected host organisms. Wed, 01 Feb 2012 13:53:53 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/02/120201135318.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/02/120201094923.htm New research reveals how the arrival of the first plants 470 million years ago triggered a series of ice ages. The research reveals the effects that the first land plants had on the climate during the Ordovician Period, which ended 444 million years ago. During this period the climate gradually cooled, leading to a series of 'ice ages.' This global cooling was caused by a dramatic reduction in atmospheric carbon, which this research now suggests was triggered by the arrival of plants. Wed, 01 Feb 2012 09:49:49 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/02/120201094923.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/02/120201093100.htm To generate phylogenetic trees and investigate relationships between organisms, scientists usually look for similarities and differences in the DNA. Plant scientists were confounded by the fact that the DNA extracted from the plants’ green chloroplasts sometimes showed the greatest similarities when related species grew in the same area. Scientists have now discovered that a transfer of entire chloroplasts, or at least their genomes, can occur in contact zones between plants. Inter-species crossing is not necessary. The new chloroplast genome can even be handed down to the next generation and, thereby, give a plant with new traits. These findings are of great importance to the understanding of evolution as well as the breeding of new plant varieties. Wed, 01 Feb 2012 09:31:31 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/02/120201093100.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120131150830.htm A team of researchers has discovered an overachieving plant enzyme that works both the day and night shifts. The discovery shows that plants evolved a new function for this enzyme by changing merely one of its protein building blocks. Tue, 31 Jan 2012 15:08:08 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120131150830.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120127140528.htm Hundreds of rare, endemic species in the Central Andes remain unprotected and are increasingly under threat from development and climate change, according to a new study. Fri, 27 Jan 2012 14:05:05 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120127140528.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120127140013.htm Every night millions of people go to bed hungry. New genetic technology can help us feed the world by making inedible seeds edible and tasty. Fri, 27 Jan 2012 14:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120127140013.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120125101952.htm The widely used farm practice of grafting watermelon and other melon plants onto squash or pumpkin rootstocks results in larger amounts of certain pesticides in the melon fruit, scientists are reporting in a new study. Although only low amounts of pesticides appeared in the fruit in the study, the scientists advise that commercial farmers use "caution" when grafting watermelon plants to squash. Wed, 25 Jan 2012 10:19:19 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120125101952.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120125091101.htm The upsurge in droughts is one of the main consequences of climate change, and affects crops in particular. However, a biologist has confirmed that in the case of barley at least, climate change itself is providing it with a self-defense mechanisms to tackle a lack of water. Wed, 25 Jan 2012 09:11:11 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120125091101.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120124162353.htm When it comes to conserving the world's orchids, not all forests are equal. Ecologists revealed that an orchid's fate hinges on two factors: A forest's age and its fungi. Tue, 24 Jan 2012 16:23:23 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120124162353.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120124140101.htm Scientists have taken us a step closer to breeding hardier crops that can better adapt to different environmental conditions and fight off attack from parasites. Tue, 24 Jan 2012 14:01:01 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120124140101.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120123152518.htm Greenhouse bedding plant growers can save themselves time, money or possibly both by giving cuttings in propagation more light, according to a new study. Mon, 23 Jan 2012 15:25:25 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120123152518.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120123102222.htm Sweet corn research shows that higher yield and profitability are possible with greater plant populations of certain hybrids. Mon, 23 Jan 2012 10:22:22 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120123102222.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120119143336.htm A new study shows a hybrid plant species may experience rapid genome evolution in predictable patterns, meaning evolution repeats itself in populations of independent origin. Thu, 19 Jan 2012 14:33:33 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120119143336.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120117143758.htm New research shows that a warmer climate will have quite different consequences for plant species in the Arctic. While most species are expected to lose part of their current habitat, the genetic consequences will differ markedly among species. The research results will have major impact on future conservation efforts. Tue, 17 Jan 2012 14:37:37 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120117143758.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120116095816.htm Scientists have finished a global empirical study that suggests that preservation of plant biodiversity is crucial to buffer negative effects of climate change and desertification in drylands. Mon, 16 Jan 2012 09:58:58 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120116095816.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120116095533.htm Grain crops that produce less carotene can produce more food, especially in Africa, as they are less affected by parasitic plants. Agricultural researchers studied processes and technologies that could improve the control of the parasitic weed Striga both in the lab and in the field. He discovered that rice plants that produce less carotene than usual are less infected by the Striga parasite. Mon, 16 Jan 2012 09:55:55 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120116095533.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120113102054.htm Scientists have discovered a "nourishing gene" which controls the transfer of nutrients from plant to seed -- a significant step which could help increase global food production. Fri, 13 Jan 2012 10:20:20 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120113102054.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120112142226.htm Preserving diverse plant life will be crucial to buffer the negative effects of climate change and desertification in in the world's drylands, according to a new landmark study. Thu, 12 Jan 2012 14:22:22 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120112142226.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120110140235.htm Climate change in the form of reduced snowfall in mountains is causing powerful and cascading shifts in mountainous plant and bird communities through the increased ability of elk to stay at high elevations over winter and consume plants, according to a groundbreaking study. Tue, 10 Jan 2012 14:02:02 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120110140235.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120108143605.htm Researchers from 13 countries report clear and statistically significant evidence of a continent-wide warming effect on mountain plant communities in Europe. Sun, 08 Jan 2012 14:36:36 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120108143605.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120108143550.htm Climate change is having a more profound effect on alpine vegetation than at first anticipated, according to a new study. The first ever pan-European study of changing mountain vegetation has found that some alpine meadows could disappear within the next few decades. Sun, 08 Jan 2012 14:35:35 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120108143550.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120107151855.htm A new study shows genomes of a recently formed plant species to be highly unstable, a phenomenon that may have far-reaching evolutionary consequences. Sat, 07 Jan 2012 15:18:18 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120107151855.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120106110537.htm Recent explorations in the evergreen forest of western Ghats resulted in the discovery of a new wild relative of the large cardamom from South India. Fri, 06 Jan 2012 11:05:05 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120106110537.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120104153735.htm A recent analysis suggests that climate change predicted for the United States will boost demand for imported drought- and heat-tolerant landscaping plants from Africa and the Middle East. This greatly increases the risk that a new wave of invasives will overrun native ecosystems in the way kudzu, Oriental bittersweet and purple loosestrife have in the past, members of the international team say. Wed, 04 Jan 2012 15:37:37 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120104153735.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120104111902.htm A newly described species of a liverwort (very simple, small plants, and probably common ancestors of all land plants) from New Zealand marks a pioneering effort by international plant scientists to enter a "brave new world" in the realm of the electronic age. Wed, 04 Jan 2012 11:19:19 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120104111902.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120103211054.htm Predictions of the loss of animal and plant diversity around the world are common under models of future climate change. But a new study shows that because these climate models don't account for species competition and movement, they could grossly underestimate future extinctions. Tue, 03 Jan 2012 21:10:10 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120103211054.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111226093008.htm The Harlequin ladybeetle, Japanese knotweed and the American lobster -- while this trio of creatures may have friendly sounding names, they are all introduced species in Norway, and may be anything but friendly to the Norwegian environment. But determining exactly how damaging introduced species may be in their new environment has always been something of a challenge for biologists and land managers -- until now. Mon, 26 Dec 2011 09:30:30 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111226093008.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111221211332.htm Big changes to the code for botanical nomenclature will go into effect on Jan. 1, scientists say. Latin will no longer be the exclusive language for descriptions of new species, and publication in online journals and books will be as valid as print publication. Wed, 21 Dec 2011 21:13:13 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111221211332.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111221091924.htm Hot chilies growing wild in dry environments produce substantially fewer seeds than non-pungent plants, but they are better protected against a seed-attacking fungus that is more prevalent in moist regions. Wed, 21 Dec 2011 09:19:19 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111221091924.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111220172634.htm Due to the difficulty of accessing root tissue in intact live plants, research of these hidden parts has always lagged behind research on the more visible parts of plants. But now: a new technology could revolutionize root research. Tue, 20 Dec 2011 17:26:26 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111220172634.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111220133807.htm Festive cookies, served at year-end holiday gatherings, may in the future be made with a larger proportion of whole-grain flour instead of familiar, highly refined white flour. Tue, 20 Dec 2011 13:38:38 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111220133807.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111219152520.htm When a plant encounters drought, it does its best to cope with this stress by activating a set of protein molecules called receptors. Plant cell biologists have discovered how to rewire this cellular machinery to heighten the plants' stress response -- a finding that can be used to engineer crops to give them a better shot at surviving and displaying increased yield under drought conditions. Mon, 19 Dec 2011 15:25:25 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111219152520.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111219152514.htm A 125-year debate on how nitrogen-fixing bacteria are able to breach the cell walls of legumes has been settled. Scientists now report that plants themselves allow bacteria in. The fact that legumes themselves call the shots is a great finding but it also shows the complexity of the challenge to try to transfer the process to non-legumes. Mon, 19 Dec 2011 15:25:25 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111219152514.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111218221321.htm By 2100, global climate change will modify plant communities covering almost half of Earth's land surface and will drive the conversion of nearly 40 percent of land-based ecosystems from one major ecological community type -- such as forest, grassland or tundra -- toward another, according to a new NASA and university computer modeling study. Sun, 18 Dec 2011 22:13:13 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111218221321.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111215095243.htm Scientists are about to make publicly available all the data they have so far on the genetic blueprint of medicinal plants and what beneficial properties are encoded. Thu, 15 Dec 2011 09:52:52 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111215095243.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111214171538.htm Many developing countries rely on traditional medicine as an accessible and affordable treatment option for human maladies. However, until now, scientific data has not existed to evaluate the potential toxicity of medicinal plant species in Peru. Scientists are now using brine shrimp to determine the toxicity of 341 Northern Peruvian plant species commonly ingested in traditional medicine. Wed, 14 Dec 2011 17:15:15 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111214171538.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111214135814.htm A new, biodegradable foliar/floral spray that increases plant resistance to both cold damage and cold mortality has been introduced to the commercial market. The spray improved cold tolerance by approximately 2°F to 9°F, depending on the variety of plant and the duration/ intensity of frost or freeze. Use of the non-toxic spray could add the equivalent of approximately 0.25 to almost 1.0 USDA Plant Hardiness Zone to the cold hardiness rating of plants. Wed, 14 Dec 2011 13:58:58 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111214135814.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111214135812.htm A study evaluated attitudes and perceptions of practicing landscape architects in the southeastern United States with regards to the importance of horticultural knowledge. While seasoned practitioners in the residential design market said they had a favorable opinion of their own plant knowledge, they felt that recent graduates in landscape architecture have insufficient knowledge of plants. The authors say the study shows a continued need for both formal and informal extended education classes for the profession. Wed, 14 Dec 2011 13:58:58 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111214135812.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111214135810.htm A study of chrysanthemum investigated plants' circadian responses to interruptions in light cycles. Plants were exposed to irregular supplemental light breaks during the night; results showed a correlation between circadian-regulated processes and plant growth. Leaves and stems grew faster in plants grown in short days with irregular light breaks during the night compared with plants grown in a climate with a consecutive long light period. The findings could contribute to energy savings in production greenhouses. Wed, 14 Dec 2011 13:58:58 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111214135810.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111213114725.htm Plant breeders introduced a new fancy-leaved caladium characterized by leaves with large, attractive pink blotches. "UF-172" is ideal for use in large containers and landscapes. The variety performed well in container forcing and landscape use, and sprouts earlier than other existing commercial cultivars. The new caladium is projected to be popular with growers, retailers, consumers, and landscapers. Tue, 13 Dec 2011 11:47:47 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111213114725.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111213105810.htm Researchers have discovered the protein that transports sucrose to a plant’s vascular pathways. Tue, 13 Dec 2011 10:58:58 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111213105810.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111212220954.htm Scientists have discovered a new signal that helps invading bacteria communicate but also helps targeted rice plants coordinate defensive attacks on the disease-causing invaders, a finding that could lead to new methods of combating infection not just in plants, but in humans. Mon, 12 Dec 2011 22:09:09 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111212220954.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111212153159.htm At least one person admits that the extreme heat in Texas this year was beneficial. But all the same, he'd opt next time for a handmade torture chamber. "Some people will complain about the heat, but from my viewpoint as a breeder, I love stress," said a rose breeder. Mon, 12 Dec 2011 15:31:31 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111212153159.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111212153129.htm Wheat's genetic resistance to Hessian flies has been failing, but a group scientists believe that other plants may soon be able to come to the rescue. Mon, 12 Dec 2011 15:31:31 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111212153129.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111212132632.htm Many of the animal species at risk of extinction in the United States have not made it onto the country's official Endangered Species Act list, according to new research. Mon, 12 Dec 2011 13:26:26 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111212132632.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111212124703.htm Scientists compared carbon fixation by five plant species under conditions of salinity. Salt tolerance and its relationship with plant CO2 fixation were analyzed. The net photosynthetic rate, gS, and transpiration rate were measured at atmospheric CO2 during the daytime and related to the total chlorophyll, carbon, and mineral contents of the crops. Tomato and watermelon proved to be more efficient in CO2 fixation than the other crops tested. Mon, 12 Dec 2011 12:47:47 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111212124703.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111212124657.htm Researchers determined the effects of raising seedlings with different light spectra such as with blue, red, and blue plus red light-emitting diode lights on seedling quality and yield of red leaf lettuce plants. Photosynthetic pigments, polyphenols, and antioxidant activity of lettuce seedlings treated with different light spectra were also tested. The study determined that raising seedlings under blue light is useful in promoting the growth of lettuce plants after transplanting. Mon, 12 Dec 2011 12:46:46 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111212124657.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111212124601.htm An analysis of bee collection data over the past 130 years shows that spring arrives about 10 days earlier than in the 1880s, and bees and flowering plants have kept pace by arriving earlier in lock-step. Mon, 12 Dec 2011 12:46:46 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111212124601.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111212124559.htm Scientists investigated the growth regulatory effect of tea seed powder, a waste product from tea seed oil production. The product was tested on Lemna growth and as a soil and spray application on beet, mustard, oat, and barley. Two treatments were also tested for effects on strawberry yield. Results showed that extracts from TSP have a pronounced and direct physiological effect on plants, which can both increase growth and decrease growth depending on the application. Mon, 12 Dec 2011 12:45:45 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111212124559.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111212124526.htm Dormant seeds in the soil detect and respond to seasonal changes in soil temperature by changing their sensitivity to plant hormones, new research has found. Mon, 12 Dec 2011 12:45:45 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111212124526.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111212123933.htm Multicellular organisms must have a means for cells to communicate with one another. Past research has shown that plants possess the ability to directly transfer materials between adjacent cells, through holes in their cell walls called plasmodesmata (PD). Now, a new study reveals one way to control the size of these PD channels, to prevent or allow the passage of important signals between cells, during plant development. Mon, 12 Dec 2011 12:39:39 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111212123933.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111211134006.htm Danish researchers are leading the way for future biodiversity monitoring using DNA traces in the environment to keep track of threatened wildlife: a lake water sample the size of a shot glass can contain evidence of an entire lake fauna. Sun, 11 Dec 2011 13:40:40 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111211134006.htm