Biology Discoveries

Comprehensive analysis showing that current vertebrate species extinction rates are up to 100 times higher than background rates, signalling a sixth mass extinction.

Development of methods to detect species from trace DNA shed into water, soil, or air, enabling non-invasive biodiversity monitoring.

Documentation and naming of the sudden mass disappearance of honey bee colonies, with losses exceeding 30% annually in affected apiaries.

Reintroduction of grey wolves to Yellowstone National Park after 70 years of absence, triggering a documented trophic cascade across the ecosystem.

Identification of 25 biodiversity hotspots — regions containing high concentrations of endemic species facing severe habitat loss.

Establishment of a standardised system for assessing and classifying the extinction risk of species worldwide, from Least Concern to Extinct.

Publication documenting the devastating ecological effects of DDT and other synthetic pesticides, particularly bioaccumulation in food chains.