conservation

photo: Cazadordemolinos

In an effort to save the Cuatro Ciénegas basin in Mexico, Valeria Souza (2011) has taken an unusual approach: working with local communities and the federal government to commercialize genes that may have useful applications. She recently won a permit from the federal government to proceed. The 40-kilometer-long basin hosts more than 70 native aquatic species and a number of unique organisms similar to some of the earliest life on Earth. However, many ponds have dried out due to groundwater extraction for ranching and farming. Souza hopes that sharing patent profits from the commercialized genes will encourage the local communities to stop the extraction. 

photo: Elvis Santana

Loss of biodiversity reduces ecosystem productivity, efficient nutrient use, and decomposition rates, according to a study by an international team of scientists including Patricia Balvanera (2008), Emmett Duffy (2006), and David Hooper (2006). Duffy calls the study "the most rigorous and comprehensive analysis yet" that details the once-controversial idea that diversity is essential to a healthy ecosystem.

photo: CDC

Malaria-bearing mosquitoes thrive and rates of the disease jump where Amazonian rainforests are cut down, according to a new study led by Jonathan Patz (2005). In the case of one county in Brazil, the researchers found that a reduction in forest coverage of 4% led to a 48% rise in malaria cases.