wire - news in brief

DNA Commercial whaling has left the bowhead whale vulnerable for many generations to come. A unique collection of prehistoric bowhead whale bones, dating back 11,000 years, reveals a previously untold story of the relative impacts of humans on nature. The time series of ancient fossils show that commercial hunting of bowhead whales, which spanned 400 years and ceased less than a century ago in 1931, has left irreversible destructive traces in the species' genetics.

Cattle herds are driving lions and other wildlife away from their habitats in Kenya, even though herders enclose their livestock at night when predators are most active.

In nature, photosynthesis runs constantly, converting sunlight into chemical energy that all living organisms depend on to grow and survive.

MALARIA If we fail to curb climate change, malaria mosquitoes could significantly expand their habitats across Africa, exposing hundreds of millions of people to a higher risk of infection. An insistent buzzing at sunset followed by itchy, spotted legs. Here in Denmark, mosquitoes are mostly an annoying - but generally harmless - nuisance.

Climate A new study using satellite nightlight data reveals that more than half of the world's coastal settlements have retreated inland over the past 30 years in response to intensifying climate hazards. The study coauthored by University of Copenhagen researchers also identified regions moving towards the coast despite the risks - including Copenhagen.

Humpback whales are less picky eaters than other baleen whales. If cod runs out in an area, they may switch to krill.

Animals An international team of researchers have identified three new species of enchanting, pustular, tree-dwelling toads from Africa.

Climate policy Researchers have asked over 400 international experts which climate policies work best.

Sustainability Choosing how to live in a way that truly helps our overburdened planet can be difficult.

Climate change By the year 2100, reindeer populations in parts of the Arctic could decline by up to 80 percent.

Researchers at SDU will soon print a small piece of high-tech, plastic-free future. They are aiming to replace elastane with artificial spider silk.

CLIMATE Climate change poses a serious threat to the habitats of the bowhead whale, which may shrink by up to 75 percent by the end of the century, a new projection from the University of Copenhagen shows.

Agriculture Planting flower strips in a field with at least two species can increase the number of natural enemies of pests by 70 percent.

Green transition A significant amount of the milk used in a popular cooking cheese can be substituted with plants, all while maintaining its taste and texture.

FOOD 170,000 deaths a year could be avoided if European countries were to increase value-added tax (VAT) rates on meat and dairy products, while reducing them on fruits and vegetables.

Researchers from SDU, AAU and RUC have analysed the climate action plans in all Southern Danish municipalities, and the report reveals both promising and less promising developments.

A new study finds that an increased PFAS content in blood promotes increases body weight and especially added difficulty in maintaining a lower body weight after weight loss.

The CO2 levels in the atmosphere continue to rise as we strive to reduce our emissions. Now, an international team of researchers proposes a radical solution: pour crushed stone into the sea and it will empower the water to absorb CO2 from the atmosphere.

Scientists' effort to bring the eelgrass back to Danish waters has proven very successful: After 2 years, there are now 70 times more eelgrass shoots in Horsens Fjord in Denmark.

Students have been involved in improvised theatre to become aware of how to live more sustainably. Behind The scene is set at Västmanland County Museum, Sweden: A teenage girl is a little crazy about a boy and invites him over for a burger.