Frontiers | Science news

Mining often happens in artisanal and small-scale mining operations that burn gold-mercury amalgams to extract gold particles. Credit: Simon Topp.

Environment

Published on 08 Apr 2025

Trees could be spying on illegal gold mining operations in the Amazon rainforest

By examining mercury concentrations in tree rings, researchers showed that trees could be witnesses to illegal gold mining activities in the Amazon, highlighting their potential as biomonitors

Nest of the buff-tailed bumblebee, Bombus terrestris. Image credit: Dzeina Saulite

How to protect bumblebee colonies safe from killer moths? Keep honeybee hives away from them

Researchers have shown for the first time that bumblebee colonies are more likely to become infested with bumblebee wax moths as they are closer to nearby honeybee hives, which can likewise host these potentially devastating parasites. As the distance to the apiaries decreased, bumblebee colonies were less productive, while their workers showed a weaker general immune response to pathogens and parasites. The authors advise honeybee keepers to keep apiaries away from habitats rich in bumblebees, which are important pollinators but declining worldwide.

A deceased stranded dolphin photographed by researchers. Photograph supplied by Hubbs-SeaWorld Research Institute. Stranding response conducted under a Stranding Agreement between HSWRI and NOAA Fisheries.

Scientists link a phytoplankton bloom to starving dolphins in Florida

A phytoplankton bloom damaged habitats, deprived bottlenose dolphins of nutritious prey, and led to a sharp rise in strandings and deaths.

Our power, our planet: Five Frontiers articles for Earth Day

Earth Day, an annual event to show support for the protection of the Earth and what’s living on it, is almost upon us. To celebrate, we’re highlighting five recently published Frontiers articles on energy, ecosystems, and the environment.