Tag: Biodiversity

Projects

Biodiversity as a barrier

Antibiotic resistance is an even more urgent and wide-spread problem than is commonly suspected, since resistant germs circulate between humans and the environment, and they are found everywhere. European research groups with Austrian involvement are now investigating how resistance genes spread in rivers and soils. Initial results confirm their hypothesis: the healthier the natural environment, […] Continue reading “Biodiversity as a barrier”

Interview & Opinion

Why the smallest organisms play the biggest role

Interview: Isabella Ferenci

Microbiologist Christa Schleper has dedicated her research career to archaea – the tiny unicellular organisms that counted among the first life forms on Earth. The 2022 Wittgenstein Award winner has discovered numerous microorganisms, and specialises in studying the impact of archaea on the nitrogen cycle. Her findings lay the groundwork for determining the impact of […] Continue reading “Why the smallest organisms play the biggest role”

Projects

Precision research into Mediterranean history

Opened 150 years ago, the Suez Canal created an artificial connection between the Red Sea and the Mediterranean – and had an unanticipated impact on biodiversity. A Vienna-based research team investigating the historical development of the Mediterranean ecosystem found a massive decline in the diversity of native species. Tropical immigrants are probably not to blame, […] Continue reading “Precision research into Mediterranean history”