New research will help scientists predict where and when animals will move, a task which is becoming more urgent, given the current rapid pace of global change.  

On our planet, at any one moment, billions of animals are on the move.  From migratory birds, insects, marine mammals and sharks connecting distant continents and seas, to bees and other insects pollinating our crops, to grazing animals roaming across the plain.    The study of animal movement has grown fast in recent decades.  However, much of this work still focuses on describing and understanding current patterns, rather than predicting future movements. 

The problem is that using the past and present as a guide will be of limited use given how quickly environments are changing, due to new patterns of land use, climate change, and human population shifts.

This is where the new research comes in.  It sets out a framework that can help scientists provide more robust predictions in rapidly changing environmental conditions.    It can help to conserve species, but also to protect wider ecosystems and our environment and the many services these provide to human wellbeing.

A sea turtle’s shell is a masterpiece. A new study reveals that marine turtle shells combine flexibility and strength to protect against predators like sharks and stress while optimizing movement. This adaptation highlights the complex design of their shells and provides insights into this remarkable balance of strength and flexibility, which has allowed them to survive in the ocean for millions of years – an example of evolution shaping species in an environment.

The International Society for Stem Cell Research (ISSCR) is pleased to announce the results of its 2025 election and to welcome new leaders to the ISSCR Executive Committee and Board of Directors.

Fiona Doetsch, Ph.D., Biozentrum, University of Basel, Switzerland, will serve as the new Vice President. Professor Doetsch is recognized for her groundbreaking research on identifying adult neural stem cells, pioneering widely used assays in the field, and elucidating the roles of adult neural stem cells in brain plasticity.

Lee Rubin, Ph.D., Harvard University Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Biology, USA, will serve as Treasurer, bringing extensive expertise in iPSCs, neurodegenerative diseases, and biotech. His work has led to significant drug discoveries, and he has founded several biotech companies.

Megan Munsie, Ph.D., Murdoch Children’s Research Institute and University of Melbourne, Australia, will serve as Clerk. Dr. Munsie combines expertise in developmental biology with a focus on the ethical, legal, and societal implications of stem cell science. Her work has influenced global policy reforms and public education globally.

Researchers at the Garvan Institute of Medical Research have launched the Genomics of Rare Disease Registry, to help improve diagnoses and treatment options for the estimated two million people who live with a rare disease in Australia.