Storm forecasting is traditionally based on studying atmospheric conditions but ground-breaking research that also looks at land surface conditions is set to transform early warning systems in tropical regions. This will enable communities to better adapt to the destructive impacts of climate change.

The new study led by the UK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology (UKCEH) has shown that a large contrast in soil moisture levels over a range of hundreds of kilometres results in atmospheric changes that increase rainfall area and amount in several megastorm hotspots globally. This increase ranges from 10 to 30% depending on the region and size of the storm.

Insects are the dominant form of animal life on our planet, providing humans and wildlife with pollination, food, and recycling services but, despite concerns about population declines, little is known about how 99% of species globally are faring.

A new approach is needed to better monitor species and protect them from the impacts of climate and land use change, pollution and invasive non-native species as soon as possible, according to a study led by the UK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology (UKCEH) and ZSL (Zoological Society of London).

An archaeological study of human settlement during the Final Palaeolithic revealed that populations in Europe did not decrease homogenously during the last cold phase of the Ice Age. Significant variation in regional population sizes indicate differentiated reactions nested in an overall shift of settlement areas towards the east / publication in PLOS One

Scientists from the Institute of Tibetan Plateau Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) have compared several methods for plant diversity reconstruction using pollen data. By analyzing modern pollen distributions across China, the team calculated angiosperm diversity using five key ecological indices and—for the first time—applied an image similarity algorithm (SSIM) to validate their findings. Their work not only identifies the most reliable indicators for tracking biodiversity changes but also reveals how climate factors, particularly winter temperatures, shape plant distributions—a critical insight for conservation in the face of climate change.

A team of scientists have developed ‘fungi tiles’ that could one day help to bring the heat down in buildings without consuming energy. These wall tiles are made from a new biomaterial combining fungi's root network – called mycelium – and organic waste. Earlier research has shown that mycelium-bound composites are more energy efficient than conventional building insulation materials such as expanded vermiculite and lightweight expanded clay aggregate.

Building on this proven insulating property, the scientists add a bumpy, wrinkly texture to the tile, mimicking an elephant’s ability to regulate heat from its skin.