Monday, March 17, 2025
Home Blog Page 1399

Environmental protections account for around 10% of fish stocks on coral reefs, global study finds

0
Environmental protections account for around 10% of fish stocks on coral reefs, global study finds


Plenty more fish in the sea? Environmental protections account for around 10 percent of fish stocks on coral reefs
One Tree Island Research Station on the Great Barrier Reef. Credit: University of Sydney

New research from the University of Sydney shows that international conservation efforts account for approximately 10% of fish stocks on coral reefs.

The global study, published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, was led by Professor Joshua Cinner from the School of Geosciences and lead analyst Dr. Iain Caldwell from the Wildlife Conservation Society. The international research team also included scientists from the US, UK, Kenya, France and Germany, among others.

Looking at fish survey data across nearly 2,600 tropical reef locations, the team developed a model that showed approximately 10% of fish biomass (the number and size of fish in an area) can be attributed to existing protections.

Professor Cinner, Director of the Thriving Oceans Research Hub, said, “Millions of people depend on reef fish for their livelihoods and nutrition. However, overfishing is severely threatening the well-being of coastal communities right across the globe. Protection can help boost fish stocks and have flow-on benefits for people.

“Our study really tested the mettle of global coral reef conservation. On one hand, we found that conservation efforts have made a contribution to the amount of fish on global coral reefs, which is promising. But on the other, this contribution appears quite modest and our study makes clear just how much room there is for improvement.”

Across the world, coral reefs are under significant pressure from a wide range of human-made impacts including climate change, pollution and overfishing.

Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) are sections of the ocean in which a government has placed restrictions on human activity and are a much-touted tool for preserving marine habitats. Currently, MPAs only cover a fraction (approximately 8%) of the world’s oceans, but this is set to expand rapidly in coming years.

At the UN Biodiversity Conference in 2022, 196 countries adopted the Global Biodiversity Framework and committed to protecting 30% of the world’s terrestrial, freshwater, coastal and marine areas by 2030—an initiative commonly referred to as 30×30. The authors hope their study will help maximize the benefits from this initiative.

Professor Cinner said, “Our modeling showed that we could get up to 28% more fish on coral reefs globally by increasing the coverage of fully protected reefs to 30%—but only if these reefs are chosen strategically.”

Dr. Iain Caldwell, from the Wildlife Conservation Society, said, “No-take zones are punching above their weight, especially when they are well complied with, but they aren’t the only way to increase fish populations. While prohibiting fishing provides the biggest boost to fish biomass per unit area protected, other forms of fisheries management can also be effective and may be more amenable for people who depend on reef fish for their lives and livelihoods.”

More than 50% of coral reefs in their study had no constraints on fishing at all, so the research team analyzed what would happen if fishing restrictions—such as banning nets or spearguns—were put in place on all currently unmanaged coral reefs.

Using their predictive model, the researchers found that global coral reef fish stocks would increase by a further 10.5%—essentially matching all conservation efforts to date.

Professor Cinner said, “Fisheries restrictions aren’t as effective as no-take MPAs on a per area basis, but they tend to be less controversial with fishers, which means compliance can be better, and they can be implemented at very large scales. Sustaining coral reef fish populations will require using every tool in the toolbox.”

More information:
Caldwell, Iain R. et al, Protection efforts have resulted in ~10% of existing fish biomass on coral reefs, Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (2024). DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2308605121. doi.org/10.1073/pnas.2308605121

Citation:
Environmental protections account for around 10% of fish stocks on coral reefs, global study finds (2024, October 7)
retrieved 7 October 2024
from https://phys.org/news/2024-10-environmental-account-fish-stocks-coral.html

This document is subject to copyright. Apart from any fair dealing for the purpose of private study or research, no
part may be reproduced without the written permission. The content is provided for information purposes only.





Source link

FOMO spurs obsession, compulsive buys

0
FOMO spurs obsession, compulsive buys


Brands' dark side: FOMO spurs obsession, compulsive buys
Research model. Credit: Journal of Business Research (2024). DOI: 10.1016/j.jbusres.2024.114990

Ever scrolled through Instagram or TikTok and felt a sudden rush to buy something before it’s gone? You’re not alone. A new study published in the Journal of Business Research, investigates how a “fear of missing out” (FOMO) and intense brand passion are pushing many consumers toward compulsive buying—often leading to stress, debt, and even anxiety.

Researchers from the University of Portsmouth surveyed 511 consumers to understand the connection between FOMO, brand passion, and compulsive buying. The results reveal that FOMO is a key trigger, but what happens next depends on how people channel their brand passion.

Brand passion can be a double-edged sword and comes in two forms:

  • Harmonious passion: Where people enjoy a brand in a balanced, healthy way.
  • Obsessive passion: Where the brand starts controlling people, leading them to buy impulsively, even if it causes financial strain.

“Our study reveals that while the fear of missing out can drive strong connections with brands, it also has the potential to fuel harmful spending habits, especially among younger consumers,” said Yuksel Ekinci, Professor of Marketing and Sales at the University of Portsmouth.

Obsessive brand passion, fueled by FOMO, is a strong predictor of compulsive buying. This is particularly true for younger consumers, who often feel more social pressure to keep up with trends and experiences shared online.

Platforms such as Instagram and TikTok make it easier for brands to create a sense of urgency. Flash sales, limited-time offers, and idealized customer experiences build a powerful fear of missing out. Take the frenzy surrounding tickets for Taylor Swift’s and Beyoncé’s 2023 tours—fans were scrambling to secure tickets, motivated by FOMO and amplified by viral content showing outfits and setlists.

The study highlights that FOMO can seriously impact psychological well-being, social connections, and financial health. In fact, nearly half of millennials admit to taking on debt to “keep up” with their peers. This pressure is often driven by FOMO, which pushes consumers to buy things they might not need, simply to fit in or not feel left out.

“It’s crucial that brands acknowledge their role in shaping consumer behavior and adopt more ethical approaches that encourage healthy, harmonious passion rather than obsessive purchasing,” said Ekinci.

“Our study reveals that while the fear of missing out can drive strong connections with brands, it also has the potential to fuel harmful spending habits, especially among younger consumers. It’s crucial that brands acknowledge their role in shaping consumer behavior and adopt more ethical approaches that encourage healthy, harmonious passion rather than obsessive purchasing.”

The study highlights that for marketers, understanding how to responsibly engage with consumers driven by FOMO and passion is key. By fostering harmonious brand passion, companies can promote healthier buying habits, allowing customers to enjoy their purchases without the stress of regret or debt. However, when brands encourage obsessive passion (as seen with fast fashion or instant services), they must do so carefully, particularly when targeting younger audiences.

Ethical marketing tips suggested by the study include:

  • Create urgency without pushing customers into unhealthy buying habits.
  • Offer transparency and focus on sustainability, not just quick sales.
  • Promote responsible consumption—emphasizing quality, not quantity.
  • Build community spaces where consumers can share their experiences with a brand in a balanced way.

This research highlights the darker side of FOMO-driven marketing and urges brand owners to be more accountable. As younger consumers continue to battle social pressure and compulsive spending, brands have a responsibility to balance their marketing strategies. Encouraging consumers to enjoy their favorite brands in a healthy, fulfilling way could not only improve their lives but also build stronger, long-term brand loyalty.

More information:
Arnold Japutra et al, The dark side of brands: Exploring fear of missing out, obsessive brand passion, and compulsive buying, Journal of Business Research (2024). DOI: 10.1016/j.jbusres.2024.114990

Citation:
Brands’ dark side: FOMO spurs obsession, compulsive buys (2024, October 7)
retrieved 7 October 2024
from https://phys.org/news/2024-10-brands-dark-side-fomo-spurs.html

This document is subject to copyright. Apart from any fair dealing for the purpose of private study or research, no
part may be reproduced without the written permission. The content is provided for information purposes only.





Source link

Hera spacecraft launched to examine asteroid collision site

0
Hera spacecraft launched to examine asteroid collision site


A spacecraft is on its way to a harmless asteroid slammed by NASA in a previous save-the-Earth test
A SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket lifts off from the Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, Monday, Oct. 7, 2024 at Cape Canaveral, Fla., carrying a European spacecraft to an asteroid. Credit: AP Photo/John Raoux

A spacecraft blasted off Monday to investigate the scene of a cosmic crash. The European Space Agency’s Hera spacecraft rocketed away on a two-year journey to the small, harmless asteroid rammed by NASA two years ago in a dress rehearsal for the day a killer space rock threatens Earth. It’s the second part of a planetary defense test that could one day help save the planet.

SpaceX’s Falcon rocket quickly disappeared with Hera into the late morning clouds. An hour later, applause erupted in the control center in Germany as the spacecraft separated from the rocket’s upper stage and then called home. “It’s an amazing day,” the space agency’s director general Josef Aschbacher said afterward.

The 2022 crash by NASA’s Dart spacecraft shortened Dimorphos’ orbit around its bigger companion, demonstrating that if a dangerous rock was headed our way, there’s a chance it could be knocked off course with enough advance notice.

Scientists are eager to examine the impact’s aftermath up close to know exactly how effective Dart was and what changes might be needed to safeguard Earth in the future.

“The more detail we can glean the better as it may be important for planning a future deflection mission should one be needed,” University of Maryland astronomer Derek Richardson said before launch.






Credit: ESA—European Space Agency

Researchers want to know whether Dart—short for Double Asteroid Redirection Test—left a crater or perhaps reshaped the 500-foot (150-meter) asteroid more dramatically. It looked something like a flying saucer before Dart’s blow and may now resemble a kidney bean, said Richardson, who took part in the Dart mission and is helping with Hera.

A spacecraft is on its way to a harmless asteroid slammed by NASA in a previous save-the-Earth test
This image provided by NASA shows the asteroid Dimorphos, captured by NASA’s DART mission just two seconds before the spacecraft struck its surface, on Sept. 26, 2022. Credit: NASA/Johns Hopkins APL via AP

Dart’s wallop sent rubble and even boulders flying off Dimorphos, providing an extra kick to the impact’s momentum. The debris trail extended thousands of miles (more than 10,000 kilometers) into space for months.

Some boulders and other debris could still be hanging around the asteroid, posing a potential threat to Hera, said flight director Ignacio Tanco.

“We don’t really know very well the environment in which we are going to operate,” said Tanco. “But that’s the whole point of the mission is to go there and find out.”

European officials describe the $400 million (363 million euro) mission as a “crash scene investigation.”

Hera “is going back to the crime site and getting all the scientific and technical information,” said project manager Ian Carnelli.

Carrying a dozen science instruments, the small car-sized Hera will need to swing past Mars in 2025 for a gravity boost, before arriving at Dimorphos by the end of 2026. It’s a moonlet of Didymos, Greek for twin, a fast-spinning asteroid that’s five times bigger. At that time, the asteroids will be 120 million miles (195 million kilometers) from Earth.

Hera will attempt to go into orbit around the rocky pair, with the flyby distances gradually dropping from 18 miles (30 kilometers) all the way down to a half-mile (1 kilometer). The spacecraft will survey the moonlet for at least six months to ascertain its mass, shape and composition, as well as its orbit around Didymos.

A spacecraft is on its way to a harmless asteroid slammed by NASA in a previous save-the-Earth test
A SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket lifts off from the Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, Monday, Oct. 7, 2024 at Cape Canaveral, Fla., carrying a European spacecraft to an asteroid. Credit: AP Photo/John Raoux

Before the impact, Dimorphos circled its larger companion from three-quarters of a mile (1,189 meters) out. Scientists believe the orbit is now tighter and oval-shaped, and that the moonlet may even be tumbling.

Two shoebox-sized Cubesats will pop off Hera for even closer drone-like inspections, with one of them using radar to peer beneath the moonlet’s boulder-strewn surface. Scientists suspect Dimorphos was formed from material shed from Didymos. The radar observations should help confirm whether Didymos is indeed the little moon’s parent.

The Cubesats will attempt to land on the moonlet once their survey is complete. If the moonlet is tumbling, that will complicate the endeavor. Hera may also end its mission with a precarious touchdown, but on the larger Didymos.

Neither asteroid poses any threat to Earth—before or after Dart showed up. That’s why NASA picked the pair for humanity’s first asteroid-deflecting demo.

Leftovers from the solar system’s formation 4.6 billion years ago, asteroids primarily orbit the sun between Mars and Jupiter in what’s known as the main asteroid belt, where millions of them reside. They become near-Earth objects when they’re knocked out of the belt and into our neck of the woods.

NASA’s near-Earth object count currently tops 36,000, almost all asteroids but also some comets. More than 2,400 of them are considered potentially hazardous to Earth.

© 2024 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.

Citation:
Hera spacecraft launched to examine asteroid collision site (2024, October 7)
retrieved 7 October 2024
from https://phys.org/news/2024-10-hera-spacecraft-asteroid-collision-site.html

This document is subject to copyright. Apart from any fair dealing for the purpose of private study or research, no
part may be reproduced without the written permission. The content is provided for information purposes only.





Source link

Data analysis navigates lookalikes to try to pin down the true number of mouse lemur species

0
Data analysis navigates lookalikes to try to pin down the true number of mouse lemur species


Can you spot the species in these lemur lookalikes?
Various species of mouse lemurs found in Madagascar. Credit: Sam Hyde Roberts

In some parts of the world, animals are going extinct before scientists can even name them. Such may be the case for mouse lemurs, the saucer-eyed, teacup-sized primates native to the African island of Madagascar. There, deforestation has prompted the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) to classify some of these tree-dwelling cousins as “endangered” even before they are formally described.

Duke professor Anne Yoder has been trying to take stock of how many mouse lemur species are alive today before they blink out of existence. The findings are published in the journal Nature Ecology & Evolution.

It’s not an easy task. Mouse lemurs are shy, they only come out at night, and they live in hard-to-reach places in remote forests. To add to the difficulty, many species of mouse lemurs are essentially lookalikes. It’s impossible to tell them apart just by peering at them through binoculars.

When Yoder first started studying mouse lemurs some 25 years ago, there were only three distinct species recognized by scientists. Over time and with advances in DNA sequencing, researchers began to wonder if what looked like three species might actually be upwards of two dozen.

In a new study, Yoder and dozens of colleagues from Europe, Madagascar and North America compiled and analyzed 50 years of hard-won data on the physical, behavioral and genetic differences among mouse lemurs to try to pin down the true number.

A framework for clarifying cryptic diversification processes applied to mouse lemurs
Island-wide taxogenomics of the cryptic Microcebus radiation. Credit: Nature Ecology & Evolution (2024). DOI: 10.1038/s41559-024-02547-w

While many mouse lemur species look alike, they have different diets, and males use different calls to find and woo their mates, the researchers explain. By pinning down their number and location, researchers hope to make more informed decisions about how best to help keep these species from the brink.

More information:
Tobias van Elst et al, Integrative taxonomy clarifies the evolution of a cryptic primate clade, Nature Ecology & Evolution (2024). DOI: 10.1038/s41559-024-02547-w

Provided by
Duke Research Blog

Citation:
Data analysis navigates lookalikes to try to pin down the true number of mouse lemur species (2024, October 7)
retrieved 7 October 2024
from https://phys.org/news/2024-10-analysis-lookalikes-pin-true-mouse.html

This document is subject to copyright. Apart from any fair dealing for the purpose of private study or research, no
part may be reproduced without the written permission. The content is provided for information purposes only.





Source link

Study shows how international student mobility can reduce poverty in low and middle-income countries

0
Study shows how international student mobility can reduce poverty in low and middle-income countries


Study shows how international student mobility can reduce poverty in low and middle-income countries
Outbound Student Mobility and Poverty (N = 43 Countries). Credit: International Journal of Educational Research (2024). DOI: 10.1016/j.ijer.2024.102458

A new study exploring the effects of international student mobility has found that foreign-educated graduates reduce extreme poverty in low and middle-income countries. The paper, published in the International Journal of Educational Research, uses data spanning two decades.

Associate Professor of Comparative and International Education, Maia Chankseliani, and Postdoctoral Researcher, Joonghyun Kwak, of Oxford’s Department of Education conducted the research which shows a notable poverty alleviation in low- and middle-income countries thanks to international student mobility.

Professor Chankseliani said, “Our research shows that while the short-term effects of international student mobility on poverty reduction are not significant, its long-term impact—over a 15-year period—has a notable positive association with poverty alleviation in low- and middle-income countries. Returnees use the skills and knowledge they gain abroad to drive local innovations and contribute to societal changes, which can lead to systemic poverty reduction over time.

“International student mobility has tripled from two million students in 1997 to over six million by 2021. This surge reflects the growing recognition of the value of studying abroad for both individual advancement and societal development, with governments, universities, charities, and private firms offering scholarships for international study.

“However, in recent years, rising insularity and nationalist sentiments in some countries have posed challenges to mobility, with increasing barriers to cross-border education and collaboration. This makes studies like ours more critical than ever, as they demonstrate the long-term benefits of international education, not just for individuals, but for global development. Understanding these impacts can help inform policies that keep educational exchanges open and accessible, even in an increasingly inward-looking world.”

The research looks at how skills, knowledge, and connections gained abroad often lead to change after returnees have had time to apply them in their own contexts. They can introduce new practices and innovations in areas like governance, education, and economic development.

Maia continued, “Our findings underscore the crucial role international student mobility plays in long-term poverty reduction. We hope this paper will encourage policymakers to recognize the important role international education plays in development. This could lead to greater support for scholarships and initiatives that allow students from low- and middle-income countries to study abroad.”

Joonghyun said, “In low- and middle-income countries, domestic education systems may not always match the quality found in higher-income nations, particularly in producing and spreading knowledge and skills. In this context, those who study abroad bring back new knowledge, skills, and international connections, helping to fill crucial gaps and drive efforts to reduce poverty in their home countries.

“To broaden access for people in low- and middle-income countries, expanding scholarship opportunities is essential. Since self-funded study abroad is largely restricted to students from affluent backgrounds, increasing targeted scholarships can help provide more opportunities for those from low-income countries.”

The research, which has been taking place for the last 18 months, looked to identify trends in the relationship between outbound student mobility and poverty reduction through a cross-national analysis. To achieve this, it included all low- and middle-income countries with available data.

Joonghyun concluded, “I hope the findings of this study provide valuable policy insights for international higher education and sustainable development in low- and middle-income countries. Expanding study abroad opportunities is vital not only for individual success but also for tackling broader societal challenges like poverty. By increasing access to international education and enhancing local educational systems, we can make a significant contribution to the sustainable development of these countries.”

More information:
Joonghyun Kwak et al, International student mobility and poverty reduction: A cross-national analysis of low- and middle-income countries, International Journal of Educational Research (2024). DOI: 10.1016/j.ijer.2024.102458

Citation:
Study shows how international student mobility can reduce poverty in low and middle-income countries (2024, October 7)
retrieved 7 October 2024
from https://phys.org/news/2024-10-international-student-mobility-poverty-middle.html

This document is subject to copyright. Apart from any fair dealing for the purpose of private study or research, no
part may be reproduced without the written permission. The content is provided for information purposes only.





Source link