The hottest Ecology Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
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Top Science Topics

When Fill Fails

Street Smart Naturalist: Explorations of the Urban Kind • 319 implied HN points • 17 Aug 23
🌞 Climate & Environment Urban planning Infrastructure Ecology Sustainability Urban Development
  1. Urban infrastructure, like the Light Rail tracks, can suffer from problems due to unstable ground and filling materials. Over time, these materials can sink or degrade, causing issues.
  2. Seattle's tideflats were completely filled by the 1920s to create new land, but this fill was often not properly stabilized. This can lead to things like subsidence during events like earthquakes.
  3. Sound Transit had extensive knowledge of the fill conditions before building the Light Rail but still faces criticism for the ongoing issues. People expect more from transit authorities regarding infrastructure stability.

Steve Keen: "On the Origins of Energy Blindness”

Building a New Economics • 137 implied HN points • 09 Feb 24
🔬 Science Energy Ecology Economics
  1. Nate Hagens' podcast 'The Great Simplification' discusses the critical role of energy in human civilization and the potential for ecological overshoot to lead to major changes for humanity's survival.
  2. The concept of 'Energy Blindness' is explored in a conversation between Nate Hagens and Steve Keen, tracing back to Adam Smith, known as 'the Father of Economics'.
  3. The podcast conversation between Nate Hagens and Steve Keen is available both in audio and video formats for different preferences.

Otters in our Midst

Street Smart Naturalist: Explorations of the Urban Kind • 279 implied HN points • 28 Sep 23
🔬 Science Zoology Ecology Urban wildlife Conservation Environmental Science
  1. Otters are important urban wildlife and their poop, called spraint, can tell us a lot about their diet and health. Researchers study spraint to understand what otters eat and to check for parasites or pollution.
  2. River otters tend to be clean and use specific spots, called latrines, to poop. This behavior might be social, but researchers aren't completely sure why they do it.
  3. Even in polluted areas, river otters are resilient and continue to survive and reproduce. It's important for us to help make urban environments healthier for wildlife.

Tails of the City: Part 2

Street Smart Naturalist: Explorations of the Urban Kind • 259 implied HN points • 07 Sep 23
🔬 Science Botany Ecology Evolution Natural History Environmental Science
  1. Horsetails have existed since the time of dinosaurs and are among the oldest plants on Earth. They haven’t changed much over millions of years, making them fascinating survivors.
  2. While horsetails are often seen as garden pests, they have historical importance and have been used by various cultures for food and tools. However, some parts can be toxic, especially to horses.
  3. There is a common myth that horsetails can accumulate gold, but research shows they actually indicate arsenic. They are good at collecting silica, which gives them their nickname as 'scouring rush'.

Communing with nature

City Quitters • 199 implied HN points • 24 Nov 23
🌞 Climate & Environment Ecology Biodiversity Conservation Sustainability Urbanism
  1. We need to pay more attention to nature and the non-human world around us. Being in nature can help us feel better and remind us of our connection to everything else.
  2. Humans have thought too highly of themselves and this has hurt the planet. It's important to recognize that all living things have value and we should treat them with respect.
  3. It's possible to learn from nature even in urban areas. By being mindful and observing our surroundings, we can develop a deeper connection and appreciation for the world around us.
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The Bird with the Silent P

Street Smart Naturalist: Explorations of the Urban Kind • 219 implied HN points • 02 Nov 23
🔬 Science Zoology Ecology Conservation Natural History Ornithology
  1. White-tailed ptarmigan are unique birds that live in cold, high-altitude areas. They change color from brown in summer to white in winter, helping them blend into their snowy environment.
  2. These birds have feathered feet that act like snowshoes, making it easier for them to walk on snow rather than fly. This adaptation helps them conserve energy in their harsh habitat.
  3. Indigenous knowledge about wildlife, like the ptarmigan's snowshoe ability, is being recognized as valuable by scientists. There's so much to learn from traditional understanding of nature.

Why We Need More Ivy

Street Smart Naturalist: Explorations of the Urban Kind • 239 implied HN points • 21 Sep 23
🌞 Climate & Environment Biodiversity Sustainability Ecology
  1. Ivy can help cover bare concrete walls along freeways, making them look nicer and reduce graffiti. It's a low-maintenance plant that grows easily and creates a green layer.
  2. Covering walls with ivy can reduce noise pollution and make driving more pleasant. The leaves help absorb sound and create a quieter environment for people nearby.
  3. Ivy also helps improve air quality by capturing pollutants from the air. It acts like a natural filter, making the city environment healthier for everyone.

Rabbit Holes 🕳️ #100

Creative Destruction • 15 implied HN points • 11 Dec 24
🕹 Technology AI Ecology Digital Culture Human behavior Innovation
  1. Ecotrauma highlights how everything in nature connects and shows the lasting impact of events like the Big Bang on our world today. It's about recognizing that trauma is not just the past, but something we live with in our environment.
  2. In today's digital age, social media creates an echo chamber that can limit true originality. We often only see reflections of our own interests online, which can stifle creativity and make us crave something new and genuine.
  3. The rise of AI challenges us to rethink our own human thoughts and behaviors. We should strive to keep our thinking unique and avoid becoming too robotic in our approach to life.

Utilizing Cosmic Expansion: Innovative Solutions to Earth's Challenges

Space Ambition • 239 implied HN points • 28 Jul 23
🔬 Science Space Exploration Ecology Technology Innovation Economics International cooperation
  1. Space exploration could help solve major problems on Earth, including politics, economics, and ecology. By looking to colonize other planets, we can innovate and create better technologies.
  2. Trade between Earth and colonies on Mars could lead to peaceful relationships. Instead of fighting over resources, countries might cooperate to improve their economies.
  3. Moving some industries to space can benefit the Earth's environment. This shift could create new jobs and help us manage resources better, supporting sustainability goals.

Web of water

Climate Water Project • 216 implied HN points • 15 Jun 23
🌞 Climate & Environment Ecology Biodiversity
  1. The interconnectedness of plants, animals, fungi, and microorganisms impact the climate through the water cycle
  2. Understanding self-regulation patterns of ecology and atmosphere can aid in climate and ecosystem restoration
  3. Exploring the concept of a 'water web' can help illuminate the interactions and interdependencies in ecosystems and climate systems

How to Imbue the Basic Models of Biology With a Positive Vision of the Future

Maximum Progress • 196 implied HN points • 18 Oct 23
🔬 Science Biology Ecology Economics Evolution
  1. Basic biological models suggest a narrative of exponential growth followed by collapse.
  2. Biology offers a positive vision of the future through sustainable population growth without new resources, like Rubisco enzyme evolution.
  3. Evolutionary innovations, such as the human brain, enable sustainable growth and prosperity, creating a bridge between ecological and economic perspectives.

Knowing the Gods, Knowing the Smalls

Microanimism • 19 implied HN points • 20 Jun 24
🔬 Science Nature Biology Ecology Climate Pollution
  1. The setting described is unique and surreal, with rose bushes and mysterious elements creating a vivid picture.
  2. The story delves into a narrative involving gods, non-gods, and their impact on a strange world, with themes of environmental change and conflict.
  3. An invitation to explore more by subscribing, offering a 7-day free trial to access additional content on Microanimism.

In search of a foundational set of water principles

Climate Water Project • 117 implied HN points • 27 Feb 23
🌞 Climate & Environment Ecology Sustainability Climate Science
  1. The water cycle is complex and requires integrating knowledge from various sciences and methodologies.
  2. The set of water principles aims to simplify and highlight the most important interactions in the water cycle.
  3. Understanding the connections between groundwater, surface water, and land cover is crucial for managing water resources effectively.

Problems Posing as Solutions, Part 3

Field Guide to the Anthropocene • 117 implied HN points • 30 Jun 23
🌞 Climate & Environment Ecology Mining Conservation Biodiversity Sustainability
  1. Personal, economic, and ecological problems are often presented as solutions with unforeseen negative consequences.
  2. SUVs are becoming an increasing burden on the planet, posing threats to the environment and public safety.
  3. Seafloor mining, especially in the absence of thorough scientific understanding, risks irreversible damage to deep-sea ecosystems and biodiversity.

An Enigmatic Beast

Street Smart Naturalist: Explorations of the Urban Kind • 219 implied HN points • 16 Mar 23
🔬 Science Biology Ecology Conservation Etymology Evolution
  1. Mountain goats have an interesting history of naming, starting from their scientific name, Oreamnos americanus, which links them to mountains and lambs.
  2. Despite extensive research, scientists still struggle to figure out mountain goats' closest relatives, making them a bit of a mystery in the animal kingdom.
  3. There's a growing recognition of the value of traditional ecological knowledge, especially from Indigenous peoples, which can greatly enhance our understanding of animals like mountain goats.

The ultra-selfish gene

The Works in Progress Newsletter • 13 implied HN points • 08 Nov 24
🔬 Science Genetics Malaria Gene-editing Ecology Biotechnology
  1. Gene editing technology, especially CRISPR/Cas9, offers powerful ways to potentially eliminate malaria by modifying the mosquitoes that spread it. This could save millions of lives.
  2. Selfish genetic elements can alter inheritance patterns within populations, which may allow a single gene edit to spread rapidly through an entire species, potentially causing significant ecological changes.
  3. While gene drives could provide solutions to public health issues, their release carries risks. There’s a need for careful monitoring and potential reversal strategies to prevent unintended consequences.

Operation Mother Goose

Street Smart Naturalist: Explorations of the Urban Kind • 179 implied HN points • 13 Apr 23
🎭️ Culture Wildlife History Conservation Ecology Urban Nature
  1. Operation Mother Goose began in the 1960s when wildlife officials collected Canada goose eggs to save them from flooding due to dam construction. They hatched the eggs in a game farm to boost goose populations.
  2. The goal was to help the goslings learn from wild geese and join their flocks. Eventually, around 900 geese were released in various locations to increase local populations affected by overhunting and habitat loss.
  3. The release of these geese led to a rapid population growth in the area, but not everyone was happy about it due to the mess the geese made. Still, many appreciate their presence and find joy in watching them.

Finding Washington's First Fossils

Street Smart Naturalist: Explorations of the Urban Kind • 199 implied HN points • 09 Mar 23
🔬 Science Paleontology Geology Anthropology History Ecology
  1. The earliest known connections to fossils in Washington come from the Wanapum people, who used ancient petrified wood for tools over 9,000 years ago.
  2. Naturalists like Archibald Menzies and others in the early 1800s began documenting fossils in Washington, although many of their specimens have been lost over time.
  3. The mystery of who first collected fossils in Washington remains, but geologist James Dwight Dana is a strong candidate for making one of the earliest fossil collections.

Birds being other birds

Splattern • 19 implied HN points • 20 May 24
🔬 Science Animal Behavior Ecology Ornithology Evolution
  1. Some birds, like the Stellers jay and raven, can imitate the sounds of other birds, which can be surprising and confusing. It's interesting to see how these smaller birds can mimic larger ones.
  2. Birds like mockingbirds and parrots are known for their ability to mimic various sounds, sometimes up to 200 different ones in their lifetime.
  3. Only a few species, including humans, parrots, and songbirds, can learn and repeat sounds they hear, which is quite rare in the animal kingdom. This ability is also linked to the capacity to dance to music!

My Little Cockroach

Banana Peel Pirouette • 79 implied HN points • 22 Nov 23
🔬 Science Biology Ecology Evolution Urbanization Animal Behavior
  1. Cockroaches have been around for millions of years and are found on every continent except Antarctica, adapted to urban environments due to global commerce.
  2. Humans have a unique disgust towards cockroaches, though other pests like mice and pigeons coexist with us and are even celebrated in popular culture.
  3. Our fear and loathing towards cockroaches stem from the way they challenge our perceptions of hygiene and control over the environment, showing how closely intertwined our lives are with these creatures.

Building the Future by Hand

Field Guide to the Anthropocene • 98 implied HN points • 05 May 23
🌞 Climate & Environment Sustainability Conservation Renewable Energy Ecology Climate Crisis
  1. The Green Revolution Requires a Blue-Collar Revelation - Trades jobs are in high demand for the clean energy transition.
  2. If You Go to College, Study the Real World - Encouraging students to study practical skills, even alongside a college degree.
  3. Future Career Advice for Students - Emphasizing the importance of hands-on work and making a meaningful impact on the world.

'Birdwatchers and shorebirds both dream of fluddles'

This Week in Birding • 98 implied HN points • 06 Mar 23
🔬 Science Ornithology Conservation Ecology Migration
  1. Shorebirds like sandpipers and plovers are vulnerable due to their small size and need to forage constantly for survival during migration.
  2. Stopover sites for shorebirds, like fluddles, are threatened by human activities like monoculture farming practices.
  3. Efforts are being made to preserve and monitor wetlands like fluddles to provide vital habitats for shorebirds and support their migration journeys.

Lusus naturae

Street Smart Naturalist: Explorations of the Urban Kind • 159 implied HN points • 30 Mar 23
🔬 Science Ornithology Geology Ecology Evolution Botany
  1. Rockpeckers are birds that create holes in rocks and are important for understanding geology. They use their unique feeding habits to extract silica from plants, which helps them carve out these holes.
  2. Scientists are exploring the connections between rockpeckers and other birds like rock wrens. There are still many questions about their behavior and nesting habits, with research ongoing to learn more.
  3. Interestingly, rockpeckers share a similar hole-drilling ability with piddock clams, highlighting the idea of parallel evolution. This shows that different species can develop similar traits to survive in their environments.

Of Seals, Sea Lions, and the Locks

Street Smart Naturalist: Explorations of the Urban Kind • 139 implied HN points • 04 May 23
🔬 Science Marine Biology Wildlife Conservation Environmental Science Ecology Adaptation
  1. Harbor seals and sea lions can adapt to both saltwater and freshwater environments. They often move between these waters, showing their ability to thrive in different conditions.
  2. These animals have a unique way of navigating locks to switch from saltwater to freshwater. They can either wait for the locks to fill or use special culverts that help them travel.
  3. The history of these seals goes back to the Ice Age when they may have lived in freshwater lakes. This history could explain why they are drawn to freshwater today.

Not So Silent Spring

Street Smart Naturalist: Explorations of the Urban Kind • 139 implied HN points • 06 Apr 23
🌞 Climate & Environment Biodiversity Conservation Ecology Sustainability Wildlife
  1. The sounds of spring are important, with creatures like Pacific chorus frogs and Steller's Jays making their presence known through their calls. These sounds are not just pleasant but also play crucial roles in their behaviors and interactions.
  2. Sound has a long history on Earth, with many natural noises existing for billions of years. Most modern sounds from animals, however, are relatively recent developments in Earth’s timeline.
  3. There's a growing concern about a 'sonic crisis,' where humans are losing touch with the sounds of nature. It's important for us to listen to these sounds to appreciate and protect our environment.

Baitballs

Street Smart Naturalist: Explorations of the Urban Kind • 99 implied HN points • 08 Jun 23
🔬 Science Biology Ecology Marine Biology Wildlife Conservation
  1. Baitballs are when schools of fish, like herring and sand lance, gather together as a defense against predators. This helps reduce the chance of any single fish being eaten.
  2. When birds like gulls dive into the water, it often signals the presence of baitballs. Their activity gives hints about the underwater life that we usually can't see.
  3. Baitballs are important for the ecosystem because they provide food for many animals, including seals and birds. Observing these events can give insights into the health of marine life.

🚀 1,000 Subscribers and Beyond!

Fight to Repair • 59 implied HN points • 07 Nov 23
🕹 Technology Repair Community Ecology Global Economics
  1. Right to repair is a common sense issue that is supported by the general public as it is a fairly simple concept that people can relate to.
  2. The right to repair movement goes beyond just fixing phones and computers; it touches on labor, ecological systems, and technology, providing a critical lens to view larger societal problems.
  3. Repair is a global concern that transcends national and cultural boundaries, highlighting its universal importance as a human activity.

Building the Society We Want

Never Met a Science • 88 implied HN points • 26 Dec 23
🕹 Technology Social media Technological Innovation Morality Population Growth Ecology
  1. Social media has greatly influenced society and its bans would bring rapid change.
  2. Technology developments must be considered with an understanding of values, tools, and actions in achieving societal goals.
  3. Lessons from historical movements like Romanticism and Ecology can guide discussions on technology and society today.

Fifty Coyotes in Seattle

Street Smart Naturalist: Explorations of the Urban Kind • 139 implied HN points • 13 Oct 22
🌞 Climate & Environment Wildlife Urban Nature Ecology Conservation Biodiversity
  1. Coyotes have adapted well to urban environments like Seattle, showing that they can thrive despite human efforts to control their population. They are survivors and often even increase their numbers when faced with threats.
  2. Many myths exist about coyotes, including the idea that they are dangerous to pets and people. In reality, coyotes are not aggressive and usually avoid confrontation with humans and their pets.
  3. Coyotes play an important role in urban ecosystems, helping to remind us that nature is all around us, even in the city. Their presence can bring joy and a connection to the natural world.

Friday Finds - Bonus Links

Data Science Weekly Newsletter • 19 implied HN points • 16 Feb 24
🕹 Technology AI Data science Programming Ecology Tutorials
  1. There are new tutorials available for those interested in AI and humanities. These tutorials aim to help people learn how to use AI tools effectively.
  2. The Leverhulme Programme is offering opportunities in ecological data science. This program is designed for doctoral training and focuses on important ecological research.
  3. A team is looking to hire a remote R programmer. They want someone to create an easy-to-use package for analyzing complex models in R.

Can a Hermit Crab Be Rich?

Creating Inequality • 39 implied HN points • 07 Oct 23
🔬 Science Animal Behavior Wealth Distribution Ecology
  1. Hermit crabs can be seen as 'rich' based on the size of the snail shells they possess, which determines their level of wealth.
  2. The distribution of wealth in hermit crabs closely resembles that of human societies, showing similarities in terms of inequality.
  3. Factors like individual differences and wealth transfer through vacancy chains may explain the similarity in wealth distributions between hermit crabs and humans.