biodiversity

Lichens between symbiosis and adaptation

When a fungus and an algae meet, an ecological success story is born: welcome to the fascinating world of lichens! And who would have thought…
Naturalistic engineering & hydrogeological instability

Naturalistic engineering is the green answer to the grey problem of hydrogeological instability. Plants are not just for aesthetics; they are the protagonists in this…
Ozone, invisible guardian of the Earth

Fortunately, ozone forms naturally in the stratosphere, creating a protective barrier that allows us to enjoy the sun without turning into red lobsters. And to…
Growth mechanisms: the role of moulting and metamorphosis

Metamorphosis and moulting in nature are like the transformations of a superhero, but without a cape or epic background music. These changes are not only…
Caps and bottles united against plastic pollution

As of 3 July 2024, plastic bottle caps have become inseparable from their bottles in Europe. Now, drinking from a bottle with the cap attached…
Mosquitoes: annoying pests or ecological heroes?

In Italy, some 60 mosquito species remind us that even the smallest creatures can have a big impact on our lives. And while we arm…
Hottentot fig tree, the silent invasion

The Hottentot Fig is the diva of the dunes; it flaunts a bloom so flamboyant that even native plants cannot help but admire it. But…
Bioacoustics, the science of sounds in ecosystems

Bioacoustics is the science that makes you ask: “Do animals have a dialect?” It is the field of study that listens to the whispered secrets…
Cats, from protector of food supplies to threat to wildlife

Imagine a cat who thinks he’s a miniature lion, ready to defend his territory from any intruder, even if it’s just an innocent lizard. In…
Sunscreens and UV rays? Reflect, don’t absorb!

“Every year, about 14,000 tonnes of sunscreen end up in the sea, and some of it is like an invitation to a coral bleaching party.”…