News

The Belgian aquatic ecologist and evolutionary biologist Luc De Meester takes up the position as the director of IGB. We look forward to working with him!

A new guideline describes how local authorities can succeed in minimising light pollution by making their street and building lighting more efficient. 

Cyanobacteria produce relevant amounts of methane in oceans, inland waters and on land. Due to climate change, “Cyanobacteria blooms” increase in frequency and extent, amplifying the release of methane from inland waters and oceans to the atmosphere.

AI can contribute to the achievement of the 17 Sustainable Developement Goals, especially at the ecological level. However, AI can also impede the implementation of measures, especially at the social level.

Robert Arlinghaus has developed a method for combining the empirical knowledge of fishery stakeholders in such a way that the result corresponds to the best scientific understanding. This is of particular interest when human and financial resources are insufficient to achieve a profound scientific understanding or when, for example, fish stock data cannot be retroactively recorded.

Melatonin sets the internal clock. Researchers from IGB in an international team have analyzed data on the impact  of light pollution on melatonin formation in humans and vertebrates. They found that even the low light intensities of urban skyglow can suppress melatonin production. Melatonin influences the metabolism and other body functions.

Oxygen-rich lakes with good water quality are an underestimated source of methane shows a recent study by Swansea University and IGB.

According to a study by Robert Arlinghaus, the willingness-to-pay per capita in Germany for ecologically intact rivers would be about 675 euros per year.