Publications by authors named "K J Gaston"

Fieldwork-based research and education in ecology are under multiple threats and are progressively declining. We call for greater attention to this ongoing loss of direct field experience within the ecology community, as it could have widespread consequences for science and education, ultimately hindering efforts to address the ongoing biodiversity crisis.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Plastic pollution is a growing environmental concern due to its ubiquitous impact on aquatic ecosystems. Nanoplastics can be generated from the breakdown of plastic waste and interact with organisms at the cellular level, potentially disrupting cellular physiology. We investigated the effects of 44 nm polystyrene nanoparticles (44 nm NanoPS) on the development and physiology of zebrafish (Danio rerio) in the presence of sublethal heat stress (32 °C vs control, 28 °C).

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

We discuss the outcomes of our 16th horizon scan of issues that are novel or represent a considerable step-change and have the potential to substantially affect conservation of biological diversity in the coming decade. From an initial 96 topics, our international panel of 32 scientists and practitioners prioritised 15 issues. Technological advances are prominent, including metal and non-metal organic frameworks, deriving rare earth elements from macroalgae, synthetic gene drives in plants, and low-emission cement.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF
Article Synopsis
  • Vehicle headlights emit pulsed artificial light (pALAN) at night, which can be intense and unpredictable, affecting nocturnal insects like moths that have unique low-light vision.
  • A study tested how different types of pALAN (warm/cool phosphor-coated LEDs and RGB LEDs) influenced the behavior of 428 wild moths, showing that cool LED light increased erratic flight patterns that heighten risks of predation and collisions with vehicles.
  • The research suggests that switching to lower color temperature (CCT) lights or RGB options can improve road safety and reduce negative ecological impacts on nocturnal moth populations.
View Article and Find Full Text PDF