PeerJ in the Press – April, May And June 2023

PeerJ has a strong press program and media network. We press release articles most weeks via our own press list and EurekAlert, and our authors’ research is regularly featured in a wide range of media outlets, from popular international news sites to specialist sites. Below are a few examples of articles we’ve published and press released so far this year. If you’re an author and want to know more about our press program, or a journalist who would like to receive our press releases, email press@peerj.com

Personality traits, rank attainment, and siring success throughout the lives of male chimpanzees of Gombe National Park

The article examines the link between personality traits and fitness in long-lived species, focusing on male chimpanzees in Gombe National Park, Tanzania. The researchers identified six personality traits and found that higher Dominance and lower Conscientiousness were associated with higher social rank and reproductive success. Interestingly, these associations remained consistent throughout the chimpanzees’ life course, challenging the trade-off model’s validity in long-lived species. The study also confirms the use of ratings as a reliable method to measure animal personality for further research in diverse chimpanzee communities. This article was featured in The Times picked up by NeuroScienceNews, Phys.org, and Duke Today.

Isolated tooth reveals hidden spinosaurid dinosaur diversity in the British Wealden Supergroup (Lower Cretaceous)

Palaeontologists at the University of Southampton (UK) studying a British dinosaur tooth have concluded that several distinct groups of spinosaurs — dinosaurs with fearsome crocodile-like skulls — inhabited southern England over 100 million years ago. Author Interview featured on the PeerJ Blog. This was also covered by Science Daily, Phys.org, Tech Explorist, and more.

The behaviour and activity budgets of two sympatric sloths; Bradypus variegatus and Choloepus hoffmanni

Groundbreaking study reveals sympatric sloths have developed diverse strategies to adapt to their surroundings, enhancing their chances of survival in the face of environmental fluctuations.

The article was featured by earth.com, Nature World News, Bundle and Future For Nature.

Building consensus around the assessment and interpretation of Symbiodiniaceae diversity

New research published in PeerJ by Dr. Sarah Davis and 61 scientists from 12 countries presents a perspective to build consensus around the assessment and interpretation of Symbiodiniaceae diversity. Symbiodiniaceae is a family of marine dinoflagellates (plankton) notable for their symbiotic associations with reef-building corals, sea anemones, jellyfish, marine sponges and other marine invertebrates. Understanding Symbiodiniaceae is important to those working to protect and regenerate coral reefs that are under threat around the world. The research was picked up by Phys.org, The University of Mississipi, Lab Manager, and Sci Tech Daily.

Aircraft surveys for air eDNA: probing biodiversity in the sky

A groundbreaking research article titled “Aircraft Surveys for Air eDNA: Probing Biodiversity in the Sky” unveils a revolutionary approach to studying genetic material in the atmosphere. Scientists have developed a durable and sterilizable probe and supporting system to capture air environmental nucleic acids (eDNA) with full-flow filtration and a high-integrity chamber. This article was featured by Clemson University, Phys.org & More.

Global analysis of Twitter communication in corporate social responsibility area: sustainability, climate change, and waste management

“Our results aid enterprises in developing communication strategies that support the company’s existence as a socially responsible subject and promote the management of the company’s reputation in accordance with the CSR philosophy,” write the authors. “The study also opens up possibilities for further research for other social media, such as Instagram or LinkedIn.” This was picked up by NewsWise and Phys.org.

Estimating the impact of new high seas activities on the environment: The effects of ocean-surface macroplastic removal on sea surface ecosystems

“The surface is the skin through which our ocean breathes. It is a critical nursery ground for hundreds, possibly thousands, of species, and it is also one of the most vulnerable regions to human impacts. This is why we must treat the surface with exceptional care. It is an extremely unique and fragile environment, and small impacts at the surface could ripple into large impacts above and below the waves.” – Dr. Rebecca Helm, Assistant Professor, Environmental Science, Georgetown University. The article was covered by ScubaNews, Phys.org and AZO clean Tech.

Integrating robotics into wildlife conservation: testing improvements to predator deterrents through movement

The coexistence of wildlife and agricultural practices has presented ongoing challenges to wildlife conservation, particularly when conflicts emerge. One prominent issue is livestock predation, which demands effective management strategies to mitigate human-wildlife conflict and safeguard valuable agricultural resources. Recently, a study titled “Integrating Robotics into Wildlife Conservation: Testing Improvements to Predator Deterrents through Movement,” published in PeerJ Life & Environment, investigates the incorporation of robotics and agricultural practices to enhance the efficacy of predator deterrents. This article was published by Life Technology, InceptiveMind, and NewsWise.

New heterodont odontocetes from the Oligocene Pysht Formation in Washington State, U.S.A., and a reevaluation of Simocetidae (Cetacea, Odontoceti)

Introducing Olympicetus thalassodon, a fascinating new species of early toothed whale that inhabited the North Pacific coastline approximately 28 million years ago. In a recent study published by paleontologist Jorge Velez-Juarbe from the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County, this species sheds light on the ancestral origins and evolutionary diversification of modern dolphins, porpoises, and other toothed whales. This article was published in The Jerusalem Post, Daily Science, Popular Science, Earth.com, Phys.org and More.

See more PeerJ Press releases here.