Keyword: Biodiversity and sustainability

The AlgaCircle project, funded by Business Finland, aims to create an innovative circular economy concept that produces food, feed and agrochemicals from microalgae. The project has received over €1 million in funding.

A recently published article studies the mutually beneficial ecological relationships and evolutionary adaptations of tarantulas. The study reveals that the infamous spiders are actually often on friendly terms with amphibians, reptiles, and even army ants, which are known to feed on spiders. The researchers suggest that the dense hair covering tarantulas may have in fact evolved as a defence mechanism against these predatory ants. 

Doctoral researcher Nina Cossin-Sevrin studied how stress and unfavourable living conditions affect the metabolic efficiency of birds, and what effects this has on, for example, their growth or reproduction.

The universities in Turku launched in autumn 2021 a joint webinar series focusing on technology and sustainable development. Aboa Tech Talks will highlight new technologies and innovative technological research that can offer solutions to the complex global challenges of our time.

The new AlgaTECH algae production facility at the University of Turku uses greenhouse or industrial waste water to produce ecological and cost-effective algal biomass. The researchers are developing new and suitable uses for algae biomass. The aim is to promote the Nordic bio-industry.

According to a new study, there is mounting evidence that nature can help humans address the time pressure of contemporary urban lifestyles by contributing to the regulation of human sense of time. A better understanding of the relationship between natural environments and human time perception can help design healthier living environments.

Researchers have clarified the evolutionary history of a previously poorly known group of ferns from the tropical rainforests of America using DNA methods. The study discovered many new fern species, 18 of which have now been given official names and species descriptions.

A recent genetic discovery has revealed that the pale grey plumage of the tawny owl is linked to crucial functions that aid the bird's survival in cold environments. As global temperatures rise, dark brown plumage is likely to become more common in tawny owls living in colder areas.

In the context of the 33rd BioCity Symposium (29-30 August 2024) the twentieth Elias Tillandz prize will be awarded for the best scientific paper published in 2023 in Turku.