Biodiversity Research Articles

Krytyka cywilizacji naukowo-technicznej Zachodu w eko-filozofii Henryka Skolimowskiego

Polish philosopher and ecologist Henryk Skolimowski developed the paradigm of eco-philosophy, which is critical of the scientific and technical civilization. According to Skolimowski, the latter tends towards mindless expansion and exploitation of the natural environment, which results in the destruction of ecosystems and threatens future generations. The philosopher proposes replacing that culture with another one, based on the principles of sustainable development, harmonious cooperation with nature and respect for cultural and biological diversity. Skolimowski highlights the need to change the mindset and approach to the world in order to provide future generations with a healthy and sustainable living environment.

Population-Density Bounds for 100% Domestic Renewable Energy Generation

The long-running discussion on the global theoretical and practical potential of renewable energy is strongly affected by the size and connectivity of power networks. Small regional and national networks driven predominantly by intermittent and variable energy sources will require significantly more back-up power than continental networks containing a variety of weather zones. Thus, large networks will require less back-up but this comes with the drawback that some nations or regions rely on import from others. For example, in Europe in 2022, energy dependence on gas imports from Russia led to energy shortages and escalating prices. In this work, we estimate the limits of primary energy supply based on renewables, mainly solar photovoltaic (PV) sources and wind, in this setting. Taking as a starting point an average of 14 European countries, we find the mean energy consumption per unit time in what we argue is sufficient and necessary power per capita to maintain a sustainable life. The required energy generation is then translated into an area of energy production that, together with estimated area requirements for biological diversity, food, and infrastructure, constitutes a given fraction of the land area. When compared with typical human population densities, we find that before reaching one person per hectare, the area requirements exceed what is available. The results support the part of the scientific community that claims that a 100% renewable global power supply is unrealistic, especially as the world population steadily grows toward 10×109 people. Published by the American Physical Society 2024

Global marine conservation priorities for sustaining marine productivity, preserving biodiversity and addressing climate change

Marine primary productivity is a critical driver of functioning marine ecosystems, providing a foundation for biological diversity and associated economic productivity, and a key component of the oceanic carbon sink. However, it is largely under-represented within the global marine protected area estate and has been widely ignored in global priority assessments for marine conservation. Using global high-resolution data on marine primary productivity and human cumulative impact to marine systems, more than 18.6 million km² of high productivity-low impact areas in the global ocean were identified. These areas occur across all ocean basins and represent the vast majority of marine provinces and ecoregions. Over 80% of these highly productive waters with low levels of human impact lies within national jurisdictions and yet only 11% of the overall identified area is currently safeguarded within designated marine protected areas or sustainable management initiatives, leaving more than 16.5 million km2 of high productivity-low impact areas without those forms of formal protection. The multifaceted contribution of these areas to preserve biodiversity, support human welfare and help mitigating climate change suggest they are an essential, but currently overlooked, conservation priority for consideration in both global nature conservation and human wellbeing policy fora.

Genetic divergence and ecological adaptation of an eastern North American spring ephemeral Sanguinaria canadensis

AbstractAimDescription of the driving forces for genetic divergence is important for understanding spatial pattern of biodiversity and development of conservation plans. Paleo‐climate, geographical barriers and habitat heterogeneity are considered to be the main influential factors; however, an integrative study is still lacking to reveal their interactions.LocationEastern North America.MethodsHere, we generated MIG‐seq SNPs of 403 Sanguinaria canadensis samples and seven plastome data. The methods of phylogeography and landscape genomics were applied to infer their genetic divergence, demography, species distribution modelling, ecological differentiation and local adaptation.ResultsWe identified three distinct genetic lineages corresponding to geographical distributions isolated by the Appalachian Mountains and the Mississippi River. Ecological niche modelling and population demographic inference demonstrated that the response of S. canadensis to Pleistocene climate changes was consistent with the pattern of southward contraction during the ice age and northward recolonization during the inter−/postglacial period. Isolation in multiple southern refugia was a key factor resulting in the genetic divergence, whereas secondary contact triggered by repeated range shifts allowed gene flow among different lineages. A greater effect of isolation‐by‐environment than isolation‐by‐distance was founded, which suggested heterogeneous environment was also a promotor of genetic differentiation. Candidate adaptive loci related to transposable elements were identified under the influence of divergent environmental selection. Ecological niche divergence also reflected adaptation to different environments.Main ConclusionsThis study revealed that genetic divergence has occurred within S. canadensis populations under the combined effect of paleo‐climate, geographical barriers and habitat heterogeneity, and emphasized the necessity of establishing different conservation units in future biological conservation and management work.

Returning to Evolved Nestedness, Wellbeing, and Mature Human Nature, an Ecological Imperative

Why is humanity destroying its wellbeing and its habitat, Earth? The suggestion here is that the dominant culture has unnested itself from humanity’s millions-year-old adaptive heritages, impairing evolved capacities and human potential in a feedback loop of greater disconnection and destruction. Humanity’s heritage is to be nested horizontally, respectful of deep history and future generations, nested developmentally with evolved ways of raising children to foster thriving, and nested vertically, consciously participating in Earth-cosmos dynamism. Nestedness fosters capacities that are often missing in westernized peoples: ecological relational consciousness and knowhow, which were central to human adaptation. The dominant culture undermines their development. Mainstream western scholarship has accepted the slippage in baselines, collaborated with industrialized-capitalism culture and its intentional divorce from Nature’s ways, and is now caught and caged in the limitations of its models and metaphors. Enmeshed in the dominant culture, modernist psychology largely ignores species-normal child raising, human nature and capacities found all over the world among nomadic foraging societies and other traditional societies. In order to reverse the dominant culture’s destruction of planetary integrity, biological and cultural diversity, psychology must transform itself to help reestablish evolved practices and support deep nestedness, thereby helping restore human and Earth wellbeing.

Creation of a bioresource collection of berry plants on the basis of Russian State Agrarian University – Moscow Timiryazev Agricultural Academy

The article presents the results of work on the formation of a bioresource collection of berry plants of the Russian State Agrarian University – Moscow Timiryazev Agricultural Academy based on a variety testing area of forest berry plants and a collection of species of the Dendrological Garden named after R.I. Schroeder. The variety testing area includes berry plants of the genera Vaccinium (V. corymbosum – 8 species; V. angustifolium – 4 species; V. corymbosum × V. angustifolium – 3 species; V. oxycoccos – 2 species; V macrocarpon – 3 species; V. vitis-idaea – 4 species) and Rubus (R. arcticus – 9 species; R. chamaemorus – 1 species). Introduced berry plants with edible fruits from the 24 genera are mainly represented in the collection of the Dendrological Garden named after R.I. Schroeder: Actinidia (4 species), Amelanchier (5 species), Aronia (2 species), Berberis (2 edible species), Cornus (2 species), Crataegus (more than 10 species), Elaeagnus (2 species), Fragaria (2 species), Hippophae (1 species), Lonicera (1 edible species), Mahonia (1 species), Morus (2 species), Prunus (13 species), Ribes (4 species), Rosa (6 edible species), Rubus (6 species), Sambucus (1 edible species), Schisandra (1 species), Shepherdia (1 species), Sorbus (more than 10 more than 10 species and a number of cultivars and a number of cultivars), Vaccinium (wild forms of 5 species), more than 5 species), Vitis (3 species). All plants included in the bioresource collection have nutritional and medicinal value and are quite stable in growth, development and fructification in the Moscow microclimate. Work has begun on the creation of an in vitro genetic bank of economically valuable, rare and difficult to propagate species, varieties and forms of berry plants. The aim is to maintain a bioresource collection, preserve biological diversity and accelerate the cultivation of planting material with subsequent fruit production under conditions of import substitution.

Plant height variation and genetic diversity between Prunus ledebouriana (Schlecht.) YY Yao and Prunus tenella Batsch based on using SSR markers in East Kazakhstan.

Genetic differences between isolated endemic populations of plant species and those with widely known twin species are relevant for conserving the biological diversity of our planet's flora. Prunus ledebouriana (Schlecht.) YY Yao is an endangered and endemic species of shrub almond from central Asia. Few studies have explored this species, which is closely related and morphologically similar to the well-known Prunus tenella Batsch. In this article, we present a comparative analysis of studies of three P. ledebouriana populations and one close population of P. tenella in Eastern Kazakhstan in order to determine the particular geographic mutual replacement of the two species. The populations were collected from different ecological niches, including one steppe population near Ust-Kamenogorsk (P. tenella) and three populations (P. ledebouriana) in the mountainous area. Estimation of plant height using a t-test suggested a statistically significant difference between the populations and the two species (P<0.0001). DNA simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers were applied to study the two species' genetic diversity and population structure. A total of 19 polymorphic SSR loci were analyzed, and the results showed that the population collected in mountainous areas had a lower variation level than steppe populations. The highest level of Nei's genetic diversity index was demonstrated in the 4-UK population (0.622) of P. tenella. The lowest was recorded in population 3-KA (0.461) of P. ledebouriana, collected at the highest altitude of the four populations (2,086 meters above sea level). The total genetic variation of P. ledebouriana was distributed 73% within populations and 27% between populations. STRUCTURE results showed that two morphologically similar species diverged starting at step K=3, with limited population mixing. The results confirmed the morphological and genetic differences between P. tenella and P. ledebouriana and described the level of genetic variation for P. ledebouriana. The study's results proved that the steppe zone and mountain altitude factor between P. tenella and isolated mountain samples of P. ledebouriana.

Benthic fauna along sandy beaches enriched by metals after mining disaster

In 2015, 60 million tons of ore tailings from the Fundão dam failure entered the Doce River basin, Brazil, and reached surrounding sandy beaches. This study evaluated the influence of sedimentology and morphology of beaches that received mining tailings on chemical element concentrations and consequent benthic community responses. We collected sediments for physical (granulometry, heavy mineral, and calcium carbonate content) and geochemical (chemical elements) analyses and biological diversity parameters (benthic macro- and meiofauna density, richness, and composition) on 8 beaches with different morphodynamic types. Beaches with more dissipative characteristics retained the highest contents of mud, As, Fe, Mn, V, and heavy minerals, present in the tailings. We also recorded the lowest density and richness of macrofauna on these beaches, compared to more reflective beaches. These results contradict the global trend, suggesting that anthropic disturbances outweigh the effects of morphodynamics in structuring the benthic fauna community, mainly in dissipative sandy beaches.

Early corticosterone increases vocal complexity in a wild parrot: An organizational role of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis in vocal learning?

The neuroendocrinology of vocal learning is exceptionally well known in passerine songbirds. Despite huge life history, genetic and ecological variation across passerines, song learning tends to occur as a result of rises in gonadal and non-gonadal sex steroids that shape telencephalic vocal control circuits and song. Parrots are closely related but independently evolved different cerebral circuits for vocal repertoire acquisition in both sexes that serve a broader suite of social functions and do not appear to be shaped by early androgens or estrogens; instead, parrots begin a plastic phase in vocal development at an earlier life history stage that favors the growth, maturation, and survival functions of corticosteroids. As evidence, corticosterone (CORT) supplements given to wild green-rumped parrotlets (Forpus passerinus) during the first week of vocal babbling resulted in larger vocal repertoires in both sexes in the remaining days before fledging. Here, we replicate this experiment but began treatment 1 week before in development, analyzing both experiments in one model and a stronger test of the organizational effects of CORT on repertoire acquisition. Early CORT treatment resulted in significantly larger repertoires compared to late treatment. Both treatment groups showed weak negative effects on the early, reduplicated stage of babbling and strong, positive effects of CORT on the later, variegated stage. Results are consistent with more formative effects of corticosteroids at earlier developmental stages and a role of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis (HPA) in vocal repertoire acquisition. Given the early emergence of speech in human ontogeny, parrots are a promising model for understanding the putative role of the HPA axis in the construction of neural circuits that support language acquisition.

Ecological Efficiency Measurement and Technical Heterogeneity Analysis in China: A Two-Stage Three-Level Meta-Frontier Network Model Based on Segmented Projection

Due to persistent technological impacts on ecological efficiency (eco-efficiency) and variations in economic power and resource endowments among regions, considering regional and temporal heterogeneity becomes imperative. Ecosystems, often divided into economic production and environmental governance stages, necessitate a holistic assessment incorporating regional, temporal heterogeneity and stage distinctions. To address potential issues of a technology gap ratio (TGR) exceeding 1 within a two-stage network structure with dual heterogeneity, we introduce a segmented projection three-layer meta-frontier analysis method. In empirical study, we systematically examined eco-efficiency, emissions inefficiency and technology gaps across management, regional and temporal dimensions in 30 Chinese provinces from 2016 to 2020. Findings reveal disparities in management eco-efficiency, with the central provinces outperforming the east. Regional differences indicate advanced technology in the east, contributing to superior eco-efficiency. Temporal analysis highlights the positive role of scientific and technological development. Emissions inefficiency improvements are noted, necessitating attention toward management and regional technology levels. Eastern provinces exhibit superior emissions efficiency, emphasizing the role of regional and technological development. Recommendations include prioritizing environmental governance, strengthening regional collaborations and implementing policies to bridge technology gaps.

The role of territorial governance as an instrument for biological diversity conservation in the Atlantic Forest: Social learning from the Paraná River Biodiversity Corridor, Brazil

In Latin America, in the non-coastal portion of the Brazilian Atlantic Forest, there is the territory of Paraná River Biodiversity Corridor, which shares decision-making processes since 2010 and based on the performance of its Managing Network. In this context, the aim of this study was to evaluate the role of the Paraná River Biodiversity Corridor Managing Network as an instrument of territorial governance for biological diversity conservation actions. Methodologically, the method of participant observation of the Network's meetings was used, in association with the semi-structured questionnaire and content analysis of its technical reports. The results showed that the Network expands institutional action for biodiversity conservation in the territory, enhancing personal learning and the possibility of building shared agendas, for example, the elaboration of a Bioregional Management Plan for the Corridor. Out of every 10 planned actions, seven were completed, which demonstrates confidence in the Network in mediating inter-institutional actions. One of these actions was the approval of an ecological restoration project carried out in partnership by 16 Network members from 2017 to 2022, expanding results and optimizing financial costs. However, there are limitations related to the institutional structure of the Network members, who lack dialogic and administrative prerogatives that end up not favoring territorial integration. Finally, develop actions for the conservation of biological diversity must be planned in a dialogical and participatory way, on a regional scale and mediated, unconditionally, by robust governance arrangements.

Dental Dynamics: A Fast New Tool for Quantifying Tooth and Jaw Biomechanics in 3D Slicer.

Teeth reveal how organisms interact with their environment. Biologists have long looked at the diverse form and function of teeth to study the evolution of feeding, fighting, and development. The exponential rise in the quantity and accessibility of computed tomography (CT) data has enabled morphologists to study teeth at finer resolutions and larger macroevolutionary scales. Measuring tooth function is no easy task, in fact, much of our mechanical understanding is derived from dental shape. Categorical descriptors of tooth shape such as morphological homodonty and heterodonty, overlook nuances in function by reducing tooth diversity for comparative analysis. The functional homodonty method quantitatively assesses the functional diversity of whole dentitions from tooth shape. This method uses tooth surface area and position to calculate the transmission of stress and estimates a threshold for functionally homodont teeth through bootstrapping and clustering techniques. However, some vertebrates have hundreds or thousands of teeth and measuring the shape and function of every individual tooth can be a painstaking task. Here, we present Dental Dynamics, a module for 3D Slicer that allows for the fast and precise quantification of dentitions and jaws. The tool automates the calculation of several tooth traits classically used to describe form and function (i.e., aspect ratio, mechanical advantage, force, etc.). To demonstrate the usefulness of our module we used Dental Dynamics to quantify 780 teeth across 20 salamanders that exhibit diverse ecologies. We coupled these data with the functional homodonty method to investigate the hypothesis that arboreal Aneides salamanders have novel tooth functions. Dental Dynamics provides a new and fast way to measure teeth and increases the accessibility of the functional homodonty method. We hope Dental Dynamics will encourage further theoretical and methodological development for quantifying and studying teeth.

Study of marine microorganism metabolites: new resources for bioactive natural products.

The marine environment has remained a source of novel biological molecules with diversified applications. The ecological and biological diversity, along with a unique physical environment, have provided the evolutionary advantage to the plant, animals and microbial species thriving in the marine ecosystem. In light of the fact that marine microorganisms frequently interact symbiotically or mutualistically with higher species including corals, fish, sponges, and algae, this paper intends to examine the potential of marine microorganisms as a niche for marine bacteria. This review aims to analyze and summarize modern literature data on the biotechnological potential of marine fungi and bacteria as producers of a wide range of practically valuable products (surfactants, glyco-and lipopeptides, exopolysaccharides, enzymes, and metabolites with different biological activities: antimicrobial, antitumor, and cytotoxic). Hence, the study on bioactive secondary metabolites from marine microorganisms is the need of the hour. The scientific novelty of the study lies in the fact that for the first time, the data on new resources for obtaining biologically active natural products - metabolites of marine bacteria and fungi - were generalized. The review investigates the various kinds of natural products derived from marine microorganisms, specifically focusing on marine bacteria and fungi as a valuable source for new natural products. It provides a summary of the data regarding the antibacterial, antimalarial, anticarcinogenic, antibiofilm, and anti-inflammatory effects demonstrated by marine microorganisms. There is currently a great need for scientific and applied research on bioactive secondary metabolites of marine microorganisms from the standpoint of human and animal health.

Evolutionary history of tyrosine-supplementing endosymbionts in pollen-feeding beetles.

Many insects feeding on nutritionally challenging diets like plant sap, leaves, or wood engage in ancient associations with bacterial symbionts that supplement limiting nutrients or produce digestive or detoxifying enzymes. However, the distribution, function, and evolutionary dynamics of microbial symbionts in insects exploiting other plant tissues or relying on a predacious diet remain poorly understood. Here, we investigated the evolutionary history and function of the intracellular gamma-proteobacterial symbiont "Candidatus Dasytiphilus stammeri" in soft-winged flower beetles (Coleoptera, Melyridae, Dasytinae) that transition from saprophagy or carnivory to palynivory (pollen-feeding) between larval and adult stage. Reconstructing the distribution of the symbiont within the Dasytinae phylogeny unraveled not only a long-term coevolution, originating from a single acquisition event with subsequent host-symbiont codiversification, but also several independent symbiont losses. The analysis of 20 different symbiont genomes revealed that their genomes are severely eroded. However, the universally retained shikimate pathway indicates that the core metabolic contribution to their hosts is the provisioning of tyrosine for cuticle sclerotization and melanization. Despite the high degree of similarity in gene content and order across symbiont strains, the capacity to synthesize additional essential amino acids and vitamins and to recycle urea is retained in some but not all symbionts, suggesting ecological differences among host lineages. This report of tyrosine-provisioning symbionts in insects with saprophagous or carnivorous larvae and pollen-feeding adults expands our understanding of tyrosine supplementation as an important symbiont-provided benefit across a broad range of insects with diverse feeding ecologies.

Bacterial diversity and chemical ecology of natural product-producing bacteria from Great Salt Lake sediment.

Great Salt Lake (GSL), located northwest of Salt Lake City, UT, is the largest terminal lake in the USA. While the average salinity of seawater is ~3.3%, the salinity in GSL ranges between 5% and 28%. In addition to being a hypersaline environment, GSL also contains toxic concentrations of heavy metals, such as arsenic, mercury, and lead. The extreme environment of GSL makes it an intriguing subject of study, both for its unique microbiome and its potential to harbor novel natural product-producing bacteria, which could be used as resources for the discovery of biologically active compounds. Though work has been done to survey and catalog bacteria found in GSL, the Lake's microbiome is largely unexplored, and little to no work has been done to characterize the natural product potential of GSL microbes. Here, we investigate the bacterial diversity of two important regions within GSL, describe the first genomic characterization of Actinomycetota isolated from GSL sediment, including the identification of two new Actinomycetota species, and provide the first survey of the natural product potential of GSL bacteria.

Single-cell genomics of a bloom-forming phytoplankton species reveals population genetic structure across continents.

The study of microbial diversity over time and space is fundamental to the understanding of their ecology and evolution. The underlying processes driving these patterns are not fully resolved but can be studied using population genetic approaches. Here we investigated the population genetic structure of Gonyostomum semen, a bloom-forming phytoplankton species, across two continents. The species appears to be expanding in Europe, whereas similar trends are not observed in the USA. Our aim was to investigate if populations of Gonyostomum semen in Europe and in the USA are genetically differentiated, if there is population genetic structure within the continents, and what the potential drivers of differentiation are. To this end, we used a novel method based on single-amplified genomes combined with Restriction-site Associated DNA sequencing that allows de novo genotyping of natural single-cell isolates without the need for culturing. We amplified over 900 single-cell genomes from 25 lake populations across Europe and the USA and identified two distinct population clusters, one in Europe and another in the USA. Low genetic diversity in European populations supports the hypothesized recent expansion of Gonyostomum semen on this continent. Geographic population structure within each continent was associated with differences in environmental variables that may have led to ecological divergence of population clusters. Overall, our results show that single-amplified genomes combined with Restriction-site Associated DNA sequencing can be used to analyze microalgal population structure and differentiation based on single-cell isolates from natural, uncultured samples.

Global multifaceted biodiversity patterns, centers, and conservation needs in angiosperms.

The Convention on Biological Diversity seeks to conserve at least 30% of global land and water areas by 2030, which is a challenge but also an opportunity to better preserve biodiversity, including flowering plants (angiosperms). Herein, we compiled a large database on distributions of over 300,000 angiosperm species and the key functional traits of 67,024 species. Using this database, we constructed biodiversity-environment models to predict global patterns of taxonomic, phylogenetic, and functional diversity in terrestrial angiosperms and provide a comprehensive mapping of the three diversity facets. We further evaluated the current protection status of the biodiversity centers of these diversity facets. Our results showed that geographical patterns of the three facets of plant diversity exhibited substantial spatial mismatches and nonoverlapping conservation priorities. Idiosyncratic centers of functional diversity, particularly of herbaceous species, were primarily distributed in temperate regions and under weaker protection compared with other biodiversity centers of taxonomic and phylogenetic facets. Our global assessment of multifaceted biodiversity patterns and centers highlights the insufficiency and unbalanced conservation among the three diversity facets and the two growth forms (woody vs. herbaceous), thus providing directions for guiding the future conservation of global plant diversity.

New prospects of environmental RNA metabarcoding research in biological diversity, ecotoxicological monitoring, and detection of COVID-19: a critical review.

Ecosystems are multifaceted and complex systems and understanding their composition is crucial for the implementation of efficient conservation and management. Conventional approaches to biodiversity surveys can have limitations in detecting the complete range of species present. In contrast, the study of environmental RNA (eRNA) offers a non-invasive and comprehensive method for monitoring and evaluating biodiversity across different ecosystems. Similar to eDNA, the examination of genetic material found in environmental samples can identify and measure many species, including ones that pose challenges to traditional methods. However, eRNA is degraded quickly and therefore shows promise in detection of living organisms closer to their actual location than eDNA methods. This method provides a comprehensive perspective on the well-being of ecosystems, facilitating the development of focused conservation approaches to save at-risk species and uphold ecological equilibrium. Furthermore, eRNA has been recognized as a valuable method for the identification of COVID-19 in the environment, besides its established uses in biodiversity protection. The SARS-CoV-2 virus, which is accountable for the worldwide epidemic, releases RNA particles into the surrounding environment via human waste, providing insights into the feasibility of detecting it in wastewater and other samples taken from the environment. In this article, we critically reviewed the recent research activities that use the eRNA method, including its utilization in biodiversity conservation, ecological surveillance, and ecotoxicological monitoring as well as its innovative potential in identifying COVID-19. Through this review, the reader can understand the recent developments, prospects, and challenges of eRNA research in ecosystem management and biodiversity conservation.

Institutionalising science and knowledge under the agreement for the conservation and sustainable use of marine biodiversity of areas beyond national jurisdiction (BBNJ): Stakeholder perspectives on a fit-for-purpose Scientific and Technical Body

The use of science, scientific information, and other knowledge to inform decision-making is increasingly recognised as an integral feature of environmental governance – a governance principle which is reflected in the new agreement for the conservation and sustainable use of marine biological diversity of areas beyond national jurisdiction (BBNJ Agreement). To support the integration of science and knowledge, the BBNJ Agreement establishes a Scientific and Technical Body (STB) and confers the task of finalising the formulation and function of this new advisory body to the Conference of Parties once the agreement enters into force. Therefore, it is a critical time for careful consideration of what is needed to achieve an effective STB. However, to date, there is limited research on what a fit-for-purpose STB would involve for BBNJ or what is needed to operationalise this in practice. As such, we aim to fill this knowledge gap by providing insights garnered from semi-structured interviews with key BBNJ stakeholders. Using qualitative content analysis, we identify and examine eight characteristics that stakeholders deem as important qualities for the STB to encompass, as well as challenges and opportunities for operationalising these qualities in practice. Our findings indicate that a fit-for-purpose STB extends beyond the mere production of high-quality scientific advice - it also necessitates the inclusion and due consideration of other fundamental qualities such as inclusivity and equity, transparency, flexibility, and synergy with the existing governance framework, amongst others, as well as proactive consideration of trade-offs associated with different design choices. These findings are pertinent to the forthcoming endeavour of designing and implementing an STB under the BBNJ Agreement, and more generally, provide insights on normative qualities that stakeholders perceive as important for science-policy interfaces.

Marine Toxins as Pharmaceutical Treasure Troves: A Focus on Saxitoxin Derivatives from a Computational Point of View.

This work highlights the significant potential of marine toxins, particularly saxitoxin (STX) and its derivatives, in the exploration of novel pharmaceuticals. These toxins, produced by aquatic microorganisms and collected by bivalve mollusks and other filter-feeding organisms, offer a vast reservoir of chemical and biological diversity. They interact with sodium channels in physiological processes, affecting various functions in organisms. Exposure to these toxins can lead to symptoms ranging from tingling sensations to respiratory failure and cardiovascular shock, with STX being one of the most potent. The structural diversity of STX derivatives, categorized into carbamate, N-sulfocarbamoyl, decarbamoyl, and deoxydecarbamoyl toxins, offers potential for drug development. The research described in this work aimed to computationally characterize 18 STX derivatives, exploring their reactivity properties within marine sponges using conceptual density functional theory (CDFT) techniques. Additionally, their pharmacokinetic properties, bioavailability, and drug-likeness scores were assessed. The outcomes of this research were the chemical reactivity parameters calculated via CDFT as well as the estimated pharmacokinetic and ADME properties derived using computational tools. While they may not align directly, the integration of these distinct datasets enriches our comprehensive understanding of the compound's properties and potential applications. Thus, this study holds promise for uncovering new pharmaceutical candidates from the considered marine toxins.