Natural World Research Articles

Why more biologists must embrace quantitative modeling.

Biology as a field has transformed since the time of its foundation from an organized enterprise cataloging the diversity of the natural world to a quantitatively rigorous science seeking to answer complex questions about the functions of organisms and their interactions with each other and their environments. As the mathematical rigor of biological analyses has improved, quantitative models have been developed to describe multi-mechanistic systems and to test complex hypotheses. However, applications of quantitative models have been uneven across fields, and many biologists lack the foundational training necessary to apply them in their research or to interpret their results to inform biological problem-solving efforts. This gap in scientific training has created a false dichotomy of "biologists'' and "modelers" that only exacerbates the barriers to working biologists seeking additional training in quantitative modeling. Here, we make the argument that all biologists are modelers, and are capable of using sophisticated quantitative modeling in their work. We highlight four benefits of conducting biological research within the framework of quantitative models, identify the potential producers and consumers of information produced by such models, and make recommendations for strategies to overcome barriers to their widespread implementation. Improved understanding of quantitative modeling could guide the producers of biological information to better apply biological measurements through analyses that evaluate mechanisms, and allow consumers of biological information to better judge the quality and applications of the information they receive. As our explanations of biological phenomena increase in complexity, so too must we embrace modeling as a foundational skill.

Quantum duality in electromagnetism and the fine structure constant

We describe the interplay between electric-magnetic duality and higher symmetry in Maxwell theory. When the fine structure constant is rational, the theory admits noninvertible symmetries which can be realized as composites of electric-magnetic duality and gauging a discrete subgroup of the one-form global symmetry. These noninvertible symmetries are approximate quantum invariances of the natural world which emerge in the infrared below the mass scale of charged particles. We construct these symmetries explicitly as topological defects and illustrate their action on local and extended operators. We also describe their action on boundary conditions and illustrate some consequences of the symmetry for Hilbert spaces of the theory defined in finite volume. Published by the American Physical Society 2024

Receptivity to the Weight and Heft of the Natural World in our Inner Selves.

Through the literary explorations and poetry of Alice Oswald, and through analysis of detailed clinical material from a Kleinian perspective, the authors expand the bounds of reverie as it is usually construed in psychoanalytic consulting rooms. The authors draw attention to the presence of a relationship to the more-than-human world as an integral aspect of our internal experience, and to the value of consideration of the quality and dynamic meaning of connections to the natural world in ordinary analytic work. The relationship to the primary object heavily influences the form taken by the relationship to the natural world, but once established, this connection has the possibility for a life of its own, that can provide a different kind of containment than the human variety, allow experimentation with new ways of being, and can strengthen the ego. The authors address the clinical implications of listening enhanced by an ear for affiliation to the natural world.

Encountering Animals Cultivates Meaningful Shared Experiences Between Children and Parents

ABSTRACT Childhood nature experiences – particularly those shared with caregivers – have consistently, over decades of research, been linked to children’s health, as well as their developing environmental commitments. Notably, animal interactions have been shown to play key roles in children’s psychological wellbeing and their developing conservation concerns. We investigated nature experiences children share with their parents, with a particular focus on those that involve interactions with animals. Parents (n = 49) of young children completed a written survey in which they provided a short narrative describing a significant experience in nature that they had shared with their child. The narrative accounts were systematically coded and interrater reliability was attained. The qualitative findings offer a rich account of nature experiences that children and parents share. Three broad themes were identified – (1) Typology of Nature Experiences, (2) Psychosocial Factors, and (3) Relational Bonding – and are illustrated and discussed within the context of promoting healthy childhood relationships with their caregivers and the wider natural world.

Neural Control of Naturalistic Behavior Choices

In the natural world, animals make decisions on an ongoing basis, continuously selecting which action to undertake next. In the lab, however, the neural bases of decision processes have mostly been studied using artificial trial structures. New experimental tools based on the genetic toolkit of model organisms now make it experimentally feasible to monitor and manipulate neural activity in small subsets of neurons during naturalistic behaviors. We thus propose a new approach to investigating decision processes, termed reverse neuroethology. In this approach, experimenters select animal models based on experimental accessibility and then utilize cutting-edge tools such as connectomes and genetically encoded reagents to analyze the flow of information through an animal's nervous system during naturalistic choice behaviors. We describe how the reverse neuroethology strategy has been applied to understand the neural underpinnings of innate, rapid decision making, with a focus on defensive behavioral choices in the vinegar fly Drosophila melanogaster.

Exploring Elements of Style in the Poem 'Drought': Unraveling the Layers of Meaning

The poem "Drought" encapsulates the devastating impact of a prolonged dry spell on both the natural world and human society. Through vivid imagery, figurative language, and poignant diction, the poem portrays the bleak realities and emotional turmoil brought about by the absence of rain. The analysis explores the poem's elements of style, including its use of diction, figurative language, imagery, and syntax, to convey themes of despair, suffering, and resilience. Furthermore, from an epistemological perspective, the poem invites reflection on how knowledge is acquired and understood about the effects of drought, highlighting the complexities of human experience and the limitations of our understanding in the face of natural phenomena. Overall, "Drought" serves as a poignant exploration of the profound impact of environmental disasters and the enduring resilience of the human spirit.

Diseñando la coexistencia urbana

This paper critically examines the prevailing paradigms of environmental and spatial justice, emphasising the existing disparities in policies that predominantly favour human interests while overlooking the fundamental rights and well-being of non-human species. Despite the growing acknowledgement of the importance of establishing a deeper connection between human and non-human actors for overall well-being, a pervasive speciesism mindset persists, distancing humans from the broader natural world. This separation from nature profoundly influences the formulation of policies and justice, establishing a bias that focuses primarily on human concerns and environmental conditions tailored to human well-being. Architects and planners, despite possessing the potential to enrich habitats for various species, frequently adopt human-centric approaches that marginalise other-than-human entities, restricting their access to the immediate surroundings of human territories and impeding opportunities for immersive nature experiences. This article advocates for a comprehensive paradigm shift in architectural practices, urging a more inclusive and equitable approach that extends spatial and environmental justice to encompass the diverse needs and rights of both human and non-human species within the urban landscape. The conclusions underscore the urgent need for architects and planners to re-evaluate their approaches, fostering an environment that supports coexistence and acknowledges the interconnectedness of all species. In the face of global biodiversity concerns and international frameworks such as the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, the research contributes to the discourse on sustainable and ethical design practices, advocating for a future where spatial and environmental justice extends its reach beyond the confines of human experience to create a respectful and just coexistence with the entire ecological community.

India’s emerging trends and meanings in healthy human-nature relationships: Indian outdoor education practitioner perspectives

ABSTRACT Using a descriptive, exploratory study of recent developments in outdoor adventure education (OAE) fields in India, the authors report on the significant contributions of Indian OAE practitioners in promoting healthy human-nature relationships. Semi-structured interviews with Indian OAE practitioners revealed an underlying interconnectedness between OAE, environmental education, and experiential education. Findings show that OAE practitioners in India represent new genres of practice diversifying into nature-based sports, therapeutic adventure, experiential activities, and more to help individuals develop positive relationships with nature, emphasising reciprocity and mutual respect. Drawing from the historical, spiritual, and cultural aspects of nature-relatedness in Indian culture, OAE practitioners bridge the gap between traditional knowledge and contemporary practices to foster deeper connections with the natural worlds. This study postulates that Indian OAE practitioners, with their understanding of nature’s therapeutic effects, play vital roles in guiding people towards a holistic and sustainable relationship with nature that contributes to individual well-being and environmental preservation.

Effects of Prey Switching at Different Stages on Life Parameters of Neoseiulus bicaudus

The phenomenon of prey switching is prevalent in the natural world and represents a strategic adaptation of predators to their environment. Neoseiulus bicaudus, a native predatory mite found in Xinjiang, serves as a natural enemy to numerous small pests. The utilization of Tyrophagus putrescentiae as an alternative prey for the mass breeding of N. bicaudus is employed to fulfill the demands of enhanced breeding efficiency and cost-effectiveness. Following the introduction of mass breed N. bicaudus into the agricultural ecosystem, there was a switching in the prey of N. bicaudus from Ty. putrescentiae to Tetranychus turkestani. The objective of this study was to investigate the impact of prey switching at various stages on N. bicaudus. This study employed the age-stage, two-sex life table to assess the life parameters of N. bicaudus undergoing prey switching at different stages. The results showed that the survival rate of N. bicaudus was significantly decreased, the developmental period was significantly prolonged, the fecundity was improved during prey switching, and the intrinsic rate of increase of N. bicaudus was significantly decreased. The negative effects of prey switching in larva and deutonymph stages were greater than those in protonymph and adult stages. The stage and age of N. bicaudus undergoing prey switching were positively correlated with the male ratio, and negatively correlated with the total preoviposition period and the mean generation time. The comprehension of prey switching effects on N. bicaudus can enhance our understanding of the predator adaptation to environmental changes and contribute to the artificial rearing and application of natural enemy.

Cherokee Earth Dwellers: Stories and Teachings of the Natural World

Book review.

An Insight on the Geometry of the Golden Ratio

Mathematics has a strong logical interconnection with structural design and architecture. Ratios are good examples of their interconnectivity. Nature is attractive due to the proper ratios of various components in them and between others. In nature, trees, forests, leaves, flowers, fruits, Himalayas, hills, valleys, springs, rivers, lakes, etc. show a rhythmic balance and seem harmonic and aesthetically pleasing. The golden ratio is considered the most pleasing to human visual sensation not limited only to aesthetic beauty but also found prominently in the natural world and is a fascinating topic. It can be constructed in different ways depending on the geometrical structures preferred. In this paper, our focus is on the geometry of the golden ratio.

Spiritual Ecology: A Path to Ecological Existentialism

This article explores the distinctive opportunities arising from the concept of spiritual ecology, and intersects with religion and ecology, religion and nature, and religion and environmentalism. On one side, these opportunities encompass problematic trends within certain facets of existing ecological aspect entangled with capitalist enclosures and consumerist desires. Conversely, it holds the promise of fostering the commitment to harmony with nonhumans’ existence, and suggests for understanding that transcends the conventional confines of religion. Many works on spiritual ecology embrace a broad multiplicity, questioning how to discern between more favorable and less favorable expressions of spiritual ecology. As this, it upholds the value of diversity while differentiating between the anti-intellectual, individualistic, and capitalistic tendencies within spiritual ecology and those that align more closely with what can be characterized as ecological existentialism or co-existentialism. It emerges as a reaction to the ideals and socio-political frameworks of current periods, which have avoided an intimate connection with the world and its revered nature. Over the past century, it has evolved into an intellectual and practice-oriented discipline, addressing the need to reconnect with the sacred dimensions of the natural world. animism

Darwin meets DickinsonNatural Magic: Emily Dickinson, Charles Darwin, and the Dawn of Modern Science Renée Bergland Princeton University Press, 2024. 440 pp.

The biologist and the poet shared deep sensibilities about the natural world.

China’s nature-based solutions in the Global South: Evidence from Asia, Africa, and Latin America

China increasingly engages in environmental diplomacy through South-South cooperation across the developing world. Since 2019, the rise of the discourse of Nature-based Solutions (NbS) within this cooperation has been exponential. Coined just over ten years ago, NbS refers to the underexplored potential of leveraging the natural world to address socio-environmental challenges. The concept finds particular resonance in China, where it demonstrates strong parallels with the domestically-pioneered concept of Ecological Civilization – the ruling paradigm when it comes to all realms of Chinese environmental governance. Building on the global discourse, NbS has been adapted to the Chinese context, creating what some call “Chinese-style” NbS that prioritizes large-scale interventions and ecological engineering over grassroots preservation. China’s NbS are not only being pursued domestically, but also increasingly abroad through the country’s Belt and Road Initiative. From Southeast and Central Asia to Africa and Latin America, this article surveys Chinese-led or financed projects that fall under the broad umbrella of NbS. We provide a comparative analysis of these interventions – or the conspicuous lack of such interventions – to show the current status and future prospects for China’s growing sphere of influence when it comes to advancing NbS in the Global South. We find that China’s embrace of this concept in environmental diplomacy is directly related to the potential for NbS to serve as a tool for helping the country’s vision of an Ecological Civilization “go global.” The consonance between the rhetoric of NbS and Ecological Civilization, combined with the global reach of NbS, provides a powerful platform for taking Chinese environmental discourse to the global level.

A Review of Biophilic Design Concepts in Hotel Architecture

Incorporating natural materials and features into the built environment is the goal of the creative approach known as biophilic design, which aims to link people with nature through architecture and interior design. The premise of the theory is that people are naturally drawn to nature and that spending time in nature can improve productivity, well-being, and general quality of life. It has been demonstrated that biophilic architecture design can convey a healthy environment, lower stress levels, and promote a sense of serenity for people residing in it. This is because the design uses natural materials and natural patterns to create a connection between humans and the natural world. This study looks into the application of biophilic design ideas in hospitality environments. This study aims to investigate if, in the context of hotels, including biophilic design improves guest emotional responses, perceived quality, and behavioral intentions. The results of this study showed that biophilic designs produced more favorable emotional and behavioral reactions than the standard design using the scenario-based experiment. Furthermore, patrons thought hotels with biophilic decor were of higher caliber. The goal of biophilic design is to incorporate natural aspects into the built environment to improve overall guest experience, comfort, and well-being. It is based on the human connection to nature. Site inspections, management interviews, and visitor surveys are a few of the data collection techniques used in hotels. The results provide important insights for architects, designers, and hoteliers looking to build more sustainable and guest-centric settings by illuminating the challenges, advantages, and consequences of using biophilic design in a hospitality context.

MAN, AS THE MOST IMPORTANT SUBJECT OF EDUCATIONAL ACTIVITY

There is no doubt that education creates a man. On the other hand, man is an extremely complex structure. We usually arrive at two opposite but complementary conclusions. On the one hand, all the people we meet, and as far as we can guess, are generally in some way similar to each other. On the other hand, each person is somehow unique, different from others. Commonality and particularity/uniqueness are the two main cognitive categories of any phenomenon. It is understood that man, as a subject of activity, is “an open” system: his existence and development depend on relations with the world around him, in which he lives and works. So, firstly, man, like any living being, is part of the natural world and is rightly considered a biological organism. Secondly, any human being is a member of one or another society, with which he is connected by ties and relations, defined as a social individual. In addition, a person is, in one way or another, related to the socio-historical, cultural, and moral experience of mankind. How to adopt this experience? How to absorb? It is obvious that assimilation of this experience is necessary for a person’s self-determination, growth, and development as a personality.

A numerical investigation of a well-known nonlinear Newell-Whitehead-Segel equation using the rank polynomial of the star graph

Mathematical models of pattern formation are indispensable tools in various fields, from developmental biology to ecology, providing insights into complex phenomena and contributing to our understanding of the natural world. These patterns have been extensively studied using reaction-diffusion and NewellWhiteheadSegel models. This article intended to find an approximate numerical solution to the NewellWhiteheadSegel equation. The appearance of stripe patterns in two-dimensional systems is explained in nonlinear systems using the NewellWhiteheadSegel equation. Based on the function basis of rank polynomials of star graphs and the well-posed operational matrices, the rank polynomial collocation method is constructed. The alleged rank polynomial collocation method created a system of nonlinear algebraic equations from the nonlinear NewellWhiteheadSegel equation. The nonlinear NewellWhiteheadSegel equation solution is approximated by solving the resulting system via Newton’s Raphson method. Numerical instances are provided to illustrate the validity and effectiveness of the technique. Verification of accuracy is accomplished by calculating error norms. The obtained numerical results show a reasonable degree of consistency with the findings reported in the current literature. The scheme’s primary benefit is the algorithm’s ease of implementation.

Artists’ and Creators’ Reframed Relationship with Nature Since the COVID-19 Pandemic

Abstract This report is part of a wider research project, Reframing Creativity, which studied how the COVID-19 pandemic affected the work and creative practice of professional artists, producers and makers. Here we discuss a specific finding about artists’ and creators’ relationships with nature. After conducting a first round of interviews with 11 participants, we identified that around half of them had talked about having found a valuable connection with nature since the pandemic—even though nature was not a topic in our sequence of questions. This led to a deeper analysis of nature and creativity through a second round of interviews with 11 further participants. For both rounds of interviews, we used a semi-structured questionnaire with a snowball sampling method for recruitment. We conclude that artists and creators developed new meanings and perspectives on their relationship with the outdoors as an unexpected result of the new first-hand experiences they were able to have outside, that is, as a result of the opportunities the pandemic enabled. We also argue that creators face an urgent need to find a healthy balance between the unstoppable advancement of digital technologies, accelerated by the pandemic, and the fundamental need to be connected with the natural world. These new creator-nature connections should be fostered, preserved, and researched further.

Mountain as Living Oracles of the Past and the Future in Mamang Dai’s Poem “The Voices of Mountains"

Northeast poetry refers to the rich and diverse literary tradition of poetry originating from the northern eastern region of India. Known for its cultural diversity, natural beauty, and vibrant traditions, the northeast is a home to a multitude of indigenous communities, each with its own unique language, customs, and folklore. Poetry from this region often reflects the cultural heritage, socio-political realities, and environmental concerns of the communities living in the region. Another characteristic of Northeast poetry is the breathtaking landscapes and natural beauty of the northeast serve as a recurring theme in its poetry. Poets often draw inspiration from the lush forests, rivers, mountains, and valleys of the region, using vivid imagery and descriptive languages to evoke the sights, sounds, and sensations of the natural world. The North-eastern poets stand as representatives of their entire community, and their poems are not singular, but they are voices of the inhabitants of the region. They explore themes of identity, belonging, and cultural heritage, reflecting the complex socio-political realities of the region. Poets address issues such as ethnicity, migration, displacement, and cultural assimilation, giving voice to the experiences and struggles of marginalized communities. Overall, Northeast poetry offers a unique and richly textured literary landscape, showcasing the voices and perspectives of the diverse communities that call the region home. It serves as a testament to the resilience, creativity, and cultural richness of the North-eastern states of India.

Enhancing compliance assessment through regenerative transformations – A food waste perspective

Addressing food waste is a growing priority for hotel groups. However, aligning corporate sustainability goals with the practicalities of individual hotels is challenging. While hotels increasingly adopt certification programs to enable transparency on sustainability performance, there is a risk that compliance-based assessment systems may not fully capture the nuances of each hotel’s local context. The notion of regeneration, emphasizing reinvestment in people, place and the natural world, offers the potential to bridge the gap between corporate waste targets, hotel operations and local outcomes. Food waste, recoverable through a biological cycle, aligns with the principles of regeneration. This study explores the perspectives of practitioners involved in certification and benchmarking and those advocating for regeneration in the tourism sector. This study explores whether compliance assessment systems are sufficient to account for the challenges associated with hotel food waste and whether regenerative enhancements could be conceptualised. Through in-depth interviews, the research reveals a divide between compliance assessment and regeneration across key areas. A conceptual framework is introduced, highlighting areas of convergence that could enhance existing certification programs – with the ultimate aim of helping hotels reconsider their relationship with food waste and their local ecological system.