Plastics are stubborn trash and non-biodegradable. Yet, did you know our indiscriminate use of plastics has now permeated our oceans as well?

According to the United Nations, 80% of marine pollution is caused by land-based debris. Our waterways carry tonnes of waste — mainly discarded plastics and industrial waste —into the seas. Apart from that, ships and fishing boats dump discarded cargo, fishing nets and other debris into the sea.

Research Matters caught up with Dr M D Madhusudan, one of the researchers involved in developing a high-resolution map of Open Natural Ecosystems (ONEs) in India, to gain insights into their work. Here are excerpts from the interview.

Researchers find that altered signalling patterns for survival by a fan-throated lizard species could be setting the stage for its evolution

Researchers measure the levels of stress hormones in the tail-hair of Asian elephants as a technique to monitor their health and well-being.

Researchers assess abandoned fallow lands in Manipur and recommend planting endemic tree species to boost forest recovery. 

Researchers have compared the visual abilities of butterflies and moths.

Researchers identify the factors affecting snow leopard density in Spiti Valley, Himachal Pradesh.

Sigur plateau in the Western Ghats may be ideal for a vulture-sanctuary, say researchers. 

Bizarre patterns, vibrant colours, heady scents — flowers present a buffet of choices to draw pollinators. In fact, studies have shown that bees, butterflies, and other pollinating insects have particular preferences in the flowers they visit. What’s more, they also tweak their tastes according to the changing environment.

Researchers from ATREE review their work over the past 25 years.