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IBED News Archive

2009

Rapid spread of the Mexican flu not necessarily a bad thing

According to Dr. Maarten Boerlijst, assistant professor in Theoretical Ecology with the Institute for Biodiversity and Ecosystem Dynamics (IBED) it is not necessarily a bad thing if the Mexican flu spreads rapidly through The Netherlands.

Coupled oscillations of predators and prey cause chaos in food webs

Predator and prey species may display oscillations in population abundances. When predators increase, their prey populations go down. However, what happens if two predator-prey systems interact? In a new study highlighted in Nature and Science, Elisa Benincà and Jef Huisman of IBED show how the interplay between two predator-prey cycles produces chaos in an experimental food web.

Mauritius since the last ice-age

In the autumn of 2009, a research team of the Institute for Biodiversity and Ecosystem Dynamics (IBED) led by Prof. dr. Henry Hooghiemstra saw an important research project funded to study the impacts of human and natural change on Mauritius since the last ice age. Special attention will be given to the extinction of the dodo, and the presence of a ‘dodo graveyard’ with an exceptional concentration of dodo skeletons on Mauritius.

Winter areas determine contaminant levels in Svalbard geese

A recent study by the Institute for Biodiversity and Ecosystem Dynamics (IBED) shows that contaminant levels in pink-footed geese are three times higher than in barnacle geese. This may be caused by a different pollutant exposure in their wintering areas in continental Europe and Scotland, respectively.

Ecosystems and art

In an original interpretation of the ‘Science for Society’ credo of the Institute for Biodiversity and Ecosystem Dynamics (IBED), scientist and photographer Gerard Oostermeijer will display a selection of his ecological photos together with artist Ludek Tikovsky who will exhibit several paintings in a joint exposition titled "Word Views".

Biofuels, sustainability and biodiversity

Are biofuels a sustainable alternative for fossil fuels? In a recent publication, Prof. Lucas Reijnders of the Institute for Biodiversity and Ecosystem Dynamics (IBED) of the University of Amsterdam (UvA) and co-authors critically examined the impact of biofuel production in Southeast Asia on biodiversity and CO2 reduction. They concluded that when biodiversity loss and CO2 release associated with land use change are entered in the equation, biofuels are often unsustainable.

IBED researchers advise Ecuadorian government about sustainable reforestation

In a five-year research programme, researchers of the Institute for Biodiversity and Ecosystem Dynamics (IBED) investigated depressions of the upper forest line in the Ecuadorian Andes as a result of human interference, and formulated directions for future reforestation efforts. In June 2009 they presented the final results to the Ecuadorian Vice-Minister of the Environment Blgo. Manuel Bravo.

Researchers of IBED terminate algal bloom in surface waters

Together with engineering firm ARCADIS, researchers from the Institute for Biodiversity and Ecosystem Dynamics (IBED) successfully developed and applied a new method to combat harmfull algal blooms in surface waters.

Master students of Earth Sciences explain water repellency experiment on national television

On 6 august 2009, two MSc Students of the master Earth Sciences of the Institute for Biodiversity and Ecosystem Dynamics (IBED) featured on the popular scientific television show Noorderlicht Nieuws, where they explained about their study of water repellency of soils.

IBED Scientists contribute to assessment of impact of freshwater crayfish

Researchers of the Institute for Biodiversity and Ecosystem Dynamics (IBED) and the Dutch National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM) investigated the influence of an invasive freshwater crayfish species on ecological water quality assessment.

4.5 km long sediment core provides unique information about the birth of the Amazone river

A team of scientists from the Institute for Biodiversity and Ecosystem Dynamics (IBED), the University of Liverpool and Petrobras -the national oil company of Brazil - extracted and analyzed a unique sediment core of nearly 4.5 kilometers in length near the Brazilian coast. Analysis of the material revealed detailed information about the development of the Amazone river over the last 12 million years.

IBED contributes to the 'Bosatlas van Ondergronds Nederland'

In June 2009 the 'Bosatlas van Ondergronds Nederland' was published. The Institute for Biodiversity and Ecosystem Dynamics (IBED) is official partner of this atlas of the Dutch subsoil, together with several other institutes of higher learning, government agencies and companies.

Focus on research: Earth scientist Harry Seijmonsbergen

Earth scientist Harry Seijmonsbergen of the Computational Geo-Ecology research group has a genuine love of landscapes. Both his research and lectures successfully combine classic fieldwork with the latest computer technologies, such as GIS and Remote Sensing.

Master students of Earth Sciences in the race for an ESA parabolic flight

Two MSc Students of the master Earth Sciences of the Institute for Biodiversity and Ecosystem Dynamics (IBED) form one of the pre-selected teams of university students in the race to fly their experiments in microgravity by participating in a series of parabolic flights organized by the European Space Agency (ESA).

Graduate Student of IBED wins 2nd prize in the UvA MSc-thesis award 2009 competition

Anieke van Leeuwen, currently a PhD student of the Theoretical Ecology Research Group of the Institute for Biodiversity and Ecosystem Dynamics (IBED) won the second prize in the competition for the UvA MSc-thesis award 2009 for her MSc thesis titled: ‘How cod shapes its world’.

IBED scientist chosen as one of fifty 'most talented jong Dutchmen'

Once every three years, the respected magazine 'Elsevier' selects what they feel are The Netherlands' fifty most talented young people. In 2009, Dr. Jasper Vrugt of the Institute for Biodiversity and Ecosystem Dynamics was one of them.

GPS-backpack yields unprecedented details about bird behaviour and migration

Researchers of the Institute for Biodiversity and Ecosystem Dynamics (IBED) and the Technology Center, both of the University of Amsterdam (UvA), together with the NIOZ Royal Dutch Institute for Marine Research, developed and succesfully deployed 'GPS-backpacks' designed for high resolution tracking the movements of a migratory birds throughout their entire annual routine.

UvA and CARMABI strengthen research of coral reefs of The Netherlands Antilles.

With their coral reefs and other vulnerable sea life, from a biodiversity point of view The Netherlands Antilles are the most important area within the Kingdom of the Netherlands. The Institute for Biodiversity and Ecosystem Dynamics (IBED) and the Caribbean Research and Management of Biodiversity Foundation (CARMABI) on Curaçao formed a strategic alliance to help safeguard this unique nature for future generations.

IBED Scientist publishes book on the Cordillera Blanca

Prof. dr. Jan Sevink of the Institute for Biodiversity and Ecosystem Dynamics (IBED) published a popular book on the climate, geology and geography of the Peruvian Cordillera Blanca.

Soil and sediment fauna help test for soil contamination

Dr Miriam León Paumen of the Institute for Biodiversity and Ecosystem Dynamics (IBED) discovered that exposing soil and sediment invertebrates like worms and springtails to toxic chemicals can give a more accurate test of soil contamination.

UvA-Scientist raises the alarm about chimpanzee massacre

Poachers in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) threaten the existence of the largest remaining continuous population of chimpanzees in the world. This conclusion is drawn by researcher Cleve Hicks of the Institute for Biodiversity and Ecosystem Dynamics (IBED), who describes the plight of the apes and other forest creatures in a recently released e-book. Together with colleagues, Hicks was able to take in five orphaned chimpanzees who will soon be sent to a sanctuary in eastern Congo.

Waternet, STOWA, Witteveen+Bos and UvA-IBED-AEE join forces to improve waterquality of effluents

New insides into particle conversion biological polishing of treated wastewater

Focus on research: environmental chemist Pim de Voogt

‘Where does a substance end up if I throw it in the canal?’ Pim de Voogt points at the window of his office on the Nieuwe Achtergracht. ‘How much of it will end up in the air, how much will end up in the fish?

Death of young fish leads to population growth

Catch more fish, and the total population of the species declines. However, kill only small, young fish and the total number of small, young fish increases! This seemingly paradoxical conclusion has far reaching implications for the sustainable management of the oceans, and follows from a theoretical study by a research team led by Prof. dr. André de Roos of the Institute for Biodiversity and Ecosystem Dynamics (IBED). A follow up study by the same team now provides the experimental evidence to support it.

WIF Best Publication Prize for Elisa Benincà

Elisa Benincà, PhD student with the research group of Aquatic Microbiology of the Instituut for Biodiversity and Ecosystem Dynamics won the Best Publication Prize 2008 of the Women in the Science Faculty (WiF) network.

Focus on research: forensic DNA expert Ate Kloosterman

Forensic DNA expert Ate Kloosterman has been a researcher with the Nederlands Forensisch Intituut (NFI) [the Netherlands Forensic Institute] for years and is the expert in the area of DNA profiling. Since recently he has, as a professor by special appointment at the Institute for Biodiversity and Ecosystem Dynamics, been teaching University of Amsterdam Master’s students the tricks of his exciting trade.

The Zoological Museum of the UvA honours Darwin with exhibitions

12 February 2009 marked the 200th birthday of Charles Darwin, and the kick-off of the Darwin Year. In honour of Charles Darwin, the Zoological Museum of the UvA composed a number of exhibitions highlighting the broad scope of his work, and the implications thereof for contemporary science in the Artis Royal Zoo Amsterdam.

Lecture for Children: "Where did the Mammoth go?"

On Sunday 8 February 2009, dr. Bas van Geel of the Institute for Biodiversity and Ecosystem Dynamics held a 'Wakker Worden Kinderlezing' (Lecture series for children) at the NEMO science museum in Amsterdam, about how researchers study the links between climate and the extinction of animal species.

Dr Karsten Kalbitz

Dr Karsten Kalbitz (1965) has been appointed Professor of Earth Surface Science at the Institute for Biodiversity and Ecosystem Dynamics (IBED) in the Faculty of Science of the University of Amsterdam (UvA).

Birds and airplanes: no match made in heaven.

Recently an airplane had to make an emergency landing in the Hudson river after geese were sucked into its engines. The Institute for Biodiversity and Ecosystem Dynamics (IBED) cooperates with various national and international partners to develop a system to avoid collisions between airplanes and birds.

IBED contributes to global map of ecological impact of fisheries

The GIS-studio of the Institute for Biodiversity and Ecosystem Dynamics (IBED) played a prominent role in the creation of a global map that assesses the ecological impact of fisheries, as part of the ‘The Netherlands and the World Ecology’ program of the IUCN National Committee of The Netherlands (IUCN NL).

New website for the IBED GIS-studio

In January 2009, the GIS-studio of the Institute for Biodiversity and Ecosystem Dynamics (IBED) launched a new website. In addition to extensive information, it features an online reservation system for students.

2008

IBED PhD alumnus publishes book on Hugo de Vries

Dr. Erik Zevenhuizen obtained his PhD at IBED on 5 September 2008 based on a study of the evolutionary research of Hugo de Vries. On 26 November 2008, he presented a popular version of his thesis in the form of a book titled “Vast in het spoor van Darwin – Biografie van Hugo de Vries”.

Lecture for children: "Can mountains grow?

On Sunday 16 November, Dr. Boris Jansen of the Institute for Biodiversity and Ecosystem Dynamics (IBED) held a 'Wakker Worden Kinderlezing' (Lecture series for children) about mountains at the NEMO science museum in Amsterdam.

IBED scientists feature on national television

Prof. dr. Jef Huisman and Dr. Jolanda Verspagen of the Institute for Biodiversity and Ecosystem Dynamics (IBED) featured on Dutch national television in a program discussing algal blooms in lake Volkerak.

Even moderate climate change has large implications for shrublands

Since 1998, researchers led by Dr. Albert Tietema of the Institute for Biodiversity and Ecosystem Dynamics (IBED) have been collaborating in a EU field manipulation experiment studying the effects of climate change on shrublands in six European countries. The results until now have been reported in 2004 in a special issue of Ecosystems, and recently in 2007 and 2008 in two papers in Global Change Biology.

When the enemy attacks, spider mites fall asleep

A group of researchers of the Institute for Biodiversity and Ecosystem Dynamics (IBED) led by Dr. Martijn Egas found out that the smell of spider mites under attack, causes their fellow spider mites to enter a dormant state.

Dr. W.P. de Voogt appointed Endowed Chair of Chemistry of (emerging) Water Contaminants

Dr. W.P. (Pim) de Voogt (1952) has been appointed endowed chair of Chemistry of (emerging) Water Contaminants at the Institute for Biodiversity and Ecosystem Dynamics (IBED). The Chair is funded by the Bèta plus foundation (Stichting Bèta Plus).

How different predator species can help one another to persist

How can it be that there exist so many species of animals, while at the same time so many of them compete for the same prey species? And what is the importance of this (bio)diversity for the persistence of species? In the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, researchers of the Institute for Biodiversity and Ecosystem Dynamics (IBED) and Umeå University in Sweden reveal a link between these two fundamental ecological questions. It shows that predator species facilitate one another’s persistence in spite of their competition for the same prey.

IBED very successful in EU 7th Framework Program in 2008

With three out of six submitted proposal approved, the Institute for Biodiversity and Ecosystem Dynamics (IBED) has been very successful in the most recent call of the Cooperation Program of EU FP7. Dr. Pim de Voogt will coordinate the PERFOOD project, while Dr. John Parsons and Dr. Albert Tietema will participate as principle investigators in respectively the ENFIRO and the INCREASE project. All three researchers are part of the Earth Surface Processes and Materials (ESPM) research group of IBED.

Doubts about the Delta Committee report

On Wednesday September 3, the Delta Committee chaired by Prof. Veerman, our former minister of agriculture, presented its report on the long-term protection of the Netherlands against sea level rise. However, in the newspaper 'NRC Handelsblad', Prof. dr. Jef Huisman, Chair of the Aquatic Microbiology Research Group of the Institute for Biodiversity and Ecosystem Dynamics (IBED) voices some serious doubts about some of their conclusions.

VENI grant for Dr. Katja Peijnenburg

Dr. Katja Peijnenburg acquired a VENI grant of the Netherlands Organisation for Research (NWO) with a proposal titled “tempo and mode of marine zooplankton evolution”. She will use it to do research at the group of Evolutionary Biology and Aquatic Microbiology of the Institute for Biodiversity and Ecosystem Dynamics (IBED)

IBED scientist Dr. Bas van Geel features in 'Vroege Vogels'

Sunday morning 13 July 2008, Dr. Bas van Geel of the Institute for Biodiversity and Ecosystem Dynamics (IBED) featured on the Dutch national radio program 'Vroege Vogels'. Topic of discussion was: "Natural versus anthropogenic climate change: the opinion of a paleo-climatologist".

Elisa Benincà wins ASLO Presentation Award

In St. Johns, in Canada, Elisa Benincà of the Institute for Biodiversity and Ecosystem Dynamics (IBED) won the Outstanding Student Presentation Award at the annual summer meeting of the American Society for Limnology & Oceanography (ASLO).

IBED scientists win Science Park Amsterdam new ideas competition

Two scientists of the Institute for Biodiversity and Ecosystem Dynamics (IBED) together won three of the four prizes in the 2008 round of the Science Park Amsterdam new ideas competion. Dr. Hans Matthijs won the first prize, while Dr. Judy Shamoun won both the third prize and the audience award for best idea.

Parasitoid turns host into bodyguard

Parasites can induce dramatic changes of behaviour in their host species. This behaviour is thought to be detrimental to the host, but beneficial to the parasite. In a joint publication in PLoS One, researchers from the University of Amsterdam and University of Viçosa (Brazil) show evidence of spectacular behavioural changes induced by a parasitic wasp in the caterpillar of a moth species. After the wasp has oviposited eggs in the body of the caterpillar, these develop into larvae that live on the body fluids of the caterpillar. After the wasp larvae crawl out of the caterpillar to pupate, the caterpillar acts as a bodyguard to defend them from predator attacks.

RIVM and UvA join forces for research on ecological water and sediment quality assessment

In June 2008, a cooperation between the Laboratory for Ecological Risk Assessment of the National Institute for Public Health and Environment
(RIVM-LER) and the department of Aquatic Ecology and Ecotoxicology of the University of Amsterdam (IBED-AEE) was established. The aim of this cooperation is to develop knowledge on ecological water and sediment quality assessment and to initiate and perform joint scientific (PhD)projects, increasing the scientific output of RIVM-LER and IBED-AEE.

Dr. André van Roon wins KNCV best presentation prize

On 17 April 2008, Dr. André van Roon received a prize for best presentation from the Royal Dutch Chemical Society (KNCV) for the presentation of his PhD thesis that he completed at the Institute for Biodiversity and Ecosystem Dynamics (IBED).

Soil research reveals ancient cart tracks around historic lake

In a project aimed at cleaning polluted soil , Prof. dr. Jan Sevink of the Institute for Biodiversity and Ecosystem Dynamics (IBED) found evidence of old horse-drawn cart tracks. He explained the significance of these findings in a newspaper article and radio and television interviews of VARA Vroege Vogels.

AquaPhyto BV and the University of Amsterdam collaborate to develop algal mass cultures

AquaPhyto BV is an innovative company specialized in large scale production of micro-algal biomass. The research group Aquatic Ecology and Ecotoxicology of the Institute for Biodiversity and Ecosystem Dynamics (IBED)develops a research program with AquaPhyto BV to facilitate applications of algal mass cultures such as the polishing of wastewater and the production of bio-fuels and biomass for aquaculture.

Maayke Stomp wins first WiF Best Publication Prize

As one of several initiatives to promote women and increase their academic recognition, the Women in the FNWI (WiF) Network has inaugurated an annual prize for the best scientific publication. A jury of six external experts, covering all scientific fields of the FNWI, has awarded the first Best Publication Prize to Maayke Stomp.

What scientists can learn from a Mammoth's last meal

In interviews with Hoe?Zo! radio and VARA Vroege Vogels, Dr. Bas van Geel of the Institute for Biodiversity and Ecosystem Dynamics (IBED) explains what scientists can learn from the intestine contents of the Yukagir Mammoth.

First meeting about Dutch national Life Watch network

Within the framework of the European Life Watch program, coordinated by the Institute for Biodiversity and Ecosystem Dynamics (IBED), currently a Dutch national research network for biodiversity information and informatics is being constructed. A first meeting about the construction of this network is held in the Trippenhuis of the Royal Dutch Academy of Arts and Sciences (KNAW) on 10 June 2008.

Tuesday 10 June 2008

In Memoriam Mirjam Vriend

14 May 2008 we received the sad news that on the previous evening our IBED colleague Dr. Mirjam Vriend fell while engaged in her favourite sport, rock climbing, at an indoor climbing wall in Amsterdam. She was immediately transported to a hospital where later she succumbed to her injuries. All of us at IBED are overwhelmed by this tragic news and our thoughts go out to Mirjam's family and friends.

Dr A.D. Kloosterman

Dr A.D. Kloosterman has been named Professor by Special Appointment in Forensic Biology in the Faculty of Science.

Masterclass 'Marine Biodiversity: extent, analysis and function'

On Friday 30 May 2008, The Royal Dutch Academy of Arts and Sciences (KNAW) hosted a Masterclass aimed at PhD students and PostDocs, organized by Prof. dr. Lucas Stal, Special Chair of Marine Microbiology at the Institute for Biodiversity and Ecosystem Dynamics (IBED).

Thursday 29 May, 9:00 - Friday, 30 May 2008, 19:30

Valedictory lecture of Prof. dr. Koos Verstraten

On 20 March 2008, Prof. dr. Koos Verstraten, emeritus-Chair of the Earth Surface Processes and Materials group of the Institute for Biodiversity and Ecosystem Dynamics (IBED) held his valedictory lecture.

Thursday 20 March 2008, 15:45 - 18:00

Life Watch connects European biodiversity data

On 12 March the Life Watch project was officially launced. The goal of this project that is coordinated by The Institute for Biodiversity and Ecosystem Dynamics (IBED) of the UvA, is to establish a large European research infrastructure for biodiversity research. It is an on-line network structure that will link several databases and analysis software from 30 participating institutes in 18 European countries.

Experimental proof of chaos in food webs

The traditional idea of the balance of nature has taken quite a beating in a study that will be published in the 14 February issue of Nature. Using a long-term laboratory experiment, the study demonstrated that species in a marine food web continued to fluctuate in a chaotic fashion even under constant conditions. This makes long-term prediction of species abundances impossible.

Altruistic punishments turn out to be a well though-out process, not an impulse

A unique scientific internet experiment done in 2004 in cooperation with VPRO Noorderlicht yielded its first scientific publication in the journal ‘Proceedings of the Royal Society – B’. The most important conclusion was that in daily life people only tend to punish free-riders if punishment is effective and does not cost too much. The results of the study also featured on Dutch National Radio and in the written press.

2007

IBED researcher contributes to exhibition 'like monkeys, like humans'

Together with four other scientists, Dr. Martijn Egas of the Institute for Biodiversity and Ecosystem Dynamics (IBED) contributed to the popular scientific exhibition 'like monkeys, like humans' in the Naturalis Museum in Leiden, sponsored by the Evolution and Behaviour programme of the Dutch Scientific Organization NWO.

Young UvA researcher wins two prestigious prizes

Dr Jasper Vrugt, a researcher at the Institute for Biodiversity and Ecosystem Dynamics (IBED), has received the 2004-2007 'Hydrologieprijs' (Hydrology Prize) for his groundbreaking scholarly article in the area of hydrology. Vrugt also received the Early Career Award for Soil Physics just two weeks earlier.

Can iron supplements increase oceanic carbon dioxide storage?

In light of increasing awareness for climate change, measures are sought to reduce atmospheric CO2 levels by increasing CO2 uptake by plankton in the oceans. In an interview with CNN, Prof. dr. Jef Huisman of the Institute for Biodiversity and Ecosystem Dynamics (IBED) comments on a pilot study using plankton growth stimulating iron-suppletions for this purpose.

CHE Excellence Ranking: UvA in European top 10 for young researchers

The University of Amsterdam (UvA) did well in the Centre for Higher Education Development's (CHE) ranking of excellent European graduate programmes. The UvA's Chemistry and Physics programmes were ranked in the Excellence Group. The ranking assists prospective Master and Doctoral students in choosing the right European university.

THES: UvA best Dutch university

The University of Amsterdam (UvA) is the best university in the Netherlands according to the THES-QS World University Rankings 2007, a survey of the world's 200 best universities. The UvA rose from 69th place last year to 48th place.

Unique chimpansee culture discovered in Congo

Cleve Hicks of the Institute for Biodiversity and Ecosystem Dynamics (IBED) discovered a unique group of chimpanzees in the north of Congo. He explains about his research in an extensive interview in the Dutch newspaper 'NRC Handelsblad'.

IBED Researcher president of the Dutch Soil Science Society

On 9 november 2007, Dr. Boris Jansen of the ESPM Research Group of the Institute for Biodiversity and Ecosystem Dynamics (IBED) was elected president of the Dutch Soil Science Society (NBV). The NBV is the official body that represents the Dutch Soil Sciences internationally.

UvA student wins the NBV Hissink prize

On 9 november 2007, Jurriaan Spaaks won the NBV Hissink prize for best MSc Thesis. In his thesis Jurriaan described the results of work done at the CGE research group of the Institute for Biodiversity and Ecosystem Dynamics (IBED) as part of the Master Earth Sciences.

CLIMAQS

The Institute for Biodiversity and Ecosystem Dynamics (IBED) and the Netherlands Institute of Ecology (NIOO) organise with financial support from the Dutch Royal Academy of Arts and Sciences a colloquium and masterclass on the effects of climate change on aquatic ecosystems, from a stoichiometric perspective.

Tuesday 30 October - Thursday, 1 November 2007

Changing Marine Environments

Dr. Daniel Pauly is a Professor and Director of the fisheries Centre at the University of British Columbia and Project Leader of the Sea Around Us Project. On the occasion of a SEE lecture that Dr. Pauly will give at the Institute for Biodiversity and Ecosystem Dynamics (IBED), IBED organizes a mini-symposium highlighting some Dutch research on changing marine environments.

Thursday 25 October 2007, 13:30 - 17:00

Historical plant catalogue of Johannes Snippendaal translated

On 20 September 2007 a book titled “Kruidenier aan de Amstel. De Amsterdamse Hortus volgens Johannes Snippendaal (1646)” was published. The book contains a translation of the historical plant catalogue with pre-linnean plant names by Johannes Snippendaal into the current, scientific nomenclature. It also features a wealth of background information about Snippendaal and his Hortus Medicus, which is the predecessor of the current botanical garden or ‘Hortus Botanicus’. The book was written at the initiative of the Hortus together with its Friends Society, in close cooperation with staff members of the Institute for Biodiversity and Ecosystem Dynamics (IBED).

UN sponsored conference seeks ways to stop desertification

The main objectives of the conference in Madrid are to identify funding priorities and to adopt a new 10-year "strategic plan." In a related interview, Dr. Erik Cammeraat of the Institute for Biodiversity and Ecosystem Dynamics (IBED) explains about the problem of desertification.

Climate Change: is the human contribution really as large as we think?

On 12 September 2007 the 'Genootschap ter Bevordering van de Natuur-, Genees- en Heelkunde' held a scientific lecture about the human influence on climatic change, featuring a debate about this controversial subject between Dr. Bas van Geel and Prof. dr. Lucas Reijnders of the Institute for Biodiversity and Ecosystem Dynamics (IBED).

Wednesday 12 September 2007, 19:00 - 20:30

Colorful niches of microorganisms explained by vibrating water molecules

The lakes and oceans on our planet are teeming with aquatic microorganisms that absorb light for photosynthesis and thereby provide the basis of the food web while fixing significant amounts of CO2. They come in a variety of colors which allows them to utilize different parts of the solar light spectrum. However, why are some colors used less than others? In the August 2007 issue of the ISME Journal, a new Nature journal, Drs. Maayke Stomp, Prof.dr. Jef Huisman, Prof.dr. Lucas J. Stal and Dr. Hans C.P. Matthijs of the Institute for Biodiversity and Ecosystem Dynamics (IBED) of the Universiteit van Amsterdam give a surprising new answer.

Will shellfish dissolve when atmospheric carbon dioxide rises?

The popular scientific website Kennislink.nl published an invited article of Dr. Boris Jansen of the Institute for Biodiversity and Ecosystem Dynamics (IBED), in which he explains the possibilities of increasing atmospheric CO2 concentrations leading to acidification of the oceans and dissolution of shellfish living in them.

Climate change and rainfall

Recently in Nature, model predictions were published that link anthropogenic climate change to a higher chance of extreme rainfall in the temporate zones. On Dutch national television and in an article for the popular scientific website Kennislink.nl. Prof. dr. Lucas Reijnders of the Institute for Biodiversity and Ecosystem Dynamics (IBED) commented on the implications.

Dr. Bas van Geel features in debate on climate change on national television

On Thursday 12 July KRO television aired the film ' The Great Global Warming Swindle', followed by a scientific debate about the facts and fiction of climate change, featuring Dr. Bas van Geel of the Institute for Biodiversity and Ecosystem Dynamics (IBED) as one of the participants.

Marsh Gentian Species of the Month

The Dutch organization VOFF (Society for Research of Flora and Fauna) declared the Marsh Gentian as ‘Species of the Month July 2007’. In an interview of VARA Vroege Vogels on Dutch national radio, IBED researcher Dr. Gerard Oostermeijer explained why.

To stimulate the recovery of a predator fish population, you should fish away its favorite prey!

The majority of populations of large predator fish such as cod and salmon have been strongly diminished over the last decades because of overfishing, bringing these species to the brink of extinction. The problem is so severe that even a complete embargo on the fishing for these species would appear to provide little remedy. In a joint publication with scientists from Sweden (Umeå University) and Norway (University of Tromsø) in the 22 June issue of Science, the Institute for Biodiversity and Ecosystem Dynamics (IBED) of the Universiteit van Amsterdam confirms its previously developed theory that the recovery of large predator fish populations can benefit from fishing away its prey.

First ever bilingual fieldguide to amphibians and reptiles in Kenya

Together with an international group of researchers, Dr. Stefan Lötters and Prof. dr. Michael Veith of the Institute for Biodiversity and Ecosystem Dynamics (IBED) prepared the first ever bilingual fieldguide in Africa, which describes the amphibians and reptiles of the Kakamega Forest in Kenya.

Lucas Stal appointed as Special Chair of Marine Microbiology

Dr. Lucas J. Stal (1952) has been appointed as Special Chair of Marine Microbiology, which will be part of the group of Aquatic Microbiology of IBED. The Chair is funded by the AUV fund and is the first Chair in this research field in The Netherlands.

UvA Night of Science on 16 June

Learning Arabic, Russian or Dutch Sign Language in twenty minutes, tracing the effects of climate change using Google Earth, drilling holes like a dentist, making a journey through the human body: these are just a few examples of the wide range of activities which the Universiteit van Amsterdam (UvA) organises on 16 June during the UvA Night of Science.

Locally extinct lichen species rediscovered

The extinct lichens species Pycnothelia papillaria has been rediscovered by IBED researcher Laurens Sparrius during a field survey in the inland dunes of the Hoge Veluwe. The last report of this threatened lichen species were in 2000 and 2001 in a similar habitat in the North of the Netherlands, but these populations are proven to have disappeared.

IBED Biologists reveal colourful coexistence of plankton in waters

Three years ago, Maayke Stomp and Jef Huisman of IBED published the results of intriguing laboratory experiments, demonstrating that red and green plankton species can coexist by partitioning of a white light spectrum. In the years thereafter, they traveled around the world to sample lakes and seas. Their samples now confirm the laboratory findings. The new findings were recently published in the leading journal Ecology Letters, and have been selected as Editor's Choice in Science.

IBED scientist helps design Earth Scientific bicycle routes

In 2006 the Dutch Province of Noord-Holland declared the glacial ridge of 't Gooi ('Gooise Stuwwal') as an Earth Scientific monument. Linked to this declaration IBED Earth Scientist Prof. Jan Sevink helped the organization in charge of managing and preserving this natural area, to design several Earth Scientific bicycle routes through the area, which were published in March 2007.

Artificial lakes in Bolivian Amazonia?

Last summer IBED’s Paleo-ecology Research Group (prof. dr. Henry Hooghiemstra) drilled sediment cores from a square lake in Bolivian Amazonia to find out if it the lake is natural or was constructed by a pre-Colombian civilization. A study that was filmed on 29 January 2007 by the Japanese television station TBS as part of a documentary on Amazonia.

Estrogenic compounds in surface waters: fish populations at risk?

In the last few years a National Study of Estrogenic Compounds was performed, as initiated by the Dutch Government. IBED researchers played a major role in this project, the results of which were recently published in a book co-edited by IBED environmental chemist Dr. Pim de Voogt.

Lecture for children: "Why is the North Pole melting?"

On Sunday 28 January 2007, IBED climatologist Dr. John van Boxel held a 'Wakker Worden Kinderlezing' (Lecture series for children) about Climate Change in the past and future at the NEMO science museum in Amsterdam.

2006

World Premiere of DVD on Climate Change

On Thursday 23rd November 2006 at the Universiteit van Amsterdam a world premiere of a brand new DVD on Climate Change was held. The DVD is intended both as a teaching aid in Universities and as information for policymakers and planners. It features the work of a major European project that has been investigating evidence for past climate variability in Europe, with a view to providing data that can help provide more reliable climate scenarios for the future.

Dr. Erik Cammeraat explains about desertification on national television

In an item of the Dutch national television news (NOS journaal), Dr. Erik Cammeraat of the Universiteit van Amsterdam explained how desertification works and why it poses a very serious world-wide problem that policy makers should urgently address.

Symposium on Tropical Ecology a big success

This year IBED's Prof. dr. Antoine Cleef reaches legal retirement age. To honour this milestone and acknowledge his years of work for the Universiteit van Amsterdam, on 26 January 2007 a symposium was organized dedicated to research and education in Tropical Ecology. The symposium was very well visited and highly appreciated by Antoine.

IBED researchers win Best Teacher Award

For the fourth year in a row, Prof. dr. Steph Menken won the award for best teacher of freshman Biology students. At the same time Dr. Hans Breeuwer won the award for best Module taught to Biology freshmen (Module 001).

Only females survive in military training area

On a military training area near Havelte (Drenthe) only female specimens of the highly endangered Antennaria dioica survive. This is the remarkable conclusion of a study by IBED-researchers Dr. Gerard Oostermeijer and Dr. Vanessa Lainé in co-operation with the Floron foundation.

Prof. dr. Maus Sabelis appointed Academy Professor

The Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and Sciences (KNAW) has selected four new Academy Professors in 2006 and one of them is an IBED professor: Prof. dr. Maus Sabelis!

Double inaugural lecture: Prof. dr. Peter H. van Tienderen and Prof. dr. Michael K.H. Veith

IBED's Prof. dr. Peter van Tienderen (Director of IBED and Chair of Experimental Plant Systematics) and Prof. dr. Michael Veith (Chair of Animal Systematic and Zoogeography) both will hold their inaugural lecture on Wednesday 8 november in a double session.

Wednesday 8 November 2006, 14:30 - 16:30

Prof. dr. Antoine Cleef decorated with the Colombian Orden de San Carlos

Prof. dr. Antoine Cleef was awarded the Colombian Orden de San Carlos in recognition of decades of outstanding scientific research in Colombia, and for his intense dedication to the advancement of science and education in that country.

XIIth International Congress of Acarology at the UvA from 21 through 26 August 2006

The XIIth International Congress of Acarology is organized by our colleague Prof. dr. Maus Sabelis and will deal with the systematics, biology and ecology of mites (Acari).

Kubiëna Award for Dr. Herman Mücher

On 13 July at the 18th World Congress of Soil Science (WCSS) in Philadelpha, Dr. Herman Mücher received the prestigious Kubiëna Award for his 'outstanding and innovative research based on a combination of meticulous observations in the field, in the laboratory and in thin sections' .

Dr. Carina Hoorn publishes in Scientific American

In the May 2006 issue of the prestigious popular scientific magazine Scientific American, IBED's Dr. Carina Hoorn published an article titled:

"The Birth of the Mighty Amazon- Insight into how the world's largest river formed is helping scientists explain the extraordinary abundance of plant and animal life in the Amazon rain forest"

Dr. John van Boxel appointed as a Member of the Colombian Academy of Sciences

As of 17 May 2006, Dr. John van Boxel was appointed as a Member of the 'Academia Colombiana de Ciencias Exactas Fisicas y Naturales', the Colombian equivalent of the Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and Sciences (KNAW).

Amsterdam researchers warn of lower intake greenhouse gas in Nature

Because of warming of the surface layer of oceans fewer nutrients are supplied from deeper layers, leading to chaos in plankton, as scientists form the UvA, the CWI and the University of Hawaii discovered. In the latest edition of Nature they demonstrate that plankton growth becomes very unstable when the supply of nutrients diminishes.

The LifeWatch Project

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