The consequences of fireworks for birds on New Years Eve

Newsmedia refer to research by IBED researchers Judy Shamoun-Baranes and Willem Bouten that show that fireworks disturb milions of birds every year.

Fleur Visser at Vroege Vogels

NPO radio program Vroege Vogels interviewed marine biologist Fleur Visser (IBED/NIOZ) about her research on the size of whales and how they got to grow that big.

Ciska Overbeek in Noordhollands Dagblad

Biologist Ciska Overbeek defended her thesis on the growth of peat this month. The Noordhollands Dagblad writes about her research. Her supervisor Harm van der Geest (UvA-IBED) also contributed to the article.

Interview with Annemarie van Wezel in Bionieuws

Bionieuws has written about Annemarie van Wezel, professor Ecotoxicology and director of IBED after her inaugeral lecture. The popular scientific website Kennislink has also used her knowledge in an article on PFAS.

Petra Visser in 'De Kennis van Nu' about cyanobacterial mats on coral reef

In NPO's Kennis van Nu TV-special Petra Visser, Associate Professor of Algal Ecophysiology at IBED, tells about her research on benthic cyanobacterial mats on coral reef ecosystems. For this research samples are collected in the ocean around Curaçao and Easter Island.

Fleur Visser in the Volkskrant on Baleenwhales

IBED researcher Fleur Visser explains why baleenwhales are so big in the Volkskrant

Harm van der Geest and Arie Vonk in Noordhollands Dagblad

IBED biologists Harm van der Geest en Arie Vonk explain why fonteinkruid belongs in the Markermeer in the Noordhollands Dagblad.

Jasper de Goeij in New York Times on sponges

IBED researcher Jasper de Goeij contributed to research on sponges featured in the New York Times

Annemarie van Wezel in de Volkskrant on cyanide dumping

In the Volkskrant of december 7, Annemarie van Wezel responds to news about cyanide dumping by Tata steel.

Annemarie van Wezel comments on PFAS on NOS.NL

Professor Annemarie van Wezel responds to the PFAS problems in an online article on NOS.NL

Can the solution to cancer be found under water?

IBED researcher Jasper de Goeij is a guest on radio show Focus, where he tells about his research on sponges. Sponges are the oldest living animals on earth, and have been around for 700 million years. Yet we know very little about them. This is a real pitty, because sponges can offer a solution against cancer.

Annemarie van Wezel comments on the new PFAS-norms in NRC

New PFAS-norms have given the building industry room to breath, but the new norms don't give cause for more or less concerns about PFAS than before, Annemarie van Wezel comments in NRC.

Annemarie van Wezel on NOS het oog op morgen about the new PFAS-norms

Annemarie van Wezel comments on the new Dutch PFAS-norms on the NOS radio show 'het oog op morgen' and explains why there is still uncertainty about PFAS and its associated safety norms. 

Johan Rockström receives UvA honorary doctorate for his work on planetary boundaries

At the celebration of the UvA's 388th Dies Natalis, two researchers, including Johan Rockström, will receive a honorary doctorate. Rockström will receive a honorary doctorate for his pioneering scientific contributions in the area of global sustainability, and for his research into planetary boundaries in particular. IBED professor Annemarie van Wezel will be the honorary promotor.

Does Boyan Slat harm sea life with his ocean cleanup machine?

Katja Peijnenburg responds in De Volkskrant to the question whether the ocean cleanup machine that was designed by Boyan Slat to reduce plastic pollution in the sea, can harm sea life. She calls for more data and observations to assess the effects of the ocean cleanup machine on neuston, organisms that float on top of the water live right under the surface.

Annemarie van Wezel on BNR about PFAS

Annemarie van Wezel has given an interview about PFAS on BNR radio. She explains why these compounds are problematic and why it is neccessary to remove them from our environment. Do you want to learn more about PFAS? Find the link to the interview below.

Annemarie van Wezel on NPO1 about the Nitrogen research funded by the Mesdag-Zuivelfonds

IBED Scientists are set to do research on nitrogencompounds emitted by dairy production. The research is funded by the Mesdag-zuivelfonds, an organisation that represents diary producers. Annemarie van Wezel elaborates on the goal and methods of the research at IBED on NPO 1 radio.

Verena Schoepf in German and Austrian media about her research on tropical coral reefs

Apart from through scientific publications IBED-reseaercher Verena Schoepf also regularly communicates her research to the general public. She recently featured in German and Austrian media. She was interviewed about her research on reef-building corals and how they are affected by climate and environmental change, in Bild der Frau (Die Frau, die ein Paradies retten wil)  and Die Presse (Wo die Korallen aus dem Wasser schauen).

The earthworm is the engineer of the soil

IBED Professor Franciska de Vries talks in newspaper NRC about new research on the importance of earthworms. 

Annemarie van Wezel in NRC about PFAS

The new crisis for building projects: PFAS. But, what are PFAS? And why are they suddenly a problem? Annemarie van Wezel explains the current PFAS problems in an interview with the NRC.

Kenneth Rijsdijk in Elsevier about the Dodo

What do we know about the evolution and eventual extinction of the Dodo on Mauritius? Kenneth Rijsdijk, researcher at IBED, about the research that has taught us more about the history of this special bird.

Franciska de Vries on BNR wetenschap vandaag about regenwormen

In an episode of BNRs wetenschap vandaag IBED professor Franciska de Vries explains why rainworms are important and what climates these prefer - and why climate change may influence their distribution in the future.   

Teun Boekhout about Kefir on Keuringsdienst van Waarde

There is a new product on the dairy aisle, Kefir. Teun Boekhout van IBED tells about the microorganisms that form Kefir in an episode of de Keuringsdienst van Waarde. 

Annemarie van Wezel in C2W over fluorvervuiling

PFAS (fluor compounds) in our drinking water and our environment. In an article on fluor pollution Annemarie van Wezel tells about PFAS in our drinking water. 

Biogeographer Sietze Norder gives lecture on De Balie TV about birds-of-paradise (Parotia) on New Guinea

Sietze Norder, guest-researcher at IBED’s Theoretical and Computation Ecology department, was one of the speakers at a very varied lecture evening of De Balie TV about birds-of-paradise (Parotia) on New Guinea. Sietze is an island biogeographer and conducts research into patterns of biodiversity on islands. In his lecture he explains what makes the island so special that it produced the bird-of-paradise.

Marine life changed drastically by meteorite that eradicated dinosaurs

Evolutionary biologist Katja Peijnenburg is on NPO Radio 1 to reflect on recent research that shows that the same meteorite caused dinosaur extinction, also caused fast acification of the oceans and mass mortality of marine life.

'Dead' coral in the Mediterranean can revive

To their surprise, scientists have observed that 'dead' coral can recover. A coral species in the Mediterranean Sea was able to revive after disastrous warming of the water. Is this good news for the coral that is worldwide under pressure due to climate change, pollution and overfishing? Jasper de Goeij comments in newspaper De Volkskrant about these new research findings

Attention for IBED-research into the impact of wind parks on animals

Both Dagblad van het Noorden and Omroep Groningen had a news item about research done by IBED into the impact that wind farms in Eemshaven have on birds and other animals. Eemshaven lies in an important migration route of birds and bats. The research, lead by Prof. Willem Bouten, must show how temporary wind turbine shutdowns can be planned in such a way that the number of animal victims is limited as much as possible.

Gerard Oostermeijer on Buitengewoon about the threatened Silene baccifera

On October 4, Gerard Oostermeijer was a guest on the TV program Buitengewoon on Omroep Gelderland. Here he talked about the IBED-Science4Nature project on the threatened Silene baccifera (Besanjelier).

Titus Rombouts in Noordhollands Dagblad

The newspaper Noord-Hollands Dagblad featured a story on school kids from various European countries who participated in an excursion to Lake Markermeer.  Titus Rombouts taught them on the dangers of plastic waste for the environment.

Valérie Chamberland on BNR Radio

In the radio programme Wetenschap Vandaag  (Science Today) at BNR Nieuwsradio, Valérie explained the results of her research on Curaçao on survival strategies of corals.

Is the quality of our drinking water in danger?

Increasing contamination, sea level rise and drought may effect the future quality of Dutch drinking water. Annemarie van Wezel, professor Environmental Ecology and director of IBED, answers questions about this in Het Parool. 

Pim de Voogt in NOS news about drugs dumping

On 11 September Emeritus Professor Pim de Voogt commented in NOS news broadcasts about drugs dumping.

PFAS-chemicals found in drinking water sources

PFAS-chemicals like PFOS and GenX have been found in drinking water sources. Annemarie van Wezel, professor Environmental Ecology, comments on this.

Humboldt put Biology on the map

Biologist and world traveler Alexander von Humboldt was born exactly 250 years ago. His star rose to unprecedented heights, then darkened somewhat, but his visionary insights are still very much alive. IBED researcher Carina Hoorn explains in Bionieuws what Alexander von Humboldt meant for the research field of Biology. 

IBED researchers about paleoecology and the fires in the Amazon

Assistant Professor Crystal McMichael and Postdoctoral Researcher Yoshi Maezumi are featured in a National Geographic article about the fires in the Amazon, and the importance of paleoecology in understanding those fires. The research done by IBED in this field is also mentioned in an article on Atlas Obscura.

Looking for food in the forest

Karline Janmaat was interviewed live on radio NPO 1 Bureau Buitenland about her study on primate and human behaviour in the rain forest. 

World Mosquito Day

On World Mosquito Day, Parool called with IBED special chair Piet Verdonschot to ask him everything about mosquitos. 

The Stump That Didn't Die 

Reserchers from New Zealand studied a kauri tree stump in a New Zealand forest that still contains living tissue as it is connected to one or more of the kauri trees around it, probably via its roots.Franciska de Vries responds to this exciting research news on the website of Forestry South Africa. 

Residents of prehistoric China ate 'cattail'

A nice snack of cattail? The 'cattail', often found along the water and in swamps, was on the menu of residents of prehistoric China seven to eight thousand years ago. Folia published an interview about a new study by by IBED researcher Bas van Geel. 

'We investigated where Peruvians could best keep their lamas'

Boris Jansen, associate professor at IBED, was in the Peruvian mountains for a week and a half with students from the MSc programme Earth Sciences. He talked to Folia about the field course that he supervised there.

In the forest you really see what navigation is like

IBED researcher Karline Janmaat investigated the sense of direction of wild chimpanzees and the BaYaka people in Congo. "Far too often cognition is examined in a laboratory." NRC wrote a background article about two of her recent publications. 

Are fewer children the solution to climate change?

Prince Harry and his wife Meghan want a maximum of two children to minimize their impact on climate change. Their statement provokes a lot of discussion, but do they have a point? Marc Davidson argues that they do, as having a child has a huge effect on green house gas emissions. 

An energy boost for the roots

IBED professor Franciska de Vries was interviewed by German radio station Deutschlandfunk about her latest research on the effects of drought on plant-soil interactions. 

Small animals are essential for a good climate

Professor aquatic microbial ecology Jef Huisman explains in Het Parool that micro-organisms play a crucial role in both the production and capute of green house gasses.  The algae in the sea absorb CO₂, but there are also plenty of microbes that produce greenhouse gases. Bacteria in a cow's stomach produce for instance methane.

What can tiny mollusc shells tell us about climate? 

Evolutionary biologist Katja Peijnenburg is on BNR to tell about the research that she and her team look at plankton snails to find out if climatic changes in the ocean might make it more difficult for snails to build their shells. 

Greetings from Haaksbergen

For many scientists, the summer is the ideal time to do fieldwork. Folia spoke to IBED PhD candidate Dominique Narain-Ford. This summer she takes samples of groundwater, soil water, soil and plants in Haaksbergen.

Evolution goes much faster than we thought

Is evolution a process that we can predict based on general principles? IBED researchers Meike Wortel and Ken Kraaijeveld study microscopic worms to get a better grip on the (un)predictability of evolution. NEMO Kennislink published an interview with both researchers and asked them whether we can predict evolution and what kind of information is needed for that.

Plants under drought stress change their microbes through their roots

Several online media reported about a new publication of IBED Professor Earth Surface Science Franciska de Vries in the New Phytologist, on how plants under drought stress can promote the activity of micro-organisms  with the probable effect of releasing more nutrients and promoting their own growth. 

Jef Huisman at BNR Radio

Aquatic microbiologist Jef Huisman (IBED) talks with BNR Radio about problems caused by algae on beaches and other places. The interview starts a few seconds after the start of the broadcast in the link.

Katja Peijnenburg in De Toren about the deep sea

Marine biologist Katja Peijnenburg is one of the experts in the fourth episode of television programme De Toren about the the deep sea. Ninety-nine percent of the world's habitat consists of water. Therefore we must call our earth Planet water, according to plankton researcher Katja Peijnenburg. 

What are cyanobacteria and what can we do about it?

A fresh dip in the water can have nasty consequences: irritations to the eyes or skin, stomach and intestinal complaints and sometimes even serious health problems. These are all consequences if you come into contact with cyanobacteria (a.k.a. blue-green algae). How does this bacterium end up in our bathing water every year? KRO-NCRV spoke to Jef Huisman, IBED professor of Aquatic Microbiology. 

This is where creative criminals dump their drug waste

Thomas ter Laak recorded a video in collaboration with the Universiteit van Nederland about drug waste dumpings. The video was published on the website of AD, and the website of het Parool as part of an extensive article on drug issues with Minister Grapperhaus.

Advantages and disadvantages of suppressing plant defense

To gain more insight into the evolution of herbivorous attack strategies, it is necessary to understand their pros and cons within the context of the environment in which they are applied. Bram Knegt, who successfully defended his thesis on Wednesday 26 June, describes the advantages and disadvantages of a recently discovered attack strategy, namely the suppression of plant defense, for the spider mite Tetranychus evansi.

Experts warn: Leaving microbes out of climate change conversation has major consequences

An international group of leading microbiologists, including UvA professor Jef Huisman, have issued a warning that climate change will have a major impact on microorganisms with cascading effects on ecosystems, agriculture and human health. The research was highlighted on the website of Mondiaal Nieuws. 

Water quality

We have been fighting against it for centuries, but how is the quality of our surface water now and how can it be improved? IBED PhD candidate Milo de Baat was interviewed by on Radio Swammerdam about his research into improving water quality measurement. How do we test the quality of surface water? And what political and social motives are behind this? 

Bury, cremate or digest with fungi

There are already sustainable coffins, as well as natural urns. Now there is also a 'mushroom suit' that ensures that your body decays durably. IBED director Annemarie van Wezel comments in NRC whether harmful substances from the body can in this way end up in the environment.

The Big Bird Show

Last week Judy Shamoun Baranes was one of the guests in the Big Bird Show in De Balie, organised by de Volkskrant. In this talkshow Judy explained about her research on gull flight behavior. The show (in Dutch) can be viewed via the belowstanding link (starting at 1:01).

The (almost) insoluble problem of drug waste

Drug production is still a huge problem for many municipalities. Thomas van der Laak shows in a movie on 'NOS op 3' how he is able to trace drug waste via the sewage. 

What causes coral to be so full of life?

Coral reefs are full of life while surrounded by nutrient-poor water. An international research team thinks it has solved Darwin's paradox. IBED researcher Jasper de Goeij comments on the study in de Volkskrant. 

The gull at the fish stall comes from far

IBED researcher Judy Shamoun-Baranes was interviewed by the Volkskrant about the individual behavior of (European herring) gulls. 

Where does the coral reef get its biological wealth from?

Ecologist Jasper de Goeij reacts in Trouw to new research into the food chains of coral reefs.

30 years beavers

This year it is exactly 30 years ago that the beaver returned to the Netherlands. Bart Nolet, special chair at IBED and researcher at NIOO, followed the beavers in the Biesbosch after their release. He joins the film crew of Vroege Vogels while spotting beavers in nature reserve the Biesbosch. 

How often does the bream pass the 'Oranjesluizen'?

Newspapers Parool and De Brug joined UvA students and IBED researcher Rob Kroes while tagging fish at the Oranjesluizen (Orange locks). In this way they study fish migration between Lake Markermeer and the North Sea Canal. 

Drug waste is on average dumped once a week in the sewer of Eindhoven

Criminals discharge drug waste partly through the sewer to get rid of it invisibly. KWR/IBED researcher Thomas ter Laak explains more about the research that has been done in the regio of Eindhoven. 

Hay fever

Bas van Geel was one of the guests in the radio show of Radio Swammerdam about hay fever. He explains what type of information can be retrieved from pollen of million years old. 

Peter de Ruiter about Nature Based Solutions

Platform ThinkNature published a video of IBED professor Peter de Ruiter discussing Nature Based Solutions. In this video Peter de Ruiter explains why he thinks that university students can make an important contribution to finding Nature Based Solutions. 

Bonobo mothers help their sons to find a partner

Serge Wich, special chair Conservation of the Great Apes at IBED, comments in the popular scientific magazine KIJK on research that shows how Bonobo mothers actively intervene to ensure that their sons become fathers.

Annemarie van Wezel in Trouw about filtering tapwater at home

A team of experts, including Annemarie van Wezel, professor Environmental Ecology and director of IBED, comments on the use of the Oeauo-waterfilter in Trouw. 

Fragile water

Annemarie van Wezel explains in de Volkskrant about the vulnerability of water to years of pollution and responds to the claim that one drop of oil can make a drinking water source unusable for a hundred years.

Enter the Anthropocene: we are now living in Earth’s Plastic Age

IBED special chair Prof. Linda Amaral-Zettler studies marine plastic. She explains in The Telegraph about the impact of our plastic waste on the planet. 

Annemarie van Wezel in C2W about circular chemistry

IBED Scientific Director Annemarie van Wezel responds on the chemistry and life science platform C2W  to a recent article by HIMS researcher Chris Slootweg, in which he formulates 12 principles for circular chemistry.

Joséphine studies plants in the greenhouses of Science Park

Every two weeks an employee, student, director, teacher or professor talks with Folia about his or her workplace. This week: Joséphine Blaazer (26), PhD candidate at the Institute for Biodiversity and Ecosystem Dynamics. She studies how we can make plants resistant to mites.

Why would an animal trade one body for another?

Most species undergo metamorphosis, but scientists aren’t sure why the process evolved. Hanna ten Brink, who did her PhD at IBED and works together with IBED professor André de Roos, explains a new theory in The New York Times: metamorphosis gives animals greater access to food.

Katja Peijnenburg in Eureka

How do scientists come to that one insight that determines the course of their entire career? This is the main question addressed in the weekly Eureka section in newspaper AD, and published on the website of the New Scientist. This week: evolutionary biologist Katja Peijnenburg who works both Naturalis Biodiveristy Center and IBED. 

Folia on board of the RV Dreissena

In February, Folia joined one of the weekly fieldwork trips to the Markermeer on board of the IBED research vessel Dreissena. During this trip they spoke with Harm van der Geest, Arie Vonk and Titus Rombouts. On their website you can read the full story and watch a video showing the measurements that are done on board of the RV Dreissena. 

Drugs in waste water Amsterdam, Utrecht and Eindhoven

Thomas ter Laak appeared in several media to tell more about the analyses of waste water in the cities Amsterdam, Utrecht and Eindhoven. Again, these analyses show that the use of cocaine and MDMA has increased. 

Research shows importance flower strips for agriculture

What role play flower-rich field margins in agriculture? And do these flower strips enhance biodiversity? These were some of the central questions of a two-year collaborative research programme that involved farmers, agronomists, conservationists and IBED researcher Paul van Rijn that was published on Nature Today.

Minor genetic change creates unattractive female moths

Phys.org and AgriHolland report about a new study by a group of IBED researchers on a minor gentic change that can create unattractive female moths. 

What does Bolkestein read?

Peter Roessingh published a letter in NRC to comment on an article on about climate change, in which Frits Bolkestein stated that he never read a convincing story about climate change.  

Cultural diversity of chimpanzees

Serge Wich, professor by special appointment of Conservation of the Great Apes, is asked by KIJK to comment on a recent study in Science on the human impact on chimpanzee behavioral diversity. Wich emphasizes that it is important to preserve the cultural diversity of chimpanzees. 

Modern technology to trap poachers

De Volkskrant writes about the use of modern technology in trapping poachers. Professor Serge Wich, professor by special appointment of Conservation of the Great Apes, gives comments. He himself uses drones for his research on Great Apes. 

GPS-Tagged Seabirds Track the Tides

Computational ecologist Prof. Willem Bouten responds in The Scientist on a study that links bird movement to tidal currents. He argues that that seabirds could provide a wealth of additional information on ocean currents for oceanographers. 

Chimpanzees prefer certain foods. Is this also culture?

Folia and Haarlems Dagblad report about the Chimpanzee research in the difficult-to-access areas of Eastern Congo poses, that involved IBED researcher Peter Roessingh. 

Marc Davidson about climate policy

Environmental philosopher Marc Davidson is interviewed by Folia and Metro about climate policy, and tells whether a moral revolution is needed to combat climate change. And what are the similarities between climate change, emancipation and abolition of slavery? 

More violations for pesticide use

Misuse of pesticides can pose risks to the environment and health, but in practice the rules for pesticide use are poorly observed. Annemarie van Wezel, professor Environmental Ecology, explains on NPO Radio 1 about the consequences. 

Are oceans changing color?

Climate change could change microbial life in the oceans in such a way that the color of water will change. IBED professor Jef Huisman explains in science and techonlogy magazine KIJK about the mechanisms behind this potential effect of changing climate conditions. 

William Gosling about the brexit: 'We can end up anywhere'

On 29 March ends the British membership of the European Union. Folia asked British UvA employees, among whom IBED researcher William Gosling, how they experience the Brexit and how this will impact science.

The arrow worm now also fits in the family tree

For a long time arrow worms were elusive for evolutionary biologists. A article, co-authored by Katja Peijnenburg, now describes the genetic basis of the arrow worms and is highlighted by NRC.

Criminals dump drug production waste in sewage

Chemical drug waste is often dumped in the sewage, as it is effective and relatively invisible. Thomas ter Laak, researcher at KWR and associate professor at IBED, explains in newspaper de Gelderlander what the consequences are for the environment.

Annemarie van Wezel in Trouw about microplastics

Can special laundry machine filters prevent micro plastics to end up in the environment? Annemarie van Wezel, professor Environmental Ecology and director of IBED, comments on this technology in Trouw.