Aktuelles

Wissenschaft

Belgian Neanderthals made tools from bird bones

08/10/2024

Cut marks on bird bones from the Scladina cave, near Namur, indicate that Neanderthals ate various bird species and made tools from some of the bones. Scladina is only the second site to show that our distant cousins worked a bird bone into a tool.


Wissenschaft

New book maps key areas for Gabon's biodiversity conservation

19/09/2024

A newly released book has mapped 35 essential regions in Gabon that require protection to conserve its unique biodiversity. The book was authored by an international team of experts, including Olivier Pauwels from the Institute of Natural Sciences.

Wissenschaft

How Belgian Porphyry Paved the World

09/08/2024

Did you know that cobblestones are porphyry, solidified magma? In the early 20th century, three Belgian villages were the largest source of porphyry in the world. Two geologists tell the history of porphyry extraction in our country in a richly illustrated book.


Wissenschaft

Public consultation on the update of Belgium's national biodiversity strategy

23/07/2024

Until September 24, 2024, you will have the opportunity to share your opinion on the update of the Belgian National Biodiversity Strategy for the next five years.


Wissenschaft

Origin and Spread of Malaria: St. Rombout’s Cemetery in Mechelen Plays Key Role in International Research

18/07/2024

The St. Rombout’s Cemetery in Mechelen plays an important role in an international study on the history of malaria. The study is published in the prestigious journal Nature. "The discoveries at the cemetery show how military activities and troop movements significantly contributed to the regional spread of malaria."

Wissenschaft

Monitoring of ship emissions praised for sustainable impact

27/06/2024

The monitoring programme of the Institute of Natural Sciences for emissions of sulphur oxides (SOx) and nitrogen oxides (NOx) of ships at sea was awarded the ‘Special Commendation for Sustainable Impact’ in the context of the Greening Award Initiative of the European Maritime Safety Agency. A well-deserved recognition for the impact and sustainability of our efforts to combat air pollution from ships at sea.


Wissenschaft

Mysterious skeleton found in lead coffin in Bruges is that of Boudewijn I of Assebroek

26/06/2024

On June 12, 2023, the archaeologists from Raakvlak made a very special discovery at the site of the former Eekhout Abbey in Bruges. In a medieval burial vault, they came across a lead coffin.

Wissenschaft

New crab species discovered on Belgian beaches

21/06/2024

A new crab species, Polybius dioscurus, has been discovered on Belgian beaches. "This exciting discovery shows that even well-explored areas can surprise us."


Wissenschaft

Termites found in Belgium for the first time

20/06/2024

Biologists have confirmed the presence of three different species of termites in Belgium for the first time. Because these tropical insects eat wood, they can cause damage to buildings and other wooden structures. Termites may have arrived here via imported infested wood products. One of the three species can survive cooler climates and may spread further.


Wissenschaft

Galápagos beetles prove: genetic mix is key to rapid adaptation in a changing world

16/06/2024

Beetles on the Galápagos Islands have adapted quickly and repeatedly to higher altitudes thanks to their genetic heritage from ancient evolutionary events, biologists from the Institute of Natural Sciences have discovered. "This mechanism helps us understand how organisms will adapt in our rapidly changing world."