News

Science

Fossilized tooth reveals prehistoric shark attack on seal

05/03/2024

Palaeontologists have uncovered a fossilized tooth from a white shark embedded in the heel bone of a seal, shedding light on a dramatic event that unfolded 4.5 million years ago.


Science

A large-scale paleontological excavation in Lebanon documents among the earliest terrestrial ecosystems of the Cretaceous

06/02/2024

An international team of paleontologists has uncovered a remarkably rich and diverse array of fossils from the Early Cretaceous, in Jezzine, South Lebanon. “It is rare getting a glimpse on the diversity of such an early terrestrial ecosystem for this continental area”, says paleontologist Ninon Robin,  Institute of Natural Sciences.


Science

15 years of monitoring the ecological effects of Belgian offshore wind farms still yields new insights

30/01/2024

Fifteen years into the programme, monitoring of the ecological effects of Belgian offshore wind farms continues to provide new insights. Only through sustained and adaptive monitoring can we ensure that we design and build offshore wind farms in the most eco-friendly way.


Science

Common dolphin stranded on the beach of Oostende

22/12/2023

This morning, a dead common dolphin (Delphinus delphis) washed ashore on the beach of Oostende, near the western breakwater. It is a female measuring 2.07 meters in length.


Science

Etienne Steurbaut receives the highest distinction in geology in Belgium

21/12/2023

Etienne Steurbaut, former head of the paleontology department at our Institute, has received the highest distinction for geology that a scientist can receive in our country.


Science

Baboons among the ancient Egyptians: revered but suffering

07/12/2023

Ancient Egyptians raised baboons in captivity before mummifying them, according to research by archaeozoologist Wim Van Neer from the Institute of Natural Sciences and colleagues.


Science

Quality Status of the North-East Atlantic

05/12/2023

The Quality Status Report 2023 assesses the status of the Northeast Atlantic Ocean. Climate change and acidification have become drivers of change. Biodiversity and habitats remain at risk, but the chemical quality of the marine environment is improving again.


Science

Conservation priority of stony reef habitats in the Belgian North Sea

04/12/2023

Gravel beds in the Belgian North Sea are home to a unique fauna that is vulnerable to bottom-disturbing activities, but are also heavily fished. This paradox underlines the need for more effective protection.


Science

Rediscovered in our collections: one of the oldest fossil insect assemblages from China

29/11/2023

Paleontologists have rediscovered a rich collection of insects and other fossil arthropods from a Chinese coal mine. It includes numerous cockroach wings essentially of Moscovian age (about 310 million years ols). These fossils were thought to have been lost for decades.


Science

Living Loggerhead turtle on Bredene beach

26/11/2023

November 25, 2023, a live Loggerhead turtle washed up on the beach of Bredene. This species has never before been identified with certainty in Belgium. The animal is closely monitored in SEA LIFE Blankenberge.