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Science

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."


Science

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.


Science

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."


Science

New Atlas shows where to find Critical Raw Materials in Belgium

11/06/2024

A team of Belgian geologists has mapped out where critical raw materials, such as lithium for batteries, rare earths for wind turbines, and copper for power grids, can still be found in Belgium. “It’s time to explore our subsoil further,” says geologist Sophie Decrée.


Science

Marine mammals and sea turtles in Belgium in 2023

06/06/2024

The new report 'Marine mammals and sea turtles in Belgium in 2023' summarizes the results of the monitoring and research on these animals in Belgium in 2023.


Science

Aerial observations over the North Sea in 2023

22/05/2024

In 2023, the aerial surveillance aircraft detected 17 cases of operational marine pollution from ships, and suspicious sulphur and nitrogen levels in the smoke plumes of 24 and 42 ships. Other activities included monitoring of oil and gas installations, marine mammal counts and broader maritime surveillance.


Science

Summers warm up faster than winters, fossil shells from Antwerp show

15/05/2024

In a warmer climate, summers warm much faster than winters. That is the conclusion of research into fossil shells by earth scientist Niels de Winter.


Science

Starved young minke whale in Ostend

14/05/2024

A young male minke whale that washed ashore in Ostend on May 13 most likely died of starvation. Although sightings of dead and living minke whales have become more frequent in recent years in the south of the North Sea, their washing up on a Belgian beach remains an exceptional event.


Science

FlatwormWatch Project

06/05/2024

FlatwormWatch aims to identify which species of non-native land flatworms are already present in Belgium with the help of citizens.


Science

35e édition du Colloque du Groupement des Anthropologistes de Langue Française (GALF) 2024 - 16-19.10.2024

01/05/2024

L'invisible révélé : L'apport de l'imagerie & des analyses chimiques et moléculaires à l'anthropologie biologique. 35e édition du Colloque du GALF. Ce colloque s'articulera autour de quatre thématiques principales et une séance varia consacrée à l'actualité de la recherche.