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Click on the articles below to read about the latest WERC scientific discoveries.

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Guest Post: Does Biodiversity Protect Humans Against Infectious Disease?

Guest Post: Does Biodiversity Protect Humans Against Infectious Disease?

The prevailing view among scientists is that a healthy ecosystem reduces the transmission of infectious diseases in humans. But is this really true...

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For Sea Otter Moms, Energy Is Critical to “Win the Stanley Cup”

For Sea Otter Moms, Energy Is Critical to “Win the Stanley Cup”

For female sea otters, raising a pup to maturity is like surviving multiple, grueling rounds of playoff hockey. And like the playoffs, not everyone...

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California Camera Captures Curious Bobcat Behavior

California Camera Captures Curious Bobcat Behavior

Cats can find curious ways to navigate the human environment. USGS Western Ecological Research Center ecologist Erin Boydston has been studying how...

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Sea Otters Can Get the Flu, Too

Sea Otters Can Get the Flu, Too

Northern sea otters living off the coast of Washington state were infected with the same H1N1 flu virus that caused the world-wide pandemic in 2009...

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At the Lab Bench, Amid the Island Fog, and Under the Desert Sun, WERC Women Scientists Lean In

At the Lab Bench, Amid the Island Fog, and Under the Desert Sun, WERC Women Scientists Lean In

Like women researchers in other organizations and other scientific disciplines, women PI’s at USGS must manage unique career challenges, while...

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WERC Center Director Steven Schwarzbach Retires

WERC Center Director Steven Schwarzbach Retires

Steven Schwarzbach, Center Director of the USGS Western Ecological Research Center, has retired from federal service. WERC Deputy Center Director Dr...

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"Nerds for Nature" Test out Tech Toys at SFBE Field Station in Vallejo

"Nerds for Nature" Test out Tech Toys at SFBE Field Station in Vallejo

The USGS Western Ecological Research Center hosted passionate biogeeks and hackers on Dec. 8th for a "NatureNerdFest" and "Bio-Blitz". Members of the...

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Celebrating North Coast Geomorphologist Mary Ann Madej

Celebrating North Coast Geomorphologist Mary Ann Madej

Research Geologist Mary Ann Madej retired from the USGS Western Ecological Research Center in 2013, concluding a federal service career spanning 35...

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Large Old Trees Grow Fastest, Storing More Carbon

Large Old Trees Grow Fastest, Storing More Carbon

Trees do not slow in their growth rate as they get older and larger — instead, their growth keeps accelerating, according to a study published today...

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California’s Sea Otter Numbers Continue Slow Climb

California’s Sea Otter Numbers Continue Slow Climb

California sea otter numbers are up, according to the latest population survey led by Federal, State and university scientists. The reasons: more pups...

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On California's Beaches, Mallard Ducks Have Learned to Surf for Food

On California's Beaches, Mallard Ducks Have Learned to Surf for Food

Mallards have picked up a new feeding habit along the beaches of Santa Barbara.

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Fire Impacts in U.S. West: Droughts Lead to More Tree Deaths from Fire

Fire Impacts in U.S. West: Droughts Lead to More Tree Deaths from Fire

Warming temperatures are likely causing many indirect effects and complex interactions. These nuanced and layered effects can be difficult for...

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