Natural Resource Today Weekly - Issue #135

Author

Rendy Mulaudzi
August 24, 2025

The most significant scientific findings you need to know today.

University of Chicago:

Researchers have examined health records from 26,614 pet dogs across the United States to identify trends in age-related diseases. Using data from the Dog Aging Project, they created special visual maps to show how diseases such as diabetes, kidney problems and joint disorders are connected. The research is published in the journal PLOS Computational Biology.

National Institute of Water and Atmospheric Research:

Scientists have released new findings that provide new insights into the future impacts of tropical cyclones in New Zealand. Their study, published in the Journal of Geophysical Research: Atmospheres, uses advanced climate models to explore how tropical cyclone patterns could change as global temperatures rise.

University of Edinburgh:

Researchers have discovered that cats could be used as valuable models for studying Alzheimer’s disease. Their findings, published in the European Journal of Neuroscience, reveal that older cats experience memory decline.

University of Kentucky:

In a recent study published in the journal Antibiotics, researchers have examined bacteria found in cattle and uncovered evidence of antibiotic resistance.

European Forest Institute:

Researchers have released a detailed database of 496 species of native trees found across the Mediterranean region. It documents extinction risk and genetic diversity. The database is published in the journal Current Forestry Research.

University of Education, Winneba:

Researchers have published a revealing study on how politicians influence illegal mining in Ghana. The study, appearing in the journal Democratization, shines light on how political interests and party networks are sustaining illegal mining practices.

University of Illinois at Chicago:

New study reveals that heat waves are becoming more frequent and intense across Africa. The research is published in the journal Communications Earth & Environment.

Technical University of Munich:

Researchers have developed a new method to measure plant health. Their method, published in the journal Remote Sensing of Environment, uses advanced satellite and modelling techniques to estimate canopy chlorophyll content.

Rice University:

Researchers have created a new online tool that simplifies mineral identification for scientists, educators and students. The tool is published in the journal Computer and Geosciences.

University of the Witwatersrand:

Researchers have found evidence of heavy metal accumulation in black mambas living in Durban. Their study is published in the journal Environmental Pollution.