Reconciling Variability in Multiple Stressor Effects Using Environmental Performance Curves

Ecology Letters, Journal Year: 2025, Volume and Issue: 28(1)

Published: Jan. 1, 2025

Understanding the effects of multiple stressors has become a major focus in ecology and evolution. While many studies have investigated combined stressors, revealing massive variability, mechanistic understanding that reconciles diversity stressor outcomes is lacking. Here, we show how performance curves can fill this gap by mechanisms shape outcomes. Our experiments with 12 bacterial taxa, demonstrate additional alter temperature, pH salinity curves. This leads to changes interaction outcomes-for example, shifts between additive, antagonistic or synergistic interactions-along gradients, small along nonlinear dramatically impact interaction. These findings help explain lack generality found across highlight curve approach provide more holistic view interactions.

Language: Английский

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Climate Change and Plant Foods: The Influence of Environmental Stressors on Plant Metabolites and Future Food Sources

Foods, Journal Year: 2025, Volume and Issue: 14(3), P. 416 - 416

Published: Jan. 27, 2025

Climate change is reshaping global agriculture by altering temperature regimes and other environmental conditions, with profound implications for food security agricultural productivity. This review examines how key stressors—such as extreme temperatures, water scarcity, increased salinity, UV-B radiation, elevated concentrations of ozone CO2—impact the nutritional quality bioactive compounds in plant-based foods. These stressors can modify composition essential nutrients, particularly phytochemicals, which directly affect viability specific crops certain regions subsequently influence human dietary patterns shifting availability resources. To address these challenges, there growing interest resilient plant species, including those natural tolerance to stress genetically modified variants, well alternative protein sources derived from plants. Additionally, unconventional sources, such invasive species algae, are being explored sustainable solutions future nutrition.

Language: Английский

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Decoding the space integrome: Personalized countermeasures for a mission to Mars

Experimental Physiology, Journal Year: 2025, Volume and Issue: unknown

Published: Feb. 21, 2025

Only those who will risk going too far can possibly find out how it is possible to go. On 14 January 2004, the USA set forth a 'Vision for Space Exploration', outlining ambitious plans establish human research stations and habitats with rotating crew on Moon and, eventually, Mars. With decommissioning of International Station (ISS) planned ∼2030, Artemis programme now make this dream reality, crewed mission Mars extending beyond 1000 days, scheduled as early late 2040s. This exciting era in deep space exploration face unique challenges humankind looks transform from terrestrial extraterrestrial species, placing unprecedented demands an astronaut's health, performance medical needs. Indeed, there no environment more or challenging humans than outer space. Astronauts have full force 'exposome', emergent concept originally founded toxicology (Bliss, 1939), which reflects cumulative sum all environmental hazards encountered during spaceflight: cosmic radiation, isolation confinement, distance Earth, hostile/closed environments altered gravity fields (Figure 1a; Patel et al., 2020). According NASA's Human Research Program (NASA, 2023), these are associated >30 health risks, several classified high priority 'red' rated owing their likelihood consequence, across temporal continuum acute in-mission emerging later life (Romero & Francisco, Addressing hazards, defining risks providing solutions remains top agencies commercial partners alike, occupying best scientific minds 21st century. In issue Experimental Physiology, Fernandez-Gonzalo al. (2025) focus application one such solution, exercise countermeasures (CMs), targeted interventions designed mitigate risk. Spaceflight CMs enjoyed rich history dating back 1950s, prior formal implementation first US Gemini program (Scott 2019). elegant review, authors highlight need address critical knowledge gaps that traditionally been ignored by extant literature that, if addressed, could improve CM efficacy corresponding mitigation (Fernandez-Gonzalo 2025). These include focused consideration that: (1) optimize systemic (i.e. multi-organ) responses, emphasizing multidisciplinary research; (2) tailored reflect individualized training enhance enjoyment compliance; (3) time-dependent load variabilities better determine 'minimal effective dose' required preserve physiological function pragmatic manner; (4) take into account nutrition hypocaloric diets); (5) based sound experimental design principles mandate inclusion control groups, sample sizes satisfy statistical power requirements (i.e., ability detect intervention effects), serial sampling accounting individual variability, personalized mitigation. The authors' review reinforces call arms collective holistic integrative physiology approach. Viewpoint, I would like opportunity expand briefly some community faces within context discovery. begins concerted assess (personalized) 'risk' profile what we, community, define 'acceptable'. arguably biggest 'ethical elephant' (space) room highly emotive topic ongoing debate, where physiologists clear contribute. Current tolerances fortunately lower Apollo missions 1960s were most dangerous, subject altogether different pressures shaped prevailing political financial climates. Several marred catastrophe: 1 fire killed three astronauts; 6 was beset engine shutdown; near-fatal flaw almost cost lives 13 astronauts. events compounded Shuttle disasters (Challenger Columbia), sobering insight risky truly every single precious 'counts'. To date, 15 astronaut 4 cosmonaut fatalities spaceflight (Schmitz 2022). modern era, moral ethical obligation provide crews estimation ensure they adequately informed embarking flights, Mars, never before attempted (Antonsen 2023). As mounting public pressure characterize contain exposome, look traditional constraints singular stressors (e.g. microgravity) understand responses body 'multi-stressor' exposures, including dynamic interplay genotype (Patel Decoding integrated whole, 'integrome' (not be confused 'omics' technologies), although challenging, has potential unlock unanticipated interactions combinatorial might aggregate alter allostatic (cumulative burden) realistic estimate 'true' 1a). makes intuitive sense, because astronauts invariably encounter exposome varying degrees isolation. Currently, require 'downgrade' them systematically 'acceptable', albeit currently undefined limits 1b). Yet current 'risk boundaries' (single) organ specific. Our inability simulate multi-stressor dynamics accurately extent exert (simple) linear additive (complex) coupled non-linear synergistic effects (Pirotta 2022) potentially hampering discovery Furthermore, highlighted (2025), (exercise) impact systems ways, little 'cross-talk' 'cross-tolerance'. A case point relates in-flight advanced resistive device known muscle bone loss. result unwelcome elevation intrathoracic subsequent intermittent exercise-induced Valsalva manoeuvres intermittently elevate intracranial vulnerability neurological complications, spaceflight-associated neuro-ocular syndrome (Barisano 2022; Figure Concurrent integration separate (non-exercise) CM, lower-body negative pressure, given its reduce intraocular (Greenwald 2021), prove complementary strategy benefits eliminate negatives accentuate postural positives). inherent complexities clearly argue against 'one-size-fits-all' approach; simply simple! downside we lack mechanistic understanding empirical evidence derive 'safe' ethically permissible boundary 'multidimensional' multi-organ systems, further fundamental importance deeper phenotyping integrome optimized Recent inauguration LUNA ('Moon Earth') (Casini 2020), Europe's new analogue facility operated jointly European Agency German Aerospace Agency, important step direction. Specialist input wider also culminated White Paper 'roadmaps' dedicated (ESA, 2021) governance (Rajput latter outlines ethics framework devoted practices help guide decision-making agency future exploration-class inherently fail meet existing (terrestrial occupational) standards famous quote John M. Grunsfeld, American physicist former NASA veteran five adds all-important subjective element: 'All risky. astronaut, had decide each time went whether not my mission. believe humans, depends exploration.'. Crewed orbital push unchartered extremes, exposing complex poorly characterized uncertain, unforeseen manage. Exercise CMs, combination others (shielding, nutritional, medicinal artificial gravity) key enabling safe successful exploration. However, despite dedicating ∼25% aboard ISS (Loehr 2015), remain inadequate maintain preflight thought-provoking topical contribution optimization Integrative fore! Damian Bailey conceived idea wrote draft manuscript revisions thereof. approved final version submitted publication agrees accountable aspects work ensuring questions related accuracy integrity any part appropriately investigated resolved. All persons designated qualify authorship, authorship listed. paper enduring memory Bailey. D.M.B. Editor-in-Chief past Chair Life Sciences Working Group member Exploration Science Advisory Committee Agency. He UK Swedish National Agencies Cardiovascular Network Wales South-East Vascular Network. affiliated Bexorg, Inc. (USA) technological development novel biomarkers cerebral bioenergetic structural damage humans.

Language: Английский

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Asymmetrical evolution of cross inhibition in zooplankton: insights from contrasting phosphorus limitation and salinization exposure sequences

Proceedings of the Royal Society B Biological Sciences, Journal Year: 2025, Volume and Issue: 292(2042)

Published: March 1, 2025

Understanding the evolutionary responses of organisms to multiple stressors is crucial for predicting ecological consequences intensified anthropogenic activities. While previous studies have documented effects selection history on organisms' abilities cope with new stressors, impact sequence in which occur outcomes remains less understood. In this study, we examined a metazoan rotifer species two prevalent freshwater stressors: nutrient limitation and increased salinization. We subjected populations distinct histories (salt-adapted, low phosphorus-adapted ancestral clones) reciprocal common garden experiment monitored their population growth rates. Our results revealed an asymmetric response phosphorus (P) salinity. Specifically, adaptation P conditions reduced tolerance salinity, whereas saline did not show such cross-inhibitory effects. Instead, addition moderate concentrations salt enhanced salt-adapted conditions, potentially as consequence evolved cross-tolerance. findings, therefore, underscore importance considering historical stressor regimes improve our understanding predictions organismal also significant implications ecosystem management.

Language: Английский

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Mercury Contamination Challenges the Behavioral Response of a Keystone Species to Arctic Climate Change

Environmental Science & Technology, Journal Year: 2023, Volume and Issue: 57(5), P. 2054 - 2063

Published: Jan. 18, 2023

Combined effects of multiple, climate change-associated stressors are mounting concern, especially in Arctic ecosystems. Elevated mercury (Hg) exposure animals could affect behavioral responses to changes foraging landscapes caused by change, generating interactive on behavior and population resilience. We investigated this hypothesis little auks (Alle alle), a keystone seabird. compiled data for 44 birds across 5 years using accelerometers while also quantifying blood Hg environmental conditions. Warm sea surface temperature (SST) low ice coverage reshaped time activity budgets (TABs) diving patterns, causing decreased resting, increased flight, longer dives. Mercury contamination was not associated with TABs. However, highly contaminated lengthened interdive breaks when making long dives, suggesting Hg-induced physiological limitations. As dive durations warm SST, subtle toxicological threaten increasingly constrain efficiency as change progresses, ecosystem-wide repercussions.

Language: Английский

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Quantifying the ecological consequences of climate change in coastal ecosystems

Cambridge Prisms Coastal Futures, Journal Year: 2023, Volume and Issue: 1

Published: Jan. 1, 2023

Abstract Few coastal ecosystems remain untouched by direct human activities, and none are unimpacted anthropogenic climate change. These drivers interact with exacerbate each other in complex ways, yielding a mosaic of ecological consequences that range from adaptive responses, such as geographic shifts changes phenology, to severe impacts, mass mortalities, regime loss biodiversity. Identifying the role change these phenomena requires corroborating evidence multiple lines evidence, including laboratory experiments, field observations, numerical models palaeorecords. Yet few studies can confidently quantify magnitude effect attributable solely change, because seldom acts alone ecosystems. Projections future risk further complicated scenario uncertainty – is, our lack knowledge about degree which humanity will mitigate greenhouse-gas emissions, or make ways we impact Irrespective, ocean warming would be impossible reverse before end century, sea levels likely continue rise for centuries elevated millennia. Therefore, risks projected mirror impacts already observed, severity escalating cumulative emissions. Promising avenues progress beyond qualitative assessments include collaborative modelling initiatives, model intercomparison projects, use broader systems. But reduce rapidly reducing emissions greenhouse gases, restoring damaged habitats, regulating non-climate stressors using climate-smart conservation actions, implementing inclusive coastal-zone management approaches, especially those involving nature-based solutions.

Language: Английский

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Seasonal gain in body condition of foraging humpback whales along the Western Antarctic Peninsula

Frontiers in Marine Science, Journal Year: 2022, Volume and Issue: 9

Published: Nov. 21, 2022

Most baleen whales are capital breeders that use stored energy acquired on foraging grounds to finance the costs of migration and reproduction breeding grounds. Body condition reflects past success can act as a proxy for individual fitness. Hence, monitoring seasonal gain in body while inform how marine mammals support migration, growth, reproduction, well nutritional health overall population. Here, we photogrammetry from drone-based imagery examine humpback ( Megaptera novaeangliae ) changed over season (November June) along Western Antarctic Peninsula (WAP) 2017 2019. This population (IWC stock G) is recovering whaling growing rapidly, providing an opportunity study store prey-rich environment. We used area index (BAI) estimate changes applied Bayesian approach incorporate measurement uncertainty associated with different drone types data collection. biopsy samples determine sex pregnancy status, length-based maturity classification assign reproductive classes n = 228; calves 31, juveniles 82, lactating females mature males 12, unknown 56, non-pregnant pregnant 3, & 1). Average BAI increased linearly feeding each class. Lactating had lower compared other late season, reflecting high energetic nursing calf. Mature highest values. Calves juvenile exhibited increase but not structural size (body length) season. The length mothers was positively correlated their calves, no relationship observed between calves. Our establishes baseline this whale population, which help monitor future impacts disturbance climate change.

Language: Английский

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Managing the effects of multiple stressors on wildlife populations in their ecosystems: developing a cumulative risk approach

Proceedings of the Royal Society B Biological Sciences, Journal Year: 2022, Volume and Issue: 289(1987)

Published: Nov. 30, 2022

Assessing cumulative effects of human activities on ecosystems is required by many jurisdictions, but current science cannot meet regulatory demands. Regulations define them as effect(s) one action combined with other actions. Here we argue for an approach that evaluates the risk multiple stressors protected wildlife populations within their ecosystems. Monitoring each stressor necessary not sufficient to estimate how interact affect populations. Examining mechanistic pathways, from cellular ecological, which individuals can help prioritize and interpret they interact. Our uses health indicators accumulate changes in vital rates, driving population status. We advocate using methods well-established integrating into ecosystem-based management protect commercially culturally important against extinction threatened species. will improve abilities conserve manage also demand significant increases research monitoring effort. increased investment proportional economic scale Anthropocene pervasive ecology biodiversity.

Language: Английский

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Warming lowers critical thresholds for multiple stressor–induced shifts between aquatic primary producers

The Science of The Total Environment, Journal Year: 2022, Volume and Issue: 838, P. 156511 - 156511

Published: June 6, 2022

Language: Английский

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Estimating the effects of stressors on the health, survival and reproduction of a critically endangered, long‐lived species

Oikos, Journal Year: 2023, Volume and Issue: 2023(5)

Published: Feb. 6, 2023

Quantifying the cumulative effects of stressors on individuals and populations can inform development effective management conservation strategies. We developed a Bayesian state–space model to assess multiple individual survival reproduction. In model, stressor vital rates are mediated by changes in underlying health, allowing for comparison effect sizes while accounting intrinsic factors that might affect an individual's vulnerability resilience. applied 50‐year dataset sightings, calving events exposure critically endangered North Atlantic right whales Eubalaena glacialis . The viability this population is threatened complex set stressors, including vessel strikes, entanglement fishing gear fluctuating prey availability. estimated blunt deep strike injuries severe had largest health exposed individuals, reinforcing urgent need mitigation measures. Prey abundance smaller but protracted across long‐term trends reproduction followed trend index, highlighting ecosystem‐based strategies also required. Our approach be quantify any long‐lived species where suitable indicators monitoring data available.

Language: Английский

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