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Citizen science platforms can effectively support early detection of invasive alien species according to species traits
Full text linkEarly detection and rapid response are essential to deal effectively with new introductions of invasive alien species (IAS). Citizen science platforms for opportunistic recording of species are increasingly popular, and there is potential to harvest their data for early detection of IAS, but this has not been tested. We evaluated the potential of data from existing citizen science platforms for early detection of IAS by obtaining 687 first records of species from 30 European countries where there was both an official first record (i.e. published in scientific literature or by a government agency) and a record in a citizen science platform. We tested how the difference between the two (time lag) was related to species traits, popularity in citizen science platforms, public and research attention and regulatory status. We found that for 50% of the time lag records, citizen science platforms reported IAS earlier than or in the same year as the official databases. Although we cannot determine causality (the first official record could have been from a citizen science platform, or contemporaneous with it), this demonstrates that citizen science platforms are effective for IAS early detection. Time lags were largely affected by species traits. Compared with official records, vertebrates were more likely to have earlier records on citizen science platforms, than plants or invertebrates. Greater popularity of the IAS in citizen science platforms and its observation in neighbouring countries resulted in earlier citizen science reporting. In contrast, inclusion in the EU priority list resulted in earlier official recording, reflecting the efficacy of targeted surveillance programmes. However, time lags were not affected by the overall activity of citizen platforms per country. Synthesis and applications. Multi-species citizen science platforms for reporting nature sightings are a valuable source of information on early detection of IAS even though they are not specifically designed for this purpose. We recommend that IAS surveillance programmes should be better connected with citizen science platforms, including greater acknowledgement of the role of citizen scientists and better data flow from smaller citizen science initiatives into global databases, to support efficient early detectio
Application of isotope ratio mass spectrometry (IRMS) in the geographical determination of selected herbs: a review
Full text linkHerbs have been consumed for their health benefits for centuries and are still attracting increasingly more attention. Their quality is prone to changes in climatic and geo−chemical conditions. Local cultivation patterns also impact the quality of herbs. Therefore, geographical origin is often regarded as an indicator of quality. However, profit−motivated fraud and adulterations degraded the quality of relevant products, and also destroyed the consumers’ health and trust. Isotope ratio mass spectrometry (IRMS) is particularly useful in verifying the origin of herbs as the isotopic composition of several light elements (C, H, O, N and S) contain information about the geographical locations. Changes in the isotopic composition cannot be identified by other techniques but may be detected using IRMS. In this review, current applications of IRMS in tracing ginseng, saffron, chrysanthemum flos and goji berries were discussed and future development was envisage
Establishing bio-logging data collections as dynamic archives of animal life on Earth
No full textRapid growth in bio-logging—the use of animal-borne electronic tags to document the movements, behaviour, physiology and environments of wildlife—offers opportunities to mitigate biodiversity threats and expand digital natural history archives. Here we present a vision to achieve such benefits by accounting for the heterogeneity inherent to bio-logging data and the concerns of those who collect and use them. First, we can enable data integration through standard vocabularies, transfer protocols and aggregation protocols, and drive their wide adoption. Second, we need to develop integrated data collections on standardized data platforms that support data preservation through public archiving and strategies that ensure long-term access. We outline pathways to reach these goals, highlighting the need for resources to govern community data standards and guide data mobilization efforts. We propose the launch of a community-led coordinating body and provide recommendations for how stakeholders—including government data centres, museums and those who fund, permit and publish bio-logging work—can support these effort
Replacing preservative E 252 with powdered dried sumac (Rhus coriaria L.) fruits in “Suino Nero dei Nebrodi” salamis: Effects on microbiological, physicochemical, and antioxidant properties
Full text linkThe aim of this study was to develop health-oriented fermented salamis by replacing synthetic preservative (E 252) with dried Sumac (Rhus coriaria) fruit powder (DSFP). The salamis were produced at an industrial scale using meat from the "Suino Nero dei Nebrodi" breed, without adding starter cultures. The experimental design included four different salami productions: CTR, control production without nitrate salt and DSFP; CMC, commercial control production with nitrate salt but without DSFP; EXP1, experimental production without nitrate salt but with DSFP; and EXP2, experimental production with both nitrate salt and DSFP. Plate counts showed that DSFP did not inhibit the growth of lactic acid bacteria (LAB), coagulase-negative staphylococci, and yeasts, all of which reached approximately 7.0 log CFU/g in 45 d ripened salamis. Except for the CTR production, Escherichia coli levels decreased to undetectable amounts at 30 d of ripening. Culture-independent methods identified 16 taxonomic groups, with LAB being the predominant group across all trials, comprising 46.05-81.81 % of relative abundance (RA) in 45 d ripened salamis. Physicochemical analysis indicated that adding DSFP increased antioxidant activity by nearly 30 % and reduced primary lipid oxidation to levels comparable to those achieved with nitrate salt. The addition of DSFP in CMC, EXP1, and EXP2 salamis resulted in an approximate 11 % increase in total terpene aromatic profiles. Sensory evaluation indicated that the addition of DSFP did not impact overall acceptability (p > 0.05). Therefore, incorporating DSFP in fermented meat production offers a viable alternative to the use of synthetic preservative
Authentic aroma and compound-specific Isotope Ratios (δ13C, δ2H) profiles of Vanilla pods (V. planifolia and V. tahitensis)
Full text linkStable isotope ratio analysis of carbon (δ13C) and hydrogen (δ2H) in vanillin has become a valuable tool for differentiating natural vanilla from synthetic or biosynthetic alternatives and for tracing its geographical origins. However, increasingly sophisticated fraud techniques necessitate ongoing refinement of analytical methods to ensure accurate detection. This study advanced the field by investigating minor volatile organic compounds as potential biomarkers for identifying botanical and geographical origins of vanilla products. Vanilla pods from the two main vanilla species, V. planifolia and V. tahitensis, were investigated using GC-MS/MS to analyze their aromatic profile and GC-C/Py-IRMS to determine compound-specific isotope ratios, providing, for the first time, detailed and authentic isotopic and aromatic profiles. Additionally, the potential natural presence of ethyl vanillin and its corresponding glucoside precursors—molecules commonly used as synthetic vanilla-scented fragrance agents in various foods and industrial products—was explored using UHPLC-HRMS. These findings contribute to robust methods for verifying vanilla authenticity, addressing flavor complexity and isotopic composition, and enhancing the detection of adulteration in vanilla-flavored product
Grazing intensity accelerates surface soil C and N cycling in Alpine pastures as revealed by soil genes and δ15N ratio
Full text linkEuropean grasslands are vital carbon (C) sinks, contributing to climate change mitigation. Grazing intensity significantly influences soil C and nitrogen (N) cycles through effects on soil conditions and microbial communities. While heavy grazing is linked to soil C loss and altered N processes, existing studies show conflicting outcomes. This study examines the impact of cattle grazing on soil C and N cycles in a historical alpine pasture in the eastern Italian Alps (1868 m a.s.l.). The following three grazing intensities were analyzed: heavy (8.19 LU ha−1), moderate (0.59 LU ha−1), and light (0.06 LU ha−1). Soil was sampled from two depth layers (0–5 cm, 5–10 cm) and analyzed for bulk density, C and N content, C/N ratio, exchangeable N, δ15N, and microbial genes targeting general abundance (16S), N fixation (nifH), nitrification (amoA), and denitrification (nirK, nosZ) using real-time PCR. The results revealed decreased C and N concentrations with increasing grazing intensity, exclusively in the 0–5 cm soil layer. Higher δ15N and enhanced nitrification and denitrification suggest a more open N cycle under heavy grazing. These findings highlight the potential of microbial gene markers and δ15N isotopic ratios to monitor N cycle dynamics in alpine pastures, informing sustainable grazing managemen
Stable isotope and multi-elemental analysis combined with statistical modeling for saffron origin authentication
Full text linkSaffron (Crocus sativus L.) is among the world's most valuable spices, yet its high market price and complex supply chains make it particularly vulnerable to mislabeling and fraud. To address this, we integrated stable isotope ratio analysis (δ2H, δ13C, δ15N, δ18O, δ34S) with multi-elemental profiling and advanced statistical modeling to authenticate saffron geographical origin. A total of 75 saffron samples—48 authentic—sourced from Morocco, Greece, Slovenia, Spain, Iran, and the United Kingdom were analyzed using isotope ratio mass spectrometry (IRMS) and inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). These were combined with two previously published datasets, including 163 authentic samples in total. The incorporation of external datasets was possible due to their strong methodological and analytical comparability with the present study, ensuring directly compatible results. Orthogonal partial least squares discriminant analysis (OPLS-DA) achieved 94 % classification accuracy, identifying δ2H, δ15N, K, Ca, δ13C, Sr, Mn, Co, and Zn as key variables for discriminating geographical origins. Incorporation of elemental ratios (Rb/Sr, K/Rb, Ca/Sr) and/or δ18O and δ34S further refined classification, particularly improving accuracy for Moroccan saffron. Class-modeling via Data-Driven Soft Independent Modeling of Class Analogy (DD-SIMCA) confirmed high sensitivity and specificity across target sets and revealed potential mislabeling in ∼15 % of commercial samples, with the highest discrepancy (24 %) observed in Iranian-labeled products. These findings underscore the power of combined stable isotope and multi-elemental approaches for saffron origin authentication and highlight the need for robust analytical verification to strengthen transparency and combat fraud in the saffron trad
Diet and functional feeding groups of Chironomidae (Diptera) larvae in Alpine freshwater habitats
Full text linkA gut content analysis (GCA) was performed to quantify the relative use of food resources by larvae of chironomids (Diptera: Chironomidae) inhabiting different Alpine freshwater habitats fed by meltwater (kryal), groundwater (krenal) and mixed waters (glacio-rhithral, proglacial pond) in the Italian Alps (Trentino). GCA was performed on the 13 most frequent and abundant taxa in these habitats: Diamesa bertrami, Diamesa latitarsis, Diamesa steinboecki, Diamesa zernyi, Pseudokiefferiella parva, Eukiefferiella minor, Metriocnemus eurynotus gr., Parametriocnemus stylatus, Thienemanniella clavicornis, Tvetenia calvescens, Macropelopia sp., Zavrelimyia sp., Micropsectra atrofasciata gr. Guts were removed, mounted in Canada Balsam, and examined under a microscope (1000x). The gut of each individual was assumed to be 100% full, and proportions of the different food items were estimated using a 10x10 grid designed with the NIS-BR software. Food items were divided into 10 categories: Mineral Material, Animal Tissue, Algae (except diatoms), Diatoms, Plant tissue, Amorphous detritus, Lichens, Bryophytes, Fungi, and Pollen. The gut content of different taxa contained significantly different (p < 0.05) food categories based on a non-parametric statistical test. Differences in the diet were observed between species living in the same habitat type and classified into the same trophic category (detritivores, grazers, or predators) and individuals belonging to the same species living in different habitat types. A certain trophic flexibility and omnivory was found, which may facilitate the adaptation of chironomids to changes in available resources due to glacier retrea
Canopy spectral responses of temperate forests to late spring frost and hot drought events assessed with Sentinel-2 NDVI time series
Full text linkExtreme climatic events (ECEs) are projected to increase due to climate change, but we still have limited understanding of how these events affect the functioning of forest ecosystems. Each species may react differently to ECEs, depending on their ecology, but we lack a regional perspective on these responses. Here we tracked intra-annual changes in the canopy greenness (i.e. NDVI from Sentinel-2 imagery) of 16 tree species growing within 3000 km2 of forests of the Italian Alps. The study region was subject to a late spring frost event in May 2019, and a hot drought in July 2022, allowing us to quantify species responses to ECEs by comparison of seasonal trends in NDVI observed over the period 2018–2024. The effects of 2019 frost were very localized and mainly affected the canopy spectral response and phenology of Fagus sylvatica L. in areas around 1000 m a.s.l.. There, trees had developed buds and some juvenile leaves when frost occurred, resulting in the wilting or dropping of the earliest leaves, and slower green-up phase but no lasting impacts. The hot drought had its largest impact on Quercus ilex L. forests growing at low elevations: there was a clear decrease in canopy greenness from July onwards in 2022, but no residual impacts were observed the following years. At higher elevations, some species had unusually green canopies in response to the heatwave suggesting they benefitted from warmer condition