Climate Change and Ecosystem Shifts

Over the past 40 years, the Arctic has warmed 2-4 times faster than the global average, causing rapid ice loss and opening new shipping routes. But what about Antarctica? Its climate story is far more complex. Surprisingly, satellite data from 1979 to 2014 showed Antarctic sea ice growing slightly, even breaking records in 2012-2014. What’s really happening with Antarctic temperatures, sea ice, and wildlife? Join us as we uncover the fascinating and unexpected changes in our polar regions.

Soil harbours a vast diversity of fungi. One particular type is known as “mycorrhizal” fungi. These fungi rely on plants for their nutrition and in return, provide plants with nutrients acquired from the soil. In some cases, other benefits, such as increased protection from pests can also be conferred. In this talk, Emily will focus on the ability of mycorrhizal fungi to form networks in the soil, potentially connecting neighbouring plants and facilitating plant-plant communication, as well as influencing nutrient cycling.

A whistle stop tour of beneficial bacteria on plant roots, what they do, and how we might use self-replicating DNA to make them more effective at boosting plant nutrition