News

Science

Amateur paleontologists donate rich collection of fossil shark and ray teeth to our Institute

28/03/2024

Citizen scientists have donated tens of thousands of fossil shark and ray teeth to the Institute. They were excavated at the clay quarry of Egem in West Flanders, and bear witness to the rich diversity in the shallow tropical sea around 50 million years ago in our regions.


Science

A third victim from Bois du Cazier identified thanks to DNA analysis

27/03/2024

On August 8, 1956, 262 miners died in the fire at the Bois du Cazier mine in Marcinelle (Charleroi). In 2023, a multidisciplinary team of researchers formally identified two of the 14 victims who couldn't be identified at the time. In March 2024 the team announced the identity of a third victim.


Science

Belgian geologists test mining robots

21/03/2024

Geologists from the Institute of Natural Sciences tested the sensors of their bio-inspired mining robot, which can detect thin veins of metal in the rock.

Science

Fossilized tooth reveals prehistoric shark attack on seal

05/03/2024

Palaeontologists have uncovered a fossilized tooth from a white shark embedded in the heel bone of a seal, shedding light on a dramatic event that unfolded 4.5 million years ago.


Science

A large-scale paleontological excavation in Lebanon documents among the earliest terrestrial ecosystems of the Cretaceous

06/02/2024

An international team of paleontologists has uncovered a remarkably rich and diverse array of fossils from the Early Cretaceous, in Jezzine, South Lebanon. “It is rare getting a glimpse on the diversity of such an early terrestrial ecosystem for this continental area”, says paleontologist Ninon Robin,  Institute of Natural Sciences.


Science

15 years of monitoring the ecological effects of Belgian offshore wind farms still yields new insights

30/01/2024

Fifteen years into the programme, monitoring of the ecological effects of Belgian offshore wind farms continues to provide new insights. Only through sustained and adaptive monitoring can we ensure that we design and build offshore wind farms in the most eco-friendly way.


Science

Common dolphin stranded on the beach of Oostende

22/12/2023

This morning, a dead common dolphin (Delphinus delphis) washed ashore on the beach of Oostende, near the western breakwater. It is a female measuring 2.07 meters in length.


Science

Etienne Steurbaut receives the highest distinction in geology in Belgium

21/12/2023

Etienne Steurbaut, former head of the paleontology department at our Institute, has received the highest distinction for geology that a scientist can receive in our country.


Science

Baboons among the ancient Egyptians: revered but suffering

07/12/2023

Ancient Egyptians raised baboons in captivity before mummifying them, according to research by archaeozoologist Wim Van Neer from the Institute of Natural Sciences and colleagues.


Science

Quality Status of the North-East Atlantic

05/12/2023

The Quality Status Report 2023 assesses the status of the Northeast Atlantic Ocean. Climate change and acidification have become drivers of change. Biodiversity and habitats remain at risk, but the chemical quality of the marine environment is improving again.