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New book maps key areas for Gabon's biodiversity conservation

19/09/2024

A newly released book has mapped 35 essential regions in Gabon that require protection to conserve its unique biodiversity. The book was authored by an international team of experts, including Olivier Pauwels from the Institute of Natural Sciences.

Science

How Belgian Porphyry Paved the World

09/08/2024

Did you know that cobblestones are porphyry, solidified magma? In the early 20th century, three Belgian villages were the largest source of porphyry in the world. Two geologists tell the history of porphyry extraction in our country in a richly illustrated book.


Science

Public consultation on the update of Belgium's national biodiversity strategy

23/07/2024

Until September 24, 2024, you will have the opportunity to share your opinion on the update of the Belgian National Biodiversity Strategy for the next five years.


Science

Origin and Spread of Malaria: St. Rombout’s Cemetery in Mechelen Plays Key Role in International Research

18/07/2024

The St. Rombout’s Cemetery in Mechelen plays an important role in an international study on the history of malaria. The study is published in the prestigious journal Nature. "The discoveries at the cemetery show how military activities and troop movements significantly contributed to the regional spread of malaria."

Science

Monitoring of ship emissions praised for sustainable impact

27/06/2024

The monitoring programme of the Institute of Natural Sciences for emissions of sulphur oxides (SOx) and nitrogen oxides (NOx) of ships at sea was awarded the ‘Special Commendation for Sustainable Impact’ in the context of the Greening Award Initiative of the European Maritime Safety Agency. A well-deserved recognition for the impact and sustainability of our efforts to combat air pollution from ships at sea.


Science

Mysterious skeleton found in lead coffin in Bruges is that of Boudewijn I of Assebroek

26/06/2024

On June 12, 2023, the archaeologists from Raakvlak made a very special discovery at the site of the former Eekhout Abbey in Bruges. In a medieval burial vault, they came across a lead coffin.

Science

New crab species discovered on Belgian beaches

21/06/2024

A new crab species, Polybius dioscurus, has been discovered on Belgian beaches. "This exciting discovery shows that even well-explored areas can surprise us."


Science

Termites found in Belgium for the first time

20/06/2024

Biologists have confirmed the presence of three different species of termites in Belgium for the first time. Because these tropical insects eat wood, they can cause damage to buildings and other wooden structures. Termites may have arrived here via imported infested wood products. One of the three species can survive cooler climates and may spread further.


Science

Galápagos beetles prove: genetic mix is key to rapid adaptation in a changing world

16/06/2024

Beetles on the Galápagos Islands have adapted quickly and repeatedly to higher altitudes thanks to their genetic heritage from ancient evolutionary events, biologists from the Institute of Natural Sciences have discovered. "This mechanism helps us understand how organisms will adapt in our rapidly changing world."


Science

New Atlas shows where to find Critical Raw Materials in Belgium

11/06/2024

A team of Belgian geologists has mapped out where critical raw materials, such as lithium for batteries, rare earths for wind turbines, and copper for power grids, can still be found in Belgium. “It’s time to explore our subsoil further,” says geologist Sophie Decrée.