Why study symbiotic relationships in Panama?
Join us to explore a few examples showcasing the spectrum of relationships among tropical organisms and their consequences from the genome to the global level. How does being in relationship change with time and what triggers tipping points that radically change the partners’ lives?
Smithsonian releases guide to restoring tropical forests
Drawing on 30-plus years of research in the Panama Canal Watershed, Smithsonian scientist Jefferson Hall releases an illustrated publication that will improve reforestation and help successfully restore forests with 64 species of Neotropical trees.
Frog-hunting bats overcome noisy environments by switching sensory channels
A discovery by a Smithsonian intern in Panama is published by the journal Science .
Searching Caribbean reefs for sharks’ microscopic calling cards
Estimating shark populations on degraded Caribbean reefs is complicated, especially when there few around. A pioneering member of the O’Dea lab has developed a technique to estimate shark populations — both past and present — using their microscopic skin scales
It isn’t easy being captive
To save frogs from an extinction-causing fungus, Smithsonian scientists needed to innovate captive feeding and breeding techniques.
How do larvae swim in a hot-tub world?
A visiting researcher uses a movie set studio to record how the larvae of sea urchins, starfish, shellfish and corals respond to conditions in a changing ocean.
Central America protects whale sharks
A binding regional accord protects the world’s largest fish in the New World tropics.
Colon's growth encroaches on Galeta buffer zone: report
A new analysis of growth trends around the Caribbean entrance to the Panama Canal shows that development is putting extreme pressure on coastal ecosystems of mangroves, seagrasses and coral reefs.
Panama fish catch 40 percent larger than reported
Panama’s haul of tuna, lobster, shellfish and sharks has been dramatically underreported for decades, according to a new study.
New beetles highlight orchid connection
In a remote Bolivian forest, a Smithsonian researcher discovers the first beetle species that live on orchids.
