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The toolbox of instruments regulating access, transfer and use of biological material is currently re-equipped: the Nagoya Protocol was initiated to provide a legal framework to the third objective of the Convention on Biological Diversity - the fair and equitable sharing of benefits arising from the utilisation of genetic resources and associated traditional knowledge (an aspect not discussed here). In the ongoing implementation of the protocol, potentially harmful and far-reaching effects on biological research become evident. Here, we illustrate how vague definitions, lack of legal clarity and coordination, and often restrictive and complex regulations affect the transfer of biological material and associated data. Instead of promoting basic research in conservation and biodiversity, the current situation potentially jeopardises international collaboration, biodiversity research and its applications in monitoring, biocontrol and food safety. We address these challenges and discuss possible options for its practical implementation in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Jackson Pollock's Number 1A, 1948 painting was investigated using in situ scanning macro-x-ray luorescence mapping (MA-XRF) to help characterize the artist's materials and his creative process. A multivariate curve resolution-alternating least squares (MCR-ALS) approach was used to examine the hyperspectral data and obtain distribution maps and signature spectra for the paints he used. The composition of the paints was elucidated based on the chemical elements identiied in the signature spectra and a tentative list of pigments, fillers and other additives is proposed for eleven diferent paints and for the canvas. The paint distribution maps were used to virtually reconstruct the artist process and document the sequence and manner in which Pollock applied the different paints, using deliberate and specific gestures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The species richness and relative abundance of faunas in defined areas are the raw materials in biodiversity science. The research methodology to acquire these data is inventory, and inventory quality depends on a number of parameters, for example collecting methods, season, and collector experience. To assess the ability of rapid inventory techniques to estimate local richness seven collectors sampled the fauna of true bugs in the Iberá watershed (Corrientes, Argentina) with seven methods during early spring, summer, and late summer (December, May, September) of 1 year. Twenty-three families, 225 spp. and 4,678 adults were found. We also applied various statistical techniques to correct the observed data for undersampling bias, which suggested the lower bound of annual heteropteran species richness at Pellegrini was about 250-300 species. Among heteropteran families, the particular inventory methodology was especially efficient in sampling Miridae. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Analyzes species of plants, anthropods, amphibians, fish and primates with geographic information system to identify areas of high species diversity and endemism in Amazonia. Lack of correspondence between the centers of species diversity identified by collection based data and those areas recommended for conservation; Role played by museum collections in identifying species rich areas.