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The aim of this report is to summarize the applicability of nanocomposites against clinically significant pathogen Salmonella entherica serotype holeraesius. The antibacterial effect of single SiO2, RGO nanoparticles and combination of Ag decorated RGO, SiO2, RGO and ZnTiO3 were examined. ZnTiO3 nanoparticles were prepared using nonhydrolitic sol-gel method. The various nanoparticles combinations were evaluated, dispersed in type I fibrillary collagen gel with concentration of 2.64 w% in different ratios with nanoparticles. The liophylization process was used to prepare nanocomposite material. Several nanocomposites as Coll: RGO, Coll: Ag/RGO, Ag/ SiO2/RGO, ZnTiO3/ SiO2/RGO, Coll: ZnTiO3 were tested on S. enterica. The formed sterile zones around the disc samples (diameter of 9.0 mm; thickness of 3 mm) were measured in mm (± 0.5). Some of the tested materials have shown antibacterial activity on S. enterica but the other have no effect. The research team relies on an innovative combination of qualities of different nanoparticles which aims synergy and high antibacterial activity with potential application in medical practice.

Detecting biodiversity change and identifying its causes is challenging because biodiversity is multifaceted and temporal data often contain bias. Here, we model temporal change in species' abundance and biomass by using extensive data describing the population sizes and trends of native breeding birds in the United Kingdom (UK) and the European Union (EU). In addition, we explore how species’ population trends vary with species' traits. We demonstrate significant change in the bird assemblages of the UK and EU, with substantial reductions in overall bird abundance and losses concentrated in a relatively small number of abundant and smaller sized species. By contrast, rarer and larger birds had generally fared better. Simultaneously, overall avian biomass had increased very slightly in the UK and was stable in the EU, indicating a change in community structure. Abundance trends across species were positively correlated with species’ body mass and with trends in climate suitability, and varied with species' abundance, migration strategy and niche associations linked to diet. Our work highlights how changes in biodiversity cannot be captured easily by a single number; care is required when measuring and interpreting biodiversity change given that different metrics can provide very different insights. This article is part of the theme issue ‘Detecting and attributing the causes of biodiversity change: needs, gaps and solutions’.

Although global assessments provide evidence of biodiversity decline, some have questioned the strength of the evidence, with local assemblage studies often showing a more balanced picture of biodiversity change. The multifaceted nature of biodiversity and imperfect monitoring datasets may partially explain these findings. Here, using an extensive dataset, we find significant biodiversity loss in the native avifauna of the European Union (EU). We estimate a decline of 17–19% in the overall breeding bird abundance since 1980: a loss of 560–620 million individual birds. Both total and proportional declines in bird numbers are high among species associated with agricultural land. The distribution of species’ population growth rates (ln) is centered close to zero, with numerical decline driven by substantial losses in abundant species. Our work supports previous assessments indicating substantial recent biodiversity loss and calls to reduce the threat of extinctions and restore species’ abundances, for the sake of nature and people., Using an extensive high‐quality dataset, we estimate a decline of 17%–19% in overall native breeding bird abundance in the European Union since 1980: a loss of 560–620 million individual birds. The distribution of species’ population growth rates (ln) is centred close to zero with numerical decline driven by substantial losses in abundant species. Our work supports previous assessments indicating recent biodiversity loss and calls to reduce the threat of extinctions and restore species’ abundances, for the sake of nature and people.

Even during ongoing global biodiversity losses and extinctions, numerous species have shown recoveries in terms of increased abundance and/or range extent. Understanding the mechanisms that contribute to, or limit, these recoveries is critical not just to ensure they continue, but to promote similar recoveries across broader ecosystems. Here, we explore the changes in abundance and range extent of selected 47 recovering species (24 mammals and 23 birds) in Europe using official data reported by EU Member States and supplemented using the Living Planet Index database. We investigate how the diversity of ongoing threats and conservation measures contribute to the likelihood and extent of recoveries. For birds, long-term recoveries were less likely among species impacted by a greater diversity of threats, although this may be mitigated by the diversity of conservation measures in place. Similarly, for mammals, populations with reported threats recovered less quickly while those with management actions in place recovered more quickly. To achieve the aims of the UN Decade on Restoration, we need to ensure, even for recovering species, that threats continue to be reduced and that conservation management actions are ongoing and effective.

The Roach’s Mouse-tailed Dormouse (Myomimus roachi, Bate 1937) is endemic to the Western Palearctic (occurring in SE Bulgaria, Turkish and Greek Thrace, and western Anatolia) and is one of the less known mammals within the region. There is no information about its biology and ecology in the wild. In the course of the past 3 years (2019-2021), we conducted intensive research on a small population situated in southeast Bulgaria (Sakar mountain). The population was regularly monitored during the active time of the species. To study its ecology and biology we used a combination of nest boxes, live traps and camera traps. During this period, we collected 259 records of sex, age, and weight. Those bigger than 10 g. were microchipped. The active period for the Roach’s Mouse-tailed Dormouse lasts between April and September. Males emerged first from hibernation at the end of April (24th of April - the earliest registration). During this short active period, the dormouse breeds only once, the litter size being between 5-9 young. The first young appeared at the end of June. We observed a summer dormancy (estivation); the adult males became less active and went in the estivation first. The last active dormice were observed in the first ten days of September. Here we also present data about the population numbers and dynamics, age, and sex structure of Roach’s Mouse-tailed Dormouse in the study area.

While global assessments provide evidence of biodiversity decline, some have questioned the strength of the evidence, with local assemblage studies often showing a more balanced picture of biodiversity change. The multifaceted nature of biodiversity and imperfect monitoring datasets may partially explain these findings. Here, using an extensive high-quality dataset, we find significant biodiversity loss in the native avifauna of the European Union (EU). We estimate a decline of 17-19% in overall breeding bird abundance since 1980: a loss of 560-620 million individual birds. Both total and proportional declines in bird numbers are high amongst species associated with agricultural land. The distribution of species’ population growth rates (ln) is centred close to zero with numerical decline driven by substantial losses in abundant species. Our work supports previous assessments indicating recent biodiversity loss and calls to reduce the threat of extinctions and restore species’ abundances, for the sake of nature and people.

Myomimus roachi is one of the rarest and least studied mammals of the Western Palearctic. It is rare and sparsely distributed in the Southeastern Balkans and Western Anatolia. After its initial finding in 1959, the species was recorded only sporadically. All available data for the species distribution in Bulgaria are summarised and three new country records are reported, which all together increases the number of squares on the 10×10 km grid where the species has been recorded to 24. The current species habitats and threats are discussed.