Isolation of wild reindeer subpopulations jeopardizes the survival of the population in Karelia

Human activities may lead to the extinction of the forest reindeer in Karelia. Poachers exterminate the animals, and logging is destroying the keystone habitats of this rare species. Linkages between reindeer subpopulations are severed, affecting the genetic diversity and viability of the species. Zoologists at IB KarRC RAS are studying the current degree of isolation between reindeer subpopulations in Karelia. The results of this study can form the basis for designing new monitoring methods and help develop measures to minimize the negative human impact and preserve rare animal populations.

Scientists seeking to augment medicinal plant yield in the North

Medicinal plants can be grown in Karelia as raw materials for the pharmaceutical industry. This is what scientists at the Karelian Research Center RAS strongly believe. Researchers implement experiments to find out how different agricultural practices can influence crop yields and production profitability. In particular, they assessed how plants develop in the north when growing separately or together with other crops. For example, calendula inhibits the growth of lemon balm and mint, while dill, on the contrary, augments their yields.

The spread of ligulosis in Lake Syamozero monitored by Karelian scientists

Researchers from the Institute of Biology KarRC RAS will evaluate the well-being of the natural bream population in Lake Syamozero, Pryazhinsky District of Karelia. Scientists have started working on a new study under the Russian Science Foundation grant. Material was collected on the lake to analyze the distribution of ligula, a parasite of cyprinid fishes. The species diversity and evolution of cestodes of the genus Ligula is a poorly studied issue in Russia. The interactions between the parasite and its host will be studied at all levels: behavioral, physiological and molecular.

Transition to organic production can promote the development of rural and Arctic territories

Production and consumption of organic products is not just trendy and tribute to healthy lifestyle. Economists are convinced: the transition to organic technologies will contribute to a balanced development of the country. Their implementation can reduce the disparity in important indicators between urban and rural areas, Arctic and southern regions. The emergence of local farms and the transition of existing farms to organic production prevent out-migration and helps to preserve the identity of the territories.

Young biologist from KarRC RAS awarded a RAS medal for her studies of fish parasite adaptations

Albina Kochneva, Researcher at the Institute of Biology KarRC RAS, was awarded a medal of the Russian Academy of Sciences with a prize for young scientists of Russia. She also won the youth grant competition of the Russian Science Foundation. The biologist studies the molecular mechanisms of adaptation of tapeworms to the parasitic lifestyle. The results of her research are important for solving basic problems of parasitology, and can also be used in the veterinary and agricultural industries. We congratulate our colleague on professional recognition!

Activities of the Russian Arctic Research and Education Center discussed in Arkhangelsk

Extramural session of the RAS Scientific Council for the Study of the Arctic and Antarctic took place at the Northern Arctic Federal University (NArFU). The Council gathered to discuss the activities of the Russian Arctic Research and Education Center (REC). KarRC RAS Director General took part in the discussion.

VepKar audio map supplemented with Tver Karelian speech samples

Researchers from the Institute of Linguistics, Literature and History (ILLH) KarRC RAS are back from expedition to the Tver Region. The scientists recorded over 30 hours of Karelian speech samples and interviewed more than 50 informants. The trip was organized within the project “Filling the audio map of Karelian and Veps dialects”, supported by the Russian Geographical Society. Together with the scientists, Tver Karelians were visited by journalists from the Vesti-Karelia program of the Rossiya-1 TV channel.