The interactive exposition of the Russian Ministry of Education and Science as part of the International Exhibition and Forum “Russia” has been replenished with new exhibits. 25 new objects have been added to the exhibition, which has been running since November, including models of the NICA accelerator complex, the Arctic bus "Arktika", the expeditionary research vessel "Professor Molchanov" and others. The exhibition demonstrates the changes that have occurred over the past 20 years in Russian science and shows the opportunities for self-realization of young people in the field of research and development. 14 thematic halls of the exhibition are dedicated to modern Russian achievements in the field of science, technology and higher education. Visitors can find out what results of Russian scientists are already being applied in medicine, construction, energy and agriculture, what Russian researchers are working on today, how in the near future, thanks to this work, the quality of life of Russian citizens may change, what prospects await young people who decide to connect their life with science. There is a “Personal Track” system for exhibition visitors: everyone at the entrance can receive a bracelet with an RFID tag, which can be used to answer questions posted in the thematic halls. At the end of the exhibition - when the information is finally read from the bracelet - the algorithm generates personal recommendations for building a career in science. In total, the exhibition features more than 60 exhibits, including unique solutions: robotic medical system and manipulator for 3D bioprinting;small spacecraft “Yarilo” No. 5 for analyzing the chemical composition of the atmosphere;unmanned aerial system "Kontur" for autonomous continuous monitoring of a given territory in order to detect regime violations;optical module of the detector of the BaikalGVD deep-sea neutrino telescope;manual autonomous complex of two-component bioprinting for the treatment of wound surfaces “Tissue Gun”;mock-ups of megascience class installations NICA and SILA and much more. Also at the exhibition there is a unique scientific laboratory from the “NASHA LABA” (our laboratory) project. It houses unique research equipment produced in Russia and Belarus, and regularly conducts demonstrations and experiments. The laboratory's topics change monthly. In January, the biological and agricultural laboratory is presented, in February - the physical and engineering laboratory. The exhibition “A Decade of Science and Technology” is located in pavilion No. 57 at VDNKh. University weeks are regularly held here, where representatives of higher education and research institutes from different regions of Russia give lectures and talk about the achievements of domestic scientists. Visitors can also learn more about and participate in the Decade's initiatives.

On January 24-26, 2024, as part of the International Agro-Industrial Exhibition of Technologies for Agricultural Professionals “AGROS2024expo”, the International Exhibition of Technologies for the Production and Processing of Potatoes and Vegetables “Potatoes and Vegetables 2024 AGROTECH EXPO” was held. The exhibition brought together in one place innovative solutions for all stages of production, processing and marketing of both potatoes and vegetables. The exhibition was attended by investors, enterprise managers and specialists from Russia and neighboring countries involved in the production and processing of potatoes and vegetables. Deputy Director of the Center for Parasitology of the IEE RAS, Mikhail Viktorovich Pridannikov took part in the exhibition program with a report “The importance of certain groups of parasitic plant nematodes in modern industrial potato production” as part of the Round Table “Science for Potatoes and Vegetables” on January 24, 2024. The report highlighted issues related to the history of the study of parasitic plant nematodes, which can damage potatoes and cause great losses when growing them. It was noted that in various historical periods the economic importance of some nematodes on potatoes decreased, while the importance of other species increased significantly due to changes in growing technologies and production structure, the introduction of new varieties, new plant protection products and other factors. In the current period, three most harmful groups of nematodes on potatoes have been identified, causing particular concern due to their wide distribution and high harmfulness: potato stem nematodes of the genus Ditylenchus; cyst nematodes of the genus Globodera; root-knot nematodes of the genus Meloidogyne. It is these three groups of nematodes that now require close attention. Three groups of nematodes have also been identified, the harmfulness of which manifests itself only in rare cases, but it is necessary to monitor the spread of these groups of nematodes, especially in farms specializing in the production of seed potatoes. In his report, Pridannikov M.V. pointed out that reducing the risks of damage to potatoes and other vegetable crops is impossible without the involvement of specialists in the field of phytopathology and agricultural nematology, and invited all interested parties to cooperate.

Rosneft, together with the non-state development institute Innopraktika, as part of the series “Ecological Atlases of the Seas of Russia”, released the atlas “Marine Mammals of Russia”. Among the co-authors of the atlas are employees of the Institute of Ecology and Evolution of the Russian Academy of Sciences: Dmitry Glazov, Maria Solovyova, Natalya Kryukova, Daria Kuznetsova, Svetlana Artemyeva, Ilya Mordvintsev, Nikita Platonov. The ecological atlas introduces readers to marine mammals living in inland waters and seas of Russia. The publication presents scientific data on 47 species of marine mammals found in the described water areas. In addition, it contains information about the climatic and oceanographic features of the seas, the history of study, problems of protecting marine mammals and the main methods of their research. The book provides an opportunity to obtain up-to-date information about the characteristics of biology, population structure, natural and anthropogenic threats to the described species. The publication contains more than 60 maps, unique artistic illustrations, and photographs from the Company's expeditions. The atlas reflects the results of the Company’s many years of work on studying marine mammals – the polar bear and the walrus, which were carried out as part of the corporate program for the conservation of biological diversity. The goal of the program is to study and preserve the population of rare animal species, the state of which can be used to judge the balance of Arctic ecosystems. The results of the Company’s research can be found in a special section of the atlas. The atlas was developed by specialists from the Arctic Scientific Center of the Company and leading scientific institutes of Russia: P.P. Shirshov Institute of Oceanology RAS, M.V. Lomonosov Moscow State University, Pacific Institute of Oceanology, Far Eastern Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Murmansk Marine Biological Institute of the Russian Academy of Sciences, All-Russian Research Institute of Fisheries and Oceanography, All-Russian Research Institute for Environmental Protection and the RPO "Council on Marine Mammals". The publication “Marine Mammals of Russia” will be of interest not only to the professional community, but also to everyone who is interested in environmental conservation issues. The atlas is available for free download: Atlas “Marine Mammals of Russia”.

Evgeniy Burgov, an employee of the Institute of Ecology and Evolution of the Russian Academy of Sciences, took part in the RIA Novosti podcast and spoke about the fact that today there are more than 10,000 species of ants and only one species of human living on Earth. Despite this difference in diversity, we have a lot in common: we live in families and build houses, take care of our offspring and share labor, study and fight. How can animals with a very distant common ancestor be so similar? The RIA Novosti podcast with a lecture by Evgeniy Burgov can be found at the link. Related materials: Soundstream: “An ant is the same person, but smaller and different. Comparing ants and people"

The Caspian Sea is the largest closed lake on earth, stretching across two parts of the world - Asia and Europe. It is distinguished by a unique ecosystem that is home to more than four hundred endemic species unique to this region. The Caspian seal is endemic and the only representative of aquatic mammals in the Caspian Sea. It is at the top of the food chain, so the stable state of its population serves as an indicator of the well-being of the entire marine ecosystem. We present for your attention the scientific and educational film “Caspian Seal”, prepared by order of the Fisheries Committee of the Ministry of Ecology and Natural Resources of the Republic of Kazakhstan and the NCOC company. Employees of the Institute of Ecology and Evolution of the Russian Academy of Sciences took part in the filming process.

A round table was held at the Public Chamber of the Russian Federation, during which threats to natural complexes and objects and issues of ensuring environmental safety in connection with plans for the construction of the Selemdzhinskaya and Nizhne-Zeyskaya hydroelectric power stations in the Amur region were discussed. The event was organized by the Commission on Ecology and Sustainable Development of the Public Chamber of the Russian Federation together with the International Public Organization “Expert Council on Nature Reserves”. The round table was attended by well-known scientists and environmental experts, as well as representatives of PJSC RusHydro, the Ministry of Natural Resources of Russia, Rosvodresursy, Rosprirodnadzor, the Ministry of Energy of Russia, JSC Lenhydroproject, and the Association "Hydropower of Russia". In addition to environmental risks, the round table discussed the socio-economic consequences of this construction and alternative options for countering extreme floods, subject to the preservation of biodiversity and ensuring environmental safety. Viktor Danilov-Danilyan, corresponding member of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Doctor of Economic Sciences, professor, scientific director of the Institute of Water Problems of the Russian Academy of Sciences, co-chairman of the Expert Council on Nature Reserves, drew attention to the fact that among the existing options for flood control and development of energy resources, the construction of the Selemdzhinskaya and Nizhne-Zeyskaya hydroelectric power stations are not only the most expensive, but also the most environmentally hazardous. According to Danilov-Danilyan, the problem is very complex, interdisciplinary and requires a comprehensive analysis; it needs to be brought to a much wider scientific and public discussion. “This meeting is only the first in a series that are absolutely necessary to make a decision that does not promise big troubles for our descendants, for which they will scold us,” he emphasized. He also recalled the conclusion of the International Energy Agency that hydro construction in the 21st century is no longer as important economically as it was in the 20th century. Sergei Podolsky, senior researcher at the Institute of Water Problems of the Russian Academy of Sciences, deputy director for scientific work of the Zeya Nature Reserve, candidate of geographical sciences, member of the Expert Council on Nature Reserves, especially noted that as a result of the construction of the mentioned hydroelectric power stations, the state nature reserve "Norsky" and the federal reserve "Orlovsky" will lose their environmental significance. Key habitats of 29 rare bird species will be destroyed, many of which are listed in the Red Book of the Russian Federation - among them the Far Eastern stork, black stork, black crane, fish owl and others; if the Selemdzhinskaya hydroelectric power station is created, their population groups will be on the verge of extinction. In addition, the basin of the middle reaches of the Selemdzha and Zeya rivers is the only place in Russia where massive seasonal crossings of Siberian roe deer across large rivers occur. The result of the construction of new hydroelectric power stations will be the virtual destruction of the last large migratory population of Siberian roe deer in the country. The speaker also drew attention to the negative social consequences of the construction of the Selemdzhinskaya and Nizhne-Zeyskaya hydroelectric power stations - significant areas of the most productive agricultural and hunting lands will be flooded, and many villages will be liquidated. Podolsky presented alternative options for the location of hydroelectric power stations that meet environmental safety considerations. He also proposed focusing efforts not on combating rare extreme floods, which are a characteristic natural feature of the Amur region, but on early prevention of their negative social consequences. Vyacheslav Rozhnov, Academician of RAS, Doctor of Biological Sciences, Professor, President of the Theriological Society of the Russian Academy of Sciences, member of the Bureau of the Expert Council on Nature Reserves, in his speech, emphasized the uniqueness of the migratory population of roe deer inhabiting the Amur region. He expressed concern about the threat of extinction of this population due to the construction of a hydroelectric power station, as well as its consequences for the Amur tiger restoration program in this region, where roe deer are an extremely important component of the tiger's food supply. Academician Rozhnov generally drew attention to the negative impact of dams on biological diversity due to the flooding of large areas. According to Rozhnov, it is necessary to seek a compromise in matters of energy development in order to ensure a decent life for people and the preservation of natural heritage. Kirill Yankov, head of the laboratory of the Institute of National Economic Forecasting of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Candidate of Economic Sciences, member of the Expert Council on Nature Reserves, addressed the management and economic side of the planned construction of the Selemdzhinskaya and Nizhne-Zeyskaya hydroelectric power stations. He noted that there are other ways for the state to respond to the problem of floods - for example, the implementation of a comprehensive flood control program. This is more complex than building a hydroelectric power station, but reduces environmental and social costs. The expert noted that the Amur region today is an energy-rich region, electricity is exported to China, and gave examples of alternative ways to fill the shortage of generating capacity in the event of a potential energy shortage in the Amur region. Yankov also drew attention to the transport function of the Zeya River, which will be disrupted by the construction of reservoirs: the city of Zeya does not have a railway, and huge amounts of money will have to be spent on shipping facilities. The expert also noted the damage to fish stocks that would be caused by the construction of the hydroelectric power station. Boris Voronov, Honored Ecologist of the Russian Federation, Scientific Director of the Institute of Water and Environmental Problems of the Far Eastern Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Doctor of Biological Sciences, Professor, Corresponding Member of the Russian Academy of Sciences, member of the Expert Council on Nature Reserves, recalled that in 1988 the project of the Dagmar hydroelectric station (similar to the discussed Selemdzhinskaya hydroelectric station) did not pass an environmental assessment, including due to the impossibility of finding a solution to preserve the roe deer population. In his opinion, if a hydroelectric power station is built, a significant part of the Siberian roe deer population will die out, and a number of rare species of animals and plants may completely disappear from the corresponding territory. The expert is convinced that it is necessary to solve the problem of floods, but it is necessary to look for alternative, environmentally friendly options - for example, building dams around large populated areas. Voronov emphasized that the natural environment is adapted to floods and people also need to adapt, finding technical solutions that are environmentally acceptable. Zhanna Kuzmina, chief researcher at the Institute of Water Problems of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Doctor of Geographical Sciences, cited numerous examples of the negative impact of the construction of reservoirs on floodplain ecosystems and their components in different countries and called for abandoning plans for the construction of hydroelectric power stations on lowland rivers. Vsevolod Stepanitsky, Honored Ecologist of the Russian Federation, co-chairman of the Expert Council on Nature Reserves, drew attention to the fact that such a consequence of the discussed hydraulic construction as the destruction of the last large migrating population of Siberian roe deer contains the signs provided for in Article 358 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation - “Ecocide”. And the flooding of part of the Norsky State Nature Reserve (i.e., violation of its regime, resulting in significant damage) are signs provided for in Article 262 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation. The expert expressed doubts about the acceptability and permissibility of developing economic projects, the consequences of which obviously contain signs of environmental crimes, noting that specialists should look for technical solutions to pressing socio-economic issues within the boundaries of the legal field. Mikhail Kreindlin, coordinator of the program for protected areas of the project “Earth Touches Everyone” of the Association “Nature Conservation”, a member of the Bureau of the Expert Council on Nature Reserves, pointed out that the flooding of part of the Norsky Nature Reserve and the Orlovsky Nature Reserve as a result of the implementation of the project violates Russian legislation, which directly prohibits actions that could cause damage to protected areas and disrupt the habitat of animals and plants listed in the Red Book of the Russian Federation. In particular, we are talking about a violation of the federal laws “On Specially Protected Natural Territories”, “On Environmental Protection”, “On Wildlife”. The expert recalled the legislative ban on the seizure of lands of state natural reserves, which would actually occur in the event of flooding of the Norsky Nature Reserve. Kreindlin recalled a similar story with plans for the construction of the Evenki hydroelectric power station, when approximately the same arguments were given - and the construction of which was eventually abandoned, and the problems that were cited as arguments for construction were resolved. The expert pointed out the danger of promoting former Soviet projects under different names - over the past decades, legislation has changed, the network of protected areas has expanded, and new modern technologies have been developed. Igor Shkradyuk, coordinator of the industrial greening program at the Center for Wildlife Conservation, Candidate of Technical Sciences, named among the priority measures to prevent damage from floods the expansion and restoration of water-intensive natural landscapes - river floodplains and swamps, thoughtful engineering protection of populated areas and the creation of flood control dams that do not block the free flow rivers in times of low water, but retaining large flows of water. And only in last place is the expensive construction of hydroelectric power stations. He also noted that there are places on the tributaries of the Amur for the construction of environmentally acceptable cascades of hydroelectric power stations. Previously, the International Public Organization “Expert Council on Nature Reserves” sent an appeal to the head of the Government of the Russian Federation in connection with serious threats to natural complexes and objects due to the planned construction of the Selemdzhinskaya and Nizhne-Zeyskaya hydroelectric power stations in the Amur region.

Who are beluga whales and what features do these mammals have? Why are beluga whales caught? Where do these cetaceans get the “melon” on their heads and what is it for? – said Dmitry Glazov, deputy head of the Belukha – White Whale program. You can watch the show using the link.

Buzuluksky forest (“Buzuluksky bor”) is the largest pine forest in the steppe zone of Northern Eurasia and the only island forest with relict landscapes in the steppe Trans-Volga region. It is located 100 km east of Samara. The complexity of the landscape and geographical structure determines the diversity of habitats. Pine, the edificator of the forest, occupies elevated areas of the relief, and deciduous trees occupy low areas. In the central part of the pine forest, deciduous species are found mainly in the floodplain and floodplain terrace along rivers and streams, as well as along the edge of the forest, forming a transition from forest to steppe. In this regard, the richest original vegetation and flora with a significant number of plant species and plant communities rarely found in the steppe zone have formed here. The peculiarities of the development and location of the forest explain the wide variety of ecosystems on its territory. Plants grow here that are rare both for the steppe and forest zones. Moreover, for some species the forest is the only location in the Orenburg region. The Russian muskrat, European mink, and river otter are included in the regional Red Books. All species of bats, common squirrel, garden dormouse, badger, ermine, and lynx need special control over their condition in the natural environment. Valuable species of mammals such as elk, wild boar, roe deer, wolf, pine marten, and common beaver play an important role in the functioning of forest ecosystems. The bird fauna of the Buzuluksky Forest has long been the object of close attention of ornithologists. It is considered a key ornithological area that contributes to the diversity of birds in the Trans-Volga region. The fauna of invertebrate animals, with the exception of some groups of insects, remains the most unexplored page of the national park. The National Park invites employees of the Institute to conduct their research. The park organizes accommodation on the territory of the in-patient department of the Steppe Institute in the forest (Partizansky village) and transport for exploring the territory. By agreement with the park management, partial payment for the work of invited specialists is possible. Contact information: Alexey Gennadievich Leonov, head of the scientific department.

Together with the Vedomosti newspaper, the RSF has prepared for publication an informational selection of the 10 best studies of the year. We are very glad that the work under the leadership of V.G. Petrosyan was included in this list, within the framework of which the top 100 most dangerous alien organisms in Russia were analyzed. Biologists from the Institute of Ecology and Evolution of the Russian Academy of Sciences, with the participation of foreign scientists from 19 countries, collected about 3 million records of encounters with alien species of organisms dangerous to ecosystems and the economy of Russia, which made it possible to find out how they appeared in the past (since 1600), are widespread now and to estimate their future spread throughout the world/ Using mathematical methods based on global climate models and GIS technologies, scientists have found that in the current climate, most alien species live in the central part and south of Russia. According to forecasts, by the end of the century the rate of their spread will increase from four to seven times. Conservation organizations can use the data to plan measures to limit further invasions. The introduction of new organisms into ecosystems is a normal evolutionary process, explained Nikolai Ermakov, chief researcher at the Nikitsky Botanical Garden. But, as research led by Varos Petrosyan shows, if in natural conditions it is quite gradual and long-lasting, giving native and alien species time to adapt to each other, humans significantly accelerate this migration, which harms not only the environment, but also themselves. Thus, on the territory of Russia in 2007–2019. economic damage from the impact of invasive species was estimated at 1.38 trillion rubles, he concluded. Source: Varos Petrosyan et al. // NeoBiota, 2023 Related materials: Vedomosti: "What happened in Russian science in 2023: top 10 events" RSF: "Results of the year: RSF and Vedomosti spoke about the striking results of researchby Russian scientists"

Fig.1: Armoured catfish The high plasticity of armoured catfish of the genus Pterygoplichthys contributed to their rapid and large-scale dispersal (invasion) into new water bodies of the Indo-China region. In particular, the high adaptive potential of representatives of the genus is manifested in their behavioral response to unfavorable environmental factors. Employees of the IEE RAS (E.D. Pavlov, E.V. Ganzha) together with a Vietnamese colleague (Tran Duc Dien) assessed the horizontal and vertical distribution of fish and the daily rhythm of their motor activity in freshwater and brackish habitats (Central Vietnam). Fig.2: Capture in a net It is believed that armoured catfish predominantly inhabit the bottom layer of the water mass, in part due to their negative buoyancy - their body density is higher than the density of water. However, based on control catches, we established that armoured catfish during periods of increased activity are often found in reservoirs at different water levels from the bottom to the surface. Fig.3: Assessing the night’s catch We assume that due to the presence of facultative respiration with atmospheric oxygen (capturing air from the surface of the water and retaining it in the intestines), this species is able to change its buoyancy from negative to positive in the shortest possible time and for a long time. This physiological feature allows armoured catfish to move without significant energy expenditure in the upper layers of water, which, in the conditions of the estuary and coastal zone, are usually more desalinated than the bottom areas. Fig.4: Stomach wall with hypertrophied vessels The hourly circadian rhythm of the locomotor activity of armoured catfish caught in water bodies characterized by different hydrology and water salinity was experimentally assessed. It has been shown that armoured catfish are active in the dark with peak activity in the evening (18:00-20:00). Dawn contributes to the rapid attenuation of their activity. Fish from freshwater habitats have a similar circadian rhythm. The circadian rhythm of individuals living in more dynamic estuarine conditions is modified by tidal currents. Thus, the evening peak of physical activity of fish in the estuary occurs 3 hours later (at 21:00), which is synchronized with the beginning of low tide by a decrease in the intrusion of brackish waters. The response of estuarine catfish to the phases of high and low tide indicates their ability to sense increased salinity of water. Fig.5: Locomotor activity of fish in fresh water The results of field and experimental studies indicate that alien armoured catfish are capable of penetrating brackish waters (estuaries and, possibly, coastal areas) and through them successfully settling into new bodies of water, thus posing a threat to tropical aquatic ecosystems and native aquatic organisms. Fig.6: Locomotor activity of fish in brackish water estuary The work was carried out within the framework of the Ecolan 3.2 project in 2023 (Russian-Vietnamese Tropical Center) with financial support from the Russian Ministry of Education and Science. The authors express their gratitude to the Director of the Institute of Ecology and Evolution of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Corresponding Member of the Russian Academy of Sciences S.V. Naidenko for support of research work. The article was published in the journal Q1: PLOS One.