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New Perleidiform from the Lower Ladinian (Middle Triassic) of the Northern Grigna (Northern Italy)

Monte San Giorgio — 2015 — WHE1E45905028

A new deep-bodied perleidiform fish, distinguished by its prominent dorsal hump, ornate scales, and unique pencil-like teeth, has been identified from the lower Ladinian (Middle Triassic) Buchenstein Formation in Northern Grigna, Italy. This discovery, derived from a single specimen, highlights significant morphological affinities with Felberia and "Dipteronotus" ornatus, suggesting evolutionary links within this group. The study also marks the first documentation of fossil vertebrate remains in the Buchenstein Formation across the Southern Calcareous Alps, underscoring its paleontological importance. Excavations at the site, initiated in 2003, have uncovered approximately 900 fossils—predominantly fish—revealing a diverse fauna akin to that of Monte San Giorgio, despite suboptimal preservation likely due to thermal alteration.

New perspectives on stone bead technology at Bronze Age Troy

Archaeological Site of Troy — 2015 — WHECC943260C8

Analysis of stone beads from Bronze Age Troy reveals diverse bead production and drilling technologies, with some originating locally or nearby in Anatolia while others link to distant regions like Mesopotamia and the Indus Valley. The study employed visual examinations, measurements, photography, and silicone impressions analyzed under a Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) to assess manufacturing techniques and raw materials, including carnelian and rock crystal beads. These findings highlight the complexity of lapidary technology and trade networks in Anatolia during the third to second millennium BC.

New Possible Astronomic Alignments at the Megalithic Site of Göbekli Tepe, Turkey

Göbekli Tepe — 2015 — WHE06E9D38932

A new analysis of Göbekli Tepe, one of the world's oldest and most significant megalithic sites, reveals previously unidentified astronomical alignments. Researchers found that two enclosures (F and A) are oriented toward specific celestial events: Enclosure F aligns with the sunrise during the Harvest Festival, while Enclosure A points to the moon's minor standstill at its highest declination. These discoveries, derived from precise calculations accounting for atmospheric extinction, challenge earlier astronomical dating by Collins (2013) but remain consistent with radiocarbon-based chronologies proposed by Dietrich (2011). The study suggests that these alignments may reflect cultural or ritual significance, offering fresh insights into the site's possible functions and the advanced astronomical knowledge of its builders.

New record of the frogfish Fowlerichthys avalonis (Actinopterygii, Antennariidae) at the oceanic Revillagigedo Archipelago, west Mexico

Archipiélago de Revillagigedo — 2015 — WHEDE596FE6F0

Researchers document the first occurrence of the roughbar frogfish, Fowlerichthys avalonis, at Socorro Island in Mexico's Revillagigedo Archipelago. This discovery extends the species' known range by 400 km from the mainland, marking it as the fourth Antennariidae species recorded in the archipelago. The finding was made using submersible video footage captured at a depth of 66 m, providing new insights into the distribution and biodiversity of this endemic frogfish species in the eastern Pacific.

New Records of Mosquitoes (Diptera: Culicidae) from Bolívar State in South Eastern Venezuela, with 27 New Species for the State and 5 of Them New in the Country

Canaima National Park — 2015 — WHEBB39F7241A

A groundbreaking study identifies 27 new mosquito species for Bolívar State, Venezuela, including five previously unknown to the country. Conducted across 16 localities in Canaima National Park and Gran Sabana Municipality, this research marks a significant contribution to mosquito ecology and biogeography in South Eastern Venezuela. The findings highlight the region's rich biodiversity while emphasizing the medical importance of these species. The study also provides a checklist of mosquito species reported in Gran Sabana County, offering valuable insights for future epidemiological studies.

New species of Himalmartensus Wang & Zhu, 2008 (Araneae: Amaurobiidae) with the first description of a male from the Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve, Western Himalaya, India

Nanda Devi and Valley of Flowers National Parks — 2015 — WHE437DDBB740

Researchers have identified a new spider species within the genus Himalmartensus from the Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve, part of India's Western Himalayas. This discovery is significant as it includes the first description of a male specimen for this genus in India, expanding our understanding of regional biodiversity. The study employed detailed morphological analysis to characterize the new species, contributing valuable insights into the taxonomic diversity of Amaurobiidae spiders in this UNESCO-listed region.

New stratigraphic, geochronological, and structural data from the southern Guanajuato Mining District, México: implications for the caldera hypothesis

Historic Town of Guanajuato and Adjacent Mines — 2015 — WHE6956323821

A new geological map and geochronological data reveal that the volcanic activity in the southern Guanajuato Mining District (GMD) occurred between approximately 33.5 and 31.3 million years ago, coinciding with NW–SE normal faulting. This activity is linked to the formation of the Bufa, Calderones, and Cedro formations, which are part of a volcanic center that also contributed to the world-class silver ore deposits in the region. The study suggests that the Chichíndaro Rhyolite, though sparsely present in the area, is more extensive outside it and postdates major faulting. Structural analysis indicates an extensional phase that continued throughout the Oligocene, with the hydrothermal event beginning shortly after the emplacement of the Cedro Formation and lasting for at least two million years due to the subsequent rhyolitic volcanism.

New Theban Tombs Mapping Project (NTTMP) Preliminary Report, Seasons 2014-2015 (a)

Ancient Thebes with its Necropolis — 2015 — WHE82A08A6641

The New Theban Tombs Mapping Project (NTTMP) has identified a critical gap in the documentation of Ancient Thebes' necropolis. Since the last comprehensive mapping effort by F. Kampp in 1989, no up-to-date maps have been established to include newly discovered tombs, particularly after the demolition of al-Qurna village in 2005. The project aims to address this by creating a general map of the entire necropolis with full documentation and a consistent numbering system, building on previous surveys like those conducted by Porter & Moss and P. Piccione. This initiative seeks to enhance the value of newly discovered tombs, attract scholarly attention, and raise funds for their preservation, thereby contributing significantly to the archaeological and topographical understanding of this historic site.

Niche differentiation of bacterial communities at a millimeter scale in Shark Bay microbial mats

Shark Bay, Western Australia — 2015 — WHED06E786F01

Microbial mats in Shark Bay, Australia, exhibit distinct niche differentiation at millimeter scales, offering insights into early Earth ecosystems. The study revealed that smooth and pustular mat types harbor unique bacterial communities, with Cyanobacteria dominating the surface layers while deeper anoxic zones are dominated by Chloroflexi (smooth mats) or Alphaproteobacteria (pustular mats). High-throughput sequencing of 8.26 million 16S rRNA gene sequences identified 58 bacterial and candidate phyla, alongside biogeochemical measurements that showed smooth mats have steeper oxygen and hydrogen sulfide gradients, higher oxygen production, and sulfate reduction rates. Specific elements like molybdenum, magnesium, manganese, iron, vanadium, and phosphorus correlated with mat types and phylogenetic groups, suggesting surface anoxic niches, differential nitrogen fixation, and methane metabolism interactions.

Night Scene of the Building Facade with the Possibility of the Communication(2014 IALD International Lighting Design Awards - Special Citations / 2014 IES Illumination Awards - Award of Merit, Japanese Illumination Designs Highly Recognized in Overseas as Well 2013/2014)

Himeji-jo — 2015 — WHE19D353551E

Award-winning lighting design for Himeji-jo's building facade introduces innovative, emotionally resonant projections that blend historical and contemporary themes. The approach uses light as a 'project' to evoke innovation and advancement, aligning with the town's development axis connecting Himeji Station and Castle. Keywords like 'projection,' 'on the leading edge,' and 'full of plans' guide the design, structured around time ('past, present, future') and themes ('history and climate,' 'Real Time,' 'dream'). Recognized internationally for its emotional impact and technical sophistication, this design transforms nighttime perception while preserving cultural significance.

Nine new species of Itaplectops (Diptera: Tachinidae) reared from caterpillars in Area de Conservación Guanacaste, northwestern Costa Rica, with a key to Itaplectops species

Area de Conservación Guanacaste — 2015 — WHEFB0EAFE330

Nine new species of the fly genus Itaplectops (Diptera: Tachinidae) are described from the Area de Conservación Guanacaste (ACG), northwestern Costa Rica. These species were reared from caterpillars in the families Limacodidae and Dalceridae, with descriptions supported by morphological, photographic, and genetic barcode data. The study also revises the systematic placement of Itaplectops, moving it to the tribe Uramyini, and provides a key for differentiating Itaplectops species and related genera. This research contributes significantly to the understanding of fly biodiversity in ACG.

Non-destructive in situ spectroscopic analysis of greenstone objects from royal burial offerings of the Mayan site of Palenque, Mexico

Pre-Hispanic City and National Park of Palenque — 2015 — WHEF46481C56F

A non-destructive spectroscopic analysis of greenstone objects from royal burial offerings at the Mayan site of Palenque, Mexico, reveals insights into the sourcing and use of these minerals during the Classic period (A.D. 200–900). The study identified jadeite, omphacite, amazonite, albite, muscovite, and green quartz using Raman and FTIR spectroscopy, while X-ray fluorescence (XRF) provided elemental composition data. Notably, it suggests the exploitation of an unknown jadeite source for early burials (A.D. 250–450), alongside the beginning use of Verapaz and Motagua deposits. A greater mineral diversity was observed during Palenque's zenith (A.D. 600–850), corresponding to the reign of Pakal, with color measurements indicating consistency within individual burials.

Non-Rainfall Moisture Activates Fungal Decomposition of Surface Litter in the Namib Sand Sea

Namib Sand Sea — 2015 — WHE48C8CFC9D5

A mesophilic Ascomycete fungal community plays a crucial role in the decomposition of surface litter in the hyper-arid Namib Sand Sea, despite minimal rainfall (0-17 mm annually). These fungi respond rapidly to non-rainfall moisture sources like fog and dew, which occur every 3 days on average. Key traits enabling their survival include darkly-pigmented hyphae, a broad thermal range including low temperatures during fog events, and resilience to extreme desiccation and UV radiation (up to 50°C for five hours). The fungi significantly reduce the carbon-to-nitrogen (C/N) ratio of litter, making it more palatable for detritivores like termites. This discovery challenges the long-held assumption that detritivores alone drive decomposition in this ecosystem and underscores the importance of fungal activity in energy flow and biogeochemical cycling, with potential implications for climate change impacts on precipitation, dew, and fog regimes.

Norovirus Outbreaks Among Colorado River Rafters in the Grand Canyon, Summer 2012

Grand Canyon National Park — 2015 — WHE95224F9817

Recurrent norovirus outbreaks affected Colorado River rafters in the Grand Canyon during summer 2012, with incidence rates ranging from 6% to 88% across infected trips. The study identified two distinct genogroups of norovirus (GI and GII) in fecal and vomit samples but found no evidence of contamination on rafting equipment or hiking corridors. Findings suggest transmission likely occurred through direct contact with infected individuals, emphasizing the need for improved norovirus prevention and containment measures in isolated groups.

Notes on the presence of Manta alfredi in the Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park, Cagayancillo, Palawan, Philippines

Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park — 2015 — WHEC4D8A6EEF1

A new record of the reef manta ray (Manta alfredi) has been documented within the Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park (TRNP), Philippines, challenging previous assumptions that only oceanic manta rays (M. birostris) inhabited the site. Analysis of 33 photographs from the Tubbataha Management Office database revealed that 32 individuals were M. alfredi, identified by distinctive black marks posterolateral to the last gill slits and between rows of gill slits. Expert validation confirmed these findings, marking the first documented presence of M. alfredi in both the TRNP and the Philippines. This discovery underscores the need for updated conservation policies to account for both manta ray species' ecological significance. The study also recommends further research on population dynamics, structure, and abundance, while advocating for international collaboration to enhance global understanding of these species.

Novel environmental species isolated from the plaster wall surface of mural paintings in the Takamatsuzuka tumulus: Bordetella muralis sp. nov., Bordetella tumulicola sp. nov. and Bordetella tumbae sp. nov.

Ancient Capitals of Asuka and Fujiwara — 2015 — WHECE99CC6E7A

Researchers have discovered three novel species of the genus Bordetella—Bordetella muralis, Bordetella tumulicola, and Bordetella tumbae—isolated from 1300-year-old mural paintings within the Takamatsuzuka tumulus in Japan. These Gram-stain-negative coccobacilli, identified using polyphasic analysis including 16S rRNA gene sequencing, fatty acid profiling, and DNA-DNA hybridization, represent new lineages within the Bordetella genus. The findings suggest that these bacteria may be ubiquitous in environmental settings like soil or water, expanding our understanding of microbial diversity in ancient and natural habitats.

Numerical Analysis of Enhalus acoroides Seed Dispersal in the Northwestern Sea Area of Iriomote Island, Japan

Amami-Oshima Island, Tokunoshima Island, Northern part of Okinawa Island, and Iriomote Island — 2015 — WHE1648FF4D51

A numerical analysis of Enhalus acoroides seed dispersal in the northwestern sea area of Iriomote Island, Japan, revealed that seeds have an extremely limited dispersal capacity. With an average floating time of 2.4 hours, seeds travel only about 261 meters on average, a distance negligible compared to the island's scale (10 km east-west and 15 km north-south). This restricted movement is primarily due to short floating durations and weak currents in potential settlement areas. The study also found minimal seed exchange between existing seagrass beds, indicating that vanished beds have little chance of natural recovery without external intervention. These findings underscore the fragility of E. acoroides populations, with implications for conservation efforts in UNESCO-listed marine ecosystems.

Numerical Analysis of Enhalus acroides Fructification Dispersal in the Northwestern Sea Area of Iriomote Island, Japan

Amami-Oshima Island, Tokunoshima Island, Northern part of Okinawa Island, and Iriomote Island — 2015 — WHE42830B0C8E

A numerical analysis of Enhalus acroides (sea grass) fruit dispersal around Iriomote Island, Japan, reveals that floating fruits can travel significantly farther than seeds—averaging 879 to 2,494 meters and up to 15,403 meters, with floatation durations ranging from 30 seconds to 26 days. This suggests fruit dispersal plays a critical role in expanding the species' distribution, unlike seed dispersal, which typically covers much shorter distances (average 261 meters). The study also indicates rare but possible long-distance fruit exchange between distant populations and potential recovery of vanished sea grass colonies. Researchers used observation and experimental data to model dispersal dynamics in the northwestern coastal waters of Iriomote Island.

Numerical Analysis of Inundation Flow due to Heavy Rainfall in Amami Oshima Island

Amami-Oshima Island, Tokunoshima Island, Northern part of Okinawa Island, and Iriomote Island — 2015 — WHE48F88D3D8F

A numerical analysis of the 2010 heavy rainfall event on Amami-Oshima Island revealed that inundation flows in the Sumiyo River Basin could be accurately reproduced using solely rainfall data, despite limited observation records. The study confirmed that levee failure along the Hiya River expedited water level rise in the Nishi-Nakama district, while mangrove forests at the river mouth had no significant impact on upstream flooding. This finding underscores the potential of numerical modeling to predict inundation processes in data-scarce regions, offering critical insights for flood risk assessment and mitigation strategies.

Numerical simulation of the evolutionary process of Danxia landforms

China Danxia — 2015 — WHE4E3F33D178

A groundbreaking numerical simulation reveals the dynamic evolutionary process of Danxia landforms, offering unprecedented insights into how tectonic activity and fluvial erosion interact to shape these distinctive landscapes. Unlike previous conceptual models, this study quantitatively demonstrates the formation stages of Danxia landforms, highlighting the significant role of fractures and joints in constraining their development. By integrating lithology, vertical joint sets, tectonic history, and rainfall—factors previously difficult to quantify—the research provides a robust yet flexible model that captures the physical processes underlying these unique geological features. While acknowledging potential imprecision, the findings underscore the model's ability to represent typical Danxia landform dynamics, bridging the gap between field observations and theoretical understanding.