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New hemigaleid shark from the late Eocene of Wadi Al-Hitan, Egypt

Wadi Al-Hitan (Whale Valley) — 2011 — WHEFE47A77E1E

A new species of hemigaleid shark, distinguished by its highly specialized dentition with pronounced dignathic heterodonty, has been identified from the late Eocene deposits of Wadi Al-Hitan (Whale Valley) in Egypt. This discovery contributes to our understanding of the evolutionary history and diversity of carcharhiniform sharks during this period. The research employed detailed analysis of fossilized teeth to characterize the new species, providing insights into its dental morphology and phylogenetic relationships within the Hemigaleidae family.

New localities and altitudinal records for the snakes Oxyrhopus petolarius, Spilotes pullatus, and Urotheca fulviceps in Talamanca, Costa Rica

Talamanca Range-La Amistad Reserves / La Amistad National Park — 2011 — WHE446F8A65EB

Researchers have documented new locality and altitudinal records for three snake species—Oxyrhopus petolarius, Spilotes pullatus, and Urotheca fulviceps—in the Talamanca Range-La Amistad Reserves of Costa Rica. These findings expand the known distribution ranges of these species within the Talamanca ecoregion, providing critical data for conservation planning and species assessments. The study relied on direct sightings to establish these records, contributing valuable insights into the biodiversity of this UNESCO World Heritage Site.

New Perspectives on the Occupation of Hatuana Dune Site, Ua Huka, Marquesas Islands

Te Henua Enata – The Marquesas Islands — 2011 — WHE546D724A3F

Archaeological excavations at the Hatuana dune site on Ua Huka, Marquesas Islands, reveal that the area was strategically occupied during a period of warfare, likely serving as a defensive position to control and deter enemy attacks. This finding updates previous radiocarbon dates and provides deeper insights into the coastal prehistory of the region. The study focused on determining the complete stratigraphy of the site's western section and obtaining charcoal samples for dating, building upon earlier research by E. Conte.

New pollen, sedimentary, and radiocarbon records from the Marquesas Islands, East Polynesia: Implications for archaeological and palaeoclimate studies

Te Henua Enata – The Marquesas Islands — 2011 — WHEA22AD7B599

A 750-year record of palaeo-environmental change on Nuku Hiva, Marquesas Islands, reveals significant shifts in climate and human activity. Sediment cores from upland and lowland sites indicate alternating wet-dry-wet conditions, with rapid sedimentation beginning around the fourteenth century AD. Pollen analysis shows stable fern dominance but also arborescent species, while micro-charcoal evidence suggests regional burning until c. AD 1640, shifting to localized burning afterward. A major increase in pollen and spore deposition post-AD 1640 aligns with warm-wet conditions in the central eastern Pacific during the Little Ice Age. The study also provides insights into human activities, such as forest clearance for agriculture, dating back to the fourteenth century AD.

New pteridophyte species and combinations from the Marquesas Islands, French Polynesia

Te Henua Enata – The Marquesas Islands — 2011 — WHEA3D09ADE77

Recent botanical exploration of the Marquesas Islands, part of French Polynesia and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, has uncovered 11 new species of pteridophytes (ferns and lycophytes), along with one new combination. These discoveries include Blechnum pacificum, Cyclosorus castaneus, and nine other novel taxa, significantly expanding the known vascular flora of the region. Conservation assessments indicate that these species face varying threats, with five classified as critically endangered, four as endangered, and one as vulnerable, underscoring urgent needs for IUCN Red List inclusion and protection efforts.

New records and range extensions of Astrodictyum panamense (Ophiuroidea: Gorgonocephalidae) in the eastern Pacific Ocean

Archipiélago de Revillagigedo — 2011 — WHEF0A18A718C

Researchers have documented new records and extended the known range of the ringed basket star, Astrodictyum panamense, in the eastern Pacific Ocean. This species, typically found in coral and rocky reefs from the central and southern Gulf of California to oceanic islands, has been recorded for the first time at its northernmost (Adair Bay, Gulf of California) and westernmost (Tortugas Bay, Baja California) locations, as well as Roca Partida Island in the Revillagigedo Archipelago. The findings, derived from fieldwork and online sources, significantly expand the species' distribution map and contribute to our understanding of its habitat preferences and ecological role.

New Records ofPlectocarpon lichenumfrom Białowieża Forest (Poland)

Białowieża Forest — 2011 — WHE26FC7B88B1

Researchers have documented the first occurrence of Plectocarpon lichenum, a lichenicolous fungus, in Białowieża Primeval Forest (Poland), marking its rediscovery in the country after over a century. The study, published in Herzogia, highlights this rare find alongside an updated compilation of lichenicolous fungi recorded in the site. The research relied on field observations and taxonomic analysis to identify and confirm the species' presence, contributing valuable data to the biodiversity records of one of Europe's oldest and most significant forests.

New species of excavating sponges (Porifera: Demospongiae) on coral reefs from the Mexican Pacific Ocean

Archipiélago de Revillagigedo — 2011 — WHE1F1ED97CBF

Four new species of coral reef boring sponges, Cliona medinae, Cliona tropicalis, Thoosa purpurea, and Cliothosa tylostrongylata, were discovered in the remote coral reefs of the Revillagigedo Archipelago, off Mexico's Pacific coast. These species are distinguished by unique morphological and spicular traits, including orange-yellow papillae, purple coloration, and distinct spicule complements. Notably, all four species exclusively excavate skeletons of live or dead corals from the genus Pocillopora. This discovery expands the known diversity of boring sponges in the Mexican Pacific Ocean to 22 species and marks the first documentation of marine sponge fauna in this UNESCO World Heritage Site.

New species of Hyalidae (Crustacea, Peracarida, Amphipoda) from New Zealand waters

New Zealand Sub-Antarctic Islands — 2011 — WHEB13364C2B1

Research identifies two new species of hyalid amphipods, Apohyale papanuiensis and Apohyale freemenae, from New Zealand waters. A. papanuiensis was discovered in Little Papanui on the Otago Peninsula, while A. freemanae was recorded from the Antipodes Islands in the subantarctic region. The study also reclassified existing New Zealand records of Apohyale media as a synonym of A. papanuiensis. To aid identification, the authors provided a key to the New Zealand species of Apohyale, contributing to the taxonomic understanding of this crustacean group in the region.

New taxa in Aspergillus section Usti

Carlsbad Caverns National Park — 2011 — WHE6DDBE6B738

Researchers have identified five new species within Aspergillus section Usti, including Aspergillus carlsbadensis from Carlsbad Caverns National Park in New Mexico. Phylogenetic analysis of sequence data revealed distinct genetic and physiological characteristics for these species, such as their inability to grow at 37 °C or the absence of acid production on CREA. The study also reclassified Fennellia monodii as Aspergillus monodii comb. nov., based on phylogenetic and physiological evidence. Species in this section were further categorized into three chemical groups based on their extrolites, with notable differences in compound production among species.

New Viceroyalty, New Nation, New Empire: A Transnational Imaginary for Peruvian Independence

City of Cuzco — 2011 — WHEFC10E76853

A transnational vision for Peruvian independence, rooted in the Revolution of 1814–15 and centered in Cuzco, proposed a new empire stretching from Lima to the River Plate. This 'revolution of the patria' aimed not only for independence but also to sever all ties with the Spanish monarchy, positioning Cuzco as its capital due to its antiquity and strategic location. While this movement has been largely overlooked in broader Latin American independence narratives, it is highlighted here as a significant yet understudied chapter in the region's struggle for sovereignty.

New World Origins of Southwest Pacific Gesneriaceae: Multiple Movements Across and Within the South Pacific

Lord Howe Island Group — 2011 — WHE49F57D6481

A groundbreaking study challenges the long-held Gondwanan origin hypothesis for the Southwest Pacific Gesneriaceae, revealing instead that the tribe Coronanthereae originated in South America and dispersed across the South Pacific through multiple long-distance dispersal events. Phylogenetic analyses of nuclear and chloroplast DNA sequences, combined with ancestral-area reconstruction and molecular dating, identified three distinct subtribes within Coronanthereae: Negriinae (including Lenbrassia from Australia, Depanthus from New Caledonia, and Negria from Lord Howe Island), Mitrariinae (grouping Australian Fieldia with South American epiphytes), and Coronantherinae (encompassing Coronanthera from New Caledonia and Rhabdothamnus from New Zealand). The findings underscore the significance of long-distance dispersal mechanisms in shaping the geographic distribution of this unique plant group, rather than Gondwanan vicariance.

New14C Dates of Neolithic and Early Metal Period Ceramics in Lithuania

Kernavė Archaeological Site (Cultural Reserve of Kernavė) — 2011 — WHEFD68087533

New radiocarbon dating of Neolithic and Early Metal Period ceramics in Lithuania has significantly revised the chronology of prehistoric pottery styles, shifting some by hundreds to a thousand years. The study, involving 23 samples from 14 sites, identified Textile Ware sherds as the oldest known in the East Baltic (4230–2920 cal BC) and dated Narva and Combed-like Wares to 3970–3370 cal BC. Bay Coast Ware, including cord-impressed vessels, was found to predate the Corded Ware/Battle Axe horizon in Europe (3940–3540 cal BC). Additionally, Globular Amphorae Ware was placed beyond the Bay Coast chronology (3450–2920 cal BC), while Žalioji type coarse ware was dated to 760–515 cal BC instead of the previously assumed 2nd millennium. Cremated human bones from urns were dated to 790–380 cal BC. The study used accelerator mass spectrometry (AMS) but noted potential freshwater reservoir effects in dates derived from charred food remains.

Newsreels as Domestic Propaganda: Visual Rhetoric at the Dawn of the Cold War

Bikini Atoll Nuclear Test Site — 2011 — WHEF1B8AA5BB8

Atomic bomb test newsreels from Bikini Atoll served as a critical, understudied tool of Cold War-era military propaganda. Analysis of Army-Navy task force records and Universal Pictures production files reveals these films were coproductions designed to shape public perception and reinforce military control over nuclear technology. By examining the visual rhetoric of these newsreels, the study demonstrates their role in an early campaign to influence nuclear policy, offering new insights into Cold War-era information control strategies.

Non‐destructive Electrical Resistivity Tomography Survey at the South Walls of the Acropolis of Athens

Acropolis, Athens — 2011 — WHEDE2A4F9FC4

A non-destructive electrical resistivity tomography (ERT) survey at the Acropolis of Athens revealed areas of increased moisture behind its south walls, offering new insights into the structure's internal composition. Unlike traditional methods, this study used bentonite mud electrodes to avoid damaging the site, adapting existing ERT processing algorithms for this unique application. The findings not only assessed the wall's thickness in specific locations but also demonstrated the feasibility and utility of ERT surveys for archaeologists and restoration scientists, providing valuable data without compromising the integrity of the historic site.

Notes on Geyser Temperatures in Iceland and Yellowstone National Park

Yellowstone National Park — 2011 — WHED4270FA770

Geyser temperatures in Yellowstone National Park exhibit significant variability, with some reaching extreme levels comparable to those observed at the Great Geysir in Iceland. The study analyzed data from multiple geysers, including Old Faithful, Lion Geyser, and Great Fountain Geyser, as well as Sapphire Pool, revealing distinct thermal patterns influenced by geological and hydrological factors. Unlike the more predictable eruptions of Old Faithful, other geysers like Lion Geyser demonstrate erratic temperature fluctuations, suggesting complex subsurface dynamics. The research employed direct measurements and comparative analysis to highlight Yellowstone's unique thermal behavior, providing insights into the park's hydrothermal systems.

Nuevo Material Postcraneano deSaurosuchus galileiReig (Archosauria: Crurotarsi) del Triásico Superior del Centro-Oeste de Argentina

Ischigualasto / Talampaya Natural Parks — 2011 — WHE7F0E4EACCF

A rare, well-preserved postcranial skeleton of Saurosuchus galilei, a rauisuchid archosaur from the Late Triassic Ischigualasto Formation in Argentina, reveals key morphological traits that shed light on its evolutionary relationships and functional adaptations. The newly described material includes the proatlas-atlas-axis complex, an articulated vertebral column, and both scapulae, providing unprecedented insights into this group's skeletal structure. The cervical vertebrae exhibit a short, robust neck with anteroposterior compression and dorsoventrally elongated centra, while the dorsal region features keeled centra and expanded neural spines. The caudal series displays axially compressed centra with a ventral groove, and the scapulae are notably robust with a brief expansion and slightly curved blade. These findings contribute to understanding the morphological diversity of rauisuchids, aiding in morphofunctional and phylogenetic analyses.

Obesity measures, metabolic profiles, blood pressure and intake of dietary fatty acids in rural women of Asian Indian origin: Santiniketan women study

Santiniketan — 2011 — WHE2ED5337227

Rural women in the Bolpur-Santiniketan region of West Bengal, India, exhibit distinct obesity measures and metabolic profiles that may contribute to rising cardiovascular disease risks. The study found mean body mass index (BMI) at 23.07 ± 4.34 kg/m², with 31.76% ± 7.06% body fat, and waist-hip ratio at 0.83 ± 0.06, indicating central obesity trends. Blood pressure averages were 118.84 ± 20.35 mmHg systolic and 77.77 ± 12.12 mmHg diastolic, while metabolic markers like total cholesterol (185.61 ± 25.19 mg/dL) and triglycerides (135.82 ± 30.39 mg/dL) reflected elevated risks. Dietary intake analysis revealed high total energy consumption (8321.60 ± 1354.86 kcal/week), with notable intakes of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA, 82.02 ± 49.73 g/week) and monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA, 94.01 ± 16.38 g/week). These findings underscore the need for targeted dietary guidelines to mitigate cardiovascular disease incidence in this population.

Occurrence and distribution of the exotic lizard Hemidactylus mabouia Moreau de Jonnès, 1818 in Ilha Grande, RJ, Brazil

Paraty and Ilha Grande – Culture and Biodiversity — 2011 — WHE419F04ECB0

Exotic lizard Hemidactylus mabouia, known for its adaptability, has been found to predominantly inhabit anthropic and perianthropic areas within Ilha Grande, a UNESCO-listed Atlantic Rainforest site in Brazil. Despite the island's vast dense tropical rainforest coverage, which typically restricts invasive species, H. mabouia was recorded at 100 out of 719 sampled points along 19 trails, exclusively in human-altered environments. This suggests that while the lizard can thrive outside natural habitats, its expansion into pristine areas is likely limited by the dense rainforest ecosystem. The study employed active search methods at regular intervals to map its distribution, providing critical insights into the species' ecological impact on this biodiverse World Heritage Site.

Oceanic Diet and Distribution of Haplotypes for the Green Turtle, Chelonia mydas, in the Central North Pacific

Archipiélago de Revillagigedo — 2011 — WHEA6801EB979

Green turtles (Chelonia mydas) in the central North Pacific exhibit distinct oceanic diets and genetic distributions, revealing two morphotypes corresponding to central and eastern Pacific populations. Analysis of gastrointestinal contents from 10 pelagic turtles showed a carnivorous diet dominated by zooplankton, crustaceans, and mollusks, with frequent ingestion of anthropogenic debris (70% frequency). Genetic studies confirmed Hawaiian origin for the central Pacific morphotype and Revillagigedo nesting ties for one eastern Pacific turtle, while others shared common Mexican haplotypes. Turtles north of Hawai'i belonged to the central Pacific group, whereas those south were eastern Pacific morphotypes, suggesting delayed recruitment or movement between neritic and open ocean habitats.