A team of researchers from BGI Shenzhen has made a groundbreaking genetic discovery in sorghum, revealing the crop's vast genetic variation and complex domestication history. The study provides a valuable resource for the genetic improvement of sorghum and other grass species.
A fungal-bacterial consortium converts tough plant materials into isobutanol, producing 1.88 grams per liter of fluid, with 62% energy conversion rate. The system reduces capital investment and operating cost, making biofuel production economically viable.
A new software solution developed by TUM's Prof. Gritzmann and his team consolidates agricultural land more efficiently than ever before, saving farmers up to 30% on running costs. The algorithm uses sophisticated mathematical ideas to optimize field allocation and reduce travel costs.
In July 2013, Oregon's severe drought and thunderstorms ignited dozens of difficult-to-control wildfires. The fires burned nearly 144,688 acres across the state, with smoke posing health risks to residents. Firefighters battled the blazes, including the Douglas Complex and Big Windy Complex, which collectively burned over 50,000 acres.
Researchers in Borneo have found orangutans regularly coming down from trees to forage or travel, comparable to ground-dwelling macaques. The reason for this behavior remains a mystery, but habitat loss and transformation may be driving the adaptation.
Research in Navarre's beech groves reveals traditional forestry management reduces fungal diversity, with some species disappearing and families affected. The study highlights the importance of decomposing dead wood for fungal populations, contradicting current forest management practices.
A newly discovered threadworm, Pristionchus maxplancki, has been named after physicist Max Planck in recognition of his contributions to the fields of evolution, genetics, and ecology. The worm was discovered on a stag beetle in Japan and is now being studied by researchers at the Max Planck Institute for Developmental Biology.
Researchers found that the southeastern US region could experience heavier animal movements in response to a warming climate, with estimates up to 2.5 times higher than average species movement across North and South America. The study identified natural corridors and human-made barriers that will affect animal migration patterns.
A recent study found that the presence of spiders drives up the rate of carbon uptake by plants, while also changing their storage patterns. This effect is linked to the predator-prey relationship between grasshoppers and spiders, highlighting the vital role of predators in regulating the carbon cycle.
A recent study offers a tool to identify regions exposed to multiple forest threats, including wildfires, urban development, and insects and disease. The tool uses a novel analysis technique to highlight locations where threats are more concentrated.
A recent report by USDA Forest Service reveals a doubling of houses in dispersed rural settings and development on nonfederal resource lands over the past 30 years. The analysis showed that most new development was close to existing areas, with increases in housing similar across eastern and western Washington.
The number of big game hunters in Spain has risen significantly over the past three decades, driven by urban tourists seeking trophy hunting experiences. This trend is linked to economic factors, including increased purchasing power and the growth of commercial hunting activities.
Researchers develop activated biocarbon to adsorb naphthenic acids, preventing methane gas release. The technology has the potential to significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions from the oilsands industry.
A new study in the Journal of Quaternary Science explores the historic impact of forest diseases on vegetation change. The research suggests that human activity, such as international seed trade, is a major factor in frequent pathogen outbreaks over the last 100 years.
Scientists have successfully sequenced the genome of white spruce, a crucial step towards developing innovative tools for tree breeding. The massive genome assembly will contribute to reducing breeding cycles from 25 years to just five years, enhancing the competitiveness of Canada's and Scandinavian forest industries.
Scientists have mapped Norway spruce's massive genome, identifying 29,000 functional genes. The seven times larger genome is attributed to 'genome obesity' from repetitive DNA sequences, a challenge in conifers.
The Center for Advanced Research in Drying (CARD) aims to develop products, processes, and strategies to reduce energy usage and cost in various industries. CARD will focus on developing sustainable practices and improving product quality, with funding from the National Science Foundation.
Researchers have developed maps that predict climatically suitable habitats for tree species based on climate predictions. The study found that populations of wide-ranging tree species lag behind their optimal growing environment due to changing temperature and precipitation conditions.
The Springs Fire has reached the beach in Ventura County and is pushing toward the upscale city of Malibu due to howling Santa Ana winds and dry vegetation. As of early Friday morning, the fire had grown to 10,000 acres and was 10% contained, with over 2,000 homes under threat.
The Yale Journal of Industrial Ecology examines the impact of Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) on e-waste recycling. Researchers assess the use of RFID technology, EPR adoption in developing countries, and producer take-back organizations to improve recyclability.
Conservation efforts by the Chilean government and researchers from Cambridge have allowed Huemul deer to return to natural habitats in Bernardo O'Higgins National Park. The population has stabilized and begun to increase after controlling cattle farming and poaching, providing a model for future biodiversity conservation.
As malaria incidence declines, it becomes increasingly concentrated in specific locations and groups, making targeted approaches crucial. Effective identification and treatment of infected individuals, particularly migrant workers and mobile populations, are essential for successful malaria elimination.
Retention forestry and agroforestry systems offer a balance between production and biodiversity conservation. The paper proposes bridging the two fields to enhance ecological benefits and species conservation.
Mobile LIDAR promises to change the way we see, study, and record the world around us, providing highly detailed and precise maps of landscapes. The technology has vast potential in various fields, including surveying, transportation engineering, and virtual tourism.
The BBSRC has awarded funding to two projects: the Nornex consortium, studying the molecular and cellular basis of interactions between the fungus and ash trees, and Professor Christopher Gilligan's team, developing computer models to predict the spread of ash dieback in the UK.
Researchers at Rice University have developed a process to produce fatty acids from plant biomass using genetically modified E. coli bacteria. The new method has shown significant improvements in yield and efficiency, with the potential to produce millions of tons of fuel per year.
Researchers from Basque Country describe two new species of Hydnum mushroom, Hydnum ovoideisporum and Hydnum vesterholtii, with distinct ovoid spores and ecological characteristics. The study confirms high genetic diversity among the genus, shedding light on their distribution and ecology.
Researchers have documented two new species of Hydnum, commonly known as ox tongue mushrooms, in the Iberian Peninsula. The discovery sheds light on the high genetic diversity of the Hydnum genus, which has been understudied due to its edible properties.
Climate change affects Alaskan forests with potential shifts to broadleaf forest or grasslands, but plastic greenhouse farming conserves water and binds carbon. Urban renewal and watershed restoration projects in Baltimore demonstrate social cohesion and improved storm-water management.
Removing top predators from freshwater ecosystems leads to a significant increase in carbon dioxide emissions, highlighting the crucial role of apex animals in regulating climate change. This study suggests that predator decline is having global implications for greenhouse gases and climate.
Researchers at World Agroforestry Centre developed nomographs to map out fire behavior, pinpointing optimal conditions for early-season prescribed fires. These controlled burns reduce the risk of late dry season bushfires, exacerbated by climate change.
Researchers at Yale School of the Environment linked exposure to perfluorinated chemicals (PFCs), including PFOA and PFOS, with an increased risk of osteoarthritis. The study found stronger associations for women than men, highlighting the need for further exploration of health effects in susceptible subpopulations.
A new study by researchers from the University of Gothenburg and Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences found that mixed forests provide positive relationships to six different ecosystem services. The study suggests that promoting more varieties of trees may increase these services, including tree growth, carbon sequestration, and...
Philip Lowe, RELU programme director, received the Bertebos Prize for his contributions to sustainable rural development and land use management. The prize recognizes his interdisciplinary approach and impact on rural policy development in the UK and Europe.
The Yale School of Environment's Journal of Industrial Ecology publishes a special issue on Sustainable Urban Systems, focusing on integrated approaches to reduce environmental impact. Research explores global warming, waste management, and phosphorus use in cities worldwide.
A team of economists and fish ecologists found that modern fish passage facilities were unsuccessful in allowing economically important species such as salmon, shad, and river herring to pass through dams. The study highlights the need for dam removals to restore diadromous species populations.
The completed genome sequencing of DBM provides insights into insect adaptation to host plants and opens new ways for more sustainable pest management. The study identified gene families involved in detoxification, including ABC transporters, P450 monooxygenases, glutathione S-transferases, and carboxylesterase.
The first genomic sequence of Chinese plum (Prunus mume) has been completed, providing a valuable resource for improving fruit trees. The genome sequence reveals important genetic information for understanding the evolution and diversity of Rosaceae family.
The study found that conifers' genomic structure has remained stable for at least 100 million years, leading to their resemblance with ancient fossils. This stability allows conifers to thrive in cold climates without undergoing significant evolutionary changes.
The world's largest living organisms are facing an alarming decline in death rates among trees 100-300 years old. The study highlights the critical role of large old trees in regulating ecosystems, storing carbon, and supporting biodiversity. Researchers call for urgent action to identify causes and develop strategies for conservation.
The study provides a high-quality genome sequence of an East-Asia watermelon cultivar and resequencing of 20 watermelon accessions, shedding light on the molecular basis of disease resistance and evolutionary history. The results reveal clusters of resistance genes and tandem duplications as potential evolutionary bases for these traits.
The University of Michigan and Michigan State University have awarded six grants to organizations across the region for projects that will help decision-makers adapt to climate change and variability in the Great Lakes basin. The grants aim to identify vulnerabilities, strengths, and knowledge related to climate change, and provide rel...
A new study suggests climate change is causing significant stress to western rangelands, leading to ecosystem degradation and loss of biodiversity. The researchers recommend reducing or eliminating livestock from public lands to mitigate these effects and restore affected ecosystems.
Climate change, fire suppression, and invasive species are threatening mountain meadows in the Pacific Northwest. These ecosystems, once carpeted with grasses, shrubs, and wildflowers, are declining rapidly, with some areas experiencing a 35% increase in tree occupation over just 57 years.
Researchers developed a new randomization protocol to accurately estimate total biomass in forests. The GLAS approach shows promise in standardizing global forest biomass inventory and improving spatial and temporal coverage.
A recent analysis of Japan fisheries data reveals that most fish caught off the northeast coast remain below seafood consumption limits, despite tightened regulations. However, highly contaminated demersal fish consistently show high levels of cesium contamination from the damaged nuclear power plant.
A new UGA study finds that national recession affects travel to national parks, with decreases in visitation since 1998. Despite this, some parks experience notable increases due to international recognition.
A Yale University study found that residents in areas with existing solar installations are more likely to adopt the technology, with a 54% increase in adoption when the installed base grows by 10%. The visibility of panels and word-of-mouth also play a role in larger installations.
The boreal forest in northern Alberta showed increased biodiversity up to 50% human disturbance, but then plant species decreased. Researchers found native species were replaced by invasive weeds from Europe and other alien ecosystems.
Michigan State University is providing a $1.5 million grant to help India develop online tools for carbon monitoring and measurement. The project aims to enhance the country's forest management and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
A Yale University study found that most Northern conifer species emerged within the past 5 million years, with mountainous environments driving the formation of new species. The researchers also discovered significant differences in conifer evolutionary dynamics between the Southern and Northern Hemispheres.
Researchers have developed semi-dwarf trees through genetic modification, which can improve wood production, biomass production, branching, water-use efficiency, and root structure. The modified trees can also be more resistant to drought stress and better sequester carbon.
A Yale University study reveals that Hurricane Irene polluted the Catskill watershed, darkening lakes and affecting the Ashokan Reservoir that supplies New York City with drinking water. The storm dumped unprecedented amounts of dissolved organic matter into the reservoir, equivalent to 43% of its average annual export.
The study highlights the challenges of recycling specialty metals, which are essential for precise technological applications. Improving design for recycling, depositing targets, and financial incentives can enhance metal recovery.
A study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences predicts that rapid urban expansion will have significant impacts on global biodiversity hotspots. By 2030, urban areas are expected to expand by over 463,000 square miles, coinciding with infrastructure development that will transform land cover and cities globally.
The Soil Science Society of America has announced its 2012 class of fellows, comprising 26 soil scientists from around the world. These distinguished professionals have made significant contributions to the field of soil science through their research, teaching, and extension work.
The Lao government announces a dramatic shift in its land policy, prioritizing local land management and granting significant rights to rural households. This move aims to address land disputes and alleviate poverty, following international best practices from countries like China and Nepal.
A study found that natural regeneration accounts for two-thirds of urban trees, but newly established young trees are less likely to be planted, with rates ranging from 1 in 12 to 1 in 20. The proportion of naturally regenerated trees is higher in grassland or desert regions and decreases in forested areas.
Sparse microwave imaging combines sparse signal processing theory with microwave imaging to improve resolution and reduce system complexity. The new concept enables faster calculation of large-scale scenes, making it suitable for wide mapping swath applications.
Researchers at Yale University have discovered that diseased trees in forests can produce massive amounts of methane, a potent greenhouse gas. The estimated emission rate from an upland site is equivalent to burning 40 gallons of gasoline per hectare of forest per year.