The research team aims to create hybrid ecosystems with a mix of native and non-native species, optimizing carbon storage and supporting native biodiversity. The project will begin in April 2011 and be conducted over five years, focusing on finding ways to co-exist with invasive species.
Researchers found African mineral dust from the Sahara and Sahel regions was the main contributor to forming reddish soils in Mediterranean regions such as Mallorca and Sardinia. The study also revealed that underlying rock contributed to soil formation.
A new study confirms medusahead has growth advantages over most other grass species, suggesting it will spread across the West, disrupt native ecosystems, and make millions of acres worthless. Researchers identify potential competing species to reduce its spread and preserve grazing lands.
A special issue of Yale's Journal of Industrial Ecology examines innovative ICT applications for energy efficiency, smart irrigation, and carbon reduction. The research assesses the environmental impacts of ICT and entertainment sectors, estimating their net environmental impact and potential for reducing carbon emissions.
Researchers at UF are part of a nationwide team sequencing the Amborella trichopoda genome, a large shrub found only on the South Pacific island of New Caledonia. The information will help researchers determine whether specific genes or processes are unique to particular plants or date back to the beginnings of angiosperm evolution.
A new study suggests Oregon's land use planning program has largely protected farm and forest operations while promoting scenic views, water quality, and environmental amenities. However, it has also enabled the growth of 'hobby farms' that may not prioritize agricultural production, but still contribute to rural beauty and job creation.
Dr. Bogdan Strimbu, a Louisiana Tech University professor, organized a technical session at the IUFRO's XXIII World Congress in Seoul, South Korea. The session focused on the significance of mixed species forest ecosystems in social, economic and environmental areas.
A new study by Syracuse University researchers reveals that the lack of FSC-certified sawmills and wood in New York state is causing a bottleneck for green construction. As a result, builders are forced to purchase FSC-certified wood outside of the state at a premium price.
Researchers used Landsat data to map areas hardest hit by mountain pine beetles and found that large fires do not appear to occur more often or with greater severity. Beetle-killed forest swaths may actually be less likely to burn due to the breakdown of flammable volatile oils, and standing dead tree trunks can act as natural fire logs.
A special edition journal provides new perspectives and guidance for managing Cronartium ribicola, an introduced invasive pathogen causing serious damage to North American white pines. The collection of 12 articles synthesizes knowledge on the disease, identifies policy actions, and reviews future issues facing white pine management.
A Purdue University study finds that controlling urban growth and increasing forested land are effective ways to decrease future water runoff and flooding. The model simulated Michigan's Muskegon River watershed runoff rates and forecasted their impact on rivers and streams over the next 30 years.
The new book 'Urban Ecosystem Ecology' aims to understand the complexities of urban ecosystems and provide solutions for managing their environmental impacts. The book covers topics such as wildlife, water quality, air quality, and climate change, and offers practical guidance on green infrastructure planning and urban forestry.
Certain tree species have developed strategies to select bacterial communities that can break down inorganic minerals into usable nutrients. This process, known as mineral weathering, is essential for tree growth in acidic forest soils.
Forests have been shown to decrease blood pressure, heart rate and muscle tension in natural settings, while also reducing depression, anger and ADHD symptoms.
The study confirms the protective brain hypothesis, suggesting that large-brained mammals live longer and reproduce more times due to enhanced survival. The analysis of 493 species reveals a link between brain size and longevity, with larger brains associated with greater survival rates.
A study analyzing almost 500 mammal species found that larger brain sizes are linked to longer lifespans. This contradicts the assumption that only larger animals live longer, with even smaller hyenas exhibiting longer lifespans due to their brain size compared to body size.
A new drug called ADAC has been found to restore hearing in rats with noise-induced hearing loss. Early treatment with multiple injections of ADAC significantly attenuated noise-induced hearing loss and improved sensory hair cell survival.
In European mountains, burning has become a common tool for managing scrubland, but its impact on bird populations is varied. The study found that some species, such as the Dartford warbler, recover more slowly after fire at higher altitudes.
The USDA Forest Service's More Kids in the Woods program provides week-long summer day camps focused on natural resources themes. The camps, supported by local partners, promote environmental awareness and stewardship among young people.
Researchers are using a robotic submarine and sensors to gather data on larval fish growth and survival in Lake Michigan. They're correlating growth rates with water temperatures, wind patterns, and other environmental factors to understand how climate change may affect young fish.
Vegetation around the world is shifting towards poles and equator due to climate change, altering ecosystems and reducing habitat for endangered species. An estimated one-tenth to half of the land mass will be highly vulnerable to vegetation shifts by the end of this century.
A Brazilian study finds that forestry students' concerns change as they progress through their studies, suggesting ways to improve the curriculum. Later years prioritize competency-related skills and work areas, while first years focus on conservation.
Scientists review eight strategies to increase forest carbon storage, including afforestation, urban forestry, and biomass energy, while acknowledging the need for cost-effective methods and regulation. The current carbon offset of 12-19% in US forests is not permanent but has potential to increase with careful management.
Research found that forestry access roads can negatively affect walleye populations in remote lakes, with lakes containing the species needing more protection. The presence and location of roads also impact lake fishing quality and accessibility.
Researchers identified gibberellins as a key hormone family regulating tree root development and adaptation to changing soil conditions. Hormone suppression could help trees adapt to stress, and the findings have potential applications in biotechnology and selective breeding.
Researchers found that migratory birds have smaller brains than resident birds, contrary to the protective brain theory. The study suggests that migrating reduces energetic and cognitive costs, making brain size an adaptation for survival.
A new study published by the University of Edinburgh confirms that plant leaves account for less than 1% of global methane emissions, contradicting previous claims. The research suggests that trees can effectively offset greenhouse gas emissions through carbon storage.
Researchers from the University of Granada developed new farmland afforestation techniques that enhance young plant survival and development in Mediterranean environments. These techniques focus on relationships between land and plant to promote successful implementation of the EU's Common Agricultural Policy.
Researchers found that microbes become less efficient in converting carbon into CO2, leading to decreased carbon dioxide emissions from soils. As warmer temperatures persist, microbes decrease in number and eventually result in fewer emissions.
Researchers found that microbes become less efficient at converting carbon in soil into atmospheric CO2 as global temperatures rise, leading to reduced emissions. The study suggests that microbial efficiency decline may mitigate climate warming effects.
Cristina Eisenberg's new book highlights the importance of top predators in maintaining healthy ecosystems. Research shows that keystone predators like wolves, cougars, and bears play a critical role in controlling population growth and preventing overgrazing.
A new study by Oregon State University researchers found that the Swiss needle cast epidemic in Douglas-fir forests of the Pacific Northwest is intensifying, affecting hundreds of thousands of acres, and causing significant growth reduction, with older trees also being susceptible.
The alpine marmot's expansion into the Catalan Pyrenees is a result of its adaptability to warmer temperatures. The species can occupy abandoned fields at lower altitudes, influencing local biodiversity and potentially threatening native species such as ptarmigan.
A Purdue University study has found that nanosilver, a bactericidal agent, is toxic to fish and can cause malformations even at low concentrations. Researchers detected nanoparticles as small as 30 nanometers inside fish embryos, highlighting the need for further testing on environmental release levels.
The Pea Aphid's genome sequence provides valuable tools for understanding aphid biology, speciation, and ecological interactions. The sequencing also sheds light on the relationship between aphids and plant viruses, revealing surprising gaps in the insect immune system.
Researchers found that land gastropod fauna are a good indicator of forest recovery following fires, with some species surviving in closed refuges. The study's findings suggest that post-fire forestry operations must consider the impact on these sensitive species to ensure their survival and habitat diversity.
Research by scientists at the University of Missouri Center for Agroforestry suggests that buffer strips can trap and break down veterinary antibiotics in manure fertilizers. The finding aims to mitigate concerns about the use of veterinary antibiotics in livestock farming, which may lead to drug-resistant bacteria and ecosystem harm.
A University of Georgia study has found that monarch butterflies from long-distance migrating populations have evolved significantly larger and more elongated wings than their stationary cousins. This suggests that traits known to enhance flight ability in other migratory species are favored in these insects.
Researchers discovered that soil clings to precipitation after a dry summer and holds it tightly, preventing it from mixing with other water. This challenges conventional thinking on watershed function and has implications for understanding pollutant movement and nutrient transport.
A recent study found that the Cold War's economic isolation led to a decline in introduced bird species in Eastern Europe, while Western Europe experienced an increase. The research highlights the importance of preventing exotic species importation to prevent ecosystem disruption.
A new warbler species, the 'limestone leaf warbler', has been discovered in Laos and Vietnam. The bird is characterized by its distinct vocalizations and morphological differences from other warblers in the area.
The report concludes that performance-based financial incentives could provide the necessary political will for action in developing countries. It also highlights opportunities for progress in the short-term by addressing broader causes of deforestation, such as agricultural sector pressures.
Scientists found an inverse relationship between gene duplication and alternative splicing in plants, with implications for diversity in animals and humans. The study reveals distinct defense strategies between fast-growing and woody perennial trees.
Researchers at Purdue University found that the recovery of understory plants from logging depends on a forest's history and climate. The study, published in Forest Ecology and Management, suggests that forests with similar climate conditions can recover differently from logging due to their past disturbances.
Researchers found that male birds' songs with higher pitches are associated with greater genetic diversity, making them more attractive mates. The study suggests that females can pick up on the pitch of males' songs to decide which birds will make the best mates.
The Economics of Ecosystems and Biodiversity (TEEB) report suggests that policy makers can see higher rates of return and stronger economic growth by incorporating ecosystem services into investment strategies. By restoring and managing ecosystems, countries can generate significant income and jobs.
A meta-analysis of over 28,000 toxicological tests challenges the notion that amphibians are uniquely susceptible to pollution. Researchers found that frogs range from moderately susceptible to 'bullet-proof' against environmental threats, with other factors contributing to their decline.
China's new initiatives aim to replace 'paper tigers' with real conservation efforts, including improved policing of tiger trade and awareness-raising campaigns. The International Tiger Coalition welcomes China's engagement and recognizes the country's crucial role in wild tiger conservation.
A new study suggests that global warming may lead to increased productivity in high-elevation forests of the Pacific Northwest, with potential increases of up to 500% in Washington. However, lower-elevation forests are expected to decline in growth due to drought stress and limited moisture.
Researchers have developed a new device to measure plant species' flammability, allowing for improved fire risk maps. The technique measures combustion speed and heat emitted during burning, providing more accurate data than existing methods.
A team of Tennessee foresters, led by Stacy Clark, is working to reintroduce the American chestnut to eastern US forests. The goal is to create a blight-resistant tree that can thrive in its natural habitat, offering benefits for humans and wildlife.
Researchers at North Carolina State University are using phytoremediation to clean up a contaminated site in Elizabeth City, N.C. through the planting of fast-growing trees like hybrid poplars and willows. The process has shown promising results, with fuel levels decreasing faster than anticipated.
A nationwide study found that elevated carbon monoxide levels, even below national limits, are associated with an increased risk of hospitalization for cardiovascular disease among seniors. The study suggests an under-recognized health risk to seniors, highlighting the need for re-evaluation of health-based standards.
Agricultural scientists at TUM created indicators and models to analyze, assess and optimize the sustainability of agricultural enterprises. The new indicator model describes farms as systems based on their material and energy flows, enabling accurate calculations of emissions, climate balance and biodiversity.
Migratory birds prefer smaller, protected areas over large forest patches for rest stops and food, according to a Purdue University study. Small woodlots can provide essential refuges for birds vulnerable to predators in open habitats.
The study found that traditional farming practices by local communities create open habitats suitable for the birds. Conservation efforts may rely on these partnerships to save the species from extinction.
Researchers from the University of Cincinnati have found evidence that ancient Maya people deliberately conserved forest resources. The team discovered that when they abandoned their forest conservation practices, it led to the downfall of the Maya culture due to soil erosion and loss of water retention.
Researchers at Oregon State University have discovered that microcrystalline cellulose can partially replace silica as a reinforcing filler in tire manufacture, decreasing energy required and costs. The new material shows comparable traction on cold or wet pavement and provides higher fuel efficiency than traditional tires in hot weather.
The Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) has successfully reintroduced critically endangered Chinese alligators into the wild, with the population now multiplying on their own. The reintroduction effort, which started in 1999, included captive-bred animals from North American zoos and partner agencies in China.
New research from Oregon State University finds that fuel reduction treatments in Pacific Northwest forests may reduce carbon sequestration and worsen greenhouse warming. The study suggests that these efforts could lead to a net loss of carbon storage, even if biofuels are used to produce energy.