A new study by Oregon State University finds that bird species in eastern Canada are experiencing population declines due to habitat loss caused by forestry activities. The researchers estimate that between 33 and 104 million birds were lost due to forest degradation over 35 years.
A new study suggests that reducing greenhouse gas emissions from agriculture, forestry, and land use sectors could lead to higher food prices and potentially negative impacts on food security. The study found that a decarbonization scenario would increase international food prices by about 27%, affecting around 420 million people at ri...
A multidisciplinary team at Northern Arizona University is using $1.3 million in funding to reduce racial disparities in STEM graduate programs. The team will create a cohort-based bridge program between NAU and tribal colleges, providing recruitment, training, and placement support for historically excluded groups.
A recent OSU study found that engaging in leisure activities can help lower the risk of depression and improve mental well-being during the pandemic. The results showed that people who reported higher stress also engaged more in their preferred leisure activity, which served as a protective buffer.
A CABI-led study has ranked nearly 200 potentially harmful invasive alien plant species in Ghana that could have a detrimental impact on agriculture, forestry, and biodiversity. The top-ranked arthropod and pathogenic species include the pink hibiscus mealybug, melon thrips, cassava brown streak virus, and maize lethal necrosis disease.
A study suggests using Atlas cedar as an alternative to adapt to climate change in Iberian Peninsula forests. The species, native to North Africa, shows similar adaptation patterns to other mountain conifers.
Research reveals three modes of thought among Finnish forest owners: one views biodiversity loss as an emergency and advocates for radical change, while others see no problem. The study highlights the importance of acknowledging biodiversity loss denial in forestry discussions.
A global collaboration of scientists has estimated that there are approximately 73,300 tree species in the world today, with more than 9,000 still undiscovered. This estimate is based on a massive dataset of over 38 million trees spanning 90 countries and 100 territories.
A global study using thousands of camera trap stations found that protected areas have a positive impact on mammal diversity, even when experiencing human disturbances such as recreational use and logging. The study's findings suggest that expanding protected areas could help conserve larger mammals and their critical roles in ecosystems.
A forest geneticist has received a $1.2 million NSF CAREER grant to investigate the genomic basis of drought tolerance in Douglas fir trees. The project aims to better understand how hybridization can help these species adapt to climate change.
A study highlights the importance of cohesive, cross-sectoral strategies to promote nature-based solutions in Asia. The research emphasizes the need for national and international governance frameworks to effectively implement NbS for climate security, socioeconomic development, and eco-sustainability.
A new catalytic approach directly converts solid biomass into natural gas with a low carbon footprint, achieving nearly complete conversion of various agricultural and forestry materials. This process reduces fossil energy depletion and greenhouse gas emissions by up to 26% and 34%, respectively.
Researchers employed radiocarbon analysis to determine springtail diet, finding they rely on living plants for food. The study sheds light on the soil food web and its dynamics, with implications for terrestrial carbon cycling.
West Virginia University researchers aim to create better connections with underserved populations to the blue economy, which defines sustainable use of ocean resources. They will analyze data and explore ways to package it in a way that encourages these traditionally underserved groups to utilize the blue economy.
Research reveals that only a few schools have gardens and woods, while most prioritize athletic fields and playgrounds. Teachers play a key role in promoting outdoor learning and play, with environmental education workshops showing promise.
Chlorophyll fluorescence tracks photosynthesis rate, providing an 'optical window' for monitoring plant health. Recent advances enable estimation and imaging of SIF at ecosystem scales, paving the way for applications in precision agriculture and ecology.
Researchers have mapped out the extent of habitat loss for salmon in the Lower Fraser River, revealing that up to 85% of historical floodplain habitat has been lost due to infrastructure. The study found that over 1,200 barriers block access to approximately 2,224 kilometers of streams, a major contributor to current salmon declines.
Scientists warn of unprecedented climate-related disasters and environmental degradation, highlighting the need for drastic reductions in greenhouse gases and transformational system changes. They advocate for a globally implemented carbon price, phase-out of fossil fuels, and strategic climate reserves to safeguard biodiversity.
New study confirms Russian forests have accumulated 40% more biomass than reported, with potential for 47% higher carbon sequestration. Close collaboration between science and policy is critical for adaptive forest management.
A new study predicts a decline in lightning-caused ignitions but an increase in the size of wildfires by mid-century. Human-caused fire ignitions are expected to remain steady, while climate change is expected to worsen social inequalities and lead to more extreme wildfire events.
Researchers found that glyphosate-based herbicides can deform reproductive parts of prickly rose plants and reduce pollen viability by 66% a year after application. This persistence can have long-term effects on plant fertility and potentially impact pollinators, which rely on these plants for food.
A study reveals that California's stream ecosystems are being harmed by human-diverted water, creating an unintended dependence on artificial supplies. This threatens the long-term survival of natural communities and highlights the need for changes in water management.
The Humboldt Research Fellowship supports outstanding international researchers in climate-protecting projects. Five new fellows, including Pablo Urbina and Dr. Nusrat Sultana, will conduct research on Participatory Guarantee Systems and mango genome research in Germany.
Researchers found that landowners who have talked to a wildlife professional are more likely to secure attractants, emphasizing the importance of collective factors in improving wildlife-human coexistence. Effective communication and outreach could increase behaviors by highlighting social influence and neighborly norms.
Researchers used fire progression mapping and weather interpolation to build statistical models for the Klamath-Siskiyou region, finding that hotter-than-average fire weather and smoke density influence refugia occurrence. Topographic variability and moderate smoke conditions are crucial for preserving these fire-resistant areas.
Researchers discovered an enzyme in a fungus that breaks down lignocellulose, a key component of forestry and agricultural waste. This breakthrough has the potential to produce valuable chemicals and fuels, increasing the sustainability of renewable energy sources.
A new study from the University of Amsterdam and the Dutch State Forestry Service highlights the importance of landscape in rewilding efforts. Researchers developed an index to measure and predict rewilding success, finding that varied landscapes show greater conservation potential.
A study found that land use legacies, such as agriculture and forestry, can have lasting impacts on ecosystems, with only limited effects from restoration efforts. The researchers discovered that soil compaction, a common issue caused by agricultural use, was difficult to mitigate through restoration alone.
Researchers found that broadcasting murrelet calls increased the odds of recording wild murrelet calls by as much as 15 times. The birds remembered the locations of experimental areas for nearly a year after broadcasts ceased.
Researchers from North Carolina State University found that younger trees take up and release less water than mature trees, suggesting managers should time timber harvests to mitigate runoff. The study suggests leaving older trees alongside new growth can help mitigate effects of forest harvesting on drainage.
Research by Oregon State University reveals that the 21-inch diameter rule in eastern Oregon's national forests hampers restoration efforts, preventing stands from reaching historical densities and basal areas. The study suggests that removing larger shade-tolerant trees can improve old growth tree survival.
Researchers detected pesticides in 38% of mussel and clam samples, with some containing herbicides, fungicides, and insecticides. The study's findings have implications for developing more sustainable forestry practices to reduce harm to aquatic life.
Researchers are exploring how optical measurement technologies and satellite data can improve the efficiency of forestry value chains. The project aims to identify concrete applications and map actors who can utilize new technologies in their operations.
Researchers have identified a candidate gene and two deleterious mutations underlying male sterility in sugi trees, enabling selective breeding to reduce pollen load. This breakthrough has the potential to alleviate pollen allergy issues in Japan and globally.
Researchers found that blue orchard bees produce significantly more female offspring after severe wildfires, indicating a functional response to increased floral resources. This adaptation helps bees invest in the more expensive sex of their offspring, females.
The study found that preserving and planting trees could cost as much as $393 billion per year by 2055 to achieve more than 10% of total emissions reductions. Forest management in temperate regions will play a significant role, especially under higher price scenarios.
Researchers at Shinshu University successfully cultivated AM fungi independently using myristate as a fuel source. The breakthrough could lead to the development of sustainable fertilizers for agriculture and forestry, reducing reliance on chemical fertilizers.
Research shows that formalized community forest management policies tend to have negative impacts on forest access and resource rights, while still achieving environmental and economic benefits. In many cases, income gains mainly benefited village elites, while the poor and marginalized bore the brunt of forest use restrictions.
The new compact VNIR/SWIR imaging spectrometer offers improved spatial and spectral analysis capabilities, enabling applications in atmospheric science, ecology, geology, agriculture, and forestry. The instrument's small size and modular design make it suitable for airborne vehicles and planetary exploration missions.
Researchers analyzed data from 300 German grasslands and forests to investigate the relationships between biodiversity, ecosystem functions and services. The study found that low-intensity farming and forestry can preserve biodiversity while providing material benefits.
A group of water scientists from 11 countries warns that the shift to monoculture crops and tree plantations can constrain soil-plant-water systems, leading to reduced ecological resilience. The authors emphasize the importance of biodiversity in maintaining healthy ecosystems.
A study by Oregon State University found that marbled murrelets are at risk of local extinctions due to changing ocean conditions and loss of old forest habitats. The bird's long-distance nesting commute and reliance on forage fish make it vulnerable to habitat fluctuations.
Scientists at the Universities of Bath and Sussex have developed a new system that slowly releases ant pheromones to attract pests to an insecticide bait. This innovative approach aims to reduce pesticide spraying and minimize environmental damage.
A Simon Fraser University professor's research analyzes CSR impact in forestry, mining, and textiles industries, finding few initiatives translate to improvements for local communities. He advocates for global pressure, transparent reporting, and harmonized labels to promote sustainable production and reduce conflicts.
A new portable DNA detection method can identify tree pests and pathogens like the Asian gypsy moth and sudden oak death pathogen in under two hours. The device uses PCR testing to analyze tiny amounts of DNA and has been tested on multiple destructive invasive species.
Researchers from SUNY ESF predict that warmer climate and nitrogen deposition will lead to the invasion of temperate tree species into boreal peatlands, threatening biodiversity conservation. The study uses data from Shingle Shanty Preserve as a critical resource for understanding the biological response to climate change.
Richard Waring, a renowned researcher at Oregon State University, has been awarded the prestigious Marcus Wallenberg Prize along with Joe Landsberg and Nicholas Coops. The prize recognizes their groundbreaking work on a computer model predicting forest growth in changing climates.
Researchers at UMass Amherst have identified eastern hemlock and eastern white pine as structurally sound for cross-laminated timber (CLT) use. The study finds that these trees can create jobs and support better forestry management, addressing climate change.
Researchers from Yale School of Forestry & Environmental Studies argue that the IPCC guidelines need improvement to accurately calculate and report greenhouse gas emissions. They suggest using satellite imagery and machine-learning tools to expedite quantitative synthesis and address data gaps.
A recent study by Dr. Karin Limburg and Michele Casini reveals that hypoxia caused by climate change is responsible for the declining condition of Baltic cod. The researchers analyzed otoliths, or earstones, found in the fish's hearing and balance system, which showed a clear link between hypoxia and the decline of the species.
A study by Oregon State University researchers found that preserving temperate forests in the western United States can mitigate climate change through carbon sequestration, while also enhancing biodiversity. The identified forests have medium to high potential for carbon sequestration and low future climate vulnerability.
The University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture has partnered with The Nature Conservancy to manage its forested research properties under the highest standards for forest management. Through this partnership, UT will sell carbon credits to benefit society and fight climate change, while also promoting sustainable forestry practic...
Researchers from Yale School of Forestry & Environmental Studies propose a new framework for understanding same-sex behavior in animals, arguing that these behaviors are not costly but rather neutral and advantageous. They suggest that these tendencies likely evolved in the earliest forms of sexual behavior and may be more common than ...
A global team of scientists declares a climate emergency, warning of 'untold human suffering' without drastic shifts in human activities contributing to greenhouse gas emissions. The declaration outlines six areas of action, including energy conservation, reducing short-lived pollutants, and stabilizing the global population.
Timothy Young, a professor at the University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture, has been named a Fellow by the International Academy of Wood Science. This international honor recognizes his significant contributions to wood science and research globally.
A new statistical approach revealed that forest fires in 19th and 20th centuries were man-made, driven by changes in forest management and vegetation. This finding highlights the need for adaptive forestry practices to address climate change.
A new study suggests that returning to more deciduous trees near lakes and protecting waterlogged areas can help reduce the browning of lakes. This approach is aligned with industry visions for sustainable forestry management near water.
The Ecological Society of America donates over $13,800 to Louisville Grows to support its urban agriculture and forestry programs. The organization's efforts prioritize inclusion and diversity in promoting sustainable communities.
Researchers examine the potential and uncertainties of genetic rescue, a conservation approach that aims to alleviate genetic problems in isolated populations. The study highlights the need for further research on the effectiveness and limitations of genetic rescue, including its impact on habitat fragmentation and biodiversity.
A recent study published in Evolution Letters found that a single old-growth tree can have up to 100,000 genetic differences between its base and tip. This suggests that these massive trees are capable of accumulating significant genetic variation over time.