Articles tagged with Forests
Comprehensive exploration of living organisms, biological systems, and life processes across all scales from molecules to ecosystems. Encompasses cutting-edge research in biology, genetics, molecular biology, ecology, biochemistry, microbiology, botany, zoology, evolutionary biology, genomics, and biotechnology. Investigates cellular mechanisms, organism development, genetic inheritance, biodiversity conservation, metabolic processes, protein synthesis, DNA sequencing, CRISPR gene editing, stem cell research, and the fundamental principles governing all forms of life on Earth.
Comprehensive medical research, clinical studies, and healthcare sciences focused on disease prevention, diagnosis, and treatment. Encompasses clinical medicine, public health, pharmacology, epidemiology, medical specialties, disease mechanisms, therapeutic interventions, healthcare innovation, precision medicine, telemedicine, medical devices, drug development, clinical trials, patient care, mental health, nutrition science, health policy, and the application of medical science to improve human health, wellbeing, and quality of life across diverse populations.
Comprehensive investigation of human society, behavior, relationships, and social structures through systematic research and analysis. Encompasses psychology, sociology, anthropology, economics, political science, linguistics, education, demography, communications, and social research methodologies. Examines human cognition, social interactions, cultural phenomena, economic systems, political institutions, language and communication, educational processes, population dynamics, and the complex social, cultural, economic, and political forces shaping human societies, communities, and civilizations throughout history and across the contemporary world.
Fundamental study of the non-living natural world, matter, energy, and physical phenomena governing the universe. Encompasses physics, chemistry, earth sciences, atmospheric sciences, oceanography, materials science, and the investigation of physical laws, chemical reactions, geological processes, climate systems, and planetary dynamics. Explores everything from subatomic particles and quantum mechanics to planetary systems and cosmic phenomena, including energy transformations, molecular interactions, elemental properties, weather patterns, tectonic activity, and the fundamental forces and principles underlying the physical nature of reality.
Practical application of scientific knowledge and engineering principles to solve real-world problems and develop innovative technologies. Encompasses all engineering disciplines, technology development, computer science, artificial intelligence, environmental sciences, agriculture, materials applications, energy systems, and industrial innovation. Bridges theoretical research with tangible solutions for infrastructure, manufacturing, computing, communications, transportation, construction, sustainable development, and emerging technologies that advance human capabilities, improve quality of life, and address societal challenges through scientific innovation and technological progress.
Study of the practice, culture, infrastructure, and social dimensions of science itself. Addresses how science is conducted, organized, communicated, and integrated into society. Encompasses research funding mechanisms, scientific publishing systems, peer review processes, academic ethics, science policy, research institutions, scientific collaboration networks, science education, career development, research programs, scientific methods, science communication, and the sociology of scientific discovery. Examines the human, institutional, and cultural aspects of scientific enterprise, knowledge production, and the translation of research into societal benefit.
Comprehensive study of the universe beyond Earth, encompassing celestial objects, cosmic phenomena, and space exploration. Includes astronomy, astrophysics, planetary science, cosmology, space physics, astrobiology, and space technology. Investigates stars, galaxies, planets, moons, asteroids, comets, black holes, nebulae, exoplanets, dark matter, dark energy, cosmic microwave background, stellar evolution, planetary formation, space weather, solar system dynamics, the search for extraterrestrial life, and humanity's efforts to explore, understand, and unlock the mysteries of the cosmos through observation, theory, and space missions.
Comprehensive examination of tools, techniques, methodologies, and approaches used across scientific disciplines to conduct research, collect data, and analyze results. Encompasses experimental procedures, analytical methods, measurement techniques, instrumentation, imaging technologies, spectroscopic methods, laboratory protocols, observational studies, statistical analysis, computational methods, data visualization, quality control, and methodological innovations. Addresses the practical techniques and theoretical frameworks enabling scientists to investigate phenomena, test hypotheses, gather evidence, ensure reproducibility, and generate reliable knowledge through systematic, rigorous investigation across all areas of scientific inquiry.
Study of abstract structures, patterns, quantities, relationships, and logical reasoning through pure and applied mathematical disciplines. Encompasses algebra, calculus, geometry, topology, number theory, analysis, discrete mathematics, mathematical logic, set theory, probability, statistics, and computational mathematics. Investigates mathematical structures, theorems, proofs, algorithms, functions, equations, and the rigorous logical frameworks underlying quantitative reasoning. Provides the foundational language and tools for all scientific fields, enabling precise description of natural phenomena, modeling of complex systems, and the development of technologies across physics, engineering, computer science, economics, and all quantitative sciences.
Scientists have identified two new species of creeping water bugs, Ambrysus cayo and Procryphocricos pilcopata, found in streams in western Belize and southeastern Peru. The discovery highlights the vast unexplored world of aquatic insects, with many still to be discovered before it's too late due to habitat destruction.
A University of Missouri researcher found that human perception of environmental damage improves over time, despite little improvement in the environmental conditions. Residents' perceptions of the severity of the beetle kill problem decreased during the study period.
A new study reveals that California's forests and wildlands are significant carbon reservoirs, but also release more greenhouse gases through wildfires and deforestation than expected. The findings have implications for the state's efforts to meet its Global Warming Solutions Act goals.
Engineers can now predict how complex carbon nanostructures form through a new understanding of the forces involved. By analyzing these structures, designers can create nanotube forests with desired mechanical, thermal and electrical properties, leading to breakthroughs in various industries.
A new set of global forest maps provide a more accurate view of forests, combining recent remote sensing data, statistics, and citizen scientist input. The maps are freely available for exploration and download on the Geo-Wiki Web site.
Researchers tracked 5 pandas for months using rare GPS collars, finding that they sometimes hang together and have complex social interactions. The data also revealed a panda's feeding strategy, showing that they return to core areas after being away for long periods of time.
A new CU-Boulder study has found that mountain pine beetle epidemics do not significantly increase the risk of wildfires in Western US forests. Climate change and drought are considered the primary drivers of larger forest fires.
A new study found that post-fire logging can reduce woody fuels for up to four decades following wildfire in dry coniferous forests. Harvesting fire-killed trees also helps forest managers manage fuels, with logged stands having lower fuels than unlogged stands over time.
The coco de mer palm tree invests energy into reproduction, producing large amounts of pollen and huge fruits that fall at the base. Its unique leaves capture water, animal waste, and debris, creating a 'parental care' system for its offspring. This modified habitat ensures other plants struggle to establish in nutrient-poor areas.
Researchers identified 18 genetic variants associated with maritime pine tree survival under climate stress, improving forecasts of forest growth and reforestation efforts. These findings demonstrate the importance of genetic data in managing biodiversity and commercial forestry amid a changing climate.
A new study reveals that insect-eating bugs reduce forests' capacity to take up elevated levels of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere. Insects' increased feeding and nutrient cycling alter forest ecosystem dynamics.
Darla Munroe examines the impact of telecoupling on sustainability, revealing that reforestation efforts may harm other countries' forests. The US added 7.6 million acres of forests between 1990 and 2010, but Munroe questions whether this is an environmental gain globally.
A $3 million grant will restore 14.4 miles of streams in Pennsylvania, reducing flooding and improving water quality. The project will also create a riparian forest buffer to support a breeding population of native brook trout and other coldwater fish species.
Researchers found that future carbon accumulation rates are highly sensitive to land use changes, with afforestation and deforestation impacting rates. Forests in the region are relatively resilient to natural disturbances, but aging forests and land use transitions can slow down accumulation.
A recent study found that California's forest structure is undergoing changes due to a warmer, drier climate, resulting in the decline of larger trees and an increase in smaller trees. This trend is observed across all regions of the state, with oaks becoming more dominant as pines decline.
A study suggests that dry forests in the western US are more threatened by insect outbreaks and droughts than wildfires. Historically, these forests had a mix of large and small trees, providing 'bet-hedging' insurance against multiple disturbances.
A WCS study tracked guanacos in Karukinka Natural Park, Chile, revealing their seasonal movements and conflicts with livestock. The research suggests a limited science-based harvest may help conserve this species.
A study finds that frozen ground has declined by an average of two to three weeks since 1948, impacting logging operations. The decline is linked to climate change, causing uncertainty in winter harvests and increased costs for equipment and insurance.
Researchers studied the 2013 Rim Fire in Yosemite National Park and found that extreme weather conditions, such as pyro-convective plumes, significantly influenced burn severity. Forests that experienced recent fires burned at low severity, while those with greater shrub cover burned at higher severity.
A three-year study found that injecting Siberian slippery jack spores into the soil around whitebark pine seedlings increased their survival rate. The native fungus helps trees take in more nutrients and water from the soil, and produces sugars to feed the fungi.
Researchers found differences in grasshopper types and numbers between undisturbed and post-agricultural woodlands, challenging conventional ecological wisdom. The study suggests new strategies are needed to promote ecological recovery in disturbed environments.
Researchers have identified a natural resistance gene in white spruce trees that makes them resistant to the devastating spruce budworm. The gene, betaglucosidase-1, produces compounds toxic to the caterpillar, potentially allowing for replanting of forests affected by the pest.
Researchers at NEIKER felled pine trees and attached sensors to measure the force exerted on them, recording the degree of tilt to determine the roots' resistance and trunk strength. The study aims to provide forestry experts with tools to manage woodlands better and mitigate wind damage risks.
Researchers found that patches of waterlogged soil in forested watersheds act as hotspots for microbial activity, removing nitrogen from groundwater and returning it to the atmosphere. This process, known as denitrification, can improve water quality by reducing nitrate levels in streams.
New research reveals that Swainson's warbler populations are increasing in pine plantations, which could support majority of breeding populations by 21st century. The species, one of North America's rarest songbirds, has been found to thrive in a surprising new habitat, boosting conservation hopes.
Research suggests that human activities such as clear-cutting and fire suppression have a greater impact on forest tree composition than climate change. The study analyzed 190 datasets to determine the relative impacts of climate versus altered disturbance regimes for various biomes across the eastern United States.
A recent study by the University of Wisconsin-Madison found that mountain pine beetles contribute little to the ecological severity of fires in the Northern Rocky Mountains. The researchers tested six wildfires that affected over 75,000 acres and found no significant link between beetle outbreaks and fire severity.
A new study published in PLOS Biology reveals that the meteorite impact that ended the dinosaurs also accelerated the growth of fast-growing flowering plants, which replaced slower-growing evergreen species. The research used fossilized leaves to reconstruct a plant community thriving during a 2.2 million-year period after the impact.
A study of fossilized leaves reveals that the meteorite impact that ended the dinosaurs' reign favored fast-growing, deciduous plants. This shift from slow-growing evergreens to fast-growing species indicates that the extinction was not random, but rather a response to the major disturbance caused by the impact.
A Yale study finds that the conversion of forests to cropland worldwide has reduced global BVOC emissions, leading to a net cooling effect on climate temperatures. The loss of dark-colored forests and reduction in emissions of short-lived climate pollutants have offset warming caused by increased fossil fuel carbon dioxide emissions.
A University of Georgia study found that Japanese stiltgrass creates a habitat for wolf spiders, which then feed on American toads. The study reveals that the invasive grass reduces toad survival by increasing spider densities.
A special journal section assesses regional interactions between climate change, fire, and forests in the US, providing insights into projected changes and ecosystem services. The goal is to inform forest management choices and policy responses to mitigate these impacts.
New England cottontails have seen a 50% contraction of their range due to habitat fragmentation. Researchers found that restoring habitats is key to saving the species, which requires thicketed areas for survival. Understanding dispersal patterns through DNA analysis can help wildlife and land managers in species recovery efforts.
A new sand-dwelling plant species of the genus Cissampelos has been discovered in Bolivia and Paraguay. The species exhibits unique morphological features, including small leaves and a large endocarp, and is superficially similar to a southern African taxon found in dry habitats.
Harvard researchers found forests in the Eastern US are showing signs of spring growth earlier than ever, enabling them to store up to 26 million metric tons more CO2. However, continued climate change may lead to more dramatic negative consequences, such as changes in precipitation patterns and reduced water availability for forests.
Researchers model future land-use change in the US and propose incentive structures for landowners to provide ecosystem services. The work aims to strike a balance between human needs and natural systems, with tradeoffs identified for every policy.
Researchers discovered a fungus that can completely eradicate tree-of-heaven plants, including sprouts. The treatment has shown promise as a bio-control agent to combat the invasive species' rapid spread across the US.
Human-caused fires in the Primorsky Province of Russia are ravaging the landscape, with statistics showing that 94% of forest fires can be attributed to human activities. The uncontrolled burning of dry grass for centuries has led to widespread deforestation and degradation of forests, posing a significant threat to various species.
A new study found that prolonged droughts cause more intense and widespread wildfires, consuming more forests than previously understood. Climate change is expected to lead to shorter rainy seasons and longer dry seasons, increasing the risk of forest fires.
A new report promotes REDD+ and Green Economy as a pathway to sustainable development, benefiting all nations. Forests are the foundation of sustainable societies, storing carbon, supporting biodiversity, regulating water flows, and reducing soil erosion.
Research by the USDA Forest Service finds that woodland salamander predation on invertebrates increases litter retention and carbon capture. The study, led by Dr. Hartwell Welsh Jr., suggests that these small animals play a significant role in regulating forest ecosystems.
A new mathematical model developed by Brown University scientists can predict how trees compete for space in the canopy, revealing that incumbent trees dominate 97.9% of a given square meter two years later.
The study analyzed the potential of energy wood resources in the Leningrad region of Russia, finding significant potential for intensification. Maximization of sustainable energy wood supply could create new jobs and business opportunities, but challenges like low productivity and technical accessibility need to be solved.
Researchers found that certain management practices can increase habitat availability for species and reduce economic losses for forest owners. The study suggests using compensatory funding to support these efforts and reconcile alternative uses of forests.
Unusual dry spell in Northern Sumatra triggers use of slash and burn method to clear fields. Seven hot spots identified in oil palm plantations and forest concessions, fueling fears about the connection between fires and agricultural practices.
Researchers at Northern Arizona University found that drug trafficking is causing widespread deforestation in Central America, threatening conservation efforts and the Mesoamerican Biological Corridor. The team hopes to influence drug policy with their message, emphasizing the importance of conservation in shaping future decisions.
A new study explores global variance in tree height, identifying temperature as the most significant factor behind the tallest species. The research reveals that climates with small seasonal temperature variation support the growth of the world's nine tallest tree species.
A Michigan State University scholar proposes the telecoupling framework to understand how China's domestic decisions influence other countries and vice versa. The research shows that China's efforts to sustain forests can have substantial global impacts, including reappearing deforestation in countries that sell lumber and food to China.
Native forests have been found to recolonize pine plantations without human intervention, thanks to the natural process of ecological succession. This research suggests that pine plantations can be used as a tool for encouraging native forest development in certain areas, particularly when the plantations are older.
Scientists have identified a new species of wild cat living in northeastern and southern Brazil, with distinct habitats and evolutionary histories. The discovery highlights the need for targeted conservation efforts to protect these endangered species.
Researchers found precolonial eastern forests, dominated by American beech, red oak and sweet birch, using 300-year-old leaves buried behind milldams. This knowledge can inform successful stream restoration approaches that consider the past forest makeup.
Researchers found that Chitwan National Park's buffer zone has improved tiger habitat quality through innovative monitoring methods, while the park itself has degraded over a 20-year period. Camera traps combined with satellite images provided insights into tigers' behavior and habitat preferences.
Researchers used playbacks to examine the effects on wrens and antpittas, finding that repeated playbacks can stress birds and lead to wasted energy. Habituation occurred after daily playback for two-and-a-half weeks, suggesting minimal impact on wren behavior.
A comprehensive review of climate change's impacts on forest pests, diseases, and ecosystems reveals complex consequences. Warmer temperatures alter pest distribution, biodiversity, and ecosystem resilience, while also boosting forest health and acreage in some areas.
A new study predicts global forest cover will decline from 30% to 22% over the next two centuries due to increased agricultural demands and urbanization. The model suggests cooperation among nations is crucial to preserving forests, with technologies sharing being a key strategy.
New research reveals that waviness in vertically-aligned carbon nanotubes leads to reduced stiffness due to tiny kinkiness in their structure. This finding has potential applications in thermal interface materials and heat transfer, where the compliance of the nanotubes can help connect to silicon chips and copper heat spreaders.
A study by Aarhus University researchers found that global forests are being cleared and restricted to steep terrain, leading to reduced biodiversity. The shift is driven by human activities such as agriculture, urbanization, and efficient land use practices.
Researchers from Cambridge University have devised a simple technique to grow carbon nanotubes at five times higher density than previous methods, enabling the potential replacement of metal electronic components in devices such as batteries and spacecraft.
A 15-year study in the Hubbard Brook Experimental Forest found that trees in a calcium-treated watershed produced 21% more wood and 11% more leaves than their counterparts. The addition of calcium helped reverse decades-long decline caused by acid rain, with sugar maple trees responding most strongly.
The Okanagana viridis cicada is a newly studied species found in the temperate deciduous forests of Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Tennessee, and Texas. Its distinct song features irregular doublet or triplet pulses, lasting for 30 seconds.