Articles tagged with Forests
A new study using NASA satellites found that Siberian fires burned mostly near people, particularly in areas with roads, towns, and cities. The research used Terra MODIS data to map fire hotspots over three years, revealing a strong link between human presence and fires.
Temperate grasslands like the Great Plains suffer from inadequate land protection, with species-rich ecosystems and habitats for imperiled species at risk. Temperate conifer forests in regions like the Northwest U.S. exhibit robust conservation efforts, even amidst relatively low levels of development.
Researchers have made significant advancements in understanding Earth systems using highly detailed GPS observations. A new technique has improved the accuracy of GPS data by correcting for a time lag built into current satellite systems, allowing for more accurate measurement of dynamic ground motion. Additionally, studies have reveal...
Uganda's forests generate significant income from forest products like charcoal and firewood, contributing up to 36% of annual income for local people. The report concludes that conserving these forests is crucial in alleviating poverty, but current efforts face funding constraints.
A Princeton University study found that changes in U.S. forests caused by land use practices have increased the emission of smog-producing chemicals from trees, which may have worsened ozone pollution in some parts of the country. The study suggests that intensified tree farming and other land use changes have altered the mix of trees ...
Researchers have developed a DNA-based method to determine the geographic origin of ivory, enabling authorities to identify hot spots for enforcement. The technique has been tested in 16 African nations and shows high accuracy in assigning tusks to specific locations.
A new study by the U.S. National Science Foundation highlights the vital importance of streamside forests in maintaining clean water and healthy ecosystems. The research, funded jointly by NSF and EPA, shows that these forests help filter pollutants from streams, enhance ecosystem processes, and support biodiversity.
Research suggests that higher levels of testosterone and dihydrotestosterone hormones give male Townsend's warblers a competitive advantage over female hermit warblers. The findings indicate that the hermit warbler may become extinct in another 5,000 years due to habitat loss and competition for resources.
Climate models project a significant impact on Alaska's tundra ecosystem, with up to 90% loss of tundra area by 2100. Increased precipitation and temperature changes will lead to shifts in vegetation, insect and pathogen attacks, and potential forest fires.
University of Wisconsin-Madison researchers used a computer-modeling program to project 200 years of change in a forest in northwestern Wisconsin under three climate scenarios. The model found that some species would not be able to survive warmer conditions, while human actions also contribute to the changing landscape.
A new study reveals that New England forests are under greater threat from air pollution compared to those in the Southeast region. The research used lichen community composition as an indicator of air pollution and found that nearly one-eighth of the New England area is affected by poorer air quality.
Researchers discovered that Pre-Columbian mural paintings in Mesoamerica contain information about the pre-recorded past magnetic field. Coastal areas experience 'breathing' due to sea tides, affecting aquifer air flow. Drift waves in the Earth's ionosphere may cause breakdown of magnetic structures. A generalized law for aftershocks e...
Researchers have successfully mapped the genomes of two devastating fungal pathogens, Phytophtora sojae and Phytophtora ramorum, which causes sudden oak death disease. The genome sequences will aid in developing better detection methods and tracking the spread of the disease.
A recent study on a rocky intertidal shore in Washington State discovered an alternative state where mussels replace algal dominated assemblages. The starfish play a key role in controlling mussel distribution and abundance, leading to two possible outcomes: gradual recovery or persistent transformation.
Photographer Jane Alden Stevens chronicles the enduring legacy of World War I through haunting black-and-white images. Her work reveals the persistence of human memory and the lasting effects of war on landscapes and people.
Researchers combine airborne data with ground-based measurements to better understand carbon exchanges in rolling hills and mountain ranges. The project aims to enhance carbon uptake and improve monitoring methods for high-emitting nations and industries.
Researchers develop new methods to assess carbon uptake in Western mountain forests, which are affected by drought. By combining airborne data with ground-based measurements, scientists can better understand natural processes involved in forest-air carbon exchange.
Researchers found that ferns diversified in response to low-light conditions created by the rise of flowering plants, leading to over 10,000 living species. The study, funded by NSF, uses genetic and fossil analysis to reveal the evolutionary history of ferns and angiosperms.
A study found that gray squirrels are essential for germination of black walnut trees due to their scatter hoarding behavior, while red squirrels' larder hoarding practice hinders seed dispersal. The researchers suggest changing land-use practices to maintain healthy forest connectivity.
Cattle introduction modifies frequent interactions between plants and pollinators, affecting web structure. This modification is likely important for ecosystem function.
A study predicts that monarch butterfly winter refuges in central Mexico will continue to decline due to increased storms and wet conditions. Human activities such as deforestation and logging further exacerbate the problem, threatening the survival of these iconic butterflies.
Researchers at UGA are using manmade tracers to study the exchange of gases between vegetation and the atmosphere. They aim to improve methods for evaluating carbon sequestration in plant canopies, a crucial step in understanding how much carbon is taken up by different ecosystems.
Researchers developed software to weigh fire danger reduction against thinning costs, finding targeted density preserves ponderosa pine and western larch while minimizing waste. The approach can help reduce wildfire risks across tens of millions of acres with cost-effective solutions.
Researchers have found that areas burned in forest fires may support more and healthier dogwoods due to increased light, heat, and airflow. Fire could potentially impede the spread of the fatal disease, dogwood anthracnose, by removing fungal-friendly conditions.
Research finds exotic earthworms alter forest composition, reducing sugar maple seedling cover and plant species richness. Sedge species overpopulates, becoming difficult to control.
A 17-year study published by Dartmouth College researchers confirms that lead in forests in the Northeast moves very slowly through the soil. The study found that lead applied to a mountain forest in Vermont had only moved down into the soil about seven centimeters, and will likely move even slower due to denser soil.
Researchers tested ancient tree species to disprove the carbon loss hypothesis, which suggested deciduous trees had an advantage in polar forests. The study found that deciduous trees actually lose more carbon than evergreen trees, challenging the long-held theory.
Researchers evaluating environmental impact of common nightcrawler on forest ecosystem in the Northeast. The invasive earthworm species is feeding on leaf litter and duff layers, affecting native plant seeds and animals.
Researchers Barany and Hammett found that forests and non-timber forest products are crucial for household coping strategies, offering low-cost alternatives to meet nutritional needs. Medicinal plants from these resources can treat conditions related to HIV/AIDS, making them a vital priority for conservation and management efforts.
Researchers found that half of the ozone is lost through unknown mechanisms in summer, but absorbed by trees in winter. The study suggests that understanding natural processes is crucial for developing scientifically-based air quality management policy.
A study by the Wildlife Conservation Society reveals that increased robusta coffee production has led to widespread deforestation in Indonesia's lowland forests. As a leading consumer of robusta coffee, the US can play a key role in halting this wave of deforestation by reasserting itself as a strong member of the International Coffee ...
A newly discovered fungus, estimated to be between 2000 and 8500 years old, has rewritten the concept of individual organisms. The fungus, a clone of Armillaria ostoyae, covers an area of 9.65 square kilometers and has implications for forest management practices.
Researchers have identified nearly 900 square miles of forest in China's Qinling Mountains that could support giant pandas. The area includes five unprotected core habitats and two linkage zones that could connect isolated populations.
A pilot study in the Ozark region found that half of the red oaks on plots were dead, and 10% of white oaks were dying. The study estimates that up to 33% of red oaks may be lost due to the outbreak.
Researchers at Virginia Tech's Bioinformatics Institute will sequence the genomes of two Phytophthora species, including one that causes over $1 billion in soybean losses annually. The project aims to understand how these pathogens operate and develop strategies to control them, with potential benefits for marine species like diatoms.
A University of Florida-led study examines the effects of wildlife corridors on plant pollination and seed dispersal. The findings suggest that corridors encourage the movement of plants and animals, improving ecosystem health. The large-scale experiment provides valuable insights into the benefits of wildlife corridors.
A new study reveals acid rain's damage to American forests is more widespread than believed, potentially creating compromised immune systems in trees. The study suggests that acid rain can suppress the capacity of trees to survive environmental stresses, with far-reaching consequences for forest ecosystems and wildlife.
Researchers found that certain fungi can supply calcium to trees in acidic soils, reducing the loss of essential nutrients. However, not all tree species have beneficial fungal associations, and other factors like soil acidity can still hinder plant growth.
New research reveals that Mexico's protected reserves for monarch butterflies are being destroyed due to increased timber harvesting, threatening the species' survival. Despite government protection decrees, logging has continued and even increased in some areas, with degradation tripling since 1986.
A research team led by William Laurance found that Amazonian forest destruction rates have risen sharply since 1995, contrary to the Brazilian government's claims. Deforestation has increased due to infrastructure projects and expanding logging and mining industries.
A recent study found that prescribed burns in eastern U.S. deciduous forests can decline ground-nesting bird species by over 80% due to reduced leaf litter and shrubs. However, two bird species increased in response to the burns, suggesting that fire may improve their foraging habitat.
A new study reveals that salmon populations are mutually dependent on riparian vegetation, which provides shade and large woody debris that support successful spawning. The researchers found a significant increase in nitrogen levels in plants near spawning sites, suggesting a two-way relationship between salmon and their ecosystems.
A study by Penn State researchers found that quaking aspen groves have declined by 30% in the last 50 years due to environmental changes such as fire suppression, livestock grazing, and increased herbivore populations. The unique history of the Lake Tahoe Basin also plays a role in this decline.
Research by Ricardo Carvajal at University of Michigan found a decline in epiphytes on coffee farms with intensive practices. However, even in most intensive plots, 'reservoirs' where epiphytes thrive were discovered, suggesting potential for conservation through targeted planting.
Researchers examined paleoecological records, archaeological sites, and historical documents to calibrate their understanding of coastal marine ecosystems. They found that human disturbance led to changes in ecosystem structures and functions, with many species becoming ecologically extinct.
The study aims to determine the scope and adequacy of adult day services in the US, identifying gaps in availability and utilization. It will help shape future directions for the field and inform planning at local, state, and federal levels.
A study by Wake Forest University Baptist Medical Center found that reducing prednisone medication can eliminate unpleasant side effects without affecting survival rates. 80% of adult transplant patients were successfully weaned off prednisone within two years, with no increased risk of rejection or infection.
Recent study by Princeton University scientists reveals that reforestation of former farmland has played a crucial role in reducing atmospheric carbon dioxide. The finding highlights the importance of historical land-use changes in understanding carbon uptake in North American forests.
A Duke University study found that carbon dioxide-enriched air accelerates pine tree reproduction, resulting in earlier maturation and higher seed production. This trend may have significant implications for forest regeneration and the Southeast's economy, where loblollies are a crucial forest product.
A study found that forest fragments have insufficient food for some songbirds, leading to reduced feeding visits and longer breeding cycles. The researchers believe that microclimates within small fragments may contribute to lower insect populations, affecting the birds' survival.
According to the report, Indiana's forests have expanded significantly since the 1960s, with 85% of timberlands in private ownership. The number of trees has increased to 2 billion, providing habitat and food for wildlife.
Riparian forest management prioritizes both water and forest health to protect essential links between land and water. The book provides site-specific guidelines for addressing fragmented ecosystems and diverse interest groups, ensuring the health of eastern riparian landscapes.
Aging South Dakota windbreaks are in need of renovation, posing increased risk to agriculture from wind damage. Well-developed forested riparian areas reduce nitrogen in groundwater by up to 100% and surface runoff by up to 98%.
Scientists are using harmonic analysis on satellite images to study changes in vegetation during growing seasons and land use patterns. They can detect desertification, forest regeneration, and climate change by analyzing wave patterns and amplitude measurements.
Researchers at Virginia Tech found that the amount of lead in the environment from bullets on battlefields is not a significant concern for water quality, with no contamination detected off range. However, they discovered that shot impacts cause significant damage to trees up to 140 meters beyond the range.
A 10,000-year-old buried spruce forest has provided evidence of the effects of environment on vegetation at the Pleistocene/Holocene boundary. The unique preservation allows researchers to study tree growth patterns and climate change impacts in unprecedented detail.
A recent study by Wake Forest University Baptist Medical Center reveals that celiac disease is not as rare in the United States as previously believed. The condition affects an estimated 1 in 150-200 people in Europe and can be asymptomatic for many years, then trigger symptoms with exposure to gluten.
A national research project will investigate how insulin resistance, a precursor to Type 2 diabetes and obesity, is inherited in three generations of family members. The study aims to identify specific genes responsible for these conditions.
A University of Florida study found that rising sea levels are causing cabbage palms and other coastal trees to die due to saltwater exposure. The phenomenon may be more immediate than thought, with small increases in sea level affecting large areas of flat coastline on the west coast.
A Wake Forest University study found that soy high in isoflavones can dramatically lower LDL cholesterol levels by up to 10% and total cholesterol by up to 9%. The study also showed a dose-response relationship between isoflavone content and cholesterol-lowering effects.