Articles tagged with Trees
Researchers discovered temperate trees, including oak, elm, and hazel, in Doggerland over 16,000 years ago, revealing a surprisingly hospitable environment. The study suggests that Doggerland may have supported early Mesolithic communities prior to flooding, shedding light on the region's ecological history and human settlement patterns.
Scientists discovered that a single, 2,400-year-old alerce tree protects hundreds to thousands of underground fungal species. These fungi help forests function by funneling water and nutrients to trees and assisting plants in fighting stressors like drought and pathogens.
Researchers have observed and measured weak electrical discharges, known as coronae, on trees during thunderstorms for the first time. The phenomenon may impact canopy health, with coronae burning leaf tips and potentially damaging trees over time, sparking further investigation into its effects.
A new study reveals disparities in urban shade levels, leading to greater health risks and exacerbating the 'heat island' effect in cities. Wealthier neighborhoods tend to have more trees, resulting in better shade provision for pedestrians, highlighting a consistent link between wealth and neighborhood tree abundance.
Research found that oak tree microbiomes are resilient to environmental stressors like drought and disease, with subtle changes in root microbiota after prolonged drought. The study suggests a potential role for beneficial bacteria in supporting tree resilience and stability.
Researchers examined evidence and offered a simpler explanation for increased electrical activity in spruce trees, finding no evidence of anticipation or communication. The study suggests that plants can perceive environmental changes but only respond to significant challenges.
Researchers at the University of Göttingen found that forest soils in south-western Germany absorb more methane as climate conditions become drier and warmer. This contradicts current international meta-analyses, highlighting the importance of long-term monitoring for assessing the effects of climate change.
A new study suggests that strategic tree planting in Canada's northern forests could remove at least five times the country's annual carbon emissions, totaling around 19 gigatons by 2100. This would be a significant step towards Canada's goal of becoming carbon neutral by 2050 and meeting its commitments under the Paris Climate Agreement.
A recent study published in New Phytologist reveals that trees don't record carbon from solar storms in the same way, affecting how scientists interpret past events. The research sheds light on how biological differences impact tree rings and provides a more accurate understanding of extreme space weather.
A recent study finds that the largest trees in Peruvian Amazon store disproportionately large amounts of carbon, making it difficult to achieve net-zero emissions. Protecting these trees can help conserve biodiversity and forest microclimates against future climate change.
A recently identified tree species in Australia, Rhodamnia zombi, is facing extinction due to myrtle rust, a fungal disease that attacks and kills its young shoots. Researchers are working on finding clean cuttings and propagating them to grow resistant seedlings, which may hold the key to resurrecting the 'zombie' tree.
A multi-institutional study found that living in urban areas with visible trees is associated with a lower incidence of cardiovascular disease, with a 4% decrease. In contrast, higher percentages of visible grass were linked to a 6% increase in cardiovascular diseases.
Research found that deciduous tree dominance reduces wildfire carbon losses in boreal forests, storing more carbon above ground and releasing less in deep organic soils. This shift could help slow climate warming by reducing carbon emissions per unit area burned.
A new study reveals that tropical forests can regrow up to 95% faster when given sufficient nitrogen, allowing them to absorb more carbon dioxide. This finding suggests that targeting nitrogen pollution from farms and factories may be crucial in helping young forests recover and act as natural climate solutions.
Research in Chile's national parks shows that wildfires significantly alter soil structure and nutrient cycles, affecting ecosystem resilience. Humid temperate forests recover faster than mediterranean woodlands due to fire-adapted trees and higher rainfall.
A new study found that considering factors jointly can capture a more accurate representation of disparities in residential greenspace exposure, driven by structural racism. Exposure to trees and grass provides numerous benefits to physical and mental health, but inequities persist due to disinvestment in marginalized communities.
The Amazon is shifting to a hotter, drier climate with more intense droughts, stressing trees and increasing mortality rates. By 2100, hot drought conditions could occur up to 150 days per year, affecting tree species that are vulnerable to heat stress.
A new AI method using aerial imagery can reliably identify aspen trees and standing dead trees, crucial indicators of forest biodiversity. The technique has been proven effective in all seasons and can be scaled up for monitoring forest environments.
A new study highlights 21 critical barriers to implementing green and blue infrastructure, including technical, social, economic, governance, and policy challenges. The research provides actionable strategies for practitioners and policymakers to enhance GBI resilience across diverse urban settings.
A new study of 1960s maps created by young people has provided important insights into the timing and extent of habitat losses in England and Wales. The analysis revealed a significant decline in semi-natural habitats, including rough grassland, heath, and wetland, which have lost 42% of their original area over the past 90 years.
Research at the University of Helsinki reveals that forest thinning can temporarily boost carbon storage in upland forests, while drained peatlands become stronger net carbon sources due to slower tree growth and increased decomposition. The study highlights the importance of adapting management practices to different forest types.
A practical, evidence-based checklist developed by scientists at the University of Surrey is helping everyone plan their next greening project with confidence. The study found that mixed gardens, such as small front gardens with a tree, shrubs, and green walls, give the greatest economic benefits for their size.
Researchers studied the genetic response of umbrella acacia and splendid thorn acacia to drought stress. The study found that umbrella acacias prioritize continued growth over water conservation when water is scarce, using up all accessible water to survive severe droughts. In contrast, splendid thorn acacias invest in water conservati...
A study by the University of California, Davis found that 85% of elementary schools in California lost trees between 2018 and 2022, exacerbating heat and drought conditions. The research highlights the urgent need to protect existing tree cover and improve tree canopy in low-shade schools.
Genetic analysis reveals clear differentiation between Japanese and Taiwanese hinoki cypress, with divergence occurring 1 million years ago. The study highlights the need for revised classification systems based on genetic regional characteristics to preserve local genetic integrity.
Researchers found that increased canopy structural complexity drives positive biodiversity-productivity relationships in forests. Complementary use of canopy space by tree species enhances productivity and strengthens over time.
A study analyzing S. macrophylla's natural populations in Kalimantan revealed distinct genetic structures among northeastern, central, and southwestern populations. The ancestral population shows highest genetic diversity and is recommended for conservation as a separate management unit.
A new study suggests that Amazon forest trees have increased in size by an average of 3.2% every decade over the past few decades. The research found that both large and smaller trees have benefited from increased atmospheric carbon dioxide, leading to a significant increase in tree size.
The University of Oklahoma is developing an AI-driven framework to predict tree failures before extreme weather events. The TREE-CARE project will integrate advanced technologies with local knowledge to develop solutions that directly benefit communities.
Researchers at RIKEN Center for Sustainable Resource Science identified ancient protein SCORE to help plants defend against various pathogens. By engineering synthetic SCORE variants, plants can be made resistant to multiple pathogen types.
A new study from UNC-Chapel Hill has revealed a dual control system explaining why treelines form where they do and which tree species dominate them. Cold temperatures limit tree survival beyond a certain threshold, while water availability determines which species can thrive at high elevations.
A study by UKCEH found that ash dieback results in significant greenhouse gas emissions due to soil carbon losses. The research estimated 5.8 million tonnes of CO2 emissions over five years, equivalent to half the amount removed by broadleaf woodlands annually.
A new study found that planting trees in tropical regions can cool the climate by up to 0.8° F and reduce fire risk, offering significant benefits for global temperatures and ecosystems. The research emphasizes the importance of location in determining tree planting's impact on climate effects.
A University of Missouri-led study has uncovered how poplar trees can naturally adjust a key part of their wood chemistry based on changes in their environment, supporting improved bioenergy production. The discovery sheds light on the role of lignin and its potential to create better biofuels and sustainable products.
A large dataset on Mediterranean tree species has been compiled, revealing significant variations in endemic species across different botanical territories. The study highlights the need for stronger collaboration to support national and regional conservation policies for forest genetic resources.
Researchers found that the caterpillars' cycles interact with natural controls like viral disease, and they're highly adapted to their environment. Outbreaks can be predicted and damage controlled, but the exact timing is linked to specific factors.
A study analyzing genome data from teak trees found correlations between temperature and DNA sites, indicating adaptability to rising temperatures. The population in southern India demonstrated high adaptability, essential for effective management of genetic resources and resilient planting strategies.
Researchers found that mangrove populations have nearly tripled in areas with oysters, leading to significant acidification of oyster reef sediment. Oyster shell dissolution could impact reef viability and services like filtration and storm surge reduction.
ShadeLA aims to reduce heat risk by expanding tree canopy and shade infrastructure in key public spaces, targeting major sporting events and heat waves. The initiative builds on USC's Urban Trees Initiative and engages community-based organizations to create locally driven solutions for a more comfortable L.A.
A new study from Colorado State University and Western Colorado University found that aspen forests can act as natural firebreaks, slowing fires' spread. Aspen trees with high moisture content and chemical differences reduce flammability, making them more resistant to burning.
Researchers discovered that oak trees adjust their root systems to access more soil nutrients under elevated CO2, employing both 'do it yourself' and 'outsourcing' strategies. This adaptation enables the trees to optimize growth and maintain nutrient supplies.
Researchers used a data-driven approach to filter out ideal tree species for urban forests, mapping carbon stock and biogenic volatile organic compounds (BVOCs) emissions of six dominant urban tree species in Beijing. The study identified two optimal species: Betula platyphylla for high-altitude areas and Robinia pseudoacacia for urban...
Northern Arizona University is taking stock of its 5,000-6,000 trees to advance sustainability and carbon sequestration. The project will provide hands-on research opportunities for students and shed light on the trees' ability to mitigate climate change.
Researchers discovered that young secondary forests, aged between 20 and 40 years, exhibit the highest rates of carbon removal – locking away up to eight times more carbon per hectare than newly regenerating forests. Protecting existing young secondary forests offers immediate substantial carbon removal benefits.
A new study analyzes the benefits and trade-offs of urban street trees in Las Vegas, finding that they can create shaded spots nearly 30 degrees Fahrenheit cooler than surroundings. The study also highlights the limitations of tree-cooling benefits in hot, arid climates, where water conservation is crucial.
Nearly half of Mesoamerica's 4,000+ tree species are at risk of extinction, primarily driven by agriculture and logging. Conservation efforts are urgently needed to protect these species.
A study by Florida Atlantic University reveals that climate shifts starting around 500 A.D. led to shorter lives and faster growth in bald cypress trees, which may have made them more vulnerable to stress. The research provides a powerful lens into how widespread environmental changes can be.
Researchers found that Common Lime tree infections reduced water use and stem growth but still maintained cooling benefits. The study highlights the complexity of balancing disease control with ecosystem services.
A new study by Yale University scientists suggests that mangroves are more resilient than expected to intense and frequent storms due to climate change. The 'recovery debt' measure indicates that mangroves can recover from the loss of carbon during storms within four years, providing a valuable sink for carbon.
A new study suggests that reforestation efforts can lower global average temperatures by 0.34 degrees Celsius, roughly one-quarter of the warming already experienced. This is due to the chemical interactions between trees and the atmosphere, which amplify their cooling effect.
A new international study shows that El Niño and La Niña climate patterns affect nearly half of the world's mangrove forests, threatening these vital coastal ecosystems. Mangroves are experiencing widespread degradation during El Niño events and increased growth during La Niña events.
Research in rats suggests that Arbutus unedo extract can prevent changes in the colon's lining and reduce colonic lesions. The treatment also caused decreased expression of proteins promoting oxidative stress and inflammation.
Researchers found that dual symbioses between trees and mycorrhizal fungi enhance tree fitness, making them less sensitive to drought and nutrient scarcity. This cooperation enables trees to colonize a larger territory and adapt to harsher climates, particularly in dry areas.
A study by Brazilian, UK, and Dutch scientists found that just 30 species of trees dominate the Cerrado, accounting for almost half of all its trees. This phenomenon of hyperdominance has significant implications for understanding and conserving the ecosystem.
Researchers developed an AI system to classify tiny powdery pollen grains produced by fir, spruce, and pine trees, enhancing speed and accuracy. The tool can aid allergy sufferers, urban planners, farmers, and wildlife conservation efforts.
A new study predicts that new plant pests and diseases will severely damage UK trees and woodlands by 2050, potentially losing over half of their growth. The research highlights the need for increased tree diversity and resilience to biocontrol measures.
A new study has confirmed that beech leaf disease, already devastating American beech, also affects European beech. Researchers used advanced microscopy to trace the effects of the nematode on European beech, finding similar symptoms and damage as in American beech.
A new study by Simon Fraser University found gaps in BC's extreme heat response plans, with urban greening being the most common mitigation strategy. The research highlights the need for co-operation and co-ordination across jurisdictions to improve neighbourhoods and address socio-economic disparities.
Researchers have developed a new method to genetically improve poplar trees without introducing foreign DNA into its genome. This breakthrough could accelerate the deployment of genetically enhanced trees with benefits for both the environment and the bio-based economy.
Researchers found introduced tree species are picking up speed and decreasing native diversity over time. The study used data from a 120-year-old program to quantify the effects of introduced species on native ecosystems.