Research on trees and their role in nature and cities. Covers forest conservation, tension wood, and the benefits of urban trees.
Research suggests climate change will have a larger and more widespread impact on landscapes than the emerald ash borer. The model showed that climatic changes, such as warmer temperatures and droughts, would lead to a shift in tree composition from northern to southern hardwoods.
The study found that cell-lineage maps are unlikely to be tree-like, with cross-links between different branches. The model also predicted the emergence of pluripotency, allowing for whole-body regeneration in many animals.
A preserved ancient bald cypress forest was discovered underwater in the northern Gulf of Mexico, providing clues about the region's climate history. The forest is estimated to be between 42,000 and 74,000 years old, offering insights into the rapid changes in sea levels and climate that occurred during the last Ice Age.
Researchers have identified climate-change refugia in a dry-forest region of Brazil's Peruaçu Caves National Park. The study used tree ring analysis and satellite images to confirm the existence of these areas, which are relatively buffered from climate change, offering high probability of conservation success.
Physicists at DTU have developed a microscopic harvester controlled by AI, eliminating the need for chemical and mechanical processes. The technology can extract valuable substances directly from plant cells, reducing pollution and costs.
Researchers estimate that UK road verges, covering 1.2% of land in Great Britain, can be managed for nature by reducing frequent mowing and planting trees. This approach could create better habitats for pollinators, capture carbon, and contribute to the UK government's tree-planting ambitions.
A University of Michigan climate scientist and his colleague argue that planting trees won't curb climate change due to its inevitable effects on vegetation. Keeping existing forests healthy is key, while proactive forest management can help mitigate the crisis.
A team from Alfred Wegener Institute discovered that treeless areas have more species than mountain forests due to climate change. The study's findings suggest that broader habitats lead to a wider range of settings for diverse flora and fauna.
Researchers found that tree diversity does not shield trees from bark beetle infestation, and the risk is instead redistributed among species. Non-native tree species are initially less attacked due to unfamiliarity with beetles.
A study by the University of Córdoba has identified holm oak trees that exhibit greater resistance and tolerance to drought stress, root rot, and high temperatures. These 'elite' specimens may be used as molecular markers for drought-tolerant trees in reforestation programs.
Researchers analyzed carbon loss and gain in African tropical forests between 1984 and 2017, finding no significant increase in tree mortality despite extreme climate conditions. Intact forests continued to grow biomass and remain a carbon sink, suggesting they may be more resilient to climate extremes.
A recent study found that African tropical rainforests removed 1.1 billion tonnes of carbon dioxide per year during the 2015-2016 El Niño event, equivalent to three times the UK's carbon emissions in 2019. The forests continued to function as a carbon sink, with only modest impacts from extreme heat and drought.
Researchers at North Carolina State University found that standing dead trees in coastal wetland forests, known as ghost forests, emit significant greenhouse gases. The study, published in Biogeochemistry, reveals that snags increase overall ecosystem GHG emissions by about 25%.
A University of Alberta study finds that brown bears who rub against trees more often tend to have more offspring and more mates. The research team analyzed bear hair samples from over 900 rub sites and found a correlation between tree-grating behavior and reproductive success.
A new study by UC Berkeley researchers found significant correlations between wind speed and direction and genetic diversity throughout forests globally. Tree populations connected by stronger winds tend to be more genetically similar, while those in the direction of prevailing winds have greater genetic diversity.
A comprehensive study of the legume family reveals a history of whole-genome duplications and helps uncover the evolution of genes involved in nitrogen fixation. The research team identified strong evidence for 28 separate whole-genome duplication events, shedding light on the evolutionary spread and diversification of legumes.
Researchers found that consuming mixed tree nuts resulted in significant weight loss and improved satiety, while also reducing dropout rates compared to pretzel snacks. The study suggests that incorporating tree nuts into a weight management program may have a positive impact on overall health.
Researchers found that wildfires have killed trees, eroding soil and allowing native herbaceous cover to expand, while white-sand savanna tree species dominate the landscape. This shift threatens biodiversity and carbon storage in the Amazon ecosystem.
A new analysis by researchers from around the world offers a deeper understanding of species interactions and their impact on ecosystem diversity. The study found that closely-related tree species interact weakly with each other, while distantly-related pairs can interact with surprising strength.
A new contaminant prioritization tool could increase the effectiveness of environmental approaches to landfill clean-up by matching tree species with specific contaminants. The tool allows site managers to prioritize the most hazardous contaminants or customize it to address local concerns.
Research found tree plantations host significantly fewer beetle species, contributing to lower biodiversity compared to old-growth forests. Plantations' limited ability to support diverse food chains makes them less effective for forest conservation.
A research team led by Michigan State University found that restoration benefits outweigh detriments from land use history two-to-one. Despite the benefits, restoration could not erase all of farming's lasting effects. The study provides insights for ecologists to target restoration efforts effectively.
A new framework connects metabolic principles to forest patterns, revealing regularities beneath apparent randomness. The model allows for generalization to diverse species and situations, providing insights into forest structure and biological complexity.
Researchers use genetic analysis to determine tarantulas' ancient ancestry, tracing them to the Americas around 120 million years ago during the Cretaceous period. They found that these spiders were not limited to sedentary burrows, but also exploited ecological niches and displayed surprising dispersal capabilities.
Researchers from Basel and Würzburg investigated spruce trees' reaction to extreme heat and drought, finding a sudden collapse of the water-conducting system leading to tree death. The study reveals that dehydration occurs abruptly after exceeding a species-specific threshold value, causing trees to be unable to recover.
A new study published in Science shows that deciduous trees replacing burned spruce forests store more carbon and accumulate it four times faster over a 100-year fire interval. This suggests that these faster-growing forests may act as a stabilizing 'firebreak' against escalating fire patterns.
A recent study from Spain suggests that deficit irrigation can be a sustainable practice for almond production in the long term. Despite significant investments and water scarcity, the study found that trees subjected to severe deficit irrigation maintained stable productivity over six years.
Researchers discovered that trees experience a sudden collapse in their hydraulic systems during drought, leading to rapid death. The study found that this collapse occurs much sooner than previously thought, highlighting the importance of understanding tree water relations.
A study using airborne laser scanning found that water stress, soil fertility, and anthropic forest degradation contribute to tree mortality in the Amazon. The researchers mapped gaps in the forest using LiDAR data, which showed a significant correlation with field mortality patterns.
A new study from Washington University in St. Louis challenges the long-held theory that the collapse of Cahokia, a pre-Columbian Native American city, was caused by excessive tree cutting and deforestation. Researchers found no evidence of flooding issues or environmental missteps, contradicting previous narratives about ecocide.
A team of scientists has successfully genetically modified eucalyptus trees to prevent sexual reproduction, reducing the risk of invasive spreading in native ecosystems. The CRISPR Cas9 gene editing technique was used with nearly 100% efficiency to knock out LEAFY, the master gene behind flower formation.
Satellite images reveal 35 years of changes in North Carolina's Albemarle-Pamlico Peninsula, showing 11% of tree cover taken over by ghost forests. Extreme weather events contribute to the spread of saltwater inland, poisoning soils and killing tree species.
A University of Guam review finds conservation projects have lacked publishable results, revealing the need for adaptive management. The study highlights the importance of including published research scientists in funded conservation projects to generate new knowledge and inform decisions.
A study by University of Washington researchers suggests that thicker-leaved tropical plants could flourish in a CO2-rich environment, outcompeting species with thinner leaves. This shift in vegetation could help preserve carbon-absorbing ecosystems and reduce the severity of climate change.
Researchers found that nearly nothing is known about the biggest trees and how they die, making them difficult to study. Climate change, severe storms, and droughts are affecting these giant trees, releasing more carbon into the atmosphere.
A recent study found that beetle outbreaks have impacted around 40% of Colorado's forests, but the effects vary greatly due to differences in forest structures and species composition. Most affected areas still have mature trees capable of regenerating seeds.
A new study reveals that rich countries' consumer demands for products like soybeans, cocoa, and timber lead to increased deforestation in poorer nations. The research found that different tree types have varying environmental impacts, and that policies aimed at preserving forests must also alleviate poverty.
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 shows investing in tree diversity leads to greater long-term benefits and lower costs. High genetic diversity is crucial for tropical forests' resilience to climate change and pests, producing more seeds and fruit. This approach may increase initial costs but offers significant ecological and socioeconomic benefits.
Researchers at the University of Copenhagen refute the claim that old-growth forests play a significant role in climate mitigation due to incorrectly analyzed data. However, they emphasize the importance of old-growth forest for biodiversity. The study found that the carbon storage capacity of unmanaged forests is highly overestimated.
Researchers have developed xylem filters made from native trees that can remove bacteria and viruses from contaminated drinking water, showing promise as a community-based solution. The filters can be fabricated using simple techniques and have been tested in India, demonstrating their effectiveness in real-world situations.
A decline in black cherry regeneration is reported, suggesting that environmental changes might impact other tree species in mixed forests. An increase in pathogens and reduced nitrogen deposition in soil are identified as key factors contributing to this decline.
A new study by UC Berkeley chemists found that vegetation, particularly trees and green plants, are a significant source of aerosol pollution in Los Angeles. The researchers estimated that 25% of the aerosols come from vegetation, with many tree species producing volatile organic compounds.
Scientists studying early-budding trees have identified a key gene, EBB3, that regulates bud-break in response to temperature changes. This discovery could lead to genetically modified crops more resilient to warmer winters and late frosts.
A recent study found that European summer droughts since 2015 exceed anything in the past 2,100 years, with climate change and jet stream changes likely causing this anomaly. The researchers analyzed tree-ring stable isotopes to reconstruct summer climate conditions over 2,110 years.
A study in Burkina Faso found that assisted natural regeneration, combined with tree planting and participatory approaches, is effective in restoring degraded landscapes. However, local communities, particularly women, face limited land-access rights, hindering their involvement in decision-making.
The Reforestation Hub is an interactive map that color-codes individual counties by reforestation opportunity, revealing a great deal of potential for restoration across the US. The tool identifies trends and quantifies land suitability for forest cover, providing valuable insights for foresters and policymakers.
A new study reveals that nitrogen-fixing trees play a vital role in recovering tropical forests by enriching nutrient-poor soils with scarce elements such as phosphorus. The trees' roots weather rocks beneath them, releasing nutrients like phosphorus and molybdenum that boost plant growth.
Researchers identify fungi living in EAB-infested trees, which could be harnessed to control the invasive pest. The discovery opens up new possibilities for managing one of Minnesota's most devastating tree pests.
Two Cornell University scientists are tracking down the cause of rapid apple decline, a phenomenon causing trees to deteriorate and die in just weeks. They will analyze root systems, viruses, and commercial apple orchards to determine the underlying cause.
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 found that legume trees can alter their soils' microbiome to increase access to nutrients and support surrounding tree growth. This process involves accelerating mineral weathering processes, releasing vital nutrients for the trees.
Researchers at Texas A&M University discovered evidence of human settlement in the Bahamas around 1200-1300 A.D. using charcoal deposits from human fires thousands of years ago. The new settlers dramatically changed the landscape, leading to increased deforestation and loss of native species.
Researchers identified insect genes that directly guide gall development in aphids, transforming ordinary plant parts into intricate shelters. The discovery of "bicycle genes" reveals a novel mechanism by which insects reprogram plant growth.
Selective conifer breeding accelerates tree growth but may lead to genetic trade-offs with climate adaptation, posing challenges for future forests. The study identified genes associated with growth and cold tolerance, highlighting the need for careful breeding programs to maintain healthy forests in changing climates.
A new study by Oregon State University suggests that low-intensity thinning in riparian zones can aid forest restoration without harming streams. The research examined the effects of shade and light reductions on stream temperatures in three small watersheds in northern California's second-growth redwood forests.
A Hungarian research team studied pre-schoolers' attention patterns and found that those who frequently use mobile devices focus more on details than on the global picture. The researchers believe this could have long-term effects on their cognitive development.
More than half of Europe's forests are at risk from climate-driven disturbances, with large trees and old trees particularly vulnerable to extreme weather conditions and insect infestations. Climate change is projected to increase the frequency and severity of these events, posing significant threats to European forest ecosystems.
Repeated fires alter tree communities, reducing biomass and individual trees by up to 72% over 50 years. Regions with extreme climate variations are most sensitive to fire frequency changes.
A Brazilian study reveals that human activities have caused biodiversity and biomass losses in over 80% of the remaining Atlantic Rainforest fragments. The destruction corresponds to the loss of 70,000 km² of forest, worth $2.3-2.6 billion in carbon credits.