Research on trees and their role in nature and cities. Covers forest conservation, tension wood, and the benefits of urban trees.
A new study suggests small trees can adapt better to droughts and grow into a new generation to help the rainforest survive. Researchers found that small trees increase their capacity for photosynthesis and growth despite lack of water, potentially leading to greater overall resilience in the forest.
A long-term study on cycads in Guam reveals that plant size and habitat traits significantly impact their mortality rate due to invasive species. The research found that larger plants with substantial stored resources are more likely to survive, while smaller plants and those in fragmented forests are more susceptible to damage.
A recent study on ginkgoes found that they can 'escape senescence at the whole-plant level,' raising questions about the apparent lack of aging in centuries-old trees. However, plant biologist Sergi Munné-Bosch argues that these organisms still undergo physiological stress associated with senescence.
Research reveals that lightning damages approximately 832 million tropical trees each year, with a quarter of them dying from injuries. The study found that lightning strikes are more frequent in forests, savannas, and urban areas, altering ecosystem dynamics.
Scientists discovered a new species of giant pigeon in Tonga, Tongoenas burleyi, which was hunted to extinction within a century after human arrival. The bird's size and dietary habits suggest it played a crucial role in dispersing seeds for fruit-bearing trees.
Researchers found that the WA Christmas Tree, a parasitic plant, adapts to its environment by adjusting to temperature changes rather than relying on precipitation. This discovery has implications for conservation and restoration efforts, as it could inform the collection of seed for these species.
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.
A comprehensive analysis of the consequences of the 2018 drought and heat event in European forests reveals that even drought-resistant tree species suffered long-term damage. The study suggests that future scenarios require redesigning forests to combat heat and drought, and new analytical approaches are needed to track tree mortality...
A new study by University of Alberta biologists found that female mountain pine beetles use different strategies to find success, regardless of distance traveled. Those flying longer distances tend to lose weight but produce more pheromone, increasing their chances of attracting fellow beetles.
A recent study found that tree planting on heather moorland in Scotland did not increase carbon storage, but instead led to a decline in soil organic carbon stocks. The research suggests that planting trees may not be an effective strategy for mitigating climate change in certain areas.
A study by the University of Guam found that cycad stem cuttings require wound sealants to survive and propagate. The researchers discovered that petroleum jelly, lanolin paste, honeycomb wax, and even modelling clay can effectively cover wounds and retain hydration.
Researchers found that native 'ohi'a seedlings can survive for at least a year in areas with active mortality from Rapid 'ohi'a Death, a fungal disease devastating to Hawaiian forests. Seedlings were six times more likely to die if weeds were allowed to grow around them.
A Rutgers-led study examines 40 options to tackle interrelated problems of climate change, food security and land degradation. The research finds that integrated water management and agroforestry have fewer trade-offs than well-known options like planting trees.
A new study reveals that palm trees are the most abundant tree species in American rainforests, outnumbering other tropical forest plants by a significant margin. The research, led by scientists at Uppsala University and University of Campinas, Brazil, has quantified palm numbers globally for the first time.
Researchers propose STyLuS*, a new approach to solving complex robot control problems, by growing 'trees' in the search space to find optimal solutions. This method reduces memory requirements and processing power needed for large-scale robotic tasks.
Research highlights risk of ecological change as wildfires flare up across West, driving changes in forest vegetation and threatening wildlife habitats and local economies. Scientists explore strategies to adapt forests to emerging climatic conditions, including 'assisted migration' and managing wildfire for resource objectives.
A Finnish-Brazilian team uncovered evidence of a pre-colonial civilization in the Amazon that domesticated plants for food and used the environment sustainably. The research found that Indigenous peoples protected and cared for trees, including Brazilian nut and palm trees, to maintain their ecosystem.
Researchers used a statistical method to remove weather influences from air pollution data in Saxony, finding that traffic density is the most important factor. Adjusted for weather, NOx concentrations decreased by an average of 10 micrograms per cubic meter between 2015 and 2018.
A study published in Restoration Ecology found that mountain meadow restorations using the 'pond and plug' technique increased bird populations over time. The study's authors concluded that both hydrologic measures and vegetative measures were helpful in creating habitat for birds, with the latter approach accelerating positive impacts.
Research team reports record-breaking temperatures causing water transport collapse through wood, leading to widespread tree death and drought-related stress symptoms. Mixed forests with drought-resistant species are needed to mitigate climate change impacts.
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.
A new self-powered alarm system detects forest fires by harvesting energy from moving tree branches, reducing the need for maintenance and increasing efficiency. The MC-TENG technology converts mechanical energy into electricity, enabling continuous monitoring of fire and environmental conditions.
Researchers analyzed data from Columbus, Ohio, and Atlanta, Georgia, to find that income and race significantly affect access to green spaces. Wealthier neighborhoods have greater access to parks, trees, and sports fields in Columbus, while racial disparities are more pronounced in Atlanta.
A new study finds that investments in tree plantations and palm oil production consistently lead to higher rates of tropical deforestation. Governments must provide transparent information on land deals to protect forests effectively.
A new study on palm oil agriculture in Borneo found that protected forest areas within oil palm plantations store up to 20% more carbon than those with no protection. These areas also boost rainforest biodiversity by conserving endangered species such as hornbill birds and dipterocarp trees.
A new study finds that poorly designed tree-planting campaigns could lead to more biodiversity loss and little climate change benefit. Strong subsidy restrictions are crucial to avoid these negative impacts.
A recent study reveals that ancient farmers' use of charcoal to fertilize the soil created a unique ecosystem in the Amazon, boosting biodiversity and supporting plant diversity. The 'dark earth' technique has left a lasting legacy in the region's mature forests.
The giant sequoia's bark has a three-dimensional network of fibers and air-filled cavities that distribute energy and insulate against heat. This unique structure helps protect the tree from wild fires and rock falls, with the bark returning to its original state after damage.
A study by the USDA Forest Service found that increasing tree canopy in Philadelphia could prevent between 271 and 400 premature deaths annually. The research suggests that even modest increases in tree canopy cover can lead to significant reductions in mortality rates, particularly in areas with lower socioeconomic status.
Research reveals that agroforestry systems can have significant ecological benefits, including enhanced biodiversity and carbon sequestration. However, the conversion of remaining forested areas into coffee or cocoa plantations should be avoided to maximize these benefits.
Researchers investigated potassium fertilization effects on pears in a long history of fertilizer use to establish critical levels. Higher K doses resulted in lower ethylene production and respiration rates, extending storage life.
Researchers found that forests on shale bedrock store 25% more live aboveground carbon and grow 55% faster than those on sandstone bedrock, making them ideal for conservation and carbon sequestration.
Researchers surveyed commercial and residential citrus trees in Texas from 2007 to 2017, finding that the proportion of infected trees and psyllids increased exponentially over time. The study suggests that a flatter progression of citrus greening disease epidemics could be achieved through targeted protection and management strategies.
Researchers have used a recently developed radiocarbon dating method to determine the exact construction date of an eighth-century Uyghur complex in southern Siberia. The findings suggest that the complex was built as a Manichaean monastery, explaining its abandonment, and provide new insights into the purpose of this archaeological site.
New research at the 'Joe's Garden' site in Papua New Guinea reveals insights into past subsistence patterns, including the consumption of starchy plants like tree nuts and tubers. The findings confirm the long-term survival of these microfossils in an equatorial context.
New research evaluates how US wind plant performance changes with age, finding that older plants experience relatively low levels of decline in peak performance compared to European fleets. Fungi food choices study reveals enzymes used for breaking down plant cell walls can be mass-produced and used in industrial processes.
A PNNL-led study found that environmental changes are transforming forests worldwide, leading to a dramatic decrease in tree age and stature. Rising temperatures, carbon dioxide, and increased disturbances like wildfire and drought are contributing to this trend.
A new study reveals that global environmental changes are leading to a decrease in the age and stature of forests worldwide. Rising temperatures and carbon dioxide have been altering forest dynamics, causing increased stress and mortality among trees.
A new study published in Ecology Letters reveals that geological factors control the organization of ecosystems across tropical landscapes. Researchers used high-resolution airborne remote sensing datasets to analyze data from Mt. Kinabalu, finding complex interactions between geology, biogeochemistry, biodiversity, and biogeography.
A new study by Trinity College Dublin reveals that a diverse range of trees and shrubs in West African parkland habitats supports fruit production and pollination services, ultimately benefiting the shea crop and local communities. The findings have important implications for managing this critical crop and conserving pollinators.
Shinshu University researchers have developed a new method to capture carbon via root exudates in wild forests. The method, which is quick and gentle on fine-scale roots, detects and measures the organic compounds released from tree roots into the soil.
An international team of scientists has identified candidate resistance genes that could protect ash trees from the EAB, a deadly pest expected to kill billions of trees. Researchers sequenced the genomes of 22 species of ash tree and found 53 candidate resistance genes involved in making chemicals harmful to insects.
Researchers found that maximum daily temperatures above 32.2 degrees Celsius cause tropical forests to lose stored carbon more quickly. The study highlights the importance of protecting tropical forests and stabilizing the Earth's climate.
Researchers found that tropical forests can handle heat up to a certain threshold of 32 degrees Celsius, but limiting global temperatures is crucial to avoid accelerating climate change. The study analyzed over half a million trees across 813 forests in the tropics.
A new study reveals that Madagascar copal, a material thought to be hundreds of years old, is actually an Antropocene-era resin made during the extreme human impact period. The findings suggest that species within the resin may have adapted to new habitats due to deforestation.
Scientists used virtual reality to simulate a naturalistic environment for insects, revealing their ability to use perspective and motion parallax to locate food sources. The study also showed that airflow cues play a crucial role in orienting flies, especially in the absence of visual cues.
A new prediction tool developed by University of Nevada, Reno researchers can help manage forests in the Sierra Nevada mountains. The tool, designed to focus on water quantity, predicts how different approaches to thinning impact snowpack accumulation in Lake Tahoe.
A study finds temperate and tropical dry forests harbor unique tree evolutionary diversity, exceeding that of rainforests. Researchers highlight the need for conservation efforts in these often-overlooked ecosystems.
The Verticillium wilt disease is a complex interaction between multiple microorganisms, including fungi, bacteria, and protozoa, that attack the olive tree. The infection process involves a community of microorganisms, with beneficial fungi turning harmful to the plant.
A study published in Ethology has captured koalas drinking behaviour in the wild for the first time, showing they access water by licking smooth tree trunks. The research highlights the importance of retaining trees for the conservation of the species.
A study published in Proceedings B found that many plant collections fall short of ambitious targets for conserving genetic diversity of rare species. The researchers recommend optimizing use of limited garden space and collecting from the right plants to capture more genetic diversity.
Deer damage is driven by factors such as climate, tree type, density, roads, and surrounding landscape, according to a new study. The study found that afforestation can influence deer damage in different areas of the country.
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.
Scientists at Washington State University have discovered candidate genes that could be used to manufacture Taxol more quickly and efficiently. The genes, characterized by lead researcher Mark Lange, will enable engineers to develop organisms that can produce the cancer-fighting drug.
Researchers observed that monkeys on Coiba spent up to 14.5 minutes on the ground, whereas mainland sites had smaller group sizes and limited ground time. The absence of predators likely played a key role in the behavior.
A study found that increasing tree canopy to 30% of land area could prevent over 400 premature adult deaths per year, representing 3% of the city's annual mortality. Increasing green spaces can also bring significant economic benefits, estimated at almost $4 billion annually.
A tropical treefall created a 2.5-acre gap that attracted hundreds of hummingbird species, doubling the diversity and presence of these birds in the area. The researchers documented 16 unique individuals of one species, the snowy-bellied hummingbird, within just one year after the treefall.
Duke University researchers use a machine learning algorithm to estimate ground-level air pollution with high accuracy and resolution, surpassing current methods. The approach uses high-resolution micro-satellite imagery and weather data to detect tiny airborne particles like PM2.5.
Researchers at KU Leuven developed an online tool that maps threats to tropical dry forests in Peru and Ecuador, advising local governments on forest restoration and conservation. The tool uses tree species traits to predict resilience and identify most-at-risk areas.
A landmark 10-article collection clarifies oak evolution from deep roots to recent adaptations, identifying key genes involved in resistance to pathogens and genomic evidence for 56 million years of oak evolution. The study provides valuable insights into tree biology, particularly in response to rapid environmental change.