Articles tagged with Trees
Researchers develop a multidimensional model to study tree sap transport, capturing radial variations and geometry effects. The model validates findings via numerical method, providing new insights into flow regimes and their dependence on physical parameters.
A new NASA study reveals that megafires in Canada's Northwest Territories released half as much carbon back into the atmosphere as all the plants, shrubs and trees store in an entire year. The Arctic is warming faster than any other region on Earth, leading to more frequent and intense large fires.
Current tropical forests' capacity to absorb carbon dioxide is being compromised by deforestation and climate change, threatening global temperature rise goals. Researchers estimate that forests are currently absorbing as much CO2 as they generate through deforestation and degradation.
A Dartmouth-led study proposes that the Lorax viewed himself as part of the Truffula forest ecosystem, not an ecopoliceman, and had a symbiotic relationship with other species. The research also finds that Geisel's inspiration for elements in the Lorax may have been based on actual tree and monkey species in Kenya.
A new project uses talking trees to investigate how forest ecosystems react to climate dynamics. Researchers track the trees' growth patterns and water transport, linking this data to social sciences research on education and climate modeling.
A study found that elephants are responsible for 37% of seeds produced viable seedlings, while smaller forest animals like deer have lower effectiveness. This suggests that declines in megafauna populations could impact the tree's reproductive success and forest ecosystem dynamics.
Research reviewed by North Carolina State University suggests that cities display predicted effects of climate change, including urban heat islands and drought rates. Urban areas can show how plants and animals respond to changes in climate over long stretches of time, providing insights into potential future effects.
Native tree seedlings proliferated after rat removal, with an average of 8 seedlings per square meter. The restored forest provides critical habitat for seabirds, crabs, and other rare species, contributing to resilient ecosystems and improved fish populations.
Researchers found that particulate matter increases foliar transpiration in plants, making them more susceptible to drought. The tiny pores on leaves, known as stomata, are compromised by salt solutions formed from hygroscopic particles.
Treevia's SmartForest system uses wearable devices and electronic sensors to monitor tree growth, quality, and health in real-time. This allows for more efficient and data-driven forest management decisions.
Researchers at Virginia Tech used ecological forecasting to predict future growth rates of loblolly pine trees, showing a potential 30% increase in productivity by the middle of the century. The study focused on planted loblolly pine plantations in the Southeastern United States and highlighted uncertainties depending on specific regions.
Researchers from the University of Guelph found that climate warming-induced advances in treeline movement may be halted by unsuitable soils, hindering plant growth. This discovery is important for preserving individual species or entire ecosystems.
Researchers used genetic analysis to sort bat species, revealing two new species in Kenya. The findings have implications for conservation and farming efforts.
A University of California, Davis study found that grasslands are more resilient carbon sinks than forests in 21st century California, especially when considering the impacts of droughts and wildfires. Grasslands store most of their carbon underground, making them a viable option for carbon offset efforts.
A recent study published in Science Advances analyzed the most complete foot of an ancient juvenile Australopithecus afarensis, discovered in Ethiopia. The findings suggest that the child spent more time in trees than adults, utilizing its backup plan to survive despite walking upright at a young age.
Researchers analyzed nearly four decades of TV footage from the Tour of Flanders and found that trees were advancing their leafing and flowering in response to warmer temperatures. This phenomenon, known as phenology, can have significant impacts on ecosystems, affecting animal habitats and plant species.
A new study by Rice University ecologists suggests that saving lemurs could be key to saving the island's largest trees. Lemurs disperse seeds of many hardwoods, but their loss may lead to a change in forest composition, reducing carbon sequestration potential.
Researchers found that the mountain beaver's ancestor had a larger relative brain size than modern-day mountain beavers. The study suggests that as the animal transitioned from living in trees to burrowing underground, its neocortex, responsible for sight, may have shrunk over time.
Researchers call for active woodland management to create a 'mosaic' of trees with varied ages and sizes. Dormouse numbers are falling in Britain due to changes in climate and habitat composition, with more broadleaf woodland needed to support the species.
Research in Japan found that Asiatic black bears create arboreal feeding signs (AFS) on trees with large mast energy values, indicating a cost-benefit analysis for climbing. AFS are also more likely during poor mast years when competition for hard mast is high.
A new airborne remote-imaging method can identify olive tree infections caused by the devastating bacterium Xylella fastidiosa before visible symptoms appear. This detection enables rapid containment and culling of infected trees, crucial in controlling the spread of the disease across southern Europe's iconic orchards.
Researchers used LiDAR technology to map carbon storage in urban forests, finding areas like Hampstead Heath store up to 178 tonnes of carbon per hectare. This study highlights the value of urban trees for mitigating climate change and demonstrates their potential as a vital resource for cities.
Using tree-fall patterns, researchers estimated the near-surface wind speeds of an actual tornado event in Naplate, IL, with results compared to wind speeds from residential houses and damaged infrastructure. The method also applied to crops damaged by tornadoes, providing a new approach to estimating tornado intensity.
A new study confirms that increasing winter temperatures allow beetles to expand their range, but also reveals that overcrowding can limit population growth. Resource competition is a stronger factor than cold temperatures in beetle mortality.
Researchers identified 29 Antarctic fungi with proven action against Xanthomonas citri, the bacterium causing citrus canker. The isolated compounds inhibited bacterial growth by up to 98%, offering a promising alternative to copper-based control methods.
Researchers found that dogs can effectively sniff out infected avocado trees well in advance, providing a potential solution to the devastating impact of laurel wilt disease on the industry. The study's results show that dogs can detect agricultural diseases like laurel wilt with high accuracy, even in harsh weather conditions.
A large-scale study found that tree fungi communities are stressed by pollution across 20 European countries. The study revealed thresholds of essential nutrients like nitrogen and phosphorus beyond which the community of mycorrhizal fungi changes.
Researchers at the University of Delaware developed a novel process to convert lignin, a common wood byproduct, into high-performance adhesive tape. The new process performs just as well as commercially available products and uses a sustainable material.
A new study found that red spruce tree growth has increased by over 75% since 2001, with reduced pollution and warmer winter temperatures likely contributing to the resurgence. The research suggests that the Clean Air Act is working to enhance conditions for red spruce, but future changes in climate may impact their recovery.
New research by the USDA Forest Service suggests that reduced acid rain and warmer temperatures are behind the resurgence of red spruce. The study found that over 75% of red spruce trees exhibited increasing growth since 2001, indicating a positive response to recent climate shifts.
Research from Dartmouth College shows that cooler weather can increase the lethality of southern pine beetles' attacks on trees. The study demonstrates how climate change creates a destructive one-two punch for forests, with warmer temperatures leading to synchronized emergence of adult beetles and increased population density.
A global study found that Leguminosae trees are twice as common in dry compared with wet secondary forests during the first three decades of natural forest regeneration. These trees have high drought tolerance and can fix nitrogen from the atmosphere, making them essential for tropical forest regrowth in dry regions.
A new study reveals that the asteroid impact that wiped out dinosaurs also caused a mass extinction of forests, leading to the demise of tree-dwelling birds. The research team analyzed fossil records and pollen evidence to conclude that the temporary loss of forests after the impact made it impossible for arboreal birds to survive.
Researchers analyzed plant fossil record and evolutionary relationships to conclude that global forest collapse led to the survival of only a few ancestral bird lineages. These early survivors adapted to life on the ground, laying the foundation for the diverse range of modern bird species.
A large study published in Diabetologia found that consuming two ounces of tree nuts daily can improve glycemic control and blood lipid levels in individuals with type 2 diabetes. The research, funded by the International Tree Nut Council, showed a modest but significant improvement in blood glucose control despite higher fat intake.
Researchers found that a shade-tree cover of approximately 30% has a predominantly positive effect on cocoa plants, maintaining maximum soil moisture and keeping pests and diseases in check. This amount of shade also increases animal and plant species, carbon sequestration, and cooling effects on temperature.
Climate change is widening the emerald ash borer's reach in Canada, as warmer winters enable the beetle to migrate further north. As a result, more cities are at risk of damage from this invasive species.
A new study reveals that ancient communities in South America, particularly the Southern Jê people, played a significant role in expanding the critically endangered Araucaria forests between 1,410 and 900 years ago. The forests, which date back to the time of dinosaurs, were initially established on grasslands and expanded into highlan...
Researchers at the University of Stirling discovered regular cycles in 36% of samples from 851 tropical trees, challenging the principle that tropical ecosystems are aseasonal. The study found flowers are more likely to occur on a regular annual cycle than fruits and leaves.
A new technique using high-resolution satellite imagery and aerial measurements provides a more accurate picture of forest recovery from wildfires. By distinguishing between canopy and understory growth, scientists can better understand forest dynamics and carbon sequestration.
Recent research suggested natural regeneration is superior to tree-planting, but a new study criticizes the sites chosen for evaluation, citing apples-to-oranges comparisons. The authors argue that natural regeneration isn't always successful and recommend giving it a chance before intervening with human aid.
Recent studies on tropical forest restoration have been found to be biased, with natural regeneration being compared to active tree planting in different site conditions. This finding could change the approach to restoration, suggesting that both methods can be complementary and suitable for specific sites.
Research by Michigan Technological University found that harvesting whole trees has no significant impact on plant diversity. In fact, removing only the logs led to increased diversity in understory plants. The study also revealed a negative effect of a logging technique on aspen regeneration.
A University of Washington study reveals that forest die-offs in specific regions of the US can influence plant growth in other parts of the country. The largest impacts were seen from losing forest cover in California, leading to slightly warmer Eastern US summers and harming plant growth.
A meta-analysis of 126 case studies from five continents reveals mixed-species forest stands are more ecologically valuable and resilient. These forests also exhibit greater productivity, particularly in areas with favorable water supplies.
The largest 1% of trees in mature forests worldwide comprise 50% of forest biomass, according to a global study. The size of the largest trees is crucial for forest structure and carbon storage, with big trees providing unique habitat and strongly influencing their surroundings.
A study found that China's reforestation programs failed to protect native forests, with overall tree cover growing mainly from monoculture plantations. Researchers advocate for stronger incentives to prioritize native forest restoration.
The Australian Mountain Ash ecosystem experienced significant declines in tree populations and animal biodiversity following logging and fire events. Prolonged periods of decline and slow recovery were also observed after disturbance events.
A Kyoto University researcher has captured the first Yanbaru whiskered bat in Okinawa since its discovery in 1996. The critically endangered species was found to have a range-restricted habitat within the Yanbaru Forest, highlighting the need for conservation efforts.
Biologist Judy Simon develops a system to observe interactions between tree roots in 3D, enabling the study of nitrogen uptake and communication. The transparent substrate allows for the observation of root activities, potentially contributing to sustainable forest management.
Researchers developed a model to predict genomic variation in Eucalyptus melliodora, allowing for more resilient reforestation efforts. The study identified broadly sourced seeds as an effective strategy to combat climate change, promoting the recovery of critically endangered tree species.
New research finds that thinning forests due to wildfires can reduce water stress and save up to 17 billion gallons of water annually. This approach may help offset the costs of forest restoration, which could increase water flow from Sierra Nevada watersheds by as much as 10 percent.
Researchers found low genetic diversity in fungal samples across Europe, making it vulnerable to increased severity with Asian genetic diversity introduction. The risk of a single spore leading to the demise of remaining ash trees is high, highlighting the need for conservation efforts.
Scientists found that warmer springs cause a mismatch between birds' hatching and caterpillar abundance, making it harder for chicks to feed. This affects three bird species: blue tits, great tits, and pied flycatchers, with the biggest mismatch seen among pied flycatchers.
A recent study by the Technical University of Munich found that trees with grassy areas can significantly cool urban environments, particularly on hot summer days. The research showed that black locust trees provide a higher cooling effect compared to linden trees, making them a promising option for cities like Munich.
Researchers detected periodic movement in tree branches and leaves, revealing a previously unknown water transport mechanism. This discovery suggests that trees are pumping water and may have shorter or longer sleep periods than previously thought.
A new study published in Biological Conservation found that freshwater fish biodiversity is harmed by selective logging in rainforests as much as by complete deforestation. The researchers discovered a significant drop in fish diversity across all types of logging, regardless of the amount or recentness of the logging.
New sequencing technologies and image analysis techniques enable novel solutions to phylogenetics challenges, providing insights into plant genomes and evolution. The special issue highlights cutting-edge approaches for exploring the plant family tree.
The study found that between 2009 and 2014, tree cover in urban areas declined by 0.7 percent, resulting in the loss of 36 million trees. This decline has significant impacts on air quality, energy costs, noise reduction, and human health. The annual benefits derived from US urban forests are estimated at $18 billion.
A new study suggests that warmer temperatures will speed up the transition from field to forest in the eastern US, leading to increased carbon sequestration. This could result in more rapidly growing forests replacing weeds and grasses, but also raises concerns about the impact of droughts on tree growth.