Articles tagged with Trees
Researchers found that biochar application successfully reduced soil acidity and made heavy metals less bioavailable, converting them into less toxic forms. This locally sourced biochar can be used to prevent metal accumulation in soils near abandoned mines, potentially reviving degraded ecosystems.
Researchers found that forest biomass had a major peak at altitudes of 2400-3100m, where forests struggle to reach more than 15m tall. This discovery challenges the assumption that tall mountains make small trees and reveals unique climate conditions on mountain tops of PNG.
A new study from the University of Helsinki suggests that climate change may increase the damage caused by a naturally circulating fungal disease in Norway spruce trees. The researchers found that future climate changes can alter the impact of forest pathogens, highlighting the need for further research on this topic.
A team of scientists has provided a new evolutionary tree for Archaea, resolving their deepest relationships. The study suggests that early Archaea likely used the Wood-Ljungdahl pathway to make energy, dating back over 3.5 billion years.
A new study predicts a significant decline in carbon storage in the Sierra Nevada mountains under projected climate-wildfire interactions. The research highlights the need for policy makers to take action to maintain these forested ecosystems, which can help regulate water flow and mitigate the effects of global warming.
A University of Utah study found that LA lawns account for 70% of water loss, while trees use relatively less water. Wealthy neighborhoods lose more water due to larger lot sizes and other factors.
In a unique mechanism of seed dispersal, goats spit out argan tree seeds during rumination, benefiting the trees' survival. This novel method may be essential for some plant species.
The study found that edible dormice prefer areas with a mix of beech trees and conifers, providing a balanced food supply. The rodents adapt to the lifecycle of beech trees by making pragmatic choices about territory selection and hibernation patterns.
Researchers estimated that Los Angeles lost about 100 gallons of water per person per day to the atmosphere in 2010 due to overwatering of lawns and trees. The study found a surprising water efficiency of tree cover, with trees using significantly less water than grassy lawns.
A new study from the University of Illinois suggests that simple metabolic functions were the precursor to the emergence of life on Earth. The research analyzed gene ontology data and constructed a tree tracing the evolutionary path of molecular functions over time.
A new study published in New Forests finds that the American chestnut rescue effort will eventually succeed, but at a slower pace than anticipated. The research team reviewed decades of breeding records and transgenic experiments to conclude that it is just a matter of time before blight resistance is achieved.
Researchers discovered the oldest known evidence of Homo at Ledi-Geraru, dated to 2.8 million years ago, with early Homo associated with open and arid grassy environments. The diet of early Homo appears similar to that of Australopithecus, challenging previous assumptions about the origins of Homo.
A study in PLOS ONE reveals that Yellowstone grizzly bears continue to forage for declining whitebark pine seeds, a key food source. The analysis suggests that some bears may be consuming more plants and berries in response to the decline of whitebark trees.
Early human ancestors may have been able to exploit the forest canopy for resources by using a 'light touch strategy', improving their balance in simulated arboreal environment by up to 30%.
Researchers at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, discovered that tiny soil organisms create 'soil highways' for young trees, influencing their migration patterns. The study suggests that these invisible biotic communities could be used to encourage tree migration and preserve heat-sensitive species.
A UC Berkeley study has found significant flaws in research used to challenge the US Forest Service's plan to restore Sierra Nevada forests. The study, published in Ecological Applications, uses historic field data to estimate forest density and finds two major methodological flaws.
A new study sequencing 80 silver birch genomes reveals genetic mutations influencing tree growth, wood production, and environmental adaptations. These findings hold potential for breeding trees better suited to various industries and climates.
A new study analyzed high-resolution satellite data to quantify the impact of China's afforestation programs, finding that most new tree cover consists of sparse, low-density plantations. The research provides valuable insights for policymakers and researchers, enabling them to track returns from tree-planting investments and identify ...
New propagation methods for rare tropical tree species, like Serianthes nelsonii, are being developed at the University of Guam. These methods enable the production of more propagules every year, supporting conservation goals and expanding species recovery potential.
In Los Angeles, single-family home add-ons and paved property features led to a 14-55% loss of green cover. Urban forests' benefits, such as reduced energy use and improved health, were compromised.
Citrus greening, caused by Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus, starves trees of nutrients and damages roots. Researchers are developing novel therapies to kill insects or block bacteria transmission. A $6 million grant supports the project, which aims to establish a research pipeline and deploy treatments in greenhouses and groves.
A new study finds that high-severity fires in a warming climate can limit the ability of Western conifer forests to recover, potentially transforming landscapes from forested to shrub-dominated systems. The researchers found that hardwood trees and shrubs quickly establish after fire, while conifers struggle to compete.
A new study suggests that high deer populations in England are damaging the natural habitat needed by many ground-nesting woodland birds. Eating wild venison could help reduce deer numbers and support the re-emergence of these species, according to University of Nottingham ecologist Dr Markus Eichhorn.
A study from the University of Vermont found that imitating old-growth forests enhances carbon storage in managed forestland. The new technique, called structural complexity enhancement, showed higher levels of carbon storage than conventional forestry methods.
Research by Indiana University geographers reveals a 15% increase in annual water yield resulting from forest damage caused by the hemlock woolly adelgid. The study highlights concerns about water quality as rainfall runs off more quickly, carrying higher concentrations of nutrients.
A new genus and new species of fully arboreal crab was discovered in the Western Ghats, India. The species, named Kani maranjandu, is characterized by its elongated walking legs and can be found living in trees.
Researchers found that Sapporo mai-mai snails live longer in trees due to fewer predators and better food sources. Tree-dwelling snails also eat epiphytic lichens and mosses, unlike ground-dwelling counterparts.
Researchers from the University of Delaware found that tree trunks in upland forests emit methane, while soils and coarse woody debris act as methane sinks. The study used state-of-the-art technology to measure fluxes of methane and carbon dioxide, revealing a previously unaccounted source of this potent greenhouse gas.
Climate change is altering silica uptake in sugar maple trees, potentially affecting ecosystems. Warmer winters and reduced snow cover are damaging tree roots, leading to a significant loss of silica, which plays crucial roles in forest health.
A Cornell professor explains how to use the 35-year-old evolutionary Tree of Life (TOL) classification system to make sense of biodiversity. The TOL approach reveals the diversity of life by matching and mapping relationships on a branching diagram, showing inferred evolutionary connections between taxa.
Research highlights trees' crucial role in retaining water and producing cooling moisture, enhancing food security and climate change adaptation. The study suggests a new perspective on the relationship between trees and water in addressing climate change.
Engineers at MIT develop microfluidic device mimicking nature's hydraulic pumps, enabling passive water pumping and potential use in small robots. The 'tree-on-a-chip' uses a sugar-powered hydraulic system to maintain constant flow rate for several days.
Research by Montana State University's Selena Ahmed aims to understand the effects of weather variability on maple syrup production. The study found that warmer temperatures lead to higher levels of phenolic compounds, resulting in darker syrups with lower demand and prices.
A new study published in Scientific Reports suggests that the relationship between tree diversity and carbon storage in tropical forests may not exist as previously assumed. Researchers found that high-carbon forest stocks do not necessarily correlate with high biodiversity, contradicting previous studies.
A tree growth model developed by Washington State University researchers helps breeders identify trees that can produce more wood. The model simulates hormonal interactions and gene expression to predict radial growth, leading to faster and thicker trees.
Researchers at International Institute for Applied Systems Analysis developed a model that elucidates the natural patterns of biodiversity in tropical forests. The study shows how physiological differences and competition for light lead to a large number of species coexisting, challenging traditional ecological theory.
A new study suggests that ancient peoples domesticated tree species thousands of years ago, which are now more common in mature upland forests. The research found that a quarter of these domesticated species dominate large expanses of forest and are vital for the livelihood and economy of Amazonian peoples.
A new study reveals that pre-Colombian peoples played a significant role in shaping modern-day Amazonian biodiversity. The research found that 85 domesticated tree species, including cacao and Brazil nut, were five times more common in forests near ancient settlements.
A study in Norway's boreal forest reconstructs past events over the last 700 years, showing a surge in human-instigated fires during the 17th and 18th centuries followed by fire suppression after AD 1800. The analysis provides valuable insights into historical fire patterns, guiding forest management planning.
Research from the University of Minnesota reveals that diverse tree stands outperform monocultures due to species' adaptability in using available space. This adaptability maximizes combined productivity through enhanced light utilization and increased biomass production.
Researchers used Google Street View to map street tree canopy coverage in Singapore, finding that increasing cover can reduce ground surface and air temperatures. The study's method could help urban planners prioritize tree planting and create greener environments.
A UK-based Centre for Ecology & Hydrology study has devised a scientific model to help predict the spread of Xylella fastidiosa, a deadly pathogen threatening Europe's olive trees. The model suggests that wider buffer zones can reduce infection risk but may not stop the spread completely due to disease-spreading insects.
Researchers found that tree death due to drought is consistent across environments worldwide, with denser wood and smaller leaves providing better resistance. Climate change implications include increased tree mortality and future global warming.
The team will design and identify bactericides to target Huanglongbing, which has devastated citrus trees in Asia and South America. They will also develop a new delivery system for use in field citrus trees.
Australian cathedral termites evolved from wood-feeding ancestors that migrated over vast distances and adapted to changing environments. Their massive mounds house millions of termites, showcasing remarkable engineering feats.
A team of geographers has developed a methodology to measure aboveground woody biomass in savannahs, with results showing significant changes in the ecosystem. The study found that some areas of Kruger National Park's savannah are experiencing declining biomass due to elephant activity, not human impact.
A study by ETH Zurich researchers found that tropical tree species rely on bird dispersal for seed spread, but this process is limited to short distances. As a result, reforestation efforts may require active planting of these species to achieve successful restoration.
University of Utah mathematicians introduce 'field patterns,' a theoretical framework that describes how disturbances move through materials under varying conditions. This new object exhibits characteristics of both propagating waves and localized particles.
Researchers uncovered hundreds of large, mysterious geoglyphs in Brazil's Amazon rainforest, challenging assumptions about the ecosystem. The sites were found to have been built using sustainable 'agroforestry' practices, which concentrated on economically valuable tree species.
A recent study revealed that climate change is expected to disrupt the balance of nutrients in mountain ecosystems, potentially leading to changes in plant growth and biodiversity. The research found that decreasing elevation can serve as a surrogate indicator for climate warming, leading to increased nitrogen availability in soil.
A University of Illinois study found that about one-third of rural farmers across five African countries have trees on their farms, contributing 17% to their annual household income. Trees can act as biodiversity corridors, linking forests and providing wildlife habitat, while also offering income potential to poor farmers.
A study by University of California - Davis scientists found that trees growing in already dry areas are most susceptible to drought. Dense forests in the driest regions are at risk of mass mortality during extreme droughts, which can take years to surface.
New research suggests climate-protection policies focusing on tree diversity and carbon stocks could imperil the world's most biodiverse tropical forests. The study found that African forests store high levels of carbon but are species-poor, while Amazon and Asian forests have higher biodiversity but less carbon stored per hectare.
Researchers at the University of Bath have developed a renewable plastic from pinene found in pine needles, which can replace petroleum-based plastics in food packaging and medical implants. The new plastic is biodegradable and produced from a waste product previously discarded in the paper industry.
A new study reveals that soil fungi play a crucial role in protecting tree seedlings from pathogens, with different fungal groups offering varying levels of protection. This has significant implications for forest community patterns and overall biodiversity.
A new study found that trees worldwide develop thicker bark when living in fire-prone areas, suggesting bark thickness could predict which forests will survive a warmer climate. Trees in fire-prone regions have thicker bark than those in tropical rainforests, indicating a link between bark thickness and fire resistance.
A team of researchers developed a non-invasive method to detect and quantify wood decay in living trees, which can help understand global carbon pools and tree health. The sonic tomography technology uses sound waves to image the trunk, allowing for the creation of color-coded images of decaying wood.
Researchers at the University of York have identified genetic markers for disease tolerance in UK ash trees, suggesting they may be able to withstand a devastating fungal infection. This discovery could contribute to breeding new varieties of ash that are tolerant to the disease.
Scientists have sequenced the ash tree genome, which aids the breeding of resistant trees against ash dieback fungus. The UK is home to over 1,000 species that rely on ash trees, making their conservation crucial.
Scientists found that resistant ash trees have low levels of chemicals defending against insects, highlighting a potential trade-off in tree resilience. Researchers warn against selecting trees for fungal resistance at the expense of insect protection.