Articles tagged with Trees
The Amazon rainforest is a significant source of condensation nuclei for clouds, according to two studies. The rainforest's plant transpiration and thunderstorms produce aerosol particles that can be transported thousands of kilometers, influencing marine cloud formation.
A Curtin University study uses eDNA metabarcoding to track insect interactions with avocado flowers, detecting five times more unique pest species than digital video recordings. This method could help improve yields and make agricultural operations more efficient by identifying beneficial pollinators and pests.
The Forestry Research journal has been recognized by international authorities for its quality and academic level, with its articles available free of charge on PubMed Central. The journal focuses on major forest species, including timber, ornamental, economic, and ecological trees.
Researchers found that maritime pine seeds retain memories of temperature conditions experienced during embryonic development, influencing gene expression and potentially affecting tree growth. The study suggests epigenetic mechanisms could play a crucial role in helping trees adapt to environmental stressors and climate change.
A study has identified a gene called MdTCP11 that controls the growth of compact apple trees, also known as spur-type varieties. These trees exhibit increased fruit yield and require less pruning, making them ideal for modern orchards.
Researchers in Lithuania have developed Forest 4.0, a smart forest data processing model that enables real-time monitoring of forest conditions, sustainable resource accounting, and transparent governance. The system uses IoT sensors and AI algorithms to detect tree diseases, illegal logging, and predict changes in forest ecosystems.
A study published by researchers from Göttingen University sheds light on the critical role of leaf phenology in trees providing shade and improving climate resilience in cocoa agroforestry systems. The research found that certain shade tree species can significantly influence productivity and environmental stability.
Researchers at Penn State found that Indigenous communities played key roles in the adoption and dispersal of peaches across the continent. Peaches were likely widespread across Interior Southeast settlements as early as 1620, 100 years after Spanish expeditions in Florida and Georgia.
A new survey highlights the need to revive England's hedgerows to meet national restoration targets. While agri-environment schemes have improved hedge condition, overall length remains unchanged. Experts call for increased participation and better incentives among farmers and landowners to rejuvenate the network.
A 20-year experiment found that warmer soils alter the behavior of tree roots in different ways, with oak trees changing their interactions with soil microbes but maple trees maintaining their patterns
A new study by RMIT University found that eight major global cities have inadequate canopy cover despite having an abundance of trees. The '3-30-300' rule, which aims for 30% canopy cover and a view of at least three trees, was used to measure access to nature in the cities.
Researchers from MSU found that paper birch trees maintain similar enzyme capacities across different environmental conditions, indicating a built-in mechanism for survival. This discovery suggests that plants can adapt to changing temperatures and will continue to provide fuel, food, and fiber for humans.
Research by Göttingen University and collaborators reveals that tree islands within oil palm monocultures can naturally regenerate native tree diversity through ecological restoration. Larger island areas are particularly essential for endemic tree species struggling to find habitats.
Research led by the University of Göttingen found enriching beech forests with commercially valuable native and non-native conifer species can enhance biodiversity, ecosystem functioning, and economic performance. The study showed that mixing beech with Douglas fir resulted in positive gains, particularly for biodiversity and economic ...
A new study warns that climate change could lead to the loss of up to 68% of the world's temperate rainforests by 2100, highlighting the urgent need for action. The UK has a quarter of the world's potential for restoration and is resilient to low and medium amounts of future warming.
Researchers found that trees exhibit two distinct swaying patterns depending on wind speed, with branches absorbing energy in light winds and whole-tree sway in higher winds. The transition between patterns occurred at different wind speeds depending on forest density, shedding light on how forests respond to wind stress.
Research by an international team found that birds, bees, and bats working together increased macadamia nut production by up to four times, while reducing insect infestation by 40%. The effectiveness of these ecosystem services depends on altitude and natural habitats.
Scientists argue that tree planting at high latitudes will accelerate rather than decelerate global warming due to the unique characteristics of Arctic ecosystems. Large herbivores like caribou may be a more viable nature-based solution to climate change in these regions.
Scientists discovered that gophers, which were introduced to a devastated area after the 1980 eruption, helped regenerate plant and animal life through their digging. The bacteria and fungi they brought to the surface helped plants establish themselves and survive.
A new study provides a tool for urban planners to set science-based city-wide greening goals, estimating that cities can reduce land surface temperatures by up to 0.23°C with increased tree canopy cover. The research found that the cooling efficiency of urban trees increases at larger scales, but at a slower rate.
A global study published in Nature reveals that over 215 million hectares of tropical forests can support natural regeneration, sequestering 23.4 gigatonnes of carbon over 30 years. The identified area spans across five countries, including Brazil, Indonesia, China, Mexico, and Colombia, highlighting the need for targeted restoration e...
Researchers at North Carolina State University identify molecular property of lignin that determines ease of using microbial fermentation to turn trees into industrial chemicals. The discovery could lead to more sustainable alternatives to petroleum-based chemicals.
A WVU researcher says ancient tree rings can record rare and extreme space weather events, including geomagnetic storms. The study aims to better understand how to prepare for such events and mitigate their impact on communication satellites and astronauts.
An international team of researchers has discovered seven new species of tree frogs in Madagascar, characterized by their high-pitched whistling calls. The unique vocalizations are believed to serve as self-promotional advertisement calls to convey information about the male frog's suitability as a mate.
A new study suggests that Miami's native trees may not survive in the coming decades due to global warming, but tropical species can thrive and provide shade. The research recommends planting trees from the Caribbean region, such as black olive and gumbo-limbo trees, to mitigate the heat island effect and absorb carbon dioxide.
Researchers found that seven common European forest trees have preserved their genetic diversity over millions of years, defying expectations. This resilience is attributed to unique characteristics such as long generation times and pollen dispersal capabilities.
A recent study found that climate factors play a more dominant role in determining wood density for tree species than soil characteristics, while both factors equally influence shrub species. The research provides new insights into vegetation responses to environmental factors, with implications for improving ecosystem predictions.
The study found that chestnut blight has significantly impacted the American chestnut population, leading to a shift in forest composition. Decades may pass before floristic changes become apparent, highlighting the need for continued monitoring and conservation efforts.
Research at UC Davis found that megafire smoke can lower energy reserves in orchard trees and cut nut production by half, affecting plants for months after the fire. The study suggests that trees are vulnerable to smoke like humans, impacting agricultural and natural environments.
A new study reveals that bais, vast treeless clearings in the Congo Basin, are home to numerous endangered species, including Western lowland gorillas and African forest elephants. The researchers found over 2,000 distinct bais, covering less than 0.2% of the national park's landscape.
A University of Maryland-led study found that burying wood in the right environmental conditions can stop its decomposition and help curb carbon dioxide emissions. The researchers analyzed a 3,775-year-old log and surrounding soil, revealing that it had lost less than 5% carbon dioxide thanks to the low-permeability clay soil.
A DNA-collecting drone has been developed to identify species in tree canopies, providing insights into remote habitats. The drone's specialized fabric probe collects environmental DNA from leaves and branches, allowing researchers to identify organisms such as arachnids, insects, and monkeys.
Researchers developed DIAMANTE, a data-centric semantic segmentation approach to detect forest tree dieback events in satellite images. The approach trains a U-Net-like model on labelled remote-sensing datasets and achieves reasonable accuracy for early disease detection, reducing false alarms.
Tree-ring data reveal that periodic shifts in strong winds high above the Earth's surface have driven opposite climates in different parts of Europe for the past 700 years. This research provides critical data to improve climate models, comparing past patterns to current trends and societal impacts.
Snowmelt rates vary by slope orientation and receive varying amounts of solar radiation. The study found that burned south-facing slopes accumulate less snow and melt earlier than other aspects due to increased solar radiation absorption. This understanding will improve models and tools for water managers.
Climate scientists have proposed a new approach to conserve vulnerable ecosystems, focusing on sites with favorable weather conditions. The 'climate-change refugia' concept aims to reduce species extinctions by identifying and protecting areas least impacted by changing weather.
The University of Guam study found that under-plant mirrors can increase available ambient light in shaded areas, leading to improved seedling survival and growth. The innovative protocol uses mirrors instead of colored plastic mulch, resulting in a significant boost in plant performance with minimal costs.
Researchers developed a novel approach to map planted and natural forests globally at 30-m spatial resolution, enabling accurate tracking of forest changes. By analyzing frequency of disturbance on satellite images, the team distinguished between established natural forests and planted forests.
A new study from the University of Leicester found that trees in logged tropical forests produce more carbon dioxide per unit area than those in unlogged forests. The researchers measured respiration in tree stems and estimated values for all trees in a one-hectare plot, showing higher carbon release levels in logged forests.
A new study shows that urban forests within walkable distance from residential areas are crucial in reducing heat-related health risks. Researchers found that nearby forests have a pronounced impact on reducing mortality risks, particularly those within 1 kilometre of residential areas.
Four plants eaten by western lowland gorillas in Gabon, also used by local traditional healers, show antibacterial and antioxidant properties. Researchers identify four plant species with promising targets for treating multidrug-resistant infections.
A new study reveals that the Amazon's remarkable variety of plants and animals was shaped by woodlands and savannas connecting forest islands during the last Ice Age. The researchers used advanced climate and vegetation modelling techniques to provide a new understanding of the region's evolution.
A new study found that climate change is shifting the regions suitable for growing crops, putting pressure on timber production. As the land needed for producing vital resources becomes scarce, researchers warn of a looming issue that could lead to increased competition and conflict between agriculture and forestry.
The UofL Green Heart Louisville Project found that residents living in neighborhoods with more trees showed lower levels of general inflammation, a risk indicator for heart disease. The study showed a 13-20% reduction in inflammation, corresponding to a nearly 10-15% reduced risk of heart attacks and certain cancers.
A recent study reveals that urban trees are more negatively impacted by heat waves and drought than their rural counterparts. The research highlights the challenges urban trees face in the context of climate change, underscoring the importance of tailored urban forestry management to protect tree species and reduce urban heat islands.
The UFZ forest condition monitor tracks dynamic changes in Germany's forests due to climate change extreme events. The index displays seasonal and annual maps of forest condition, highlighting areas with severe damage, such as the Harz region.
A new study by the University of Exeter and Oxford found that integrated forest restoration plans deliver over 80% of benefits in all three areas - capturing carbon, nurturing biodiversity, and supporting human livelihoods. Socioeconomically disadvantaged groups benefit disproportionately from this approach.
Researchers found that mature trees increased wood production by an average of 9.8% under elevated CO2 levels, supporting their role as medium-term carbon stores and natural climate solutions. This increase was not accompanied by a corresponding rise in leaf or fine-root production.
Researchers at UMD developed a method to produce high-performance, structural wood without chemicals or energy-intensive processing. The engineered wood can resist deterioration, storing carbon for longer periods and reducing emissions.
Researchers developed a new method using spectral measurements to accurately estimate forest tree leaf nutrient content, offering a faster and larger-scale alternative to traditional methods. The method improved accuracy when accounting for soil type and tree genus, showing promise for informing forest management decisions.
The study found that Tipuana tipu grows faster at higher temperatures and can contribute to urban climate resilience. The tree can thrive in restrictive weather conditions, providing ecosystem services such as carbon capture and temperature regulation.
A new Cornell University study reveals that asthma-related emergency room visits spike significantly during periods of high allergenic pollen bloom in metropolitan areas. The research highlights the importance of science-based pollen forecasts to alert vulnerable individuals and prevent unnecessary hospitalizations.
Researchers used tree regeneration patterns to predict changes in US forests' carbon stocks, finding that 29% will lose and 55% will replace carbon. This study identifies vulnerable areas and prioritizes strategies for resilient forest management.
A new study found that certain tree species in NYC, such as oaks and sweetgums, produce high levels of isoprene, which interacts with nitrogen oxides to form ground-level ozone. This could lead to increased respiratory problems if current efforts to reduce nitrogen oxide emissions are not accelerated.
Scientists found that tree leaves exposed to high levels of artificial light at night become tougher and less susceptible to insect damage, potentially harming urban food chains. This study highlights the impact of light pollution on plant properties and ecosystems.
Researchers have discovered a novel type of wood that is highly efficient at carbon storage, thanks to its unique macrofibril structure. This discovery may lead to the development of new plantation forests capable of capturing large quantities of carbon dioxide.
Researchers found 16 native species of mammals using timber plantations as corridors and refuges in Central Panama. However, teak monocultures showed the lowest records of species, highlighting the importance of restoring natural habitats for comprehensive wildlife conservation.
The study uses spaceborne lidar to estimate canopy height, providing accurate measurements over large geographic regions. The results show promising accuracy for evergreen forests with dense canopy cover, highlighting the potential of ICESat-2 in monitoring forest recovery and detecting health issues.
A new study found that tree bark surfaces absorb methane gas from the atmosphere, making trees 10% more beneficial for climate than previously thought. This discovery adds a new layer of importance to tree planting and reducing deforestation as part of efforts to cut methane emissions.
A study proposes changes to simplify licensing for landowners in the Atlantic Rainforest biome, making conservation policy more effective. The current legislation allows for the destruction of valuable forests due to its subjective and imprecise criteria.