Articles tagged with Trees
A study found that koalas selectively eat eucalyptus leaves with higher available nitrogen, indicating a preference for nutritious food. The researchers suggest that access to quality food plays a crucial role in shaping the distribution of koala populations in habitats with low nutritional value.
A meta-analysis of studies on reduced-impact logging (RIL) and conventional logging found that RIL causes smaller shifts in species abundance and less harm to birds, arthropods, mammals, and bats. RIL certified timber can support the diverse benefits of tropical forests and promote sustainable forestry practices.
Researchers have identified a natural resistance gene in white spruce trees that makes them resistant to the devastating spruce budworm. The gene, betaglucosidase-1, produces compounds toxic to the caterpillar, potentially allowing for replanting of forests affected by the pest.
Researchers found stenospermocarpic black walnut fruit exhibit embryo degeneration, leading to ambered kernels. The study suggests visible embryo degeneration occurs during shell hardening and kernel enlargement.
The American Society for Horticultural Science has introduced three new ornamental dogwood cultivars with resistance to dogwood anthracnose and powdery mildew. 'Empire', 'Pam's Mountain Bouquet' and 'Red Steeple' exhibit excellent disease tolerance and desirable traits such as vibrant color and unique foliage.
A study published in PLOS ONE reveals that Thousand Cankers Disease (TCD) is a native disease that has gone rogue, threatening the health of black walnut trees. The fungus, Geosmithia morbida, and its long-time host beetle have co-evolved, creating a complex that can spread rapidly across landscapes.
Researchers at Washington State University have discovered a promising technology to expand the hard cider industry by mechanical harvesting of cider apples. The study found that machine harvesting can provide up to four times less labor than hand harvesting, resulting in significant cost savings and improved efficiency for orchards.
Researchers found high genetic diversity in thousand cankers disease fungus, making it harder to control. The fungus is native to the US and has mutated readily, leading to an explosion in its impact on host trees.
A University of Utah study found that pathogens killing tree seedlings in drier forests allow more diverse tree species to thrive in the wetter Caribbean environment. This separation is crucial for conservation planning and understanding how tree species adapt to climate change.
Scientists at SUNY-ESF have successfully created blight-resistant American chestnut trees through genetic engineering, powered by a single gene from wheat. The trees, which can co-exist with the invasive fungus that devastated the species, are being prepared for potential reforestation efforts.
A new study by Rice University researchers reveals lemurs play a crucial role in dispersing seeds for trees, increasing survival rates. The findings highlight the importance of preserving lemur populations to maintain the health of Madagascar's rainforests.
Researchers at NEIKER felled pine trees and attached sensors to measure the force exerted on them, recording the degree of tilt to determine the roots' resistance and trunk strength. The study aims to provide forestry experts with tools to manage woodlands better and mitigate wind damage risks.
New research suggests that maple syrup production is linked to mast seeding events, where trees produce more seeds than usual. Following every mast seed year, syrup production declined in Vermont. The study's findings could help producers plan ahead for the upcoming season.
Researchers studied wild chimpanzee behavior in the Taí National Park, finding that they plan their breakfast time, type, and location to access limited figs. Chimpanzees depart earlier for distant fig sites, positioning their nests near these locations to maximize food acquisition.
White-footed sportive lemurs use scent-marks in latrines to maintain contact with family members and inform intruders of a male's presence. The study found that males visited latrines more often during nights when an intruder invaded the territory, promoting social bonding among group members.
A recent study published in Science suggests that global declines in carnivore populations could embolden herbivores to increasingly dine on preferred vegetation, leading to losses in plant and tree biodiversity. The research used GPS tracking and feeding experiments to measure how fear of predators influences herbivore behavior.
Research suggests that human activities such as clear-cutting and fire suppression have a greater impact on forest tree composition than climate change. The study analyzed 190 datasets to determine the relative impacts of climate versus altered disturbance regimes for various biomes across the eastern United States.
Researchers have developed a new tool to predict how organisms may respond to climate change, focusing on plant and tree species. By combining genetic analyses with computer modeling techniques, scientists identified how well balsam poplar trees are adapted to handle climate change, providing valuable insights into biodiversity.
A recent study by the University of Wisconsin-Madison found that mountain pine beetles contribute little to the ecological severity of fires in the Northern Rocky Mountains. The researchers tested six wildfires that affected over 75,000 acres and found no significant link between beetle outbreaks and fire severity.
A new study reveals that the Tree Bumblebee prefers built-up areas and is associated with human habitation. The research found that these areas form a large part of their habitat use, setting them apart from other common British bumblebee species.
A study by CTFS-ForestGEO reveals global change effects on forests in 24 countries with 59 monitored sites. Forests have warmed by over 1 degree F and experienced up to 30 percent changes in precipitation.
A recent study published in PLOS ONE found that burn intervals may predict the rate of woody vegetation expansion along grassland streams, which could help maintain tallgrass prairies. The research also suggests that changes in atmospheric carbon dioxide levels and grazing patterns may contribute to woody plant encroachment.
A CU study led by Humboldt State University found that recent Colorado Front Range wildfires are not more severe than those in the past. The researchers analyzed fire-scarred trees and tree-ring data going back to the 1600s, showing only 16% increase in severe fires since then.
Research suggests that fall foliage seasons in the US could be delayed by one to three weeks by the end of the century, affecting agriculture, water supplies, and ecosystems. Daily temperatures and daylight hours can predict leaf coloration, with regional differences playing a significant role.
A study by Technical University of Munich found that trees have accelerated their growth rate by up to 70% since the 1960s. The growth is attributed to rising temperatures, increased CO2, and nitrogen levels, which also led to a temporary slowing effect of acid rain on tree growth.
A recent study published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences reveals a vast array of bacteria living on tropical tree leaves, including over 400 species found on a single tree. The discovery has significant implications for understanding forest health, disease resistance, and the impact of climate change.
The 2014 Science in Society Award winners, sponsored by the National Association of Science Writers, include Sheri Fink for her book 'Five Days At Memorial' and Amy Harmon for her article 'A Race to Save the Orange'. The awards recognize critical reporting about the sciences and their impact on society.
Researchers found that most young tropical trees grow spatially independent from their parent trees, giving generalist species an edge. This pattern supports the neutral theory, which suggests that random processes shape tree behavior in species-rich forests.
A study published in PLOS ONE suggests that domesticated peaches can be traced back to the lower Yangtze River Valley in Southern China around 7,500 years ago. The researchers analyzed ancient peach stones and found significant growth in size over time, indicating intentional breeding and selection.
Researchers found that red-legged salamanders on trees had the same diet as those on the ground, contradicting the theory that climbing allows access to new food sources. The study suggests alternative explanations for salamander behavior, including competition and predator avoidance.
A 15-year study has revealed astonishing cryptic diversity in the New Zealand kanuka genus Kunzea, with 10 new species identified. The discovery challenges a long-held assumption that a single species was mistakenly merged with Australian relatives.
A recent study reveals that genetic selection has imprinted its signature on the genomes of poplars, a finding that could improve predictive climate change models and tree breeding programs. By analyzing over 1,100 wild poplar trees, researchers identified 397 genomic regions contributing to adaptive traits.
Researchers at Duke University have identified three tree species as environmental hosts for the fungus Cryptococcus gattii, which causes life-threatening lung and brain infections. The study found that these tree species can serve as sources of human infections, particularly for individuals with compromised immune systems.
Researchers found that a one percent increase in tree and shrub cover results in a two percent loss in livestock production. The study also revealed that woody-plant cover in North America increases at an average rate of 0.5 to 2% per year.
Researchers link tree height to climate conditions, finding hydraulic limitation constrains maximum tree height under drier conditions, while resource allocation constrains it in moist areas. The study, led by University of Wisconsin-Madison professor Thomas Givnish, examined Eucalyptus species in Victoria state, Australia.
A new study by US Forest Service scientists found that eastern hemlock loss due to the hemlock woolly adelgid insect has no significant effect on short-term stream flow, but increases peak flows after extreme storm events. The loss of foundation species in forested riparian zones could amplify climate change impacts.
A new species of Hibiscadelphus was discovered in a remote valley on Maui, with over 99 trees found, exceeding all previously known combined. The discovery is a significant contribution to Hawaiian natural history and offers hope for the conservation of this highly endangered plant species.
Scientists have reconstructed a detailed family tree of dinosaurs and their bird descendants, revealing that theropod dinosaurs gave rise to modern birds by shrinking and adapting. The study found that these avian ancestors evolved feathers, wishbones, and wings four times faster than other dinosaurs.
Researchers discovered that the theropod dinosaur lineage, which gave rise to modern birds, underwent an unprecedented phase of shrinking and evolutionary innovation. This transformation allowed bird ancestors to adapt to new environments, such as climbing trees and flying, ultimately helping them survive a deadly meteorite impact.
A meta-analysis of 50 studies reveals that selective logging halves mammal and amphibian species numbers at specific intensity levels. Logging companies are urged to respect biodiversity thresholds.
A new international study published in BMJ Open and PLOS ONE found that tree nut consumption significantly decreases triglycerides and fasting blood glucose levels, improving metabolic syndrome criteria and glycemic control in diabetes. Daily tree nut intake of about two ounces was shown to have an overall metabolic benefit.
Eating about two servings of tree nuts daily improved blood sugar markers in participants with Type 2 diabetes. Tree nuts replaced refined carbohydrates rather than saturated fats yielded the best results.
A systematic review of randomized clinical trials found that adding tree nuts to a diet resulted in modest decreases in blood fats and sugars. The biggest reductions were seen when tree nuts replaced refined carbohydrates rather than saturated fats.
A new study reveals that trees are saving more than 850 human lives a year and preventing 670,000 instances of acute respiratory symptoms by removing pollutants. The study found that tree cover in urban areas has substantially greater impacts on human health due to their proximity to people.
New research from North Carolina State University reveals that urban heat is killing red maples by boosting pest populations. Warmer temperatures lead to a 300% increase in young gloomy scale insects, resulting in 200 times more adult scales on urban trees. This stress can also limit tree growth and kill trees.
A new big data model developed by UC Berkeley biologist Brent Mishler and colleagues leverages digitized museum data to help pinpoint best areas for preservation and understand evolutionary history. The model considers variation among species, geographic rarity, and endemism to identify areas worthy of conservation.
Regulated hunting has spurred regrowth of native tree seedlings and wildflowers, improving forest health. Plant cover increased by 100% and native species recovered, while invasive species declined.
Researchers say restoring tropical forests can lead to biodiversity loss and soil erosion if not done thoughtfully. The study emphasizes the importance of considering ecosystem dynamics and defining what constitutes a forest to minimize environmental impacts.
A study by Charles R. Hall and Dewayne Ingram found that flowering trees have a total cost from seedling to end-of-life of $98.60, with labor costs accounting for $43.68. The research emphasizes the importance of life cycle assessment in understanding the inputs and impacts of systems producing field-grown trees.
A study found that trees with higher carbohydrate storage are more resistant to drought, providing insights for reforestation efforts. Researchers in Malaysia manipulated carbohydrate levels and observed improved drought survival rates in seedlings.
Researchers are conducting a groundbreaking experiment in Puerto Rico's El Yunque National Forest to study the impact of global warming on tropical forests. The goal is to determine how sensitive these ecosystems are to temperature changes and what physiological changes they may undergo.
Researchers found that incorporating two ounces of tree nuts into the diet reduced CHD risk factors and 10-year CHD risk. The study's findings suggest that tree nuts can modify the fatty acid profile of adults with type 2 diabetes, contributing to a reduction in CHD risk.
A new study found a surprisingly wide span of three months in leaf-out times among 1,597 woody plant species at eight botanical gardens globally. The observations suggest that species differences in leaf-out times could impact the length of the growing season and animal activities.
Scientists have identified a master regulator in poplar trees that controls the timing of bud break, which could lead to breeding plants better adapted for warmer climates. The discovery enables the engineering of adaptability into trees, potentially improving their ability to cope with changing environmental conditions.
The State of the World's Forest Genetic Resources report highlights the importance of tree genetic resources for food security, poverty reduction, and sustainable development. The report calls for establishment and strengthening of information systems to support decision-making on forest resource management.
Researchers from Michigan Technological University have discovered a gene, 'Early Bud-Break 1,' that enables trees to start growing again after winter. The EBB1 gene helps awaken plant cells responsible for growth, allowing trees to grow at the right time, avoiding damage from late spring frosts and climate extremes.
Scientists have completed the eucalyptus genome sequence, revealing insights into plant growth rate, wood hardness, and flowering. This breakthrough enables researchers to enhance or suppress traits in the tree for improved biomass yield and stress tolerance.
Tropical ants have developed swimming abilities to navigate flooded forests, with over 50% of species exhibiting this trait. The ants' swimming techniques, such as using one leg to propel themselves forward and the other for stability, were analyzed in a study published in The Journal of Experimental Biology.
Researchers at Neiker-Tecnalia and SCION have successfully developed a somatic embryogenesis system to propagate pine hybrids that can withstand water stress. This method enables the rapid production of high-quality trees with improved tolerance to drought conditions, making them ideal for reforestation in dry climates.
Researchers have sequenced the Eucalyptus grandis genome to identify genes influencing biomass production and cell wall composition. The study reveals insights into the tree's evolutionary history and adaptation, offering opportunities for accelerating breeding cycles and minimizing environmental impacts.