Articles tagged with Trees
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
A recent study found that tree bumblebee queens from Europe outcompeted native bees in the UK by resisting a parasite infection. Despite low genetic diversity and high levels of nematode parasites, 25% of queens produced offspring.
Research reveals Amazonian forests are being altered by multiple environmental factors, creating greater perils for the world's largest rainforest. The study found that fragmented forests change rapidly, with trees dying and vines proliferating, while nearby undisturbed forests also experience changes.
A new species of flat bug, Aradus macrosomus, has been discovered in Baltic amber deposits, highlighting the significance of these ancient fossilized tree resins. The species is characterized by its large size and distinct structures, providing valuable insights into the evolution of arthropods.
Four species, including a bacterium and wasp, share the same odor signal to exploit their prey, demonstrating complex communication networks in nature. The study highlights the role of volatile organic compounds in facilitating predator-prey relationships between different species.
A study by NUS researchers found that the Chiromantis hansenae treefrog exhibits unusual parental care behavior to increase offspring survival. This behavior is crucial for preventing egg desiccation and buffering environmental pressures.
Tropical forest carbon accumulation is reduced by nearly 20% due to invasive vines. Lianas block sunlight for tree growth and don't compensate for displaced carbon.
A study by Ecological Society of America finds that excluding invasive pests like the emerald ash borer from imported goods saves US $11.7 billion, outweighing added costs. The treatment reduces wood borer infestation rates by up to 52%, benefiting homeowners and local governments.
Researchers suggest that fungi may be causing nutrient scarcity in boreal forests by competing with trees for nutrients, rather than alleviating it. The study's findings have implications for understanding climate change and the role of mycorrhizae in forest ecosystems.
Scientists have found that Borneo's dipterocarp trees produce wood faster than their neighbors and other tree species in the Amazon, with average differences of 3.2 tons per hectare per year. This unique trait may be linked to their ability to tap into scarce nutrient resources or trade-off growth for other plant parts.
Researchers discovered a fungus that can completely eradicate tree-of-heaven plants, including sprouts. The treatment has shown promise as a bio-control agent to combat the invasive species' rapid spread across the US.
New Jersey Institute of Technology researchers are investigating how climate change may disrupt the vital relationship between bees and plants, which could lead to poor crop pollination and lower yields. The study, supported by a $150,000 grant from the National Science Foundation, aims to understand how temperature changes may affect ...
Research reveals EABs were feeding on ash trees in southeast Michigan by the early 1990s, well before their discovery in 2002. The study used tree ring analysis to track the spread of the invasive species across over 5,800 square miles.
Researchers introduced a new curriculum augmentation to teach middle school students about recognizing structural defects in trees, with hands-on and illustrated lecture styles compared. Students who received the illustrated lecture style had significantly higher scores on the posttest.
A study analyzing tree rings reveals that droughts in the Rocky Mountains can be even more severe than the 1930s Dust Bowl, with some scenarios suggesting prolonged periods of below-average stream flow and intense droughts like 1580's record low river flow.
Researchers found that high-frequency irrigation improved root zone soil moisture content, but low croploads reduced effects on fruit quality. Soil and water management treatments had minimal impact on cherry fruit size, but variations were closely associated with cropload.
Genetic evidence reveals that dwarf birch was once common in England and Wales, with genes found across Britain. The study suggests global warming, deer grazing, and hybridisation are threats to the dwindling population.
A new study reveals unprecedented detail of the Amazon Basin's trees, enabling researchers to accurately assess their carbon content. The findings will help administer carbon offsetting more effectively, improving our understanding of global forest carbon storage.
Research by hydrologists and scientists found that the death of millions of trees in Rocky Mountain regions due to bark beetles increases groundwater flow and changes water quality. The study used water chemistry to identify the source of streamflow and found a significant increase in late-summer groundwater contributions.
A new study by Harvard University scientists shows how severe droughts can trigger cascades of ecosystem change that last for centuries. The research analyzed tree rings spanning over 300,000 square miles and 400 years of history in the eastern US.
Researchers found that chimpanzees select tree branches with specific physical properties, such as stiffness and leaf surface area, to build comfortable and safe nests. Ugandan Ironwood was the preferred choice due to its firmness and resilience.
Trade formalization in urban areas is expected to increase medicinal tree species cultivation, benefiting poor smallholder farmers. The study found that most traders prefer wild-sourced materials due to perceived higher potency, but farm-grown options are gaining acceptance.