Research on trees and their role in nature and cities. Covers forest conservation, tension wood, and the benefits of urban trees.
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.
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.
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 ...
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.
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.
Researchers engineered trees to break down lignin, a polymer found in wood that hinders paper production, using genetic modification. This breakthrough aims to reduce chemical use and create fewer environmental pollutants, making paper production more sustainable.
A decade-long study reconstructed the hummingbird family tree and found that they have been diversifying rapidly and adapting to novel environments. The researchers discovered nine principal groups or clades, a unique relationship with flowering plants, and continued spread into new geographic areas.
Researchers have engineered a bacterium to synthesize pinene, a hydrocarbon produced by trees that could replace high-energy fuels like JP-10. Boosting production six-fold over earlier efforts, the scientists believe they've identified major obstacles to overcome before pinene dimers can compete with petroleum-based JP-10.
Research finds radiation contamination hinders plant matter decomposition, leading to dry detritus buildup and increased wildfire hazard. Slower decomposition also reduces nutrient supply for plants, affecting tree growth near the Chernobyl site.
A recent study using ancient tree rings reveals that the Mongol Empire's rapid expansion was facilitated by a period of unusually mild and wet weather in central Asia. The findings suggest that this favorable climate allowed for increased grass production, which in turn enabled the Mongols to build their powerful horse-riding army.
Scientists discovered that Amazonian canopy trees have evolved unique chemical portfolios to optimize growth in different soils and elevations. The study found that these communities are organized into a large mosaic controlled by geological factors, providing insights into how forests assembled over evolutionary time.
A team of MIT researchers has discovered that a small piece of sapwood can filter out over 99% of bacteria from contaminated water. The xylem tissue in the sapwood allows water to flow through while blocking most types of bacteria, making it a promising low-cost material for water filtration.
A research team from Michigan State University studied the recovery of forests and bamboo groves in the Wolong Nature Reserve, China, after a devastating earthquake. They found that many areas were on the road to recovery, with replanting efforts helping in areas with poor soil conditions.
A new mathematical model developed by Brown University scientists can predict how trees compete for space in the canopy, revealing that incumbent trees dominate 97.9% of a given square meter two years later.
A new study reconstructing the evolutionary tree of flu viruses challenges conventional wisdom, resolving mysteries surrounding historical outbreaks. The research provides the most comprehensive analysis to date, revealing how the virus evolves at different rates in various host species.
Researchers discovered a female-specific pheromone that attracts males but repels virgin females, which could lead to managing the invasive Asian longhorned beetle. The team also found that sexually mature females continue to produce this pheromone after mating, potentially benefiting both sexes.
A new study found that orangutans come down from trees more often in degraded habitats, suggesting a greater ability to cope with forest loss. Increased terrestriality may also facilitate movement and dispersal, accessing different food sources.
The New York Botanical Garden is launching a program to conserve the Brazilian Amazon forest, part of the world's largest intact forest. The four initiatives will improve forestry practices, train workers to identify tree species, develop sustainable management protocols, and contribute baseline knowledge.
Researchers at Michigan State University have developed a new approach to assess the long-term impact of conservation efforts by considering human behavior and ecological gains. The study uses an agent-based modeling approach to simulate how conservation policies can affect outcomes over decades.
A study found that invasive pests compromised the ability of native tree species to recover from tropical cyclone damage. The invasive insects caused stem decay and reduced the trees' tolerance to external forces, resulting in 100% mortality of snapped stems during Typhoon Chaba.
Researchers found that citrus plants watered regularly in controlled environments exhibited reduced transpiration and stomatal closure when exposed to low temperatures. High soil moisture content was key to minimizing drought stress on the trees. The study's findings could impact commercial citrus growers' traditional irrigation methods.
Researchers found that tree density in savannas is influenced by moisture availability, temperature, soil fertility, and fire frequency, but these relationships differ significantly among Africa, Australia, and South America. The study predicts different responses to global warming across the continents.
Researchers found that low atmospheric CO2 concentrations acted as a 'carbon starvation' brake, slowing down weathering rates and reducing forests' ability to remove CO2 from the atmosphere. This mechanism helped maintain stable CO2 levels and climate over millions of years.
A study published in PLOS ONE found that the horse-chestnut leaf-mining moth has spread rapidly across England and Wales since its arrival in London in 2002. The data collected by citizen scientists revealed that it takes just three years from the first sighting to maximum levels of damage to the horse-chestnut trees.
Despite devastating effects of the invasive insect in southern Appalachians, increasing tree density associated with reforestation and succession may have offset negative impacts at a regional scale. Hemlock trees do not have natural defenses against hemlock woolly adelgid, resulting in high levels of tree mortality.
A new study found that tree growth rate increases with size, with older trees removing a larger share of carbon from the atmosphere. This means that massive, old trees can remove huge amounts of carbon through photosynthesis, playing a disproportionate role in the global carbon cycle.
Research suggests that older trees accelerate growth and take up more carbon, contrary to the assumption that they slow down with age. This finding has implications for forest conservation efforts like REDD+, which aim to reduce global warming by preserving forests.
Scientists have found that most tree species grow faster and sequester more carbon as they age, challenging the long-held assumption that older trees are less productive. This finding is based on data from over 673,000 individual trees measured across six continents.
In Switzerland, plants have shifted uphill by 8 meters, butterflies by 38 meters, and birds by 42 meters between 2003 and 2010. Climate warming is causing species to adapt at a surprising pace.
A study funded by the International Tree Nut Council found that tree nut intake was significantly associated with lower prevalence of MetS (metabolic syndrome) and obesity. High tree nut consumers had 7% less MetS risk and significantly lower obesity rates compared to low consumers.
A new study explores global variance in tree height, identifying temperature as the most significant factor behind the tallest species. The research reveals that climates with small seasonal temperature variation support the growth of the world's nine tallest tree species.
A study of forest changes reveals a 2.4 times increase in tree density since 1929, with fewer pine trees and more fir and cedar, leading to reduced biodiversity and increased susceptibility to severe fires. The findings highlight the importance of restoring fire resilience and improving biodiversity in forests.
A new invasive plant parasitic nematode, Meloidogyne mali, has been identified in Europe, causing severe galling symptoms on host trees. The species was likely introduced during breeding programs against Dutch Elm Disease and may have a wider host range than known.
The field trial with genetically modified poplar trees demonstrates that lignin modification can improve sugar conversion and increase ethanol production. The results also show mixed suppression of the lignin biosynthesis in the trees, leading to variable coloration and growth rates.