Research on trees and their role in nature and cities. Covers forest conservation, tension wood, and the benefits of urban trees.
A new study by CU-Boulder found that trees with smoother bark can repel mountain pine beetles more effectively. The researchers tested how well the beetles could cling to different bark textures and found that only 21 of 22 beetles could stick to rough bark, while all fell off smooth bark in under a minute.
Researchers constructed an evolutionary tree of flowering plants and found that many species acquired characteristics to thrive in colder climates before encountering freezing conditions. Plants like birches and poplars developed narrower water transport cells to protect themselves from blockage during freezing and thawing.
Researchers at Oregon State University have developed genetically modified poplar trees that grow faster, resistant to insect pests and retain genes for up to 14 years. These traits could be particularly valuable in the paper and pulp industries and emerging biofuel sector.
A recent study published in PhytoKeys formally transfers Altingia and Semiliquidambar taxa to Liquidambar, a widely distributed tree family with various uses. The analysis includes 15 recognized species and highlights the taxonomic challenges faced by botanists.
New research suggests that young tropical forests may not be effective in conserving tree species due to low reproductive rates. The study found that even 30-year-old forests have a limited number of reproductive trees essential for long-term species survival.
A new study by Florida State University researchers questions the traditional model of biological diversification, finding that colonizing continents does not lead to rapid adaptive radiation. However, they did discover a weak effect of first colonizers suppressing diversity among later colonizers.
Researchers found that site quality affects the relationship between density and mortality in ponderosa pine stands. Thinning forest stands can reduce fuel buildup and enhance growth of residual trees, while early shrub removal and tree density control are most effective ways to reduce fuel buildup.
Archaeological excavations at Lumbini, Nepal have uncovered a previously unknown sixth-century B.C. timber structure dating back to the birthplace of the Buddha. The discovery confirms an earlier date for the life of the Buddha than previously thought and sheds light on the early development of Buddhism.
Researchers describe four new species formerly grouped under the collared treerunner, highlighting genetic and morphological differences among populations. The discovery underscores the importance of biodiversity conservation efforts in addressing species extinctions.
Researchers have found that the closest relatives of papaya are three herbaceous species and a small tree with stinging hairs from Mexico to Guatemala. The study clarifies species boundaries and reveals the biogeographic history of the papaya family.
A recent study published in the New England Journal of Medicine found an inverse association between nut consumption and total mortality in both men and women. Nuts contain essential nutrients and phytochemicals that may offer cardioprotective, anticarcinogenic, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties.
A new study from the University of Alberta has identified key tree chemical compounds that play critical roles in the beetle's pheromone production and attraction. The research reveals that adding a volatile tree chemical to bait can increase beetle capture rates, providing hope for quicker monitoring and early detection of infestations.
New research reveals a growing concern over tree pests and diseases, which can lead to widespread death of trees and disrupt ecosystem services. The review highlights the need for new approaches to pest management that take into account multiple services and stakeholders.
Researchers at the University of Washington have found that tree cover causes snow to melt more quickly in warm climates. In contrast, open areas tend to keep snow on the ground longer into the spring and summer. The study used temperature data from around the world to support its findings.
A study using phylogenetic analysis maps out the evolution of folk tales, revealing that Little Red Riding Hood shares a common root with The Wolf and the Kids, which originated in the 1st century AD. The research sheds light on the migration patterns of humans in ancient times by determining the origins and evolution of folk stories.
A large prospective study found that consuming tree nuts was inversely associated with the risk of pancreatic cancer. Women who consumed two or more servings of nuts per week had a significantly reduced risk compared to those who did not.
Ecuador laurel trees support more scale insects, which produce honeydew for Azteca ants, boosting their numbers and defending the foliage. The tree-ant mutualism is stronger under resource-poor conditions, with trees paying carbon to ants in exchange for guard duty.
In dry conditions, Ecuador laurel trees invest more in honeydew production for ants, which strengthens their defensive mutualism. The study suggests that trees may 'buy insurance' for their leaves with carbon-rich sap, paid to ants in exchange for protection.
Gimball's spherical shape and gyroscopic stabilization system enable it to absorb shocks and maintain its course despite numerous collisions. The robot's technology simplicity allows it to operate in challenging terrain, such as forest areas, without the need for complex obstacle avoidance systems.
Research reveals warmer winters allow native plants to grow earlier, but at the expense of native trees and their need for cold sleep. Invasive species, such as shrubs and certain tree species from warmer climate zones, take advantage of this altered timing to start growing earlier and thrive.
Two new species of green flame moths, Parasa viridiflamma and Parasa minwangi, are discovered from China and Taiwan. The moths have a distinctive green pattern on their wings and feed exclusively on pine trees, showcasing conifer-feeding behavior in the Limacodidae family.
Researchers developed a method to analyze redwood cores for climate reconstruction, revealing 50-year coastal conditions. The technique uses oxygen isotopes to detect fog and rainfall, providing insights into ocean temperatures and long-term climate change.
Researchers found that chimpanzees used long-term spatial memory to locate large fruit trees, increasing their chances of discovering bountiful crops. Chimpanzees also remembered feeding experiences from previous seasons, using a memory window of up to three years.
Scientists from CSIRO discovered that eucalyptus trees can act as a hydraulic pump, drawing up water containing gold particles from the earth and depositing them into their leaves and branches. This innovative technique could provide a cost-effective and environmentally friendly way to search for minerals such as zinc and copper.
A new species of dragon tree has been discovered in Thailand with impressive characteristics including a height of 12m. The newly found species is ecologically important due to its limited distribution and associated habitats, highlighting the need for conservation efforts.
Researchers estimate 16,000 tree species in Amazonia, with 227 dominant species having 50% of the region's tree population. This study provides valuable information for conservation efforts and further research.
A comprehensive review of climate change's impacts on forest pests, diseases, and ecosystems reveals complex consequences. Warmer temperatures alter pest distribution, biodiversity, and ecosystem resilience, while also boosting forest health and acreage in some areas.
A new CU study finds drought is a better predictor of spruce beetle outbreaks in northern Colorado than temperature, with warm and dry conditions causing stress in host trees. The study also suggests that climate fluctuations, including the Atlantic Multi-decadal Oscillation, contribute to drought conditions.
Researchers discovered a five-year delay between slow tree growth and increased mortality in a Black Spruce forest, suggesting that older forests may be storing more carbon than previously estimated. This finding has important implications for understanding the impact of climate change on forest health and carbon sequestration.
Researchers find that mid-February to mid-March warming has the greatest impact on breaking bud timing. This challenges the use of degree-day models, which may become less effective as temperatures deviate from historical norms.
A new study has provided hope for halting the incurable citrus greening disease by understanding its impact on trees before infection. The researchers used DNA sequencing technologies to reveal metabolic imbalances and hormonal disruptions caused by the bacterial disease.
The enigmatic spider species Progradungula otwayensis has a unique web-weaving behavior, using fine fibers to catch prey. Its habitat specificity is crucial for conservation efforts, as it relies on the microclimate of old myrtle beech trees.
A study by Aarhus University researchers found that global forests are being cleared and restricted to steep terrain, leading to reduced biodiversity. The shift is driven by human activities such as agriculture, urbanization, and efficient land use practices.
Researchers used a special microscope to reveal how nanostructures contain damage within microscopic cavities, allowing trees to seal off damaged cells. The bordered pits are filled with a mesh membrane of nanofibrils that radiate from a thickened central region, controlling sap flow and protecting trees.
Researchers at the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute found that tropical trees can
A Princeton University study found that tropical forests' ability to absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere is crucially linked to tree diversity and the presence of legume trees. Legumes, a diverse group of nitrogen-fixing plants, play a vital role in rapid forest growth and carbon storage.
Researchers have identified the ancient ancestor of the tulip tree line, which diverged from magnolias over 100 million years ago. The discovery sheds light on the evolution of this iconic Eastern North American species.
Wildfires in Cordoba province, Argentina, cause evacuation of 480 people due to strong winds and heat. Firefighters struggle with flames, one man seriously injured after being struck by a tree.
A recent Duke University-led study found that climate change is causing trees to speed up their life cycles, rather than migrating to cooler climates. Most species are staying in their current geographic locations, but growing more rapidly due to warmer temperatures and longer growing seasons.
Cloud forest trees are highly sensitive to climate change due to their narrow temperature range, making them vulnerable to migration and population loss. Conservation strategies may need to be revised to protect these ecosystems from massive population decline.
A new study investigates why gorgonian corals, which can form a 'canopy' over reefs, appear to be proliferating in certain places. Preliminary data suggests that gorgonian coral density has been increasing on shallow reefs surrounding St. John, even as stony corals have declined.
A 400-year study by Harvard University researchers found that Northeastern forests have changed significantly after centuries of intensive land use. Maples have exploded across the region, while other tree types like beeches, oaks, and chestnuts show a pronounced decline. Pine numbers have shifted more than any other tree type.
Research published in PLOS ONE found that logging, agriculture, and natural reforestation have changed forest composition across nine states in the northeastern US. Beech trees decreased significantly, while fir, cherry, and maple trees increased in abundance.
A Kansas State University study shows that the Clean Air Act has helped forest systems recover from decades of sulfur pollution and acid rain. The research found a clear shift in tree growth and physiology since the Clean Air Act was passed in 1970, with significant improvements seen after 1982.
Scientists discovered a surprising rebound in red spruce growth in New England, with trees growing at rates almost twice the average for the last 100 years. The study suggests that reductions in pollution made possible by the Clean Air Act of 1990 may be contributing to this turn-around.
Researchers predict significant growth of trees and bushes in large parts of ice-free Greenland by 2100, with southern regions likely to become greener. The analysis identifies over 400,000 square kilometers suitable for forest flora, offering new opportunities for activities such as hunting and commercial exploitation.
A new method of measuring tree growth has been developed, reducing research time by up to 20 minutes per tree. The innovative technique uses prefabricated cable-tie heads as collars on dendrometer bands, making it easier and safer to install than traditional methods.
Recently published studies in Chernobyl and Fukushima Exclusion Zones reveal high frequencies of tumors, cataracts, and growth suppression in birds and pine trees. Lack of funding for independent scientists hinders understanding of radiation's impact on life.
A recent study reveals that the emerald ash borer invasion has fueled a population boom for four species of birds in the Detroit area. The four species considered in the study include three woodpeckers and a white-breasted nuthatch, which are all benefiting from the abundant food source provided by EAB-infested ash trees.
Researchers have discovered that trees across species exhibit remarkably similar branching patterns, allowing scientists to infer a tree's function regardless of its shape or size. The study confirms a theory developed by UA ecology professor Brian Enquist and has implications for models used to assess forest ecosystems.
A new study found that chronic harvesting of the African mahogany tree can alter its reproduction and drastically curtail fruit and seed yields. The research used mathematical modeling to estimate plant age from size, revealing different effects on life history traits in dry and moist regions.
Researchers in Borneo have found orangutans regularly coming down from trees to forage or travel, comparable to ground-dwelling macaques. The reason for this behavior remains a mystery, but habitat loss and transformation may be driving the adaptation.
Recent decades have seen a dramatic increase in wildfires in the Yukon Flats of Alaska, with fire frequency surpassing the limit seen during the Medieval Climate Anomaly. This shift towards deciduous forests has significant implications for carbon storage and climate warming, as dry deciduous trees can become highly flammable.
A study by the University of Edinburgh reveals that deforestation in south-central Africa is driven by population growth and agriculture demands. Sustainable fuel alternatives and reduced burning practices can mitigate this loss, while forest cover north of the Congo basin shows a contradictory trend.
Researchers found a striking degree of convergence in Anole lizard species across four Caribbean islands, with each island's species resembling those on others. The study provides evidence for the predictability of evolution over millions of years.
Researchers have identified nine fungal lineages associated with ambrosia beetles threatening avocado production in the US and Israel. The unique fungi adaptability poses a threat to global farms and forests.
A comprehensive family tree of the spiny-rayed fish group, including tuna and seahorses, has revealed surprising relationships and shed light on their evolution and diversity. The study found that some groups of fish have undergone rapid diversification followed by a slowdown in evolution.
As climate change induces large changes to plant communities, disequilibrium will become the norm, with plants taking an extremely long time to adapt. This shift will challenge natural forest management, preservation status, and human introduction of new species, ultimately altering ecosystem balance.
Predicted climate changes may hinder conifer regeneration after major forest fires on dry, low-elevation sites, leading to conversion of forests to grass or shrub lands.
Research reveals Ailanthus tree's rapid growth and dominance in Pennsylvania clearcuts, displacing native plants. The tree's spread has accelerated with human activities like logging, mining, and drilling.