Research on trees and their role in nature and cities. Covers forest conservation, tension wood, and the benefits of urban trees.
Researchers from Bonn University found that particulate matter salt compounds can decrease the drought tolerance of trees, leading to forest decline. The study reveals a physical mechanism where deliquescent salts form wick-like structures that remove water from leaves, promoting dehydration.
A Forest Service study found that urban trees can remove fine particulate air pollution, saving lives. The study estimated the impact of urban forests on PM2.5 concentrations and associated health effects in 10 US cities.
Research suggests that fragmented pine stands hinder seed production, reducing regeneration. Whitebark pines' viability depends on pollen release, wind, and proximity, making their future uncertain with dwindling gene pools.
Research reveals parasitic wasp Tetrastichus planipennisi populations are increasing and expanding in Michigan, suggesting they will play a critical role in suppressing the invasive EAB. By 2012, rates of parasitism on EAB increased from 1.2% to 21.2%, with 92% of sampled trees hosting wasp broods.
Researchers at ETH Zurich found that coffee farmers in southern India can increase yields independently of bees, through irrigation, liming, and agroforestry practices. The study's findings challenge the idea that pollinators are essential for coffee production, highlighting the importance of alternative factors.
A study found that Cuban tree frog chorusing impairs the acoustic behavior of green tree frogs, causing them to double their call rate. The researchers suggest this may come at a cost, diverting energy away from essential functions.
Researchers identified two genes responsible for flowering in a tropical tree species. The genes, SbFT and SbSVP, show dramatic changes before flowering after a four-week drought period. This discovery may help predict mass flowering events, aiding conservation efforts.
Researchers have developed maps that predict climatically suitable habitats for tree species based on climate predictions. The study found that populations of wide-ranging tree species lag behind their optimal growing environment due to changing temperature and precipitation conditions.
A WSU study found plantings of sweet alyssum attract spiders and predatory insects that prey on woolly apple aphids, reducing their populations. The discovery is a boon for both organic and conventional tree fruit growers.
A new study by US Forest Service scientists finds that eastern hemlock decline due to invasive insect infestation will impact forest transpiration and alter seasonal stream flow patterns. The replacement of hemlock with species like rhododendron or sweet birch may lead to reduced winter stream discharge and increased summer stream flow.
The study estimates that annual net carbon uptake by these trees is 21 million tons and $1.5 billion in economic benefit. Urbanization has led to declining urban tree cover nationwide, with approximately 4 million trees lost annually.
This study explores the global nature of figs' association with humans, revealing their importance as a food source, animal fodder, and traditional medicine. Fig trees provide barkcloth, handicrafts, and other materials, emphasizing the consistent similarities in human values.
A study by Yale University researchers found that traditional African ranching techniques create fertile glades that support high native animal populations. These glades persist for over a century after the initial use, influencing plant and animal growth across the entire savanna ecosystem.
Scientists construct largest ant family tree-of-life using DNA sequence data, confirming that modern ants originated between 139-158 million years ago. The study also reveals the Neotropics as a vital region for ant evolution, both preserving ancient groups and generating new species.
Researchers found fossilized remains of Microraptor with stomach content of fish, revealing its varied diet. The dinosaur's unique teeth were adapted for catching slippery prey like fish.
Three studies found that consuming tree nuts was associated with a better nutrient profile, lower body weight and a decrease in several cardiovascular risk factors. Tree nut consumers had higher intakes of essential nutrients like fiber, potassium, magnesium, and monounsaturated fats.
Researchers found chimpanzees inspect trees with similar fruit characteristics, relying on botanical knowledge to predict fruit availability. This discovery provides insights into the evolution of categorization abilities and abstract thinking in humans.
New study reveals local conditions, such as slope steepness and soil depth, limit tree line advance due to global warming. Research suggests that temperature alone cannot explain high-elevation tree cover in certain areas.
A study published in the Journal of Consumer Research found that sellers tend to focus on a product's desirability, while buyers consider both its desirability and usability. This difference in focus leads to price discrepancies between what sellers ask for tickets and what buyers are willing to pay.
Researchers are studying how bird loss affects Guam's forests by examining the distribution of 16 tree species. Without birds to move seeds to open gaps, pioneer trees may struggle to germinate or grow.
New research found that planting trees on non-forested lands significantly increases soil carbon levels. This effect is most pronounced after surface mining and industrial processes have been terminated, leading to doubling of soil carbon within two decades.
Research found scale insects were 13 times more abundant on willow oaks in hot areas compared to cooler ones, with higher survival rates in hot greenhouses. The study suggests urban warming may lead to changes in pest abundance as natural forests also warm up.
The mountain pine beetle's genome has been sequenced, revealing genes involved in tree colonization and potential sex chromosomes. This knowledge could help develop more effective control methods for this devastating pest.
The Harvard Museum of Natural History now features an interactive exhibit that showcases the evolutionary history of millions of species, allowing visitors to zoom and scroll through the Tree of Life. The DeepTree software and FloTree program enable users to explore evolutionary relationships and simulate evolution in action.
The peach genome offers a unique model for studying genes related to poplar trees, which could lead to improved biofuel crops. By analyzing the genetic makeup of peaches, researchers hope to develop methods for increasing plant biomass yield and improving sustainability.
Researchers at the University of Notre Dame used genetic analysis to identify a harmless fruit fly in Washington state, preventing costly quarantine measures. The study's findings demonstrate the potential for rapid and accurate identification of insect species, which could have significant implications for agriculture and public health.
Retention forestry and agroforestry systems offer a balance between production and biodiversity conservation. The paper proposes bridging the two fields to enhance ecological benefits and species conservation.
A new study led by the University of Arizona has found that monsoon failure plays a significant role in prolonged droughts in the Southwest. The researchers used tree-ring analysis to reconstruct summer precipitation patterns over a 470-year period, revealing that dry summers coincided with severe winter droughts.
The BBSRC has awarded funding to two projects: the Nornex consortium, studying the molecular and cellular basis of interactions between the fungus and ash trees, and Professor Christopher Gilligan's team, developing computer models to predict the spread of ash dieback in the UK.
Researchers develop a physical model for sap exudation, attributing mechanism to pressure and volume changes in tree's vascular tissue. The model incorporates dynamics of thawing sap, dissolving gas bubbles, and osmotic pressure gradient.
A newly discovered Y chromosome variation has pushed back the age of the most recent common ancestor for the Y chromosome lineage by almost 70 percent. The findings suggest that the Y chromosome divergence occurred around 300,000 years ago, before the emergence of anatomically modern humans.
A new study published in Molecular Plant found that phosphorus deficiency contributes to the expression of citrus disease Huanglongbing symptoms. The researchers discovered microRNAs that can potentially be used as early diagnosis markers and applied phosphorus solutions to alleviated symptoms and improved fruit yield.
Researchers found that wetland trees are a major source of methane emissions, accounting for up to 80% of total emissions. This challenges current models and highlights the importance of including tree emissions in field campaigns. The study's findings have significant implications for understanding methane flux in tropical wetlands.
A University of Colorado Boulder-led study found significant declines in pinyon pine seed cone production due to regional warming and drought. The biggest declines were at higher elevation sites with more dramatic warming, which likely inhibits cone initiation and development.
A recent study found that hotter temperatures triggered a widespread die-off of Colorado trembling aspen trees, with the drought from 2000-2003 exacerbating the damage. The researchers used oxygen isotope analysis to determine that summer temperatures were the key factor in drying out surface soil and stressing the trees' water-transpo...
A study published in BioMed Central's open access journal Carbon Balance and Management suggests that afforestation can lead to cooler summers and wetter conditions in regions like Europe. Planting trees can provide localized benefits by making the surrounding air moister and cooler, sequestering carbon and protecting biodiversity.
A new study by researchers from the University of Gothenburg and Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences found that mixed forests provide positive relationships to six different ecosystem services. The study suggests that promoting more varieties of trees may increase these services, including tree growth, carbon sequestration, and...
Researchers found that the amino acid composition of red oak and sugar maple leaves is strikingly similar, contradicting conventional wisdom. Protein quality in oak leaves was higher than in maple leaves, partly explaining why maple trees are less nutritious.
A new study predicts that spring budburst will occur 8-40 days earlier by 2100, with the greatest changes in northern states, potentially giving deciduous trees a competitive advantage over evergreens. This shift may alter carbon sequestration and forest composition.
Researchers will analyze DNA of hundreds of balsam poplar trees to identify genes responsible for adaptation traits, combining with satellite maps and modeling techniques to predict regions at risk. This knowledge will help prioritize conservation efforts and understand the health of forests under changing climates.
A new tool devised by Berkeley Lab scientists detects forest mortality patterns and trends using satellite images, simulation modeling, and fieldwork. The study found that 9.1 to 16.9 percent of tree mortality was missing from conventional analyses, equating to over half a million dead trees per year.
Peach trees require specific chilling hours to produce flowers and fruit. Clemson researchers are studying the mechanisms of chilling and heat requirements to help breeders adapt cultivars to warmer winters. The goal is to maintain high fruit-quality traits while breeding for increased heat requirement.
Researchers have identified a genetic trait that enables willow trees to produce more biofuel when grown at an angle, increasing yields by up to five times compared to naturally growing trees. This breakthrough could lead to the development of more productive and sustainable bioenergy crops.
A new study by the USDA Forest Service found an association between tree loss and increased human mortality from cardiovascular and lower respiratory disease. The study analyzed data from 1,296 counties in 15 states and found that Americans living in areas infested with the emerald ash borer suffered from more deaths from these diseases.
A CU-led study reveals that pine beetle outbreaks do not harm adjacent stream water quality, but instead increase the uptake of nitrates by smaller trees and understory vegetation. This compensatory response provides potent water quality protection in western forests.
Researchers at USDA and University of California-Davis discovered distinctive amino acid profiles in oranges grown on HLB-positive or -negative trees. These profiles could serve as an early indicator of the pathogen's presence.
A new computer program, LandTrendr, has successfully teased out subtle changes in forest ecosystems by analyzing vast amounts of scientific data. By comparing satellite images to ground data, scientists uncovered the cause of slow-moving declines and recoveries of trees in Pacific Northwest forests.
Seeds from the Indian mahua and sal trees have shown promising thermal efficiency comparable to biodiesel, producing lower emissions of carbon monoxide and waste hydrocarbons. The use of tree seed oils could also provide additional benefits such as lower viscosity and greater volatility.
A study by Indiana University researchers found flame retardants at global locations, with high concentrations detected in tree bark samples, particularly in urban areas and near manufacturing facilities. The technique of using tree bark as a sampling medium proves effective in detecting these pollutants.
A new study reveals that the native Carolina Willow is thriving in Florida's St. Johns River due to stable water levels created by 1950s water-management projects. The invasive tree forms impenetrable thickets, using tremendous amounts of water and eliminating duck habitats.
A new study finds that climate warming is allowing bark beetles to thrive in previously inhospitable high-elevation forests, posing a significant threat to whitebark pine ecosystems. The insects are attacking trees with weakened defenses, leading to potential cascading effects on mountain ecosystems.
A study published in PNAS found that modern humans with feet adapted for terrestrial bipedalism can still climb trees effectively. Researchers observed extreme dorsiflexion and longer muscle fibers in climbing individuals, challenging the idea that a terrestrially adapted foot excludes arboreal behavior.
The loss of hemlock trees due to exotic pests and pathogens has an unexpected benefit: it allows hardwood species to thrive by releasing phosphorus into the soil. However, this shift also leads to increased nitrogen leaching from the soil, which can harm aquatic organisms.
A new study reveals that many Amazon tree species are likely to survive human-caused climate warming in the coming century. However, researchers warn of the impact of extreme drought and forest fires as temperatures rise. Conservation efforts should focus on reducing greenhouse-gas emissions and preventing deforestation.
New genetic analysis reveals that many Amazon tree species are likely to survive man-made climate warming in the coming century. The study finds that these trees have previously survived warmer climates and are expected to endure higher temperatures. However, droughts and forest fires remain major threats to the Amazon's future.
Researchers used infrared sensors and thermal technology to evaluate irrigation strategies in peach orchards. They found that midday canopy-to-air temperature differences were significantly higher in water-stressed trees, indicating the potential for effective management of water use.
Tropical montane cloud forest trees have been found to absorb water directly through their leaves from clouds, providing a crucial survival mechanism in foggy areas. However, the disappearance of these clouds due to climate change may render this adaptation useless for the ecosystem's survival.
A new study has provided detailed knowledge of the resin secretory system in Boswellia trees, revealing a 3-D network of inter-connected canals that allow for efficient transport of resin. This discovery could lead to improved tapping techniques, reducing damage to trees and ensuring their long-term survival.
The world's largest living organisms are facing an alarming decline in death rates among trees 100-300 years old. The study highlights the critical role of large old trees in regulating ecosystems, storing carbon, and supporting biodiversity. Researchers call for urgent action to identify causes and develop strategies for conservation.
Researchers used housing sales data to estimate how much home buyers are willing to pay for scenic vistas, outdoor recreation, and neighborhood tree cover. In Dakota County, home buyers were willing to pay $200-500 more per 10 percent increase in tree cover.