Articles tagged with Trees
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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 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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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 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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
A recent study by George Washington University Professor Amy Zanne found that plants worldwide are operating at their safety threshold for drought, making forests vulnerable to environmental stress. The research reveals that while plants vary in drought resistance, they share similar hydraulic safety thresholds across all forest types.
Researchers at the US Department of Agriculture have developed a deficit-irrigation strategy for early-season peaches, which reduces post-harvest water levels by 25% without significantly affecting next year's yield. The study also found that subsurface drip irrigation systems had minimal effects on yield and fruit quality.
Scientists at Queen Mary University of London have sequenced the genetic code of a dwarf birch tree, a species crucial to British conservation. The decoded genome will aid in understanding disease resistance and growth shape, helping protect against the bronze birch borer pest threatening UK birch populations.
A new study published in Behavioral Ecology and Sociobiology found that male grey tree frogs increase their courtship calls when they can see a female approaching. The research, led by Dr. Michael Reichert, suggests that visual cues play a crucial role in attracting mates in nocturnal anurans.
The North American Oak Skeletonizer has invaded Europe on planted Northern Red Oaks since 1989. The moth's arrival is attributed to air transport of cocoons from NATO aircraft, leading to the discovery of this previously unknown species in Europe.
Researchers found that warmer springs are causing trees to leaf out earlier, threatening tree species like yellow birch and sugar maple. This altered landscape can lead to changes in wildlife populations, including deer replacing moose in the ecosystem.
Climate change, fire suppression, and invasive species are threatening mountain meadows in the Pacific Northwest. These ecosystems, once carpeted with grasses, shrubs, and wildflowers, are declining rapidly, with some areas experiencing a 35% increase in tree occupation over just 57 years.
Researchers have created the most comprehensive family tree for birds, revealing recent and rapid diversification across nearly 10,000 species. Analysis shows that bird diversity has increased over the past 50 million years, with groups in northern North America and Eurasia exhibiting intense recent diversification.
A new study found that over 60% of western aspen trees in Utah and Colorado are triploid, with this genetic anomaly causing altered physical traits such as sterility or reduced fertility. The researchers also discovered a correlation between triploidy rates and regional climate variation.
The article assesses Australia's giant eucalyptus trees' classification as rainforest species, sparked by their unique relationship with fire. The study finds that despite being dependent on fire for regeneration, these trees coexist on the margins of rainforests and should be considered part of the ecosystem.