Research on trees and their role in nature and cities. Covers forest conservation, tension wood, and the benefits of urban trees.
A new study found that common native red oak seedlings grow eight times faster in New York's Central Park due to urban heat levels. This phenomenon could have implications for changing climate and forest composition over a wide region. The research suggests that warmer temperatures, especially at night, can promote tree growth.
The article suggests that preventative measures are most effective in managing bark beetles, which can be controlled naturally by environmental factors. Maintaining a diversity of healthy tree species and adequate spacing between host trees reduces the likelihood of beetle outbreaks.
Preliminary data suggests that neem compounds target the HIV protease, a protein essential for virus replication. Researchers hope that further studies will validate these findings and lead to new HIV-AIDS therapies.
The university is launching a new initiative to advance desert agriculture using an olive tree forest planted in Wadi Mashash. The project aims to produce food, cash crops, and sustainable farming practices.
A new study reveals that genetically improved loblolly pines have increased carbon uptake and stem-wood production, with 17% and 13% increases respectively, over a 40-year period. This enhancement of the trees' ability to act as carbon sinks is expected to mitigate climate change.
A recent study found that tree nut consumers had lower body weight and a lower prevalence of metabolic syndrome, high blood pressure, and low HDL-cholesterol levels. This suggests that incorporating tree nuts into one's diet may be beneficial for overall health.
A University of Missouri research team is conducting a two-year study to reclaim developed flood plain land and keep waterways free of pollutants. The project uses 777 willow trees to filter water and potentially produce a cash crop for farmers.
A recent study by Harvard University and the Smithsonian Institution found that development in Massachusetts could reduce forest carbon storage by 18% over the next half century. However, the researchers highlight the importance of expanding support for forestland protection to mitigate climate change.
Researchers from the University of Adelaide have discovered that pollen diversity is limited in mahogany forests due to extensive exploitation, affecting seedling growth and forest re-growth rates. The study suggests that collecting high-quality seeds from healthy trees could improve restoration efforts.
A study published in Canadian Journal of Forest Research uses shoot buds from a century-old American elm to develop an in vitro conservation system, potentially providing disease resistance for future plantings. The culture system has been used successfully to establish a repository representing 17 mature American elms from Ontario.
Researchers at the University of Guelph have cloned American elm trees that survived Dutch elm disease epidemics, offering a potential model for preserving endangered plant species. The breakthrough could help reintroduce disease-resistant trees and conserve thousands of other endangered species.
A recent study found that human noise has indirect effects on plants, benefiting some species like scarlet gilia while harming others like piñon pine. The study's findings suggest that noise can alter pollination patterns and affect seed production, with consequences that may last for decades.
A recent study by USDA Forest Service researchers found that removing the invasive Tamaligi tree greatly improves the health of its diverse native forests in American Samoa. Native tree species quickly recover and persist after control efforts, while biomass levels are restored to equivalent pre-invasion levels.
A study reveals that manmade noise has indirect effects on plants, with some species benefiting and others being harmed. Noise levels can influence the number of pollinator visits, pollen transfer, and seed production in certain plant species, highlighting the ripple effects of human activity on the natural world.
Researchers used NEWGARDEN software to determine optimal founder placement and dispersal for maximum population growth and genetic diversity. The study found that planting trees 1,500 meters into a preserve can result in up to 247% more trees in 101 years' time.
Researchers found that mesquite trees and woody shrubs outperform grasslands in coping with heat and water stress, despite being less adapted physiologically. The study suggests that deep roots allow mesquites to access groundwater inaccessible to shallow-rooted plants.
Researchers found pine beetles can breed twice a year, leading to up to 60 times more beetles attacking trees annually. Warmer temperatures also allow beetles to survive and attack trees with previously developed defenses.
The Northern Forests Futures Project reports a 28% increase in forest coverage in the northern US, benefiting from carbon emissions collection and forestry jobs. However, threats to forests in the coming decades could undermine these gains due to invasive plants and diseases.
University of California, San Diego engineers build nanowire 'trees' that capture solar energy and convert it into hydrogen fuel. The trees' vertical structure maximizes energy absorption, making them more efficient than traditional flat surfaces.
Research reveals that some Scandinavian conifers survived the harsh ice age climate in small ice-free pockets for tens of thousands of years. The study found two distinct types of spruce trees with different histories, which could have economic significance for tree plantation owners.
A team of researchers has discovered an entire fossil forest in upstate New York, revealing the oldest known tree stumps and new insights into the evolution of forests. The 385-million-year-old Gilboa fossil forest contains hundreds of large tree stumps with preserved roots, offering a glimpse into the Earth's ancient ecosystems.
Researchers from Binghamton University and Cardiff University have discovered the floor of the world's oldest forest in a cover article in Nature. The ancient site, dating back 385 million years, provides new insights into modern-day forests and their impact on climate change.
The Mercyhurst research aims to assess the hemlock woolly adelgid's cold tolerance and predict its impact on Eastern US forests. The project will monitor environmental conditions across 20-25 hemlock stands in Pennsylvania, identifying factors that affect winter survival.
A study by the USDA Forest Service found that tree cover in US cities is declining at a rate of 4 million trees per year, mainly due to impervious cover and natural disasters. The greatest losses were seen in New Orleans, Houston, and Albuquerque, highlighting the need for comprehensive tree planting programs.
A 300-million-year-old tropical forest was discovered and characterized by a Penn researcher, providing insight into the ecology and climate of its time. The researchers found six groups of trees, including tree ferns, Sigillaria, and Cordaites, which were preserved in volcanic ash.
Researchers from Notre Dame and two universities are studying the impact of speciation on parasitic wasps and their fruit fly prey. The study may help control pests in orchards, saving the apple industry millions annually.
A recent study examines ash tree removal and pesticide options to minimize urban forest loss due to Emerald Ash Borer infestations. The results show that insecticide treatments retain greater urban forest value, while preemptive removal without replacement is the least expensive option.
Climate researchers found that tree-ring reconstructions of temperature change may underestimate the climate response to past volcanic eruptions. The study compared tree-ring temperature reconstructions with model simulations and found a significant discrepancy in the response to three large tropical eruptions.
Yellow-cedar trees are dying off across large areas in Alaska and British Columbia due to root freezing caused by reduced snow and cold temperatures. The tree's shallow roots make it vulnerable to freezing injury, leading to its decline. Conservation strategies are needed to protect the species.
A recent study analyzed data from tree species censuses and fossil evidence to chart diversity in rainforests. The results show that variation in species richness among families is very similar across tropical forests, suggesting that community structure in rainforests cannot be attributed to stochastic factors.
Researchers found that birds prioritize specific tree species over others when searching for caterpillars, with the healthiest trees harboring the most caterpillars. This preference puts caterpillars at a higher risk of predation.
A new study found Pycnogenol to improve skin hydration by 44 percent and increase collagen production, resulting in improved skin elasticity. The supplement also showed reduced skin fatigue and wrinkles, with increased skin smoothness.
Researchers at MIT found a theoretical speed limit for flying objects, including birds and drones, to avoid collisions in forested environments. The critical speed above which a bird or aircraft is sure to crash has been identified, with the goal of developing more efficient UAVs that can navigate through cluttered spaces.
Researchers at the University of Georgia have found that releasing ladybird beetles in the upper crown of infested trees can effectively control hemlock woolly adelgid populations. The study suggests a new approach to managing the invasive pest, which has been killing Eastern hemlocks across the southeastern US.
A new report reveals that the reintroduction of wolves to Yellowstone National Park has led to a profound rebirth of life and ecosystem health. Trees and shrubs are beginning to recover along some streams, providing improved habitat for beaver and fish. Birds and bears also have more food available due to the decrease in elk populations.
Ecologists warn that frankincense production could be halved in the next 15 years as Boswellia tree populations decline dramatically. The study found that factors other than tapping, such as fire, grazing, and insect attacks, are contributing to the decline.
A PhD student in ecology and evolutionary biology is tracking how viruses spread from flying foxes to humans. Her research aims to fill gaps in bat population data using samples from museum specimens.
New research by William Anderegg and colleagues reveals that carbon starvation is unlikely to be the primary cause of tree death during droughts. The study found significant losses of function in the trees' water-transportation systems, especially in the roots, resulting in a 70% loss of water conductivity.
A new study published in Journal of Arid Environments found that climate change is causing widespread tree mortality and species loss in the Sahel region of Africa, with one in six trees dying between 1954 and 2002.
A recent study surveying tree fruit professionals found that the main concerns about new technologies are equipment cost, reliability of harvest assist systems, and sensor systems. Regional differences were also observed, with eastern US growers emphasizing price points and irrigation concerns.
A new study using Landsat satellite data shows that Kirtland's warblers prefer young forests and forests that have been on fire. The researchers found that the age of the forest correlates strongly with its height, and that old forests with grazed underbrush provide suitable habitat for the warblers.
Researchers at Purdue University found that walnut trees are highly sensitive to certain climates and may struggle to survive in a changing environment. The trees' defense mechanisms against cold and extreme weather events could be compromised by climate change, leading to potential declines in the species.
Research on container-grown trees found that deep structural roots contribute to physiological stresses and abnormally deep roots. Remediation techniques reduced growth delays in pin oak, while littleleaf linden showed more persistent issues after three years.
Researchers introduced a new computer-based model, L-PEACH-d, to simulate peach tree growth and optimize horticultural practices. The model integrates concepts of carbon assimilation, distribution, and use in trees.
A Yale-led team found that deforestation in northern latitudes has a net cooling effect due to increased albedo from snow cover and reduced absorption of solar radiation. Temperatures decrease by an average of 1.5 degrees Fahrenheit north of Minnesota.
Researchers discovered a surprising link between deforestation and temperature changes, finding that areas north of 45 degrees latitude experience cooling effects due to increased albedo. However, this effect is not observed at lower latitudes, where deforestation may actually contribute to warming.
A new study found that trees at the edge of Alaska's tundra are growing faster due to a hotter climate, suggesting some forests may be adapting. The added growth is helping the trees thrive in this region, which has experienced rapid warming.
A growing body of evidence shows that man-made noise is bad for birds, particularly bigger birds with low-frequency songs. These species may be forced out of noisy sites because they can't hear each other over the din.
Researchers have made a fundamental discovery about enzymes, revealing that flexibility is an essential feature of enzyme function. This finding has significant implications for improving the efficiency of enzymatic processes and developing new treatments for diseases such as AIDS.
Researchers from the University of Arizona have discovered a long-lost megadrought in the southwestern US during the second century AD, lasting nearly 50 years. The study, using tree-ring analysis, reveals a previously unknown drought period that had significant implications for regional climate and water resources.
Scientists have discovered that human activities are perturbing the nitrogen cycle in tropical forests, leading to an increase in nitrogen levels. This finding has significant implications for tree communities and global change models.
A massive shift in tree species is underway across the Western United States due to climate change, with many native species declining or disappearing and opportunistic newcomers replacing them. The research identifies areas where forests will change composition, with some regions shifting into grasslands or deserts.
A new Duke University-led study reveals that more than half of eastern US tree species are not adapting to climate change as quickly or consistently as predicted. The research found that nearly 59% of the species examined showed signs of range contraction, while only 21% appeared to be shifting northward.
A decline of 60% in marten detection rates in California's Sierra Nevada mountains may be attributed to habitat fragmentation and loss due to logging. The study suggests preserving marten habitat, which benefits other species thriving in old forests at high elevations.
Fertilizer trees have been adopted by hundreds of thousands of smallholder farmers in Southern Africa, resulting in doubling of maize yields and significant increases in incomes and food security. The trees' natural ability to draw nitrogen from the air improves water efficiency and reduces soil erosion.
A new study documents the rapid adoption of fertilizer trees by smallholder farmers in southern Africa, leading to significant increases in maize yields and incomes. The approach has improved water efficiency and reduced soil erosion, offering a potential solution to food crises on the continent.
A 12-year study found that future forests can grow faster under elevated carbon dioxide levels, outpacing assumptions of reduced growth due to climate change. The increased growth is sustained by enhanced soil nitrogen cycling and a greater ability for trees to absorb nitrogen from the soil.
A University of Guelph study shows that gray jays relying on cached food for survival must store it in trees with specific characteristics, such as coniferous species. This crucial cache is vital not only for overwinter survival but also successful reproduction in the Canadian boreal forest.
A new study shows that trees in London's urban areas remove between 850 to 2000 tonnes of particulate pollution from the air every year. This research uses a prediction model to estimate future air quality and suggests that targeted tree planting and a mix of evergreen species can maximize benefits.
Despite maintaining a forest's physical appearance, its ecological, economic and cultural values can still be lost due to changes in structure and biodiversity. Researchers warn that traditional forestry practices, such as clear-cutting, can lead to the disappearance of critical forest structures and stages.