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Listening to the largest tree on Earth #ASA184

Researchers used hydrophones to record the sounds of Pando aspen grove's leaves and root system, discovering vibrations passing through the tree during a windstorm. The study challenges traditional concepts of individual organisms and has potential applications in nondestructive analysis of environmental systems.

SourceAcoustical Society of America·DateMay 10, 2023

Preserving pine forests by understanding beetle flight

Researchers used fluid dynamics models to study the mountain pine beetle's flight, finding that wing shape, age, and size impact thrust production. This knowledge can improve statistical confidence levels for insect dispersion studies and help preserve pine forests.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalPhysics of Fluids·DateMay 9, 2023

Exploring the underground connections between trees

Researchers found that mycorrhizal networks are essential for forest stability but not through sharing and caring among trees. The network works like a trading ground for individual trees and fungi, each trying to survive.

SourceInternational Institute for Applied Systems Analysis·JournalNew Phytologist·DateMay 9, 2023
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

Apple iPhone 17 Pro delivers top performance and advanced cameras for field documentation, data collection, and secure research communications.

Secret behind Amazonian 'dark earth' could help speed up forest restoration across the globe

Adding Amazonian dark earth to soils increases plant growth by 3-8 times compared to control soil. The nutrient-rich soil also supports a greater biodiversity of beneficial bacteria and archaea, which transform chemical particles into nutrients. This 'secret weapon' could help speed up forest restoration projects worldwide.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Soil Science·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 5, 2023

Mushrooms and their post-rain, electrical conversations

Scientists discovered that electrical signals in Laccaria bicolor mushrooms increased after rainfall, demonstrating signal transport among closely spaced mushrooms. The post-rain electric potential showed directionality and strengthened connectivity between spatially close fungi.

SourceTohoku University·JournalFungal Ecology·DateApr 28, 2023

Snowballing effects of beech leaf disease hurt helpful root fungi

Researchers found that severe beech leaf disease infestation hurts trees' relationships with helpful root mutualists, ectomycorrhizal fungi. Trees with the most severe symptoms had over 65% less healthy fungi in their roots compared to those with mild symptoms.

SourceHolden Forests & Gardens·JournalJournal of Fungi·TypeObservational study·DateApr 27, 2023
SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB

SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB transfers large imagery and model outputs quickly between field laptops, lab workstations, and secure archives.

Tree diversity increases carbon storage, soil fertility in forests

A University of Alberta study finds that maintaining tree diversity in Canada's forests can significantly increase carbon capture and improve soil fertility. This conservation strategy can help mitigate climate change by storing more carbon and nitrogen in the soil over decadal time scales.

SourceUniversity of Alberta·JournalNature·DateApr 26, 2023
Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount

Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount provides precise tracking capacity for deep-sky imaging rigs during long astrophotography sessions.

How bee-friendly is the forest?

Researchers found that honeybees use forests less than expected, with colonies traveling long distances to find food due to limited tree species diversity. A more diverse forest with insect-pollinated trees and shrubs can provide a balanced food supply throughout the season.

SourceUniversity of Würzburg·JournalJournal of Applied Ecology·DateApr 20, 2023
AmScope B120C-5M Compound Microscope

AmScope B120C-5M Compound Microscope supports teaching labs and QA checks with LED illumination, mechanical stage, and included 5MP camera.

Farmer’ beetle finds suitable host trees by tracing scent of its fungus crop

Researchers discovered that ambrosia beetles Xylosandrus germanus use the volatile compounds of their fungal symbionts to aggregate and potentially kill trees. This finding suggests a new method for biological control by targeting specific beetle species with trapping lures based on these compounds.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Microbiology·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 14, 2023
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter is a trusted meter for precise measurements during instrument integration, repairs, and field diagnostics.

US forests face an unclear future with climate change

A new study by University of Utah researchers finds that US forests may lose carbon through fire, stress, and insect damage, compromising their role as a climate solution. The study suggests urgent need to update carbon offset protocols with best available science on climate risks.

SourceUniversity of Utah·JournalNature Geoscience·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateApr 6, 2023
Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation, USB-C)

Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation, USB-C) provide clear calls and strong noise reduction for interviews, conferences, and noisy field environments.

Why are forests turning brown in summer?

Researchers found that exceptional weather conditions over several years are turning European forests brown. Characteristic weather patterns, such as prolonged dry periods and high temperatures, precede these events, with a legacy effect contributing to future low-forest greenness.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalBiogeosciences·DateMar 31, 2023

Can cities make room for woodpeckers?

Researchers found that corridors with abundant mature trees and deadwood help pileated woodpeckers adjust to urban landscape fragmentation. The Little Miami River corridor is one of the best places for these birds in Hamilton County, Ohio.

SourceUniversity of Cincinnati·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateMar 31, 2023

In the tropics, woody vines make lightning more deadly for forests

A new study reveals that lianas play a crucial role in amplifying the effects of lightning strikes, resulting in more severe damage to neighboring trees. High liana density is positively associated with the number of trees killed and damaged by lightning.

SourceCary Institute of Ecosystem Studies·JournalNew Phytologist·DateMar 27, 2023
Rigol DP832 Triple-Output Bench Power Supply

Rigol DP832 Triple-Output Bench Power Supply powers sensors, microcontrollers, and test circuits with programmable rails and stable outputs.

Forest growing season in eastern U.S. has increased by a month

A new study has found that the growing period of hardwood forests in eastern North America has increased by an average of one month over the past century as temperatures have steadily risen. The research used data from Ohio farmer Thomas Mikesell's comprehensive dataset and compared it to present-day observations, revealing a clear con...

SourceOhio State University·JournalPLOS ONE·DateMar 21, 2023

Global climate data insufficiently explain composition of local plant species

A study analyzing over 300,000 European vegetation plots found that global climate gradients have relatively weak correlations with local plant community characteristics. The effects of climate change on plant species depend heavily on local factors such as soil conditions and microclimate.

SourceMartin-Luther-Universität Halle-Wittenberg·JournalNature Communications·DateMar 15, 2023
Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro)

Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro) powers local ML workloads, large datasets, and multi-display analysis for field and lab teams.

Shedd Aquarium and the Morton Arboretum named new centers for species survival

The IUCN Species Survival Commission has recognized two iconic Chicago institutions as Centers for Species Survival, elevating the region's role in biodiversity conservation. Shedd Aquarium and The Morton Arboretum will collaborate on projects highlighting aquatic and terrestrial linkages in Central American biodiversity hotspots.

SourceThe Morton Arboretum·DateMar 9, 2023

A mixture of trees purifies urban air best

A study by University of Gothenburg found that conifer trees are generally better at purifying air from gaseous pollutants, while broadleaved trees excel at capturing particle-bound pollution. The researchers analyzed leaves and needles from eleven different tree species to determine which ones absorb air pollutants most effectively.

SourceUniversity of Gothenburg·JournalEcological Indicators·TypeContent analysis·DateMar 6, 2023
GoPro HERO13 Black

GoPro HERO13 Black records stabilized 5.3K video for instrument deployments, field notes, and outreach, even in harsh weather and underwater conditions.

Scientists use satellites to track earth ‘greening’ amid climate change

Researchers estimate worldwide changes in plant leaf growth due to global warming, finding that greening trends have a stronger association with carbon uptake than growing season length. Satellite imagery and field sensors reveal new insights into the impact of climate change on vegetation productivity and carbon capture.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalGlobal Biogeochemical Cycles·DateMar 2, 2023

Deforestation in the tropics linked to a reduction in rainfall

Research reveals a clear link between tropical forest loss and reduced rainfall, with potential consequences for agriculture, hydropower plants, and local communities. The study estimates that continued deforestation in the Congo could lead to a 8-12% reduction in rainfall by the end of the century.

SourceUniversity of Leeds·JournalNature·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMar 1, 2023

A groundbreaking study reveals the carbon stocks of 10 billion trees in the drylands of sub-Saharan Africa

A groundbreaking study used AI and high spatial resolution imagery to analyze over 300,000 satellite images and identify nearly 10 billion trees in sub-Saharan Africa. The research reveals that tree density and carbon stocks in the arid zone are underestimated, with a total carbon stock of 0.84 billion tonnes.

SourceINRAE - National Research Institute for Agriculture, Food and Environment·JournalNature·DateMar 1, 2023
Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4)

Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4) runs demanding GIS, imaging, and annotation workflows on the go for surveys, briefings, and lab notebooks.

Flower power: Research highlights the role of ants in forest regeneration

Research from Binghamton University highlights the importance of ants in forest regeneration, with over 95% of New York state forests relying on them to disperse seeds. Ants take seeds with fatty rewards back to their nests, protecting them from consumption by rodents and other organisms, promoting a mutually beneficial arrangement.

SourceBinghamton University·JournalEcology·DateFeb 28, 2023
DJI Air 3 (RC-N2)

DJI Air 3 (RC-N2) captures 4K mapping passes and environmental surveys with dual cameras, long flight time, and omnidirectional obstacle sensing.

Stanford-led study reveals a fifth of California’s Sierra Nevada conifer forests are stranded in habitats that have grown too warm for them

A Stanford-led study estimates that about 20% of all Sierra Nevada conifer forests are mismatched with the climate around them. This means they are temporarily surviving in habitats that have grown too warm for them, but are likely to be replaced by tree species better adapted to the climate after catastrophic wildfires.

SourceStanford University·JournalPNAS Nexus·DateFeb 22, 2023

Clever orchard design for more nuts

A study by the University of Göttingen found that arranging rows of trees at right angles to semi-natural habitats increases pollination performance and nut production. The design also promotes easy movement of bees through the plantation.

SourceUniversity of Göttingen·JournalJournal of Applied Ecology·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 22, 2023

Conifer-killing beetles use smell of beneficial fungus to select host trees

Researchers found that conifer-killing beetles can detect the smell of a beneficial fungus through specialized neurons in their antennae, allowing them to identify infected trees. This detection system enables the beetles to locate fungi-produced compounds in tree resin, which may serve as cues for feeding and breeding.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 21, 2023
Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 Binoculars

Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 Binoculars deliver bright, sharp views for wildlife surveys, eclipse chases, and quick star-field scans at dark sites.

Climate and geography develop spiritual connections between giant trees and human beings

A macroecological study found that giant tree properties, such as trunk circumference and age, are strongly correlated with climatic factors. The probability of a tree being an object of faith tends to increase with lower annual precipitation, highlighting the impact of climate change on spiritual ecosystem services.

SourceNational Institute for Environmental Studies·JournalNature Plants·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateFeb 21, 2023

Symbiosis between trees and fungi: Discovery of the role of epigenetics

Research reveals DNA methylation plays a crucial role in tree-fungi symbiosis, affecting water uptake and environmental adaptability. Epigenetic modulation between trees and fungi enhances symbiotic relationships, with implications for forest management and climate change mitigation.

SourceINRAE - National Research Institute for Agriculture, Food and Environment·JournalNew Phytologist·DateFeb 21, 2023

Let’s talk to a moth about sex: Polish chemists have 'made a deal' with a butterfly threatening pine forests

Scientists from Poland's Institute of Physical Chemistry have discovered a way to control the population of the pine-tree lappet moth, which threatens coniferous forests. A new pheromone blend based on biocomponents of the sex pheromone has been developed to monitor and potentially control the moth's abundance.

SourceInstitute of Physical Chemistry of the Polish Academy of Sciences·JournalInsects·DateFeb 14, 2023
Anker Laptop Power Bank 25,000mAh (Triple 100W USB-C)

Anker Laptop Power Bank 25,000mAh (Triple 100W USB-C) keeps Macs, tablets, and meters powered during extended observing runs and remote surveys.

Urban birds prefer native trees

A long-term study from Lund University in Sweden found that native trees are preferred by urban birds due to their availability of resources. Non-native trees lack an evolutionary history with the local ecosystem and have fewer insects, leading to a shortage of food for insectivorous birds.

SourceLund University·JournalOecologia·DateFeb 13, 2023

Do forest trees really “talk” through underground fungi?

Researchers found no strong evidence that underground fungal networks, known as common mycorrhizal networks (CMNs), offer benefits to trees and their seedlings. While CMNs exist, there is limited understanding of their structure and function in the field, leading to questionable claims about resource transfer and seedling survival.

SourceUniversity of Alberta·JournalNature Ecology & Evolution·TypeLiterature review·DateFeb 13, 2023

Sowing the seeds of fruitful labor

A team of researchers at Kyoto University found that the brown lemur is responsible for regenerating large fruit trees in Madagascar's Ankarafantsika National Park. The study shows that lemur seed dispersal can lead to a 1.5% survival rate of seeds, contributing significantly to forest diversity.

SourceKyoto University·JournalScientific Reports·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 10, 2023

New research suggests drought accelerated empire collapse

Researchers at Cornell University have found that severe drought, lasting three consecutive years, likely accelerated the collapse of the Hittite Empire in ancient Anatolia. The team analyzed tree ring and isotope records to pinpoint this period of severe dryness, which matches the timeline of the empire's disappearance.

SourceCornell University·JournalNature·DateFeb 8, 2023
Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm)

Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm) tracks health metrics and safety alerts during long observing sessions, fieldwork, and remote expeditions.

Endangered Bahamas bird may be lost from island following hurricane

Researchers at the University of East Anglia found that the Bahama Warbler may only survive on Abaco island after Hurricane Dorian devastated its forest habitat on Grand Bahama. The study, published in Bird Conservation International, reveals that the bird prefers areas with taller, more mature trees and can adapt to burnt vegetation.

SourceUniversity of East Anglia·JournalBird Conservation International·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 8, 2023

The plants seeking refuge across our dynamically changing planet

Researchers studied pollen data from North America's Neotoma Paleoecology Database to understand plant migration patterns and climate fidelity. Most plant species have exhibited long-term climate loyalty over the past 18,000 years, while some plants adapt locally in response to climate change.

SourceGeorgia Institute of Technology·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 6, 2023

A study analyzes the relationship between olive roots and Verticillium wilt

Researchers developed an effective method to analyze the effect of olive root exudates on Verticillium wilt, a disease causing olive tree death. The study found that exudates from resistant varieties suppress the fungus's germination, while susceptible varieties stimulate its growth.

SourceUniversity of Córdoba·JournalPlant and Soil·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 3, 2023
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope combines portable Schmidt-Cassegrain optics with GoTo pointing for outreach nights and field campaigns.

Tree rows in modern agriculture reduce damage to environment

A new study by the University of Göttingen found that alley-cropping agroforestry significantly improves ecosystem functions, including carbon sequestration, habitat creation, and soil protection. In contrast, open grassland systems did not show significant changes in ecosystem function after conversion to agroforestry.

SourceUniversity of Göttingen·JournalCommunications Earth & Environment·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 2, 2023

Secret recipe for limonoids opens door for bee-friendly crop protection

Researchers have discovered a way to produce limonoids, a family of valuable chemicals with potential as bee-friendly insecticides and anti-cancer drugs. By identifying the enzymes required for production, they can now use host organisms to create these compounds in a more sustainable way.

SourceJohn Innes Centre·JournalScience·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 26, 2023
Meta Quest 3 512GB

Meta Quest 3 512GB enables immersive mission planning, terrain rehearsal, and interactive STEM demos with high-resolution mixed-reality experiences.

Can elephants save the planet?

A recent study reveals that elephants play a crucial role in maintaining biodiversity and storing atmospheric carbon in African rainforests. The loss of forest elephants would lead to reduced carbon sequestration, amplifying planetary warming. With critically endangered populations, conservation efforts must prioritize protecting these...

SourceSaint Louis University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeObservational study·DateJan 23, 2023
Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition

Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition is a durable star atlas for planning sessions, identifying targets, and teaching celestial navigation.

Solved: The secret to long lived leaves

A study published in Science Advances reveals that the lifespan of a tree leaf is determined by environmental factors such as climate and soil conditions. The researchers found that evergreen conifers make longer-lived leaves in colder climates, while deciduous trees produce shorter-lived leaves in warmer environments.

SourceMacquarie University·JournalScience Advances·TypeObservational study·DateJan 18, 2023

Climate change likely to uproot more Amazon trees

Researchers link extreme thunderstorms to Amazon tree deaths, predicting 43% increase in large windthrow events by the end of the century. The tropics will see a 50% increase in areas susceptible to extreme storms triggering windthrows.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalNature Communications·DateJan 17, 2023