A team led by Jianxi Gao developed equations to measure and compare distances to tipping points across various mutualistic systems, allowing for the triage of declining ecosystems. This method enables the identification of areas that need intervention most urgently, providing a critical sense of urgency to mobilize resources.
A new study published in Scientific Reports shows that selectively planting vegetation between roads and playgrounds can cut toxic air pollution reaching school children. Western red cedar tredges were found to be most effective at capturing particulate matter, with almost half of black carbon and 46% of fine particles eliminated.
Researchers analyzed annual growth rings from Yamal's subfossil trees to track summer temperature over the past 7,638 years. The findings indicate that current warming is unprecedented during the past seven millennia.
Scientists studied lightning's impact on Panama Canal forests, finding that some tree species, like palms, are more likely to die after a strike. Others, with denser wood and larger water vessels, are more resistant and may even store more carbon.
A recent study published in One Earth explores the potential for utilizing urban tree waste to reduce global warming potential in the United States. The researchers found that adopting eco-friendly uses for urban tree waste could significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions in U.S. cities.
The comprehensive U.S. tree species assessment highlights the need for conservation efforts to protect America's native trees. With 11-16% of tree species threatened with extinction, invasive pests and diseases are identified as the primary threats, emphasizing the importance of collaborative conservation strategies.
Researchers at Stockholm University have developed a novel value chain to produce textile fibers and biofuel from fast-growing poplars. This sustainable approach enables the conversion of marginal land from cotton to food production, minimizing water consumption and supporting global food security.
A new USDA Forest Service study projects that residential structures will continue to increase carbon storage through 2070 and beyond. The research examines how population growth and income can be combined to project rates of new housing construction and its impact on carbon storage in wood products.
Climate change is driving the expansion of invasive insect species, such as the oak gall wasp, into more northerly oak savannas. This can lead to an imbalance in the ecosystem, as these insects can overwhelm native species without natural predators or competitors.
Research shows higher concentrations of pathogenic dust landing at lower elevations in the Sierra Nevada mountains, carrying fungi and bacteria that can cause crop failures and human respiratory disease. The study highlights the increasing threat of microbe-laden dust as the Earth dries out.
A new study found that as the globe warms, infected pines starve and disease-causing fungi become more aggressive, reducing the trees' capacity to carry out photosynthesis and invest in growth and defense. This can lead to a decrease in carbon sequestration rates, exacerbating climate change.
Researchers have discovered a lone Quercus tardifolia tree in Big Bend National Park, Texas, which was thought to be extinct. The tree's poor condition highlights the urgent need for conservation efforts to protect its genetic variation and adapt it to environmental changes.
A study reveals over 50 common toads in UK woodlands, defying expectations of their terrestrial lifestyle. The discovery highlights the importance of tree cavities as a habitat for amphibians and encourages conservation efforts.
A study published in the Journal of Ecology found that plants flowered and leafed out earlier in contemporary years than in the early 19th century, coinciding with a warming trend. The accelerated timing poses risks for some species' survival and informs conservation efforts.
A new study reconstructs the natural pace and pattern of carbon storage in forests over centuries, revealing that woody biomass nearly doubled during the last 8,000 years. This finding highlights the importance of preserving large trees to maintain carbon sequestration processes and buffer climate change.
A 30-year study by INRAE and ONF identified 34 oak populations with good combinations of traits as seed sources for plantings in France. Seed sources from regions with a long tradition of forestry have the best ecological and silvicultural traits, enabling the species to adapt to climate change.
Researchers at UNH found that silvopasture reduced carbon dioxide and nitrous oxide emissions compared to traditional pasture. The study provides a viable alternative for farmers looking to mitigate climate change in temperate regions.
Research on the invasive Sirex woodwasp estimates it can reproduce up to 2-3 times higher in North America than in its native range, posing a significant threat to local ecosystems. The wasp's ability to tolerate climate extremes and spread rapidly makes it a challenging insect to control.
Researchers from Tel Aviv University and the Hebrew University discovered charcoal remnants from olive trees at the Chalcolithic site of Tel Zaf, indicating intentional cultivation around 7,000 years ago. This marks the earliest evidence of domestication of a fruit tree worldwide.
A citizen science project called Snow Spotter analyzed tree-snow interactions to improve predictions of summer water supplies. The study found that snow in Washington's trees becomes 'cemented' and never leaves, while Colorado's trees experience frequent snowfall but dry conditions.
Researchers found that certain characteristics of refugia led to more tree regeneration, with taller trees and mountain hemlock species showing higher seed dispersal. The study suggests that natural regeneration is possible in some areas, making replanting efforts unnecessary and potentially harmful.
Two conservation strategies protect more birds: setting aside forest and growing coffee under shade tree canopies. These findings validate forest conservation and shade tree management as complementary biodiversity strategies.
Research by UMBC finds that tree plantations in the tropics are degrading biodiversity hotspots, damaging ecosystems like grasslands, and encroaching on protected areas. The study reveals that up to 92% of new tree plantations were in biodiversity hotspots.
A study from Washington University in St. Louis highlights the importance of spatial aspects of biodiversity for healthy forest functioning. The research shows that tree beta diversity, a measure of site-to-site variation in species composition, is stronger than other components of biodiversity at larger scales.
The Siberian tundra is projected to disappear entirely unless ambitious greenhouse-gas reduction measures are taken. A simulation shows that only 30% of the tundra can survive with aggressive climate protection, while the rest will be lost.
Researchers use AI software to identify invasive species and native trees threatened by disease from photos taken by on-train cameras. This technology enables railway workers to take action to better manage lineside vegetation and achieve biodiversity net gain by 2035.
Researchers from the University of Helsinki used new techniques to observe tree hyraxes in Kenya's Taita Hills, finding that they are social animals with specific habitat preferences. The study estimated a population size of no more than 2,000–4,000 individuals, shedding light on the behavior and conservation of these unique mammals.
Lab-grown plant material can be precisely controlled for physical and mechanical properties, such as stiffness and density. The researchers use a 3D bioprinting process to grow custom shapes and sizes of plant material.
Researchers discovered that salamanders rely on aerial postures similar to skydivers to slow and direct their descent. These 'parachuting' animals use fine-scale control to maintain upright body postures and execute banking turns.
Researchers discovered that wandering salamanders, living in redwoods, have developed aerial behaviors to avoid predators, including parachuting and gliding. They are able to maintain control and make horizontal maneuvers, defying expectations of their sluggish nature.
Research reveals that multi-species forest plantations outperform monocultures in terms of tree height, width, and biomass production. This is attributed to functional complementarity between species, which enhances resource use efficiency.
A fungus, Moniliophthora perniciosa, causes witches' broom disease in cocoa trees by releasing cytokinin, altering plant hormone balance. The fungus then consumes lignin produced by the tree's vascular tissue after its death.
Researchers found tree growth not source-limited but rather by cell growth, suggesting forests may not absorb as much carbon as thought. The study's findings challenge current forest growth models and highlight the need for climate change mitigation strategies.
New study finds tree branches move downward up to 20 cm at night as leaves and branches replenish water storage. This phenomenon has practical applications, including monitoring plant water status in greenhouses to automate watering regimes.
A new study finds that climate change is projected to increase the risks of tree death in US forests by 4-14 times by 2099, depending on carbon emissions scenarios. Human actions to tackle climate change can significantly reduce these risks.
A new study reveals that large-scale tree restoration can increase evaporation globally by nearly 10 litres per square meter, leading to a net decrease in water availability. However, the impact varies by region, with some river basins experiencing increased water flow due to enhanced rainfall.
Researchers created a warbler distribution map to identify areas important for conservation, indicating places where habitat improvement and restoration can benefit the species. The model suggests promoting woodlands with high tree canopy cover, 60–80% Ashe juniper composition, and tree heights over 3 meters.
A recent study suggests that tree density in the Cerrado biome has been controlled mainly by the length of the dry season over the past 45,000 years. The research found a link between changes in the dry season and variations in Earth's axial tilt, which may lead to similar trends in the late 21st century.
Researchers found that salicylic acid and jasmonic acid increase in response to fungal infection, increasing plant resistance without negatively affecting growth. High levels of both hormones make trees more resistant to fungal attack.
Researchers found that fruit bats use echolocation during the day despite having excellent vision, suggesting a combination of both senses for enhanced navigation. This study highlights the importance of integrating different senses, like humans using visual and auditory information when crossing streets.
Researchers developed a new model combining climatic and genomic data to predict forest tree growth in new environments. The model, based on maritime pine, showed improved predictions of population height growth by 14-25% compared to models using climatic data alone.
Researchers found that trees in tropical forests produce significantly more seeds than those in boreal regions, challenging the assumption that larger seeds mean fewer offspring. The studies also reveal that seed production is not constrained by seed size and provide new guidance for forest management and replanting.
A team of researchers has confirmed that a volcanic eruption in 1628 B.C. was not Thera but Alaskan volcano Aniakchak II, helping to narrow down the potential dates for the Thera eruption's occurrence between 1611 B.C., 1562-1555 B.C. and 1538 B.C.
The study maps the extent of threats to highly valuable Asian rosewood species in the Greater Mekong Subregion, proposing conservation actions. Three key species - Siamese rosewood, Burma blackwood, and Burmese rosewood - face significant risks from overexploitation, fire, habitat conversion, and climate change.
A CU Boulder study shows that tree fitbits can pinpoint precise timing of tree activities like spring bloom or autumn leaf change. The technology could predict agriculture needs, forecast leaves changing color, detect snow in forest canopies, and track tree damage.
A large-scale international study, led by Tel Aviv University's Dr. Omri Bronstein, found that many species of echinoids, including sea urchins, survived a mass extinction event 50 million years earlier than thought. The findings suggest that estimates of evolutionary timelines may err by tens of millions of years.
A new Swansea-led project will analyze the chemistry of ancient oak trees to reconstruct the climate of north-west Europe and improve dating accuracy for wooden structures. The QUERCUS project aims to develop the first annually-resolved tree-ring isotopic chronologies for the UK and north-western Europe, extending back 4,500 years.
Researchers found that green spaces were used as a tool for control and social cohesion, reducing instability in regions. The study highlights the potential of landscape design as a nonviolent means of subduing resistance from local populations.
A collection of policy briefs presents guidelines and possible solutions for managing invasive alien pests and pathogens in Europe. The briefs focus on topics such as biological control, classical biological control, and prevention of invasive species.
A new study forecasts 1.4 million US street tree deaths from invasive insects by 2050, with the emerald ash borer responsible for most fatalities. Urban diversity can help mitigate this impact, and prioritizing management efforts like quarantining wood products may be necessary.
A recent study found that US trees generate a total of $114 billion annually in ecosystem services, with carbon storage and air quality regulation contributing 51% and 37% respectively. The most valuable tree species are pine and oak, but face growing threats from climate change and pests.
SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Sustainability and Transformation·TypeObservational study·DateApr 5, 2022
A global team of scientists has identified a consistent pattern of hotter-drought conditions leading to forest mortality events. The study reveals that limiting Earth's warming will determine the survivability of many forests, with higher temperatures projected to double tree-killing droughts.
A University of Illinois-led study reveals a significant decline in tropical forest bird populations, with 70% of understory bird species experiencing a drop of half or more since 1977. The findings highlight the importance of long-term studies and the need to address the lack of data on tropical bird populations.
A recent study published in Nature Geoscience has found that tropical trees' trunk growth is reduced in years with drier and warmer conditions. The researchers also discovered that the effect of climatic fluctuations is more dramatic in arid or warm regions, suggesting climate change may increase the sensitivity of tropical trees.
Researchers at Flinders University discovered that stormwater interception and infiltration using the TREENET Inlet enhances white cedar tree growth, with saplings growing 65% more in height and 60% more in diameter. The study found increased water uptake and photosynthesis rates for trees receiving harvested stormwater.
A University of Illinois study found that neighborhoods with fewer trees have higher medical costs and poorer health outcomes. Residents in areas with more tree cover incur $374 less in medical costs per year, a difference that translates to approximately $194 million annually.
Researchers used camera traps to monitor interactions between Panama's epiphytic Zamia pseudoparasitica and animals, revealing that a nocturnal tree-dwelling mammal called northern olingos may be responsible for seed dispersal. The study sheds light on the plant's persistence in the forest canopy.
A recent study of Australian suburbs found that tree-inclusive gardens provide up to a 30-metre buffer during summer heatwaves, reducing energy costs. Researchers recommend incorporating deciduous trees into housing designs for better energy efficiency and urban aesthetics.
Scientists at NTU Singapore have developed a method to produce and extract oils from a type of common microalgae, which are edible and have superior properties as those found in palm oil. The newly discovered method would serve as a healthier and greener alternative to palm oil.
A new study found that restoring diverse native forests delivers greater climate and environmental benefits than simple tree plantations, but plantations outperform native forests in wood production. The research synthesized data from over 26,000 records to assess the relative performance of different forest restoration approaches.