Articles tagged with Wood
A research group has discovered a genetic mechanism that controls the development of wood cells in plant roots, allowing for potential engineering of more wood-producing plants. The study, published in Current Biology, sheds light on the formation of water-transporting tissues and their role in plant colonization of land.
Scientists have developed stronger, lighter, and more sustainable automotive plastics by harnessing the power of plant-based nano-cellulose fibers. These innovative materials are set to revolutionize car production, reducing weight and improving fuel efficiency.
A new outdoor testing system tracks real weather conditions and measures the impact of temperature changes on building joint sealants. This technology may help manufacturers improve the protective performance of their products, leading to reduced moisture damage and associated repairs.
The TUM team graded over 6,000 timber specimens from ten European countries to determine the influence of origin on strength. They found that some parameters influencing timber properties have yet to be established, but propose classifying timber into three regions based on similar properties.
A team of researchers has discovered a mummified forest in the Arctic that provides valuable insights into how plants adapted to a long-ago global cooling event. The trees, which are estimated to be 2-8 million years old, show signs of stress and suffered from extreme conditions, including half a year of darkness and cooling climate.
Scientists studied ice cores to find evidence of biomass burning fluctuations in Southern Hemisphere. Biomass burning trends differ from Northern Hemisphere records, suggesting changes for climate models.
Researchers have created a new soy-based glue that can replace traditional wood adhesives, eliminating the release of formaldehyde vapors. The adhesive, made from soy flour and a special additive, performs as well as conventional adhesives but is environmentally friendly.
Scientists have identified two plant enzymes that make it easier to extract sugars from wood, straw, and other non-edible parts of plants. This breakthrough can lead to more efficient and sustainable production of biofuels with lower impact on the food chain.
A new study by Syracuse University researchers reveals that the lack of FSC-certified sawmills and wood in New York state is causing a bottleneck for green construction. As a result, builders are forced to purchase FSC-certified wood outside of the state at a premium price.
Scientists have developed a new, eco-friendly adhesive made from soy flour and water-resistant additive that performs as well as traditional petroleum-based adhesives without releasing harmful formaldehyde vapors. The sustainable glue could lead to a resurgence of protein-based adhesives in the wood industry.
The complete genome of the split gill mushroom has been published, revealing a unique enzyme-based digestive apparatus that enables it to decompose wood. This knowledge can be used to genetically modify the fungus to optimize decomposition processes and improve the properties of wood.
A new University of Alberta study found no significant difference in arsenic levels between children playing on chromated copper arsenate-treated wood and other materials. The study suggests that contact with CCA treated wood is unlikely to contribute to overall arsenic exposure in children.
Researchers at TU Delft have discovered a way to break down harmful by-products in wood waste, enabling the production of biochemicals and biofuels without costly methods. This breakthrough paves the way for using wood waste as a sustainable raw material.
Researchers discovered gribble's digestive system contains enzymes that break down wood polymers, offering clues for industrial conversion. This could lead to the production of biofuels produced with gribble enzymes, reducing dependence on fossil fuels.
Flowering plants adapted anatomically to succeed, perfecting conducting systems with design flexibility and rapid adaptation capabilities. They retained juvenile tendencies, inventing new forms and wood patterns, giving them a competitive advantage over conifers.
Researchers at NC State will analyze the role of 33 lignin-producing genes in black cottonwood trees to determine how they impact lignin content. The study aims to develop a mathematical model to create specific types and levels of lignin suited for various applications.
Researchers found that urine-based fertilizer alone can produce four times more tomatoes than non-fertilized plants, while combining with wood ash reduces acidity in acidic soils. This innovative approach provides a low-cost and chemical-free method for increasing crop yields.
Researchers at Oregon State University have discovered that microcrystalline cellulose can partially replace silica as a reinforcing filler in tire manufacture, decreasing energy required and costs. The new material shows comparable traction on cold or wet pavement and provides higher fuel efficiency than traditional tires in hot weather.
A recent study found that adding a wood stove to a home can significantly reduce heating costs, with savings ranging from 25% to 60%. The carbon emissions associated with wood stoves are also negligible, making them a more environmentally friendly option than traditional gas heating systems.
Researchers at Queen's University Belfast have developed an eco-friendly way to dissolve wood using ionic liquids, a process that could transform into biofuels, textiles, and paper. The new method uses mild conditions of temperature and pressure, producing low toxicity and biodegradability.
Researchers at Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft develop a measuring technique to monitor resin distribution during OSB production. The new method uses special optics to record the image of the shavings mat, allowing for continuous measurements during production.
A Texas A&M University professor has confirmed his long-held theory that chemicals used on Stradivarius and Guarneri violins contribute to their distinctive sound. The study found the presence of borax, fluorides, chromium, and iron salts in the wood, suggesting a deliberate chemical treatment by violin makers.
Research articles explore impact of endocrine-disrupting chemicals on aquatic vertebrates and humans. Studies reveal mechanisms behind reproductive abnormalities and ecological risks associated with environmental contaminants.
The University of Cincinnati's CERHAS project is rebuilding the lost structures and interiors of the Shaker community using virtual reconstruction technology. The goal is to preserve the unique architectural legacy of the Shakers, which has had a lasting impact on American architecture and design.
Researchers found that consumers' self-view and the display surface a product rests on interact to affect perception. Display surfaces or merchandising can bolster or damage product perceptions, offering brands opportunities to shape shoppers' mindsets.
Researchers found that incorporating pecan chips into silty clay soil increased soil organic matter content and aggregate stability. The practice also improved soil tilth and aggregation, providing a sustainable solution for disposing of pruned wood.
A team of researchers discovered a novel fungus in the gut of Asian longhorned beetles that helps break down lignin, a protective barrier for plants. The fungus produces enzymes that enable the beetles to digest hard wood, leading to potential breakthroughs in pest control and biofuel production.
Researchers discovered that the Douglas-fir tree's wood structure prevents water from being pulled any higher than 350 feet due to air bubble formation. At this height, trees experience drought-like conditions and struggle to transport water, limiting their growth.
MIT researchers used computer analysis and replica construction to demonstrate the feasibility of ancient Pacific trade routes using balsa rafts. The study shows that these rafts could carry up to 30 tons of cargo and had a complex steering mechanism.
A group of stakeholders, including forest wood-product businesses, environmental groups and public land agencies, worked with scientists to identify the potential volume of wood resources available from more than 2 million acres of Arizona forests. The analysis estimates a potential supply of up to 850 million cubic feet of wood and 8 ...
Scientists have identified novel enzymes in termite guts that can improve biofuel production from wood and waste biomass. The discovery was made by analyzing the genomic sequence of termite gut microbes, revealing a rich source of enzymes for accelerating cellulosic biofuels.
The project aims to identify protein-protein interactions associated with biomass production in poplar wood, which could make large-scale production more economically feasible. Researchers will use genomics and computational biology techniques to study the molecular biology of poplar cell wall-related biomass production.
Researchers at UGA have developed a new biofuel derived from wood chips that can be blended with biodiesel and petroleum diesel, offering a boost to the economy. The process, which involves pyrolysis, produces a liquid bio-oil that is nearly carbon neutral, reducing heat-trapping carbon dioxide in the atmosphere.
Researchers reconstruct tree-ring record of upper Colorado streamflows back seven centuries, revealing 25-year drought period with 15% below normal flow. The megadrought spanned 1118-1179, with 13 consecutive years of below-normal flows, and is comparable to the region's last 100 years of below-average flows.
Researchers found termites prefer blocks with more wood content, even without touching them. The study suggests termites use vibrations to assess food quality, which could lead to new methods for controlling feeding termites and mitigating termite damage in buildings.
The Pichia stipitis fungus has been harnessed for improved biofuels production through the characterization of its genetic blueprint. The research identified key genes responsible for xylose fermentation and analysis of metabolic pathways. This knowledge can be applied to improve cellulosic ethanol production.
Researchers at Oregon State University have developed stronger and less expensive wood-plastic composites that can use inexpensive plastics found in old carpet fibers. These new products have the potential to capture 20% of the decking market by 2010, reducing waste disposal concerns.
A new University of Florida study finds that live oaks are dying off as they are crowded and overshadowed by the encroachment of taller trees, threatening their survival. The study's co-authors mapped crown densities in Alachua County, Florida, revealing that sweet gum, black cherry, and magnolia are among the culprits.
Researchers found that treated wood continues to leach arsenic into soil and rainwater runoff, posing significant environmental risks. The study's conclusions highlight the need for proper disposal methods for CCA-treated wood to prevent long-term contamination.
A new adhesive inspired by mussel protein has been developed, offering superior strength and water resistance. The adhesive is made from natural resources such as soy flour and lignin and does not use formaldehyde or other toxic chemicals.
ParksWatch's investigation reveals widespread, unregulated mahogany logging within the remote Alto Purús National Park in the Peruvian Amazon. The report exposes the illicit trade of this valuable timber species, which threatens its survival and ecosystem health.
Scientists have discovered that termites use vibrations to determine suitable food sources, a finding that could lead to new methods for reducing termite damage. The study also reveals the 'cocktail party effect' of signal processing, where termites can distinguish between signals from other termites and artificial signals.
Researchers at Pacific Northwest National Laboratory have successfully petrified wood in days, replicating the natural process that occurs over millions of years. The team used a novel method involving acid and silica to create a silicon carbide ceramic that retains the wood's architecture.
Researchers at Virginia Tech have identified key genes that regulate wood development using the small plant Arabidopsis. By analyzing the expression of over 25,000 genes, they were able to narrow down the number of potential wood formation genes to less than 500, with a focus on transcription factors.
Researchers are developing new technologies to extract hemicelluloses from wood chips, which can be converted into fuel ethanol, industrial polymers, and composite products. The goal is to create an integrated forest products biorefinery that increases paper production while reducing costs.
A recent study published by Oregon State University found that wood framing used 17% less energy than steel construction and 26-31% less global warming potential. The research also suggested ways to redesign houses to lower fossil fuel use, reduce material waste, and recycle demolition wastes.
Researchers found that wood chip bedding had less nitrogen loss during composting, reducing volatile losses and improving air quality. Greenhouse gas emissions were similar to those of traditional straw bedding, making it a viable option for beef cattle.
The JGI has sequenced the genome of Phanerochaete chrysosporium, a basidiomycete fungus capable of degrading lignin and transforming xenobiotics. The availability of this genome will spur industrial and bioremediative uses for these organisms.
A study by UC Berkeley researchers found that even brief contact with wood or leaf litter increases the risk of tick exposure. Precautions such as avoiding prolonged contact and inspecting skin carefully are recommended for people frequenting endemic areas.
Research suggests that climate conditions during the Little Ice Age (1645-1715) and Maunder Minimum enabled the production of high-quality instruments. The unique tree-ring patterns from this period resulted in denser, slower-growing wood suitable for soundboards.
A new vacuum technology has been developed to control insects in solid wood packaging materials, providing an alternative to current methods. The system creates a low-oxygen environment that eliminates insects in several hours to days.
A Texas forestry sciences researcher has developed a two-dimensional warping model based on the mechanics of layered composites, enabling factory managers to make changes in manufacturing processes. The model uses commercial spreadsheet software to calculate and plot overall linear expansion and out-of-plane warping of wood-based panels.
Switching to liquefied petroleum gas for household use could add only a 2% increase in global fossil fuel emissions but greatly decrease the environmental impact on local biomass resources. Liquefied petroleum gas burns cleaner than biomass fuels, reducing indoor smoke and associated health risks.
Virginia Tech researchers are studying xylan, the natural glue in wood, to develop new materials. They aim to understand the hierarchy of components assembled in composite materials by mimicking nature's structure at the nanoscale.
Researchers discuss using lignin, a natural polymer from wood, to replace oil-derived resources in industrial materials and make them biodegradable. Lignin can be used in various products, including automotive brake pads, wood panels, and insulation boards.
Researchers at Virginia Tech are developing a more reliable and durable wood adhesive, polymeric isocyanate, to enhance the strength and stiffness of wood composites. The new adhesive reduces undesirable swelling caused by moisture and eliminates formaldehyde emissions.
Researchers study composite materials made from small trees, finding they can be as strong or even stronger than solid wood due to uniform properties and improved durability. The team investigates molecular adhesion and chemistry under simulated conditions to enhance durability.
A three-year study using Arabidopsis thaliana aims to define the roles of protein-degrading enzymes important to wood formation. The researchers hope to identify genes that regulate this process, which could have significant implications for forest product development and our understanding of plant development.
Researchers analyzed wood samples from the King Midas tomb, finding that a soft-rot fungus was fueled by nitrogen from the king's body and meat-based food sources. The study may provide insights into preserving historical sites from fungal degradation.
The US Department of Agriculture has awarded a $3 million grant to researchers at North Carolina State University to develop genetically improved strains of the fast-growing loblolly pine. The goal is to produce high-quality wood quickly and efficiently, reducing logging in natural forests and preserving biodiversity.