Tree rings reveal evidence of most powerful solar storm on record

Our Sun is capable of some truly terrifying outbursts – and now scientists have discovered evidence of its biggest tantrum on record. Tree rings dating back around 14,000 years contain a radiocarbon spike twice as powerful as the previous biggest known… Continue reading Tree rings reveal evidence of most powerful solar storm on record

Dead-tree pyramids show promise as quick and easy artificial reefs

Although artificial reefs certainly do help restore damaged marine ecosystems, they’re usually made of heavy manmade materials that must be formed into shape. Now, however, scientists are reporting success using readily-available dead pear trees.Contin… Continue reading Dead-tree pyramids show promise as quick and easy artificial reefs

CRISPR tweaks tree genetics to make paper more suastainably

Conventional breeding of trees takes time, but CRISPR gene editing should help speed things up. Now, scientists at North Carolina State University have used CRISPR to adjust the genomes of poplar trees to make them easier to turn into paper products.Co… Continue reading CRISPR tweaks tree genetics to make paper more suastainably

Dual-armed robot lends a helping hand in Amazon reforestation effort

Often referred to as the lungs of the planet, the Amazon rainforest is in trouble – with around a third reported as already gone or degraded. A pocket of resistance in Peru has now been joined by a dual-armed robotic gardener to help with reforestation… Continue reading Dual-armed robot lends a helping hand in Amazon reforestation effort

Amazonian dark earth could bring life back to decimated forestland

Even though the Amazon is still a powerhouse of plant and animal life, about 18% of it has been cut down since the 1970s. Seeking ways to help get some of that lost forestland back, researchers have turned to a rich soil created by the activities of th… Continue reading Amazonian dark earth could bring life back to decimated forestland

Wood’s unique “chemical fingerprint” could thwart timber fraudsters

Even though logging is prohibited in many of the world’s threatened forests, that doesn’t stop some companies from logging in those areas anyways, then lying about the origins of the timber. Soon, however, such groups may be foiled by the wood’s chemic… Continue reading Wood’s unique “chemical fingerprint” could thwart timber fraudsters

Study suggests a mix of trees works best for cleaning air in cities

We all know that trees help clean the air in cities, but which trees do so best? According to new research conducted in Sweden, a mixture of deciduous and coniferous trees will give you the most bang for your buck.Continue ReadingCategory: Environment,… Continue reading Study suggests a mix of trees works best for cleaning air in cities

CRISPR cuts tree flowering times from a decade to mere months

Selective breeding of plants can help give them new beneficial traits, but trees have a frustratingly long reproductive cycle. Now, scientists at the University of Georgia have used CRISPR gene-editing to make poplar trees flower within months rather t… Continue reading CRISPR cuts tree flowering times from a decade to mere months