Forest & trees
- Scientists accidentally discover a new water mold threatening evergreen trees - Grown as Christmas trees, Fraser firs are highly prized for their rich color and pleasant scent as well as their ability to hold their needles. Unfortunately, they are also highly susceptible to devastating root rot diseases caused by water molds in the genus Phytophthora.
- Untangling the branches in the mammal tree of life - Researchers have unveiled a complete overhaul of the way species data is brought together and analyzed to construct an evolutionary tree of life for mammals. It's aimed at giving scientists, conservation managers, policymakers, and environmentalists more accurate, comprehensive information about species diversity and relationships, past and present.
- Looking at tropical forests through new eyes - Air-based maps of plant chemistry are improving carbon cycling models in hyper-diverse tropical forests.