Acaena exigua NatureServe Explorer Species Reports -- NatureServe Explorer is a source for authoritative conservation information on more than 50,000 plants, animals and ecological communtities of the U.S and Canada. NatureServe Explorer provides in-depth information on rare and endangered species, but includes common plants and animals too. NatureServe Explorer is a product of NatureServe in collaboration with the Natural Heritage Network.

ITIS Reports -- ITIS (the Integrated Taxonomic Information System) is a source for authoritative taxonomic information on plants, animals, fungi, and microbes of North America and the world.

FWS Digital Media Library -- The U.S.<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ocean-surface-slicks-create-superhighway-for-fish/"> Fish</a> and Wildlife Service's National Digital Library is a searchable collection of selected images, historical artifacts, audio clips, publications, and video. Acaena exigua is an extinct species of flowering plant in the rose family known by the common name liliwai. It was endemic to Hawaii, where it was known from Kauaʻi and west Maui. It had not been seen or collected since 1957 and was feared extinct until 1997, when one plant was discovered in a remote montane bog on <a href="https://www.bing.com/search?q=maui&amp;cvid=11f593b142284a109c4b71b63cd85874&amp;FORM=ANAB01&amp;PC=HCTS">Maui</a>. The plant died in 2000, and the species is now considered extinct.Acaena exigua A. Gray var. subtusstrigulosa Bitter: Classification. Click on a scientific name below to expand it in the PLANTS Classification Report. Rank Scientific Name and Common Name; Kingdom: Plantae – Plants Subkingdom: Tracheobionta

Acaena exigua

Acaena exigua NatureServe Explorer Species Reports -- NatureServe Explorer is a source for authoritative conservation...

Thysanocarpus conchuliferus NatureServe Explorer Species Reports -- NatureServe Explorer is a source for authoritative conservation information on more than 50,000 plants, animals and ecological communtities of the U.S and <a href="https://www.earth.com/image/the-fall-rhapsody-in-ottawa/">Canada</a>. NatureServe Explorer provides in-depth information on rare and endangered species, but includes common plants and animals too. NatureServe Explorer is a product of NatureServe in collaboration with the Natural Heritage Network.

ITIS Reports -- ITIS (the Integrated Taxonomic Information System) is a source for authoritative taxonomic information on plants, animals, fungi, and microbes of <a href="https://www.bing.com/search?q=north+america&amp;cvid=0bfd9f2401364456ba11894bba4d0d78&amp;aqs=edge.0.69i59l2j69i57j69i60l3j0.1524j0j1&amp;pglt=43&amp;FORM=ANNTA1&amp;PC=HCTS">North America</a> and the world.Thysanocarpus conchuliferus is a rare species of flowering plant in the mustard family known by the common name Santa Cruz Island fringepod. It is endemic to Santa Cruz Island, one of the Channel Islands of California, where has been recently observed at only one location; some years it is totally absent.You can change the display of the base map and layers by clicking on the layer control box in the upper right-hand corner. 2. California county polygons can be turned off and on in the layer control box. 3.

FWS Digital Media Library -- The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service's National Digital Library is a searchable collection of selected images, historical artifacts, audio clips, publications, and video.It is a federally listed endangered species of the United States, and a review by the US Fish &amp; Wildlife Servicein 2009 suggests it should remain on the list. The plant's habitat is the coastal scrub.

Thysanocarpus conchuliferus

Thysanocarpus conchuliferus NatureServe Explorer Species Reports -- NatureServe Explorer is...

Tinospora homosepala NatureServe Explorer Species Reports -- NatureServe Explorer is a source for authoritative conservation information on more than 50,000 plants, animals and ecological communtities of the U.S and <a href="https://www.earth.com/image/the-fall-rhapsody-in-ottawa/">Canada.</a> NatureServe Explorer provides in-depth information on rare and endangered species, but includes common plants and animals too. NatureServe Explorer is a product of NatureServe in collaboration with the Natural Heritage Network.

FWS Tinospora homosepala Digital Media Library -- The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service's National Digital Library is a searchable collection of selected images, historical artifacts, audio clips, publications, and video.Tinospora is a genus of succulent woody climbing shrubs. Thirty-nine species are currently recognized. Species generally send down long aerial roots from host trees. They have corky or papery bark. They are found in tropical and sub-tropical parts of Asia, Africa and <a href="https://www.bing.com/search?q=australia&amp;cvid=5cc864eea2514344afd18d6a882435e7&amp;aqs=edge.1.69i57j0l6.2519j0j9&amp;FORM=ANAB01&amp;PC=HCTS">Australia.</a> The most common species are T. cordifolia and T. crispa. Tinospora cordifolia (common names gurjo, heart-leaved moonseed, guduchi or giloy) is an herbaceous vine of the family Menispermaceae indigenous to tropical regions of the Indian subcontinent. Despite centuries of use in traditional medicine to treat various disorders, there is no clinical evidence that it has an effect on any diseases.Tinospora cordifolia, which is known by the common names gurjo, heart-leaved moonseed, guduchi, and giloy ,, is an herbaceous vine of the family Menispermaceae indigenous to tropical regions of the Indian subcontinent.

Tinospora homosepala

Tinospora homosepala NatureServe Explorer Species Reports -- NatureServe Explorer is...

Torreya taxifolia NatureServe Explorer Species Reports -- NatureServe Explorer is a source for authoritative conservation information on more than 50,000 plants, animals and ecological communtities of the U.S and <a href="https://www.earth.com/image/the-fall-rhapsody-in-ottawa/">Canada</a>. NatureServe Explorer provides in-depth information on rare and endangered species, but includes common plants and animals too. NatureServe Explorer is a product of NatureServe in collaboration with the Natural Heritage Network.

ITIS Reports -- ITIS (the Integrated Taxonomic Information System) is a source for authoritative taxonomic information on plants, animals, fungi, and microbes of <a href="https://www.bing.com/search?q=north+america&amp;cvid=0bfd9f2401364456ba11894bba4d0d78&amp;aqs=edge.0.69i59l2j69i57j69i60l3j0.1524j0j1&amp;pglt=43&amp;FORM=ANNTA1&amp;PC=HCTS">North America</a> and the world.

FWS Digital Media Library -- The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service's National Digital Library is a searchable collection of selected images, historical artifacts, audio clips, publications, and video. Torreya taxifolia, commonly known as the stinking-cedar or Florida torreya, but also sometimes as gopher wood or Florida nutmeg, is an endangered tree of the yew family, Taxaceae, found in the Southeastern United States, at the state border region of northern Florida and southwestern Georgia.Torreya taxifolia, commonly called Florida torreya, is a dioecious, small to medium sized, evergreen coniferous tree in the yew family that is currently found in the wild along bluffs, slopes and wooded ravines on the east side of the Apalachicola River in Liberty and Gadsden Counties in Florida plus in adjacent Decatur County in Georgia, with an additional small population on the west side of the river.

Torreya taxifolia

Torreya taxifolia NatureServe Explorer Species Reports -- NatureServe Explorer is...

Townsendia aprica NatureServe Explorer Species Reports -- NatureServe Explorer is a source for authoritative conservation information on more than 50,000 plants, animals and ecological communtities of the U.S and <a href="https://www.earth.com/image/the-fall-rhapsody-in-ottawa/">Canada.</a> NatureServe Explorer provides in-depth information on rare and endangered species, but includes common plants and animals too. NatureServe Explorer is a product of NatureServe in collaboration with the Natural Heritage Network.

ITIS Reports -- ITIS (the Integrated Taxonomic Information System) is a source for authoritative taxonomic information on plants, animals, fungi, and microbes of North America and the world.

FWS Digital Media Library -- The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service's National Digital Library is a searchable collection of selected images, historical artifacts, audio clips, publications, and video.Townsendia aprica is a rare species of flowering plant in the aster family known by the common name Last Chance Townsend daisy. It is endemic to Utah in the United States, where it is known from three counties. It faces a number of threats and it is a federally listed threatened species of the United States.TOWNSENDIA General Townsendia aprica S.L. Welsh &amp; Reveal Plant Symbol = TOAP surface and purplish and glandular below. The disk flowers are yellow. Achenes are small and hairy with a . Contributed by: short pappus of barbed capillary bristles (Welsh et al. USDA NRCS Idaho Plant Materials Program 2003). The leaves are hairy, 7 to 13 mm

Townsendia aprica

Townsendia aprica NatureServe Explorer Species Reports -- NatureServe Explorer is...

Trematolobelia singularis NatureServe Explorer Species Reports -- NatureServe Explorer is a source for authoritative conservation information on more than 50,000 plants, animals and ecological communtities of the U.S and <a href="https://www.earth.com/image/mistastin-lake-in-labrador-canada/">Canada.</a> NatureServe Explorer provides in-depth information on rare and endangered species, but includes common plants and animals too. NatureServe Explorer is a product of NatureServe in collaboration with the Natural Heritage Network.

ITIS Reports -- ITIS (the Integrated Taxonomic Information System) is a source for authoritative taxonomic information on plants, animals, fungi, and microbes of <a href="https://www.bing.com/search?q=north+america&amp;cvid=a89f77701d234b96b3eaee1307656b94&amp;aqs=edge.0.69i59j69i57j0l4j69i60l3.1415j0j9&amp;FORM=ANAB01&amp;PC=HCTS">North America</a> and the world. North America is a continent entirely within the Northern Hemisphere and almost all within the Western Hemisphere. It can also be described as the northern subcontinent of the Americas. It is bordered to the north by the Arctic Ocean, to the east by the Atlantic Ocean, to the southeast by South America and the Caribbean Sea, and to the west and south by the Pacific Ocean. Because it is on the North American Tectonic Plate, Greenland is included as part of North America geographically. North America covers an area of about 24,709,000 square kilometers (9,540,000 square miles), about 16.5% of the Earth's land area and about 4.8% of its total surface. North America is the third-largest continent by area, following Asia and Africa, and the fourth by population after Asia, Africa, and Europe. In 2013, its population was estimated at nearly 579 million people in 23 independent states,

FWS Digital Media Library -- The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service's National Digital Library is a searchable collection of selected images, historical artifacts, audio clips, publications, and video.

Trematolobelia singularis

Trematolobelia singularis NatureServe Explorer Species Reports -- NatureServe Explorer is...

Trichilia triacantha NatureServe Explorer Species Reports -- NatureServe Explorer is a source for authoritative conservation information on more than 50,000 plants, animals and ecological communtities of the U.S and <a href="https://www.earth.com/image/the-fall-rhapsody-in-ottawa/">Canada</a>. NatureServe Explorer provides in-depth information on rare and endangered species, but includes common plants and animals too. NatureServe Explorer is a product of NatureServe in collaboration with the Natural Heritage Network. Trichilia triacantha, the bariaco, is a species of plant in the Meliaceae family. It is endemic to Puerto Rico. It is threatened by habitat loss. It is a federally listed endangered species of the United States. bariaco Subordinate Taxa. This plant has no children Legal Status. Threatened and Endangered Information: This plant is listed by the U.S. federal government or a state. Common names are from state and federal lists. Click on a place name.

ITIS Reports -- ITIS (the Integrated Taxonomic Information System) is a source for authoritative taxonomic information on plants, animals, fungi, and microbes of <a href="https://www.bing.com/search?q=north+america&amp;cvid=0bfd9f2401364456ba11894bba4d0d78&amp;aqs=edge.0.69i59l2j69i57j69i60l3j0.1524j0j1&amp;pglt=43&amp;FORM=ANNTA1&amp;PC=HCTS">North America</a> and the world.

FWS Digital Media Library -- The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service's National Digital Library is a searchable collection of selected images, historical artifacts, audio clips, publications, and video. commonly know as bariaco, is an evergreen shrub or small tree endemic to the island of Puerto Rico (US Fish and Wildlife Service 1991). It reaches 8 to 10 m in height and 1.5 to 2 cm in stem diameter (Vivaldi &amp; Woodbury 1981).

Trichilia triacantha

Trichilia triacantha NatureServe Explorer Species Reports -- NatureServe Explorer is...

Trichomanes punctatum ssp. floridanum NatureServe Explorer Species Reports -- NatureServe Explorer is a source for authoritative conservation information on more than 50,000 plants, animals and ecological communtities of the U.S and <a href="https://www.earth.com/image/the-fall-rhapsody-in-ottawa/">Canada</a>. NatureServe Explorer provides in-depth information on rare and endangered species, but includes common plants and animals too. NatureServe Explorer is a product of NatureServe in collaboration with the Natural Heritage Network.

ITIS Reports -- ITIS (the Integrated Taxonomic Information System) is a source for authoritative taxonomic information on plants, animals, fungi, and microbes of<a href="https://www.bing.com/search?q=north+america&amp;cvid=0bfd9f2401364456ba11894bba4d0d78&amp;aqs=edge.0.69i59l2j69i57j69i60l3j0.1524j0j1&amp;pglt=43&amp;FORM=ANNTA1&amp;PC=HCTS"> North America</a> and the world.

FWS Digital Media Library -- The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service's National Digital Library is a searchable collection of selected images, historical artifacts, audio clips, publications, and video.soral involucre with dark lip Florida filmy fern Trichomanes punctatum ssp. floridanum Habitat: Florida filmy fern: tree trunks in hammocks, edges of limesinks, and limestone boulders, often with mosses and liverworts. Winged filmy fern: cypress logs and trunks in the Big Cypress. Tropical hardwood hammocks are closed canopy forests, dominated by a diverse assemblage of evergreen and semi-deciduous tree and shrub species, mostly of West Indian origin. Tropical hardwood hammocks are found in South Florida or the Everglades, with large concentrations on the Miami Rock Ridge, in the Florida Keys, along the northern shores of Florida Bay

Trichomanes punctatum ssp. floridanum

Trichomanes punctatum ssp. floridanum NatureServe Explorer Species Reports -- NatureServe...

Trichostema austromontanum ssp. compactum NatureServe Explorer Species Reports -- NatureServe Explorer is a source for authoritative conservation information on more than 50,000 plants, animals and ecological communtities of the U.S and <a href="https://www.earth.com/image/the-fall-rhapsody-in-ottawa/">Canada</a>. NatureServe Explorer provides in-depth information on rare and endangered species, but includes common plants and animals too. NatureServe Explorer is a product of NatureServe in collaboration with the Natural Heritage Network.

ITIS Reports -- ITIS (the Integrated Taxonomic Information System) is a source for authoritative taxonomic information on plants, animals, fungi, and microbes of <a href="https://www.bing.com/search?q=north+america&amp;cvid=cd15138958b44bb2b853b45f848f47f2&amp;aqs=edge.0.69i59l2j69i60j69i57j69i60l2j0.896j0j9&amp;FORM=ANAB01&amp;PC=HCTS">North America</a> and the world.

FWS Digital Media Library -- The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service's National Digital Library is a searchable collection of selected images, historical artifacts, audio clips, publications, and video.Trichostema austromontanum is a species of flowering plant in the mint family known by the common name San Jacinto bluecurls. It is native to California from the mountains east of the Sierra Nevada to the Transverse Ranges and Peninsular Ranges, its distribution extending south into Baja California. It occurs in wet mountain meadows and on the shores of lakes. It is an annual herb approaching half a meter in maximum height, its aromatic herbage coated in glandular and nonglandular hairs. The elongated or lance-shaped leaves are 2 to 5 centimeters long. The inflorescence is a series of clusters of flowers located at each leaf pair. Each flower has a hairy calyx of pointed sepals and a tubular, lipped purple corolla. The four stamens are long and curved.

Trichostema austromontanum ssp. compactum

Trichostema austromontanum ssp. compactum NatureServe Explorer Species Reports -- NatureServe...

Trifolium amoenum NatureServe Explorer Species Reports -- NatureServe Explorer is a source for authoritative conservation information on more than 50,000 plants, animals and ecological communtities of the U.S and <a href="https://www.bing.com/search?q=canada&amp;cvid=3dd012709e9d425e89be8203a04363f8&amp;aqs=edge.0.69i59l2j69i57j69i59j0l3.1304j0j1&amp;pglt=299&amp;FORM=ANNTA1&amp;PC=HCTS">Canada.</a> NatureServe Explorer provides in-depth information on rare and endangered species, but includes common plants and animals too. NatureServe Explorer is a product of NatureServe in collaboration with the Natural Heritage Network.

ITIS Reports -- ITIS (the Integrated Taxonomic Information System) is a source for authoritative taxonomic information on plants, animals, fungi, and microbes of North America and the world.Trifolium amoenum, known by the common names showy Indian clover and two-fork clover, is endemic to <a href="https://www.earth.com/image/tule-fog-across-californias-central-valley/">California</a>, and is an endangered annual herb that subsists in grassland areas of the San Francisco Bay Area and the northern California Coast Ranges.showy Indian clover Subordinate Taxa. This plant has no children Legal Status. Threatened and Endangered Information: This plant is listed by the U.S. federal government or a state. Common names are from state and federal lists. Click on a place name to get a complete protected plant list for that location.

FWS Digital Media Library -- The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service's National Digital Library is a searchable collection of selected images, historical artifacts, audio clips, publications, and video.

Trifolium amoenum

Trifolium amoenum NatureServe Explorer Species Reports -- NatureServe Explorer is...

NatureServe Explorer Species Reports -- NatureServe Explorer is a source for authoritative conservation information on more than 50,000 plants, animals and ecological communtities of the U.S and Canada. NatureServe Explorer provides in-depth information on rare and endangered species, but includes common plants and animals too. NatureServe Explorer is a product of NatureServe in collaboration with the Natural Heritage Network.ITIS Reports -- ITIS (the Integrated Taxonomic Information System) is a source for authoritative taxonomic information on plants, animals, fungi, and microbes of North America and the world.FWS Digital Media Library -- The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service's National Digital Library is a searchable collection of selected images, historical artifacts, audio clips, publications, and video.

Trifolium stoloniferum

NatureServe Explorer Species Reports -- NatureServe Explorer is a source...

Trifolium trichocalyx

Trillium persistens

Trillium reliquum NatureServe Explorer Species Reports -- NatureServe Explorer is a source for authoritative conservation information on more than 50,000 plants, animals and ecological communtities of the U.S and <a href="https://www.earth.com/image/mistastin-lake-in-labrador-canada/">Canada</a>. NatureServe Explorer provides in-depth information on rare and endangered species, but includes common plants and animals too. NatureServe Explorer is a product of NatureServe in collaboration with the Natural Heritage Network.

ITIS Reports -- Trillium reliquum ITIS (the Integrated Taxonomic Information System) is a source for authoritative taxonomic information on plants, animals, fungi, and microbes of <a href="https://www.bing.com/search?q=north+america&amp;cvid=04199c903ec340abbe76ed5437dee267&amp;aqs=edge.0.69i59l2j69i57j69i59j69i60l3.622j0j1&amp;pglt=43&amp;FORM=ANNTA1&amp;PC=HCTS">North America</a> and the world. North America is a continent entirely within the Northern Hemisphere and almost all within the Western Hemisphere. It can also be described as the northern subcontinent of the Americas. It is bordered to the north by the Arctic Ocean, to the east by the Atlantic Ocean, to the southeast by South America and the Caribbean Sea, and to the west and south by the Pacific Ocean. Because it is on the North American Tectonic Plate, Greenland is included as part of North America geographically. North America covers an area of about 24,709,000 square kilometers (9,540,000 square miles), about 16.5% of the Earth's land area and about 4.8% of its total surface. North America is the third-largest continent by area, following Asia and Africa, and the fourth by population after Asia, Africa, and Europe.

FWS Digital Media Library -- The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service's National Digital Library is a searchable collection of selected images, historical artifacts, audio clips, publications, and video.

Trillium reliquum

Trillium reliquum NatureServe Explorer Species Reports -- NatureServe Explorer is...

Tuberolabium guamense NatureServe Explorer Species Reports -- NatureServe Explorer is a source for authoritative conservation information on more than 50,000 <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/plants-found-beneath-greenland-ice-represent-a-troubling-reality/">plants</a>, animals and ecological communtities of the U.S and Canada. NatureServe Explorer provides in-depth information on rare and endangered species, but includes common plants and animals too. NatureServe Explorer is a product of NatureServe in collaboration with the Natural Heritage Network.

FWS Digital Media Library -- Tuberolabium guamense The U.S.<a href="https://www.bing.com/search?q=fish&amp;cvid=4c3a2097ba624ac1a86347f5c0871281&amp;aqs=edge.0.69i59j0l6.1257j0j9&amp;FORM=ANAB01&amp;PC=HCTS"> Fish</a> and Wildlife Service's National Digital Library is a searchable collection of selected images, historical artifacts, audio clips, publications, and video.Tuberolabium is a genus of epiphytic flowering plants from the orchid family, Orchidaceae. It is native to the Old World Tropics, including Assam, Indochina, Taiwan, Indonesia, New Guinea, Philippines, Queensland, the Cook Islands and Micronesia. Of the 18 known species, 7 are endemic to the Indonesian island of Sulawesi.

Family: Orchidaceae. Form: Epiphytic monopodial orchid. The roots lift the orchid from its hosts. Leaves: Ovate-oblong. Flower: Small white flowers on a rachis up to 4 cm long. Flowers open at various times and last a day or two. Propagation: Division or seeds. Description: An epiphytic orchid (Orchidaceae) with roots that elevate the leaves and flowers away from the tree trunk. Leaves are leathery, oblong, about 13 cm long and 1.5 cm wide. Small white flowers.

Tuberolabium guamense

Tuberolabium guamense NatureServe Explorer Species Reports -- NatureServe Explorer is...

Tuctoria greenei NatureServe Explorer Species Reports -- NatureServe Explorer is a source for authoritative conservation information on more than 50,000 plants, animals and ecological communtities of the U.S and <a href="https://www.earth.com/image/the-fall-rhapsody-in-ottawa/">Canada.</a> NatureServe Explorer provides in-depth information on rare and endangered species, but includes common plants and animals too. NatureServe Explorer is a product of NatureServe in collaboration with the Natural Heritage Network.

ITIS Reports -- ITIS (the Integrated Taxonomic Information System) is a source for authoritative taxonomic information on plants, animals, fungi, and microbes of North America and the world.

FWS Digital Media Library -- The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service's National Digital Library is a searchable collection of selected images, historical artifacts, audio clips, publications, and video.Tuctoria greenei is a species of grass endemic to California. Its common names include awnless spiralgrass and Greene's tuctoria. It is included by the California Native Plant Society on list 1B.1. It is also listed by the state of California as rare and by the Federal Government as endangered, having been federally listed on March 26, 1997.awnless spiralgrass Subordinate Taxa. This plant has no children Legal Status. Threatened and Endangered Information: This plant is listed by the U.S. federal government or a state. Common names are from state and federal lists.

Tuctoria greenei

Tuctoria greenei NatureServe Explorer Species Reports -- NatureServe Explorer is...

Tuctoria mucronata NatureServe Explorer Species Reports -- NatureServe Explorer is a source for authoritative conservation information on more than 50,000 plants, animals and ecological communtities of the U.S and <a href="https://www.earth.com/image/the-fall-rhapsody-in-ottawa/">Canada</a>. NatureServe Explorer provides in-depth information on rare and endangered species, but includes common plants and animals too. NatureServe Explorer is a product of NatureServe in collaboration with the Natural Heritage Network.

ITIS Reports -- ITIS (the Integrated Taxonomic Information System) is a source for authoritative taxonomic information on plants, animals, fungi, and microbes of <a href="https://www.bing.com/search?q=north+america&amp;cvid=0bfd9f2401364456ba11894bba4d0d78&amp;aqs=edge.0.69i59l2j69i57j69i60l3j0.1524j0j1&amp;pglt=43&amp;FORM=ANNTA1&amp;PC=HCTS">North America</a> and the world. The grass Tuctoria mucronata, which is known by several common names including prickly spiralgrass, Solano grass, and Crampton's tuctoria, is a federally listed endangered plant species endemic to two counties in northern California.prickly spiralgrass Subordinate Taxa. This plant has no children Legal Status. Threatened and Endangered Information: This plant is listed by the U.S. federal government or a state. Common names are from state and federal lists.

FWS Digital Media Library -- The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service's National Digital Library is a searchable collection of selected images, historical artifacts, audio clips, publications, and video.is a federally listed endangered plant species endemic to two counties in northern California. It is a small annual, with stems growing decumbent against the ground to a maximum length of 12 cm, and turning upward at the tips.

Tuctoria mucronata

Tuctoria mucronata NatureServe Explorer Species Reports -- NatureServe Explorer is...

Urera kaalae NatureServe Explorer Species Reports -- NatureServe Explorer is a source for authoritative conservation information on more than 50,000 plants, animals and ecological communtities of the U.S and <a href="https://www.bing.com/search?q=canada&amp;cvid=3dd012709e9d425e89be8203a04363f8&amp;aqs=edge.0.69i59l2j69i57j69i59j0l3.1304j0j1&amp;pglt=299&amp;FORM=ANNTA1&amp;PC=HCTS">Canada</a>. NatureServe Explorer provides in-depth information on rare and endangered species, but includes common plants and animals too. NatureServe Explorer is a product of NatureServe in collaboration with the Natural Heritage Network.

ITIS Reports -- ITIS (the Integrated Taxonomic Information System) is a source for authoritative taxonomic information on plants, animals, fungi, and microbes of North America and the world.Urera kaalae, opuhe, is a species of flowering plant in the nettle family, Urticaceae, that is endemic to the island of Oʻahu in Hawaii. It inhabits slopes and gulches in mesic forests at elevations of 300–760 m. Currently it is restricted to the southern and central parts of the Waiʻanae Mountains. Associated plants include maile, hame, Asplenium kaulfusii, Athyrium spp., ʻāwikiwiki, pāpala, ʻakoko, poʻolā, ēlama, Doryopteris spp., ʻieʻi.e., manono, Hibiscus spp., olopua, māmaki, hala pepe, ʻālaʻa, kōpiko, heuhiuhi, aʻiaʻi, ōpuhe, and maua. It is threatened by habitat loss.

FWS Digital Media Library -- The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service's National Digital Library is a searchable collection of selected images, historical artifacts, audio clips, publications, and video.

Urera kaalae

Urera kaalae NatureServe Explorer Species Reports -- NatureServe Explorer is...

Varronia rupicola

Trees offer undeniable cooling benefits during the day by providing shade and reducing heat through evaporation. However, new research&nbsp;reveals that at night, tree canopies can trap heat and potentially increase temperatures.



The study, led by scientists from the University of Cambridge, emphasizes the importance of strategic planning when integrating trees into urban landscapes to combat heat stress effectively.



"Trees have a crucial role to play in cooling cities down, but we need to plant them much more strategically to maximize the benefits which they can provide," said Dr. Ronita Bardhan, an associate professor at the University of Cambridge.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-rising-temperatures-and-urban-heat-stress">Rising temperatures and urban heat stress</h2>



Urban heat stress has become a global concern that is linked to health issues, increased energy demands, social inequalities, and infrastructure challenges.



Many cities have turned to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/resilient-trees-can-help-safeguard-cities-from-climate-change/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">tree planting</a> as a mitigation strategy. Yet, the study warns that the wrong species or poor placement can negate these benefits.



By analyzing 182 studies covering 17 climates and 110 cities, the researchers have conducted the first global assessment of urban tree cooling. Findings highlight the complex interplay between tree species, urban layouts, and local climates.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-day-vs-night-cooling-dynamics">Day vs. night cooling dynamics</h2>



Trees cool cities during the day by blocking solar radiation, evaporating water through their leaves, and influencing airflow with their foliage.



<ol class="wp-block-list">
<li></li>
</ol>



At night, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/trees-are-relocating-in-a-race-against-global-warming/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">tree</a> canopies can trap longwave radiation from the ground, leading to a warming effect. 



This phenomenon, caused by aerodynamic resistance and stomatal closure (a response to heat and drought), varies significantly across climates.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-climate-specific-cooling-and-heating-effects">Climate-specific cooling and heating effects</h2>



The analysis revealed that urban trees provide varying degrees of cooling and heating depending on the climate:



<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>Tropical wet and dry climates: Trees cooled cities by up to 12°C (21.6°F) but warmed them by 0.8°C (1.44°F) at night.</li>



<li>Arid climates: Cooling reached over 9°C (16.2°F), while nighttime warming was 0.4°C (0.72°F).</li>



<li>Temperate climates: Daytime cooling was 6°C (10.8°F), with a nighttime warming effect of 1.5°C (2.7°F).</li>



<li>Tropical rainforest climates: Cooling dropped to 2°C (3.6°F), with 0.8°C (1.44°F) warming at night.</li>
</ul>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-strategic-tree-planting-for-maximum-cooling">Strategic tree planting for maximum cooling</h2>



Cities with open urban layouts and mixed <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/planting-trees-is-important-but-reforestation-can-help-too/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">tree species</a> (evergreen and deciduous) achieved better cooling results, especially in temperate and tropical climates. Mixed species provide seasonal shading and three-dimensional cooling.



In arid regions, compact urban areas (like Cairo and Dubai) with evergreen trees experienced significant cooling benefits. Open spaces in low-rise cities allowed for larger tree canopies, further enhancing cooling by 0.4°C.



"Our study provides context-specific greening guidelines for urban planners to more effectively harness tree cooling in the face of global warming," noted Dr. Bardhan.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-matching-trees-to-urban-features">Matching trees to urban features</h2>



The study emphasized the importance of compatibility between tree species and urban features. Factors such as street orientation, visible sky ratio, and aspect ratio impact tree cooling <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/trees-have-an-amazing-ability-to-adapt-to-new-climates/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">efficacy</a>.



In compact urban zones with high temperatures, excessive canopy cover can trap heat at pedestrian levels. 



The researchers recommend using narrow species and sparse planting strategies in such areas.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-beyond-trees-solutions-for-urban-cooling">Beyond trees: Solutions for urban cooling</h2>



While trees are valuable, the study from the <a href="https://www.cam.ac.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Cambridge</a> urges reliance on complementary strategies like solar shading and reflective materials. These solutions enhance urban cooling without the unintended effects of poorly planned tree placement.



To assist urban planners, the researchers developed an interactive map and database. This tool helps estimate cooling efficacy based on data from cities with similar climates and urban features.



"Urban planners should plan for future warmer climates by choosing resilient species which will continue to thrive and maintain cooling benefits," said Dr. Bardhan.



In summary, strategic tree planting can significantly mitigate urban heat stress, but careful consideration is essential. 



Selecting the right species, planting them in optimal locations, and incorporating complementary solutions can ensure that cities maximize cooling benefits while minimizing <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/should-we-cut-down-all-oak-trees-isoprene-emissions-air-pollution-climate-change/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">unintended consequences</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-cooling-power-of-trees">The cooling power of trees</h2>



Large, mature trees provide greater cooling benefits due to their expansive canopies, which block sunlight and facilitate higher evaporation rates. 



Broadleaf species are especially effective, offering more shade and water evaporation compared to needleleaf trees. When planted in clusters, trees create a synergistic cooling effect by enhancing air circulation and providing widespread shade.



Proximity to water bodies further amplifies cooling effects, as the combination of tree shade and evaporation from water surfaces creates cooler microclimates. 



Native species often outperform non-native ones, as they are better adapted to local climates and conditions.



Evergreen trees offer year-round cooling, particularly in regions with less distinct seasonal changes. Additionally, leaf color influences cooling, with lighter-colored leaves absorbing less heat. Tree roots also play a role, cooling the soil and supporting <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/more-than-one-third-of-the-worlds-trees-face-extinction/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">healthier ecosystems</a>.



A diverse mix of tree species strengthens urban forests, making them resilient to pests and ensuring long-lasting cooling benefits.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s43247-024-01908-4" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Communications Earth &amp; Environment</a>.



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Planting trees in the wrong place can make cities hotter

Trees offer undeniable cooling benefits during the day by providing...

Fairy,Circle

Namibia’s fairy circles have drawn curious visitors for a long time. These round patches appear across dry grasslands near the Namib Desert’s edge, leaving odd, bare patterns that spark questions. 



They stand out in a rugged environment known for extremes, puzzling observers while sparking debate and wonder.



The conversation took a new turn with research published in the journal Perspectives in Plant Ecology, Evolution and Systematics. 



The work looked at what actually happens to young grass in these circles, and it's starting to change the way people think about these patches. 



Scientists from Göttingen University’s <a href="https://www.uni-goettingen.de/en/102170.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Ecosystem Modelling Department</a> and <a href="https://www.bgu.ac.il/en/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Ben Gurion University</a> in Israel were part of the team examining these unusual grass rings.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-to-study-fairy-circles">How to study fairy circles</h2>



The study analyzed 500 individual <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/wild-desert-plants-are-not-immune-to-crop-viruses/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">desert grass plants</a> in four different Namib regions. Each plant’s root and leaf length was measured, and photographs recorded subtle differences in survival. 



They also measured soil moisture closely in the 2023 and 2024 rainy seasons. The scientists found that the top 4 to 5 inches of soil inside these circles became far too dry for new grass.



This area quickly turned into what the team called a death zone. Within just 10 to 20 days after rainfall, the tiny plants withered away.



The researchers pointed to a serious lack of soil water as the key reason the freshly sprouted grass died, not termites. That earlier theory had been popular, but it did not hold up when tested against the data. 



The team found that the moist soil deeper below the surface, at around 8 to 12 inches, gave <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/even-desert-plants-are-not-immune-to-climate-stress/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">established grasses</a> outside the circles a distinct edge.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-finding-water-in-unexpected-places">Finding water in unexpected places</h2>



The older grass clumps near these circles reached water in deeper layers. Their roots extended about 8 to 12 inches below the surface. By tapping into these reserves, they held a lasting advantage after rainfall. 



“With their well-developed root system, these clumps of grass soak up the water particularly well. <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/desert-grass-survives-by-capturing-moisture-from-fog/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">After the rain</a>, they have a huge competitive advantage over the freshly germinated grasses in the fairy circle," explained Dr. Stephan Getzin from <a href="https://www.uni-goettingen.de/en/1.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Göttingen University</a>.



<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-full"><a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/fairy-circles_namib-desert_aerial-view_1m.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><img src="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/fairy-circles_namib-desert_aerial-view_1s.webp" alt="Namibia’s fairy circles have drawn curious visitors for a long time. They stand out in a rugged environment known for extremes, puzzling observers while sparking debate and wonder." class="wp-image-1953298"/></a><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Namibia’s fairy circles have drawn curious visitors for a long time. They stand out in a rugged environment known for extremes, puzzling observers while sparking debate and wonder.</figcaption></figure>



“The new grass only loses a small amount of water via transpiration from its small leaves, resulting in insufficient ‘suction power’ to pull new water from deeper soil layers.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-moisture-connection-to-fairy-circles">Moisture connection to fairy circles</h2>



Measurements showed that topsoil moisture dropped quickly right inside the circles. The dryness arrived sooner and lasted longer compared to spots outside these rings. 



“This is the cause of the death of the new grass in the fairy circle. Continuous <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/predicting-floods-its-not-just-about-rainfall/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">soil moisture</a> measurements over several years support this conclusion," Dr. Getzin surmised. 



"This is because the soil water in the fairy circle only decreases noticeably quickly with the strengthening and regrowth of the surrounding grass after rain.”



This research cast doubt on earlier ideas that termites created these circles by eating roots, as the team did not find any solid link between <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/termites-are-natures-architects-building-well-ventilated-nests/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">termite activity</a> and the fairy circles’ formation. 



This challenged a long-standing explanation and called into question how some earlier studies were interpreted.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-fairy-circles-water-and-life">Fairy circles, water, and life</h2>



The findings highlight how plants adapt in harsh places. The shape of these fairy circles may help grasses organize themselves to make use of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/world-water-day-a-focus-on-prosperity-and-peace/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">scarce water</a>. 



Such patterns can emerge without a plan, simply because plants react to the environment in ways that benefit their survival. 



The scarcity in these parts of Namibia encourages what the researchers described as swarm intelligence or self-organization, patterns that come about as individual organisms respond to tough conditions.



Deep in these desert grasslands, water is everything. When rain does come, it never stays long at the surface. The older plants have learned to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/deep-rooted-crops-can-significantly-improve-soil-carbon-storage/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">reach deeper</a> for what they need. 



Fresh seedlings, on the other hand, have short roots and small leaves, never pulling in enough moisture to survive. 



This difference in ability to grab water shapes the look of these circles. It shows how living things respond to stress, forming arrangements that help them make the best of a bad situation.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-does-all-of-this-mean">What does all of this mean?</h2>



Although this research explained a lot, no single study wraps up every question about these unusual patterns. 



<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/saudi-arabia-is-turning-degraded-desert-sand-into-blooming-soil/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Deserts have many secrets</a>, and each piece of work offers a snapshot of the hidden strategies that plants use to stay alive. 



The study’s approach to soil moisture measurements and plant growth gave a new perspective on how grass communities manage to get by on <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/floods-are-becoming-more-deadly-in-the-desert/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">so little rain</a>.



The findings suggested a world of adaptation where small differences in root length or leaf size make all the difference. 



Over the years, new data may build on this understanding, but for now, this study has helped shape how people see these famous patches. 



It pointed to water scarcity as a major factor, rather than insects, and it revealed how local plants manage to survive by digging in a bit deeper.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-finding-meaning-in-the-details">Finding meaning in the details</h2>



In a corner of the world where rain is rare and life can seem unforgiving, each tiny blade of grass tells a story. The fairy circles, stripped of young sprouts, highlight a balance between survival and loss. 



To sum it all up, this research suggested that those bare patches might hold water in ways that give established grasses a quiet advantage. 



Such subtle relationships are easy to miss at first glance, but careful work in the field brought them to light.



Under that hot sun, where every drop of water matters, these patterns show how nature’s living things adjust, survive, and keep going.



The full study was published in the journal&nbsp;<a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1433831924000039?via%3Dihub" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Perspectives in Plant Ecology, Evolution and Systematics</a>.



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"Fairy circles" found in the desert remain a mystery to science

Namibia’s fairy circles have drawn curious visitors for a long...

Dried,Marjoram,Or,Oregano,On,A,Black,Background,,Fresh,Marjoram

Many people experience everyday struggles when they cannot move as easily as they once did. They feel frustrated when their joints start aching and stiffening, and they find that doing even simple daily chores feels like pulling teeth.



They try various options -- exercises, pain relievers, and different foods -- hoping that something will help them feel more like themselves again.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-different-way-to-think-about-aching-joints">Different way to think about aching joints</h2>



Osteoarthritis is a chronic disease that affects the joints, causing pain, stiffness, and loss of movement. 



It occurs when the cartilage that covers the ends of the bones wears down over time, causing the bones to rub directly against each other. This issue can arise due to aging, previous injuries, or other factors.



According to the <a href="https://rheumatology.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">American College of Rheumatology</a>, more than 58.5 million American adults have been diagnosed with a rheumatic disease.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-connecting-everyday-choices-with-comfort">Connecting everyday choices with comfort</h2>



For those who suffer from osteoarthritis, diet is a potentially important aspect of the treatment. 



Certain foods can relieve pain; for example, oregano is a herb with anti-inflammatory benefits that can be effective in pain relief.



While many folks already have oregano in the kitchen, they might not realize what this herb brings to the table. It is often used in cooking, but some may never have thought much about its effects on the body.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-hidden-layers-behind-a-familiar-flavor">Hidden layers behind a familiar flavor</h2>



And the truth is that oregano has a multitude of useful properties and health benefits.



A few years ago, a team of scientists even found that carvacrol, the substance in oregano oil that gives this herb its distinctive warm, aromatic smell and flavor, is effective against norovirus. 



The substance breaks down the virus’s tough outer layer, according to research published in the <a href="https://enviromicro-journals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1111/jam.12453">Journal of Applied Microbiology.</a>



This kind of information may give people a pause. It shows that something as unassuming as a kitchen spice can have unexpected effects that go beyond adding flavor. 



If a small herb can show such potential in one area, there might be more layers yet to uncover.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-research-from-europe-suggests">What research from Europe suggests</h2>



Among the health benefits of oregano, there is one that has been highlighted by the <a href="https://www.uni-bonn.de/en/university/university" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Bonn</a> in Germany and the <a href="https://ethz.ch/en.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Swiss Federal Institute of Technology</a> in Zurich in Switzerland. 



Oregano provides an active ingredient known as beta-caryophyllene (E-BCP) that has a positive impact on reducing joint pain and inflammation, which is why it is highly recommended as a preventative treatment for osteoarthritis.



People who are looking for simple ways to support their joints might want to remember this detail. It suggests that there are options outside of well-known treatments. 



Although oregano alone might not solve everything, knowing it can play a role and may encourage people to see their dietary habits differently.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-small-details-that-matter">Small details that matter</h2>



It also turns out that oregano oil has been shown to have anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties for toothaches. 



The oil, which can be used inside the mouth, can relieve the symptoms of infections with a few drops on the teeth.



This small detail might not be the first thing someone thinks about when they think of oregano, but it shows how everyday plants may hold surprising benefits. 



The world of natural foods is full of complexity and many layers that modern research is slowly beginning to understand.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-bigger-picture-beyond-one-spice">Bigger picture beyond one spice</h2>



Many people might think that dealing with osteoarthritis means only focusing on medical interventions. While there are times when more traditional approaches are necessary, everyday foods matter. 



Something as common as oregano might add some comfort, alongside other known strategies. Small changes in daily meals, along with guidance from health professionals, might offer a sense of relief. 



The point here is not to claim oregano is a miracle fix but to remember that many details in what people eat can add up. 



They might consider talking with their doctors, doing their own research, and trying simple steps before giving up hope.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-considering-a-gentle-steady-approach">Considering a gentle, steady approach</h2>



The idea that an herb that many people sprinkle on their pizza or pasta could have additional benefits may sound surprising. It might make some rethink their kitchen shelves.



Adjusting habits, paying attention to what is on the plate, and being open to new information might encourage people to view their health through a slightly different lens. 



No one should expect dramatic changes overnight. Instead, they might view healing as a process of learning.



Foods like oregano may bring subtle shifts and, over time, these shifts can matter more than many realize. Even small amounts can play a role, especially when combined with other lifestyle adjustments.



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This herb helps reduce and prevent joint pain from arthritis

Many people experience everyday struggles when they cannot move as...

We are all exposed to glyphosate, a chemical found in many herbicides. Glyphosate is widely used in crop farming to reduce the presence of unwanted weeds. 



Previous research has shown that this toxin can cross into brain tissue, but the effects have not been well studied.



New research on mice has revealed that even minimal levels of glyphosate are associated with cognitive changes in brain function. 



The study sheds light on the potential risks&nbsp;this pervasive chemical&nbsp;may pose&nbsp;to brain health at a time when dementia and Alzheimer's disease are affecting more and more people.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-understanding-herbicides-the-basics">Understanding herbicides -- the basics</h2>



Herbicides are chemicals designed to kill weeds and other unwanted plants, making them a staple tool for farmers, gardeners, and landscapers alike. 



There are different types of herbicides, each targeting specific kinds of weeds. Some are broad-spectrum, wiping out a wide range of plants, while others are selective, focusing on particular species without harming the crops. 



This versatility makes herbicides incredibly useful for maintaining gardens and agricultural fields efficiently.



However, herbicides aren’t without their downsides. Overusing or misusing these chemicals can lead to environmental issues, such as harming beneficial insects, contaminating water sources, and reducing biodiversity. 



Additionally, some weeds can develop resistance to herbicides, making them harder to control over time.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-herbicides-and-brain-health">Herbicides and brain health</h2>



The research, conducted by <a href="https://www.asu.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Arizona State University</a> in collaboration with the Translational Genomics Research Institute (TGen),&nbsp;uncovers some&nbsp;alarming effects of glyphosate on brain health.



Mice that were exposed to the herbicide developed troubling symptoms of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/even-mild-inflammation-can-majorly-damage-the-brain/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">brain inflammation</a>,&nbsp;a condition linked to the early stages of neurodegenerative diseases.



"Our work contributes to the growing literature that highlights the brain's vulnerability to glyphosate,” said Ramon Velasquez, one of the researchers.



The study also revealed that these symptoms and signs of distress persisted long after exposure to the toxin ended, indicating the herbicide’s long-lasting impact on brain health.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-rising-prevalence-of-cognitive-decline">Rising prevalence of cognitive decline </h2>



The research team conducted experiments over 13 weeks, followed by a six-month recovery period. 



Even at low doses, close to what is considered acceptable for humans, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/glyphosate-disrupts-brood-care-in-bumblebees/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">glyphosate</a> caused significant harm in mice.



This included a persistent increase in inflammatory markers in the brain and blood, which remained elevated long after the exposure had ceased.



"Our goal is to identify environmental factors that contribute to the rising prevalence of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ultra-processed-foods-directly-linked-cognitive-decline-stroke-risk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">cognitive decline</a> and neurodegenerative diseases in our society,” explained Velasquez. 



“By unveiling such factors, we can develop strategies to minimize exposures, ultimately improving the quality of life for the growing aging population.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-herbicide-byproduct-in-brain-tissue">Herbicide byproduct in brain tissue</h2>



Additionally, the researchers found that a glyphosate byproduct, namely aminomethylphosphonic acid, accumulated in brain tissue, further raising concerns about the herbicide’s long-term safety.



Glyphosate exposure in the mice was also&nbsp;associated&nbsp;with&nbsp;premature death, and anxiety-like behaviors, symptoms that were present long after&nbsp;the end of the recovery period.



"Given the increasing incidence of cognitive decline in the aging population, particularly in rural communities where exposure to glyphosate is more common due to large-scale farming, there is an urgent need for more basic research on the effects of this herbicide,” Velasquez emphasized.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-an-unseen-battle-in-the-fields">An unseen battle in the fields</h2>



The Centers for Disease Research have emphasized the&nbsp;higher&nbsp;risks&nbsp;of glyphosate exposure associated with agricultural workers, farm laborers, and landscapers.



Apart&nbsp;from&nbsp;occupational exposure, the residues in&nbsp;foods and the widespread environmental presence pose risks to the general population.



"My hope is that our work drives further investigation into the effects of glyphosate exposure, which may lead to a reevaluation of its long-term safety and perhaps spark discussion about other prevalent toxins in our environment that may affect the brain,” said Samantha K. Bartholomew, first author of the study.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-glyphosate-friend-or-foe">Glyphosate: Friend or foe?</h2>



Glyphosate is one of the most widely used herbicides in the world, famous for its role in controlling weeds in agricultural fields, gardens, and even urban areas. 



You might know it by its brand name, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/weed-killer-roundup-causes-convulsions-in-animals/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Roundup</a>, which farmers and gardeners spray to keep unwanted plants from stealing nutrients and space from their crops. 



Glyphosate works by targeting a specific enzyme that plants need to grow, effectively shutting down their ability to thrive. 



This makes it a go-to solution for many looking to maintain tidy landscapes or boost agricultural productivity without having to manually pull weeds all day.



While it is deemed safe by the <a href="https://www.epa.gov" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">EPA</a>, the International Agency for Research on Cancer has classified glyphosate as “possibly <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/are-we-breathing-cancer-causing-chemicals-in-our-cars/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">carcinogenic</a> to humans.” Studies, including this one, continue to question its overall safety.



Building on prior research, this study strengthens the evidence linking glyphosate exposure to an increased risk of neurodegenerative disorders. 



“These findings highlight that many chemicals we regularly encounter, previously considered safe, may pose potential health risks. However, further research is needed to fully assess the public health impact and identify safer alternatives,” said Patrick Pirrotte, associate professor with TGen and senior author of the paper.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-reevaluating-herbicides-and-public-health">Reevaluating herbicides and public health</h2>



As glyphosate use continues to grow, particularly in large-scale farming, the study emphasizes the urgent need for stricter monitoring, further research, and potential reevaluation of the herbicide’s long-term safety.



The brain’s ability to heal may be formidable under certain circumstances, but exposure to harmful chemicals like glyphosate reveals vulnerabilities that cannot be ignored.



Addressing these risks proactively could play a critical role in reducing the incidence of cognitive decline and neurodegenerative diseases in future generations. 



The full study was published in the journal <a href="https://jneuroinflammation.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12974-024-03290-6" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Journal of Neuroinflammation</a>.



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Common weed-killing herbicide linked to brain issues and cognitive decline

We are all exposed to glyphosate, a chemical found in...

Scientists have identified a booster gene in a poplar species that can help certain plants grow exponentially taller and produce more plant matter. 



They found this gene after studying trees grown in different environments and noticed big differences in how quickly they sprouted up. 



The gene, which they named Booster, caught their eye with its unusual origins and its direct link to stronger growth and better <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/animal-cells-capable-of-photosynthesis-created-for-the-first-time/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">use of sunlight</a>.



The gene can boost tree height by about 30% in field conditions and by as much as 200% in a greenhouse setting, which signals a possible route toward healthier, more productive plants.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-finding-plants-booster-gene">Finding plants' Booster gene</h2>



The study was led in part by Stephen Long at the <a href="https://illinois.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Illinois</a> Urbana-Champaign and Jerry Tuskan at <a href="https://www.ornl.gov/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Oak Ridge National Laboratory</a>.



“This discovery could be a game-changer in terms of a big stimulation of photosynthesis and plant productivity," explained Stephen Long.



They focused on Populus trichocarpa, also known as <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/genetically-engineered-wood-poplar-cottonwood-trees-store-more-carbon/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">black cottonwood</a>, which grows from Baja California up into northern Canada. 



This species is often considered a promising candidate for producing biofuels and other useful materials. 



It was here that the researchers found Booster, a chimeric gene that emerged from several genetic pieces combined into one.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-where-did-the-booster-gene-come-from">Where did the Booster gene come from?</h2>



Booster developed as a combination of three originally separate genetic sequences. 



One came from a bacterium living in the tree’s <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/plant-leaves-send-signals-to-their-roots-on-dry-days-telling-them-to-keep-digging-deeper-for-water/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">root zone</a>, one from an ant associated with a fungus that infects the tree, and one from the large subunit of a protein called Rubisco. 



Rubisco plays a key role in capturing carbon dioxide during <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/key-to-life-on-earth-photosynthesis-begins-on-the-quantum-level-with-a-single-photon/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">photosynthesis</a>. When the team encouraged poplar trees to express Booster more strongly, the results were striking. 



The trees showed up to 62% more Rubisco content, about a 25% increase in net leaf carbon dioxide uptake, as much as 37% taller growth in field tests, 88% more stem volume, and, under controlled greenhouse conditions, heights up to 200% taller. 



<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-full"><a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/plants_boost-gene_scientists_Biruk-Feyissa_Wellington-Muchero_ORNL_1m.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><img src="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/plants_boost-gene_scientists_Biruk-Feyissa_Wellington-Muchero_ORNL_1s.webp" alt="In this photo from July 2024, ORNL’s Biruk Feyissa, left, holds a five-month-old poplar tree expressing high levels of the Booster gene, while then-colleague Wellington Muchero holds a tree of the same age with lower expression of the gene. Credit: Genevieve Martin/ORNL, U.S. Dept. of Energy" class="wp-image-1953077"/></a><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">In this photo from July 2024, ORNL’s Biruk Feyissa, left, holds a five-month-old poplar tree expressing high levels of the Booster gene, while then-colleague Wellington Muchero holds a tree of the same age with lower expression of the gene. Credit: Genevieve Martin/ORNL, U.S. Dept. of Energy</figcaption></figure>



Testing the same gene in Arabidopsis, a small flowering plant, increased its biomass and improved its seed output by 50%. 



“Conserved chimeric genes such as Booster are often disregarded as non-functional, evolutionary artifacts that no longer influence plant processes. But here we proved just the opposite," explained ORNL’s Biruk Feyissa.



"Our molecular and physiological validation confirmed that Booster <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/artificial-photosynthesis-could-transform-power-generation/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">enhances photosynthesis</a> so that plants perform better under steady and fluctuating light conditions.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-why-does-any-of-this-matter">Why does any of this matter?</h2>



Both black cottonwood and Arabidopsis belong to a group known as C3 plants. This group includes well-known food crops such as soybeans, rice, wheat, and oats. 



If Booster works similarly in these other plants, then farmers might achieve higher production without needing more land, water, or fertilizer. 



“Growing high-yielding, perennial bioenergy crops on marginal lands unsuitable for conventional agriculture can help us meet rising demand for liquid biofuels for hard-to-electrify sectors like aviation," noted Tuskan.



Scientists are now looking at putting these findings to the test in various places over longer periods. By trying Booster out in different environments, they can see how well it holds up and what kind of results it delivers over the long haul. 



“The discovery opens up a new avenue of scientific thinking. We tend to think of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/revealing-the-secrets-of-photosynthesis-through-pep/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">photosynthesis</a> as a difficult-to-improve process," Tuskan continued. 



But in fact, the molecular machinery surrounding photosynthesis has continued to evolve as plants adapted to their environment.



In this case, the exchange of DNA with associated organisms changed a biological process in a fundamental way.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-screening-and-genetic-insights">Screening and genetic insights</h2>



For years, scientists at CBI studied <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/should-we-cut-down-all-the-oak-trees-a-disturbing-discovery-makes-this-question-plausible/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">poplar trees</a> as a steady source of plant material that does not compete directly with food crops. 



They carried out a genome-wide association study, collecting samples from around 1,500 wild trees and examining their genetic makeup. 



They identified over 28 million single nucleotide polymorphisms to help pinpoint genes related to growth, carbon and nitrogen content, lignin, and more efficient water use. 



From there, they looked for genes involved in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/details-photosynthesis-water-viewed-atomic-level-cryo-microscope/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">photosynthetic quenching</a>, a key process in handling changes in sunlight. 



Scientists at CABBI tested poplar in trial gardens in Davis, California. Molecular analysis then showed that Booster linked to genes that influence how plants manage energy flow in changing light conditions. 



Researchers used many state-of-the-art technology resources, benefiting from large-scale screening techniques that allowed them to measure physical traits rapidly and accurately.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-s-next-for-booster-and-plant-genes">What's next for Booster and plant genes?</h2>



To sum it all up, this discovery demonstrates how close teamwork across institutions can help uncover useful genetic traits that might have gone unnoticed. 



With ongoing support from the Department of Energy’s Biological and Environmental Research Program, these centers will explore Booster’s potential across a wide range of conditions and plant species. 



There is interest in seeing if similar results appear in other crops important for the economy and energy production.



If efforts continue and produce steady success, Booster could provide a simple way to improve plant growth. 



More productive plants that use resources efficiently would help meet increasing global food demands without straining existing farmland, and that would, quite literally, change everything.



-----



This work comes from researchers at two Department of Energy Bioenergy Research Centers: the Center for Bioenergy Innovation (<a href="https://cbi.ornl.gov/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">CBI</a>) at Oak Ridge National Laboratory and the Center for Advanced Bioenergy and Bioproducts Innovation (<a href="https://cabbi.bio/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">CABBI</a>) at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign



The full study was published in the journal <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1534580724006671?via%3Dihub" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Developmental Cell</a>.



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Huge discovery: 'Booster' gene makes plants and trees grows 200 percent taller

Scientists have identified a booster gene in a poplar species...

When you think about tropical landscapes, the first image that springs to mind is probably of picturesque, sun-drenched beaches adorned with coconut palms. 



For centuries, these trees have been interwoven with human lives and cultures across the Pacific Ocean. The coconut palm is commonly referred to as the "Tree of Life."



Recent research, however, has highlighted the profound impact that centuries of colonial plantation farming have had on these iconic trees – transforming them from symbols of life to mere cash crops for the production of coconut oil.



A research team from <a href="https://www.ucsb.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">UC Santa Barbara</a> and The Nature Conservancy has created the first comprehensive map of the uncharted footprint of coconut palm agriculture, scattered across Pacific atolls.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-coconut-palms-and-sustainability-challenges">Coconut palms and sustainability challenges </h2>



Michael Burnett, the lead author of the study, emphasized the importance of the research. "Coconut oil used to be essential to atoll economies, but today most coconut palm plantations are abandoned and overgrown."



The research findings raise urgent concerns: over half of the tree cover on these low islands is now taken up by coconut palms, leaving formerly widespread native broadleaf trees only small portions of their natural range.



The implications of these changes are far-reaching. According to Burnett, the replacement of broadleaf forests with coconut monocrops has been linked to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/groundwater-depletion-is-accelerating-but-it-is-not-inevitable/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">groundwater depletion</a>, declining seabird populations, and adverse impacts on adjacent coral reefs.



The research suggests an urgent need to understand and confront the sustainability challenges posed by these monocultures for Pacific atoll communities.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-unprecedented-rate-of-deforestation">Unprecedented rate of deforestation</h2>



The rate of deforestation linked to coconut palm monocultures surpasses the relative rate associated with <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/tree-islands-can-counteract-biodiversity-loss-in-oil-palm-plantations/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">oil palm</a> production in other parts of the world.



For instance, while 10.8% of Borneo's land had been converted to oil palm monocrops by 2015, coconut palms now cover a staggering 58.3% of the total forested area of the mapped atolls.



Furthermore, the paper reveals that 51.2% of these coconut canopies are remnants of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/forests-in-oil-palm-plantations-are-key-to-conservation/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">plantation agriculture</a>, indicative of drastic ecological changes. 



Despite many plantations being abandoned in recent decades, coconut palms still outcompete native broadleaf trees for canopy area.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-an-opportunity-for-ecosystem-restoration">An opportunity for ecosystem restoration </h2>



Study co-author Alex Wegmann, lead scientist for the Nature Conservancy’s Island Resilience Strategy, noted that this situation presents opportunities.



“As the world comes to terms with tradeoffs associated with converting primary forest to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/abandoned-croplands-could-boost-food-security-and-climate-mitigation/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">croplands</a>, we should not ignore atoll forests and the opportunity to recover these dynamic, resilient systems," said Wegmann.



The paper suggests that coconut plantations could be used for ecosystem restoration while striking the balance between cultural heritage and environmental stewardship. 



Elizabeth Terk is the Micronesia conservation director for The Nature Conservancy. She pointed out that restoring abandoned copra plantations on atolls to native forests offer invaluable ecological benefits, such as biodiversity recovery and climate resilience. 



"Striking a balance between cultural heritage and environmental stewardship is essential for a sustainable future. Mapping the extent of copra plantations on atolls is a crucial step for informed decision-making," said Terk. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-converting-abandoned-coconut-plantations">Converting abandoned coconut plantations </h2>



The paper’s vegetation maps provide a valuable tool for Pacific atoll communities, helping them to visualize the state of their forests. 



Initiatives like converting abandoned coconut plantations to native forests and restoring seabird colonies could be promising ways to confront the accelerating impacts of climate change.



"These maps are part of a growing body of science exploring the numerous opportunities for conservation and resilience on atolls. We hope they will help atoll communities chart their own futures in an era of global change," concluded Burnett. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-local-communities-and-sustainable-solutions">Local communities and sustainable solutions</h2>



The path to restoring Pacific atoll ecosystems requires the active involvement of local communities. These islands have long-standing cultural and economic ties to coconut palms, making collaboration essential for creating sustainable solutions.



Community-led initiatives, such as agroforestry practices that integrate coconut palms with native species, could provide a balanced approach to land use.



Educational programs can also play a crucial role, helping residents understand the ecological impacts of monocultures and the benefits of restoring native <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/changes-in-vegetation-are-a-key-driver-of-global-temperatures/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">vegetation</a>. 



By involving local leaders and incorporating traditional ecological knowledge, restoration projects can be tailored to align with cultural values while addressing environmental challenges. 



Empowering these communities can lead to solutions that are both practical and enduring, building resilience in the face of global environmental change.



The full study was published in the journal <a href="https://iopscience.iop.org/article/10.1088/1748-9326/ad8c66" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Environmental Research Letters</a>.



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Coconut palms threaten Pacific island ecosystems

When you think about tropical landscapes, the first image that...

The discovery of a unique relationship between insects and plants has solved a longstanding mystery. For over a century, botanists have wondered how the tiny seeds of Balanophora were dispersed, and who the pollinators were - considering their less-than-attractive appearance and yeasty smell.



Researchers at Kobe University have revealed that insect species, such as ants and crickets, can both pollinate and disperse seeds for plants. This highlights the remarkable role that insects play in our ecosystems.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-mystery-of-balanophora-s-reproduction">Mystery of Balanophora’s reproduction</h2>



Deep within the moist, shaded understories of the subtropical forests of Shimoshima Island in Japan, parasitic plants known as Balanophora thrive. 



These plants, which depend on the roots of other <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/insects-boost-plant-evolution-in-surprising-ways/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">plants</a> for sustenance, have puzzled botanists. Among them, Balanophora subcupularis stands out for its dull colors and yeasty smell, contrasting with its bright red relatives that attract birds and mammals for seed dispersal.



Traditionally, researchers suggested that these plants relied on wind to disperse their seeds. However, the windless nature of these forest understories made this hypothesis unlikely. 



Moreover, the mechanisms of pollination for B. subcupularis remained unclear, as its unremarkable appearance seemed to dissuade typical pollinators like bees.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-plants-relying-on-insects-for-pollination">Plants relying on insects for pollination</h2>



<a href="https://www.kobe-u.ac.jp/en/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Kobe University</a> botanist Suetsugu Kenji, who specializes in understanding the interactions between parasitic plants&nbsp;and their surrounding ecosystems, took on the challenge of uncovering the secrets of B. subcupularis.



Suetsugu and his team dedicated over 100 hours to observing the plants and capturing tens of thousands of automated nighttime photographs during the flowering and fruiting stages. 



These observations were complemented by animal exclusion experiments and seed feeding trials to confirm which animals contributed to pollination and seed dispersal.



The results, published in two consecutive papers in the journal&nbsp;Ecology, revealed a surprising truth: ants and camel crickets are the primary pollinators of B. subcupularis. These insects, drawn by the plant’s pollen and nectar, also consume the fleshy seed-bearing leaves, effectively dispersing its seeds.



"It is well known that many plants rely on insects for pollination, although it’s rare for ants and crickets. Also, many <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/herbicides-are-disrupting-plant-insect-interactions/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">plants</a> use birds and mammals to distribute their fruits, and again it’s very unusual that crickets or other tiny arthropods take over this role," noted Suetsugu.



"Even more striking, it is very rare for the same animal to perform both functions, and it is unique that the same invertebrates do so."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-insects-dual-role-in-plant-pollination">Insects' dual role in plant pollination</h2>



Suetsugu believes the dual role of ants and crickets is influenced by ecological factors. 



"B. subcupularis blooms late in the year when many typical pollinators, such as bees, are less active. In addition, our study site is a small island at the northern edge of the plant’s distribution, which might contribute to the scarcity of pollinators and seed dispersers," explained Suetsugu.



The insects’ involvement in both pollination and seed dispersal likely evolved due to these environmental constraints, where traditional agents like birds, mammals, and bees are scarce. This rare adaptation underscores the resilience and ingenuity of nature.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-significance-of-plant-insect-relationships">Significance of plant-insect relationships</h2>



The findings extend beyond the reproduction of B. subcupularis. 



"This underscores the importance of invertebrates in plant reproduction and encourages us to look deeper into how these relationships evolve and what environmental factors drive such unique adaptations. More practically, our findings also contribute to conservation strategies for rare and endangered plants like Balanophora subcupularis," Suetsugu noted.



"Understanding their reliance on specific invertebrates for both pollination and seed dispersal helps inform habitat preservation efforts and the management of invertebrate populations, which are crucial for these plants’ survival."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-call-to-preserve-unique-ecosystems">Call to preserve unique ecosystems</h2>



This remarkable research on plant and insect interaction illuminates the intricate and often overlooked roles of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/tiny-leaf-eating-insects-have-a-huge-impact-on-forests/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">invertebrates in ecosystems</a>.



The study calls for greater attention to the conservation of such species, which play vital roles in maintaining biodiversity. By protecting the habitats and populations of these tiny but significant creatures, we can ensure the survival of plants like B. subcupularis and the ecosystems they support.



The story of ants and crickets aiding Balanophora subcupularis highlights a rare and remarkable partnership, providing a glimpse into nature’s adaptability and interconnectedness. 



As researchers like Suetsugu continue to unveil these secrets, the importance of conserving even the smallest actors in our ecosystems becomes undeniably clear.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://esajournals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/ecy.4465" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Ecology</a>.



Image Credit: Hashiwaki Hiromu



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Parasitic plant has some unlikely allies for pollination and seed dispersal

The discovery of a unique relationship between insects and plants...

Brazilian scientists have made a fascinating discovery about the history of maize, also known as corn. 



They've found traces of this ancient, partially domesticated plant in Brazil, which is farther from the crop's historic point of origin in Mexico than any other similar evidence. But the story doesn’t just end here.



The maize specimens discovered by the scientists were found hidden away in the Peruaçu Valley of Minas Gerais state, and they offer a fresh perspective on our understanding of the plant’s history.



The study was led by a group of dedicated researchers from the <a href="https://www5.usp.br/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of São Paulo</a> (USP) and the Brazilian Agricultural Research Corporation (EMBRAPA).



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-history-of-maize">The history of maize </h2>



According to commonly accepted theory, maize was domesticated in Mexico by early farmers. 



When archeologists from the Federal University of Minas Gerais (UFMG) conducted initial excavation work in the Peruaçu Valley back in 1994, they discovered maize cobs, straw, and seeds of partially <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/maize-plant-genetics-shape-root-health-and-growth/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">domesticated maize</a>. They dismissed these as domesticated maize that simply hadn't grown properly, rather than imagining that it was still in the process of domestication.



The current research findings indicate that the crop may have been exported before being fully domesticated, and may actually have undergone the final stages of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/domesticating-plants-permanently-alters-their-microbiome/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">domestication</a> in South America - far from its Mexican origins.



This controversial idea was first proposed in 2018. Back then, genetic studies on living plants gave a hint that our age-old understanding of maize history might need a revision.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-connecting-the-dots-with-genetic-evidence">Connecting the dots with genetic evidence</h2>



The magical world of genetics brought these forgotten specimens from 1994 back into the limelight.



A re-examination of the old material revealed traits that tied it to the ancestral plant, Teosinte, which was native to Mexico, and was first domesticated around 9,000 years ago. This ancient plant reportedly arrived in southwestern Amazonia about 6,000 years ago.



The current findings have been published in the journal Science Advances. Study lead author Flaviane Malaquias Costa was part of the research team while she was a PhD candidate and postdoctoral researcher at Luiz de Queiroz College of Agriculture (ESALQ-USP).



“These samples were initially considered specimens of domesticated maize that had failed to grow sufficiently," said Malaquias Costa.



"However, in light of genetic evidence that the final domestication process may have occurred in South America, we analyzed the material again and found several traits shared with the ancestral plant from which maize originated in Mexico 9,000 years ago and that arrived in southwestern Amazonia 6,000 years ago."



Peruaçu Valley is approximately 4,400 miles (7,150 km) from <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/blue-agave-and-bats-face-a-sustainability-crisis-in-mexico/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Mexico</a>, and the samples found there exhibit the most primitive characteristics ever discovered at such a distance from maize’s center of origin.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-timeline-of-maize-arrival-in-brazil">Timeline of maize arrival in Brazil</h2>



Though there were human populations in Peruaçu Valley around 10,000 to 9,000 years ago, maize seems to have arrived in the region relatively late - around 1,500 years ago.



Interestingly, the samples dated back to between 1,010 and 500 years ago, and displayed traits of partial domestication. This time period mostly precedes the arrival of Europeans in South America.



Thus, it seems that the local Indigenous communities completed the domestication of this maize species through their relentless efforts in selecting, managing, and stabilizing traits that eventually formed today’s <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/scientists-use-genomic-testing-to-trace-the-history-of-corn/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">South American maize</a> varieties.



Courtesy of Fábio de Oliveira Freitas, a researcher at EMBRAPA Genetic Resources and Biotechnology in Brasília, this piece of information becomes another chapter of the maize saga.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-identifying-family-ties">Identifying family ties</h2>



Further insights gained from the Peruaçu Valley samples revealed their close relation to the Entrelaçado variety of maize from the Brazilian states of Rondônia and Acre.



According to Elizabeth Ann Veasey, a professor at ESALQ-USP, this variety originated in South America through the selection of various other maize populations.



She extended this point by drawing parallels between the ancient traces and extant varieties discovered during the study in several locations across Brazil and Uruguay.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-journey-from-wild-to-domesticated-maize">The journey from wild to domesticated maize</h2>



The transition from the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/billions-of-people-depend-on-wild-plant-and-animal-species/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">wild plant</a>, Teosinte, to domesticated maize is marked by certain morphological traits. One such marker is the number of grain rows.



While Teosinte, the wild grass native to Mexico that was first domesticated around 9,000 years ago, typically has fewer than eight rows of seeds per ear (cob), modern South American maize varieties grown in lowland areas have eight to 26 rows.



On the other hand, the ancient samples from Peruaçu Valley showcase between four and six rows per ear.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-beyond-the-science-the-cultural-impact">Beyond the science: The cultural impact</h2>



Such a monumental discovery not only reshapes our scientific understanding but also holds a significant cultural value. The Peruaçu Valley is home to some of the rarest cave art in the world that features crops.



Besides being depicted on the cave walls, maize was discovered in buried baskets, possibly as offerings for the dead.



Furthermore, there are significant geopolitical implications. If it is established that the final domestication of maize took place in Brazil, these genetic resources can no longer be considered exotic.



This will necessitate conservation efforts and discussions regarding property rights in international treaties.



The full study was published in the journal <a href="https://dx.doi.org/10.1126/sciadv.adn146" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Science Advances</a>.



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Maize samples found in Brazil may rewrite the crop's history

Brazilian scientists have made a fascinating discovery about the history...

Potatoes could hold the key to addressing the challenges posed by frequent and intense heatwaves, which are becoming more common in different regions of the world. 



These resilient crops are crucial in safeguarding global food supplies as climate change continues to disrupt traditional farming practices.



"We need to produce crops that can withstand more frequent and intense heatwave events if we are going to meet the population’s need for food in regions most at risk from reduced yields due to global warming," said Katherine Meacham-Hensold, scientific manager for the Realizing Increased Photosynthetic Efficiency (RIPE) project at the University of Illinois.



Working under the auspices of this project, the research team has engineered a potato that not only withstands extreme weather conditions but also thrives in them, promising greater food security for many.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-promise-of-a-climate-ready-potato">The promise of a climate-ready potato</h2>



While studying the effects of global warming on crop yields, Meacham-Hensold and her team found that this new breed of potato could yield a 30% increase in tuber mass under <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/once-in-a-century-heatwave-may-soon-happen-every-other-year/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">heatwave</a> conditions compared to its conventional counterparts.



"The 30% increase in tuber mass observed in our field trials shows the promise of improving photosynthesis to enable climate-ready crops," she said.



The team operates under the banner of RIPE, an international research project that seeks to address global food scarcity by enhancing the ability of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/tackling-malnutrition-new-satellite-can-monitor-nutrients-in-crops-from-space/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">food crops</a> to convert the sun's energy into edible matter.



Since its inception in 2017, RIPE has garnered support from numerous entities such as the Bill &amp; Melinda Gates Foundation, the Foundation for Food &amp; Agriculture Research, and the U.K. Foreign, Commonwealth &amp; Development Office.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-silent-enemy-photorespiration">The silent enemy: Photorespiration</h2>



<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/plants-defy-climate-change-through-acclimation/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Photorespiration</a> is a core issue that reduces crop yields. It refers to an energy-consuming process wherein the plant enzyme Rubisco, which is responsible for fixing carbon dioxide into organic molecules, reacts more readily with oxygen than with carbon dioxide when the ambient temperatures are high. 



This challenge is particularly pronounced in crops like potatoes, where high temperatures can significantly hinder growth and productivity. 



The reaction results in the production of a harmful byproduct called glycolate that, if not dealt with, can severely impair the plant's growth.



"Photorespiration is a large energy cost for the plant," explained Meacham-Hensold. "It takes away from <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/local-food-production-is-undervalued-in-the-context-of-climate-change/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">food production</a> as energy is diverted to metabolizing the toxin. Our goal was to reduce the amount of wasted energy by bypassing the plant’s original photorespiratory pathway.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-potatoes-that-can-thrive-in-a-heatwave">Potatoes that can thrive in a heatwave</h2>



By introducing two new genes into the potato's DNA, the team managed to improve photosynthetic efficiency.



These genes, glycolate dehydrogenase and malate synthase, help the plant metabolize the toxin in the chloroplast (the leaf compartment responsible for photosynthesis), eliminating the need for energy-draining transfer of the toxin to other parts of the cell.



This solution led to substantial growth gains in the test crops. The benefits of these modifications were further intensified under heatwave conditions, making these crops more resilient to the changing climate.



On a testing field in the year 2022, during a heatwave that consistently broke over 95°F (35°C), the modified potatoes yielded 30% more tubers than the control group.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-crops-that-resist-global-warming">Crops that resist global warming</h2>



Notably, the team's genetic engineering did not compromise the nutritional quality of the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/crop-yields-have-grown-steadily-over-the-last-six-decades/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">crop yield</a>. 



"Food security is not just about the amount of calories that can be produced but we must also consider the quality of the food,” noted Don Ort, the Robert Emerson Professor of Plant Biology and Crop Sciences, and Deputy Director of the RIPE project.



While further multi-location field trials are needed to confirm the findings, the promising results in potatoes open the possibility of applying similar modifications to other tuber crops. These might include cassava, a staple food in some Sub-Saharan African countries that is expected to be heavily impacted by increasing global temperatures.



In conclusion, the research by scientists from the <a href="https://illinois.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Illinois</a> presents a ray of hope in the battle against climate change.



By creating crops that not only resist the impacts of global warming but also thrive under them, we are taking steps toward a future where every table has food, and no one is left hungry.



The full study was published in the journal <a href="https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/gcb.17595" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Global Change Biology</a>.



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Crops of the future: Potatoes that thrive in heatwaves

Potatoes could hold the key to addressing the challenges posed...

We all rely on agriculture for our food, but the escalating climate crisis is placing increasing stress on the world’s crops.&nbsp;



Modern crop varieties, domesticated to maximize yield and harvest efficiency, lack the genetic flexibility to adapt to the environmental challenges now reshaping our planet.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-creating-climate-resilient-crops-nbsp">Creating climate-resilient crops&nbsp;</h2>



As temperature extremes, erratic rainfall, and other climate-driven stressors reduce output, food supplies dwindle and prices rise. Converting more land to agriculture is unsustainable, so we must instead alter our crops to withstand the conditions we have created.



“<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/climate-and-agriculture-are-locked-in-a-destructive-feedback-loop/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Agriculture</a> is highly vulnerable to climate change, and the intensity and frequency of extreme events is only going to increase,” said lead author Sergey Shabala, a biologist at the <a href="https://www.uwa.edu.au/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Western Australia.</a> 



“Both sustainable agricultural production and global food security will be critically dependent on our ability to create climate-resilient crops.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-interconnected-challenges-for-crops">Interconnected challenges for crops</h2>



The current <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/global-food-system-must-change-if-nations-hope-to-reduce-greenhouse-gas-emissions/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">global food system</a> relies heavily on monocultures and intensive use of fertilizers. While this has met the world’s food demands for decades, it is now recognized as environmentally harmful. 



Fertilizer production damages ecosystems, and their application on fields leads to runoff that pollutes waterways.&nbsp;



Meanwhile, the climate crisis reduces the yield of key staple crops by exposing them to harsher conditions. If high temperatures do not kill plants, they still lower yields, prompting farmers to rely on irrigation water that often contains more salt than ideal freshwater resources.



This higher salt content in irrigated soils reduces the productivity of most crops. Moreover, flooding caused by <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/why-tens-of-millions-of-people-love-watching-videos-of-extreme-weather-events/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">extreme weather events</a> leaves roots submerged in low-oxygen conditions, further diminishing yields. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-achieving-a-sustainable-diet-nbsp">Achieving a sustainable diet&nbsp;</h2>



These interconnected problems underscore the complexity of achieving a sustainable diet in the face of scientific, social, and political challenges.



“The problem of a sustainable diet has scientific, social, and political facets,” said Shabala. “A broader acceptance of novel technologies and a willingness to accept some cultural shifts is needed.”&nbsp;



“A good example may be <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/dna-study-reveals-secrets-of-weedy-rice-invasion/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">rice</a>: it is a main staple food for a high percentage of the population, but many parts of the world may become unsuitable for its production. A switch to other, more resilient, crops may be needed, and I am not sure the public is ready to accept it.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-creating-crops-that-can-cope">Creating crops that can cope</h2>



Many wild plants, including the ancestors and relatives of today’s staple crops, are inherently better equipped to handle environmental extremes. To help cultivated plants cope with the climate crisis, we need to bring these resilient traits back into domesticated species.



There are two main approaches to achieve this. The first is to introduce stress-resistance <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/birds-inspire-a-safer-method-of-editing-human-genes/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">genes</a> from closely related plants or reactivate dormant genes within existing crops. This approach seems straightforward, but transferring multiple traits into a single high-yield crop is challenging. 



The second approach involves domesticating entirely new species that are naturally resilient but produce less food initially. Adapting these wild plants to modern farming demands a careful and possibly lengthy process.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-uncertain-paths-and-public-resistance">Uncertain paths and public resistance</h2>



It remains unclear which strategy - gene introduction into established crops or domesticating wild species - will eventually prevail.&nbsp;



However, both approaches share certain requirements: cutting-edge gene-editing and precision breeding methods, backed by accurate cell-based phenotyping and, crucially, public acceptance of new crop varieties.



“One of the current challenges is to match recent scientific advances with public perception of new technologies,” cautioned Shabala.&nbsp;



“The issue is highly politicized and there are significant commercial interests involved. And due to a lack of specific knowledge, the general public cannot distinguish the subtle differences amongst various technologies, and relies on opinions in the media.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-embracing-change-for-a-sustainable-future">Embracing change for a sustainable future</h2>



Developing climate-resilient crops involves technological breakthroughs and social willingness to embrace them. Whether by gene-editing existing crops or domesticating new species, our success depends on navigating scientific, regulatory, and cultural hurdles.&nbsp;



The rising global population and the intensifying climate crisis leave us with no choice but to adapt our agriculture to these changing realities.



By investing in research, improving public understanding, and supporting innovation in both plant genetics and farming practices, we can move toward a future where climate-resilient crops ensure not only that we continue to feed everyone, but also that we do so sustainably in the world we have altered.



The study is published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.3389/fsci.2024.1416023" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Frontiers in Science</a>.



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Creating resilient crops to cope with the climate crisis

We all rely on agriculture for our food, but the...

We are dependent on oxygen that is generated by miniscule planktonic creatures that live in the oceans. Scientists estimate that over 50% of the Earth's oxygen is produced by these tiny, drifting protists, plants and algae.



It is these microscopic oceanic organisms, even more than the tall tree outside your window, that are the unsung heroes of our planet. Marine plankton drive the Earth's carbon cycle and regulate the climate.



Plankton drifts with the ocean's currents and has a dual role in producing oxygen and storing carbon dioxide (CO2). This makes these organisms indispensable in maintaining the planet’s delicate balance.



A recent discovery has shed light on the intricate relationship between these planktonic life forms and one of the greatest challenges of our time - increasing atmospheric <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/met-office-2024-co2-levels-will-surpass-the-point-of-no-return/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">CO2</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-marine-plankton-and-carbon-storage">Marine plankton and carbon storage </h2>



Buried deep within the ocean's waters resides a near-invisible, yet vital organism - Trilobatus trilobus, a species of plankton that belongs to the group known as the formainifera. 



These tiny heroes sequester and store CO2 in their calcium carbonate shells through a process known as calcification.



This is the process whereby living organisms, like plankton, build hard, shell-like structures using calcium, carbon and oxygen from their surroundings. The protective "suits of armor" are made of a material similar to chalk or limestone.



Once the plankton expire, their shells sink to the seafloor, becoming long-term carbon storage facilities. This means that the huge task of CO2 storage is undertaken partially by these microscopic life forms.



Now, scientists from the <a href="https://www.ox.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Oxford</a> have explored this phenomenon in more detail and uncovered some fascinating insights.



Initially, research focused on how changes in ocean chemistry and acidification influence calcification. However, this study revealed that physical properties of the ocean, such as density, also play a crucial role in this complex process.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-artful-adaptations-of-marine-plankton">The artful adaptations of marine plankton </h2>



What makes T. trilobus so remarkable? This planktonic species demonstrates an extraordinary ability to adapt its calcification process in response to environmental fluctuations, particularly to changes in ocean density and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/human-induced-changes-in-ocean-salinity-threaten-biodiversity-and-marine-ecosystems/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">salinity</a>.



These survival strategies ensure that the plankton can maintain buoyancy and thrive in varying conditions.



For example, when ocean density decreases due to freshwater influx from <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/melting-ice-caps-changing-earths-rotation-need-negative-leap-second/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">melting ice caps</a>, T. trilobus reduces the calcification rate, thus forming lighter shells that help to keep the individuals buoyant. 



This adjustment not only supports the survival of the microorganisms, but also affects ocean chemistry by leaving surface waters more alkaline. 



The increase in alkalinity enhances the ocean's ability to absorb even more CO2, illustrating the intricate relationship between these microscopic organisms and the planet’s carbon cycle.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-unseen-impact-on-climate-change">The unseen impact on climate change</h2>



The adaptive behavior of T. trilobus has far-reaching implications for climate regulation. 



By modifying calcification in response to environmental changes, these plankton indirectly boost the ocean’s capacity to absorb CO2 and act as a natural mitigator of atmospheric carbon.



This dynamic process highlights the vital role of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/climate-stress-causes-undetected-changes-in-marine-ecosystems/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">marine ecosystems</a> in buffering the effects of climate change.



“Our findings demonstrate how planktonic foraminifera adapt their shell architecture to changes in seawater density. This natural adjustment, potentially regulating atmospheric chemistry for millions of years, underscores the complex interplay between marine life and the global climate system,” explained Dr. Stergios Zarkogiannis, the study's lead scientist.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-role-of-plankton-in-ocean-calcification">The role of plankton in ocean calcification</h2>



Dr. Zarkogiannis and his team explored the intricacies of T. trilobus shells, collected from deep-sea sediments along the Mid-Atlantic Ridge.



Using advanced techniques like X-ray microcomputed tomography and shell trace element geochemistry, they linked variations in calcification to environmental changes, including salinity, density, and carbonate chemistry.



Their findings revealed that plankton produce lighter, thinner shells in equatorial waters and thicker, heavier shells in denser subtropical regions, illustrating how these tiny <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/marine-organisms-may-adapt-to-climate-change-but-with-hidden-costs/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">organisms adapt</a> to their surroundings.



“Although planktonic organisms may passively float in the water column, they are far from passive participants in the carbon cycle. By actively adjusting their calcification to control buoyancy and ensure survival, these organisms also regulate the ocean’s ability to absorb CO2," said Dr. Zarkogiannis.



This dual role underscores their profound importance in understanding and addressing climate challenges."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-future-of-plankton-research">The future of plankton research</h2>



While this study illuminates the adaptive capabilities of T. trilobus, further research is needed to determine whether buoyancy regulation influences calcification in other marine organisms. 



By continuing to unravel the intricate ways in which plankton interact with their environment, scientists can better understand - and perhaps leverage - their role in mitigating climate change.



The full study was published in the journal <a href="https://royalsocietypublishing.org/doi/10.1098/rsos.240179" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Royal Society Open Science</a>.



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Marine plankton are key players in carbon cycle regulation

We are dependent on oxygen that is generated by miniscule...

Endangered plants