Limeum diffusum

<p>A team of marine biologists led by the <a href="https://www.gu.se/en">University of Gothenburg</a> and the <a href="https://www.kth.se/en">KTH Royal Institute of Technology</a> has recently predicted that <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/preparing-for-ocean-acidification-a-silent-killer-of-climate-change/">ocean acidification</a> will nearly triple by the end of this century.&nbsp;</p>



<p>This significant environmental shift could affect vital marine life such as fleshy seaweeds, which play a crucial role in promoting biodiversity across over a third of the world’s coastlines.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-fate-of-seaweeds">Fate of seaweeds</h2>



<p>The experts investigated the potential fate of seaweeds in oceans that are undergoing rapid acidification. They exposed a common fleshy seaweed species to the acidification levels anticipated by 2100.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The analyses revealed that this increased acidification altered the seaweed’s chemical balance, weakened its structure and tissues, and decreased its likelihood of survival.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-unprecedented-changes">Unprecedented changes</h2>



<p>“Climate change is resulting in unprecedented changes in terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems through the emission of greenhouse gases, including carbon dioxide,” the authors wrote. “Almost a third of that CO2 is taken up by the ocean, which has profound effects on seaweeds.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-future-ocean-acidification">Future ocean acidification</h2>



<p>To simulate the conditions of future ocean acidification, the researchers cultivated <em>Fucus vesiculosus</em>, a common brown fleshy algae, in water enriched with dissolved CO2 for a span of 90 days.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The concentration of carbon dioxide was adjusted to mirror the levels of acidification projected for the year 2100, which is almost threefold the current levels of acidification in the oceans.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-structural-changes-nbsp">Structural changes&nbsp;</h2>



<p>Throughout the experiment, both the visible growth and microscopic structural changes of the seaweed were closely observed.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The researchers measured how well the seaweed performed photosynthesis, analyzed its chemical composition, evaluated its thallus strength, and monitored its response to mechanical stress by mimicking waves to assess its vulnerability to damage or detachment in the ocean (a metric called “drag”).</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-mixed-results">Mixed results</h2>



<p>Comparison of these findings with data from <em>F. vesiculosus</em> grown in non-acidified water led to mixed results.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The seaweed cultivated in acidified water surprisingly demonstrated greater growth, more efficient photosynthesis, and no significant rise in drag.&nbsp;</p>



<p>However, such seaweed had reduced thallus strength, less compact tissues, a more porous overall structure, and diminished levels of calcium and magnesium - essential elements contributing to the strength and flexibility of a plant’s structure.&nbsp;</p>



<p>As a result, seaweeds in acidified water seemed to be more susceptible to breakage and had a higher mortality rate.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-study-implications-nbsp">Study implications&nbsp;</h2>



<p>“Negative effects of ocean acidification on the tissue structure and breaking strength of seaweeds like <em>F. vesiculosus</em> could have drastic effects on coastal ecosystems,” the scientists explained.</p>



<p>“Such changes could lead to an overall decrease in seaweed coverage, with corresponding negative effects on organisms that depend on these habitats for food and shelter.”</p>



<p>Further studies are needed to explore whether the repercussions of ocean acidification are consistent across all fleshy seaweed species.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“If this proves to be a general mechanism affecting fleshy seaweeds, the expectation is that ocean acidification will have critical structuring effects on rocky-shore ecosystems given how widely distributed and fundamental brown seaweeds are across one-third of the coastlines of the world,” the authors concluded.</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.cub.2023.07.056"><em>Current Biology</em></a><em>.</em></p>



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Ocean acidification endangers ecologically important seaweed

A team of marine biologists led by the University of...

Farmer,Plantation,Checking,Quality,By,Tablet,Agriculture,Modern,Technology,Concept.

<p>Researchers have ushered in a new era in plant science by creating a technology that brings the once-fictitious idea of human-plant communication to reality. This recently developed technology enables humans to ‘talk’ to plants and receive communication back from them, using light-based messaging. This incredible breakthrough was achieved by a team of scientists from the <a href="https://www.slcu.cam.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Sainsbury Laboratory Cambridge University</a> (SLCU) </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-initiating-plant-defense-mechanisms">Initiating plant defense mechanisms</h2>



<p>The experiments conducted by Alexander Jones’ research team at the university involved using light as a messenger to talk to plants. The light activates the natural defense mechanisms in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/tobacco-and-zinnia-can-thrive-in-polluted-land/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">tobacco plants</a> (<em>Nicotiana benthamiana</em>), showcasing that light can be a stimulus triggering plants’ immune responses. </p>



<p>This implies that light, a universal medium of communication for humans, can now serve as a bridge for interspecies interaction between humans and plants.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-highlighter-created-to-talk-to-plants">Highlighter: Created to talk to plants</h2>



<p>Before this discovery, the <a href="https://www.cam.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Cambridge</a> team engineered fluorescent light-based biosensors that could visually communicate real-time cellular activities in plants, revealing dynamics of critical plant hormones and how plants react to environmental stresses, effectively allowing plants to ‘talk’ to humans.</p>



<p>The latest development, Highlighter, is a tool documented in <a href="https://journals.plos.org/plosbiology/article?id=10.1371/journal.pbio.3002303" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">PLOS Biology</a> that uses specific light conditions to activate the expression of a target gene in plants, allowing humans to trigger defense mechanisms in plants. </p>



<p>Dr. Jones explains, “If we could warn plants of an impending disease outbreak or pest attack, plants could then activate their natural defense mechanisms to prevent widespread damage.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-addressing-agricultural-challenges">Addressing agricultural challenges</h2>



<p>This innovation holds promise for revolutionizing agricultural practices and humanity's relationship with <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/plants-pass-down-memories-to-help-offspring-survive/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">plants</a>. It could allow warning plants about approaching extreme weather events or pest attacks, enabling them to adjust growth patterns, conserve water, or activate defense mechanisms. </p>



<p>This advanced communication with plants can lead to more sustainable and efficient farming practices, reducing dependency on chemicals.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-science-of-optogenetics">Science of optogenetics</h2>



<p>Bo Larsen, the engineer behind Highlighter, has incorporated a light-controlled gene expression system or optogenetics system from a prokaryotic system into a eukaryotic system tailored for <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/fibonacci-spirals-an-unexpected-twist-in-plant-evolution/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">plants</a>. </p>



<p>Optogenetics uses light stimuli to control specific processes, enabling scientists to control biomolecular processes at a cellular level. It has revolutionized several fields, including neuroscience, by isolating the functions of individual neurons. </p>



<p>However, applying optogenetics to plants has been challenging due to plants' inherent abundance of photoreceptors and their need for a wide spectrum of light for growth.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-development-of-highlighter">Development of Highlighter</h2>



<p>In the creation of Highlighter, collaboration with experts like J. Clark Lagarias from <a href="https://www.ucdavis.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">UC Davis</a> and others from the <a href="https://www.npl.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">National Physical Laboratory</a> was crucial to overcome challenges and to refine the technology. The system developed is minimally invasive, using light signals for activation and inactivation, unaffected by the usual light-dark cycling in growth chambers.</p>



<p>This technology has already demonstrated control over plant immunity, pigment production, and a yellow fluorescent protein. Dr. Jones emphasized that “Highlighter is an important step forward in the development of optogenetics tools in plants,” and it opens new avenues for crop improvement and research in plant biology.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-talking-to-plants-what-the-future-holds">Talking to plants -- what the future holds</h2>



<p>The ramifications of this development are profound. A growing toolbox for <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/plants-distribute-enormous-amounts-of-co2-to-mycorrhizal-fungi/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">plants</a>, with diverse optical properties, not only answers fundamental plant biology questions but also unlocks potential opportunities for crop improvement. </p>



<p>Dr. Jones visualizes a future where different light conditions could trigger various responses, such as immune response or precise timing of specific traits like flowering or ripening, in plants.</p>



<p>The innovations emerging from the Sainsbury Laboratory Cambridge University are propelling us into a future where humans and plants coexist in a symbiotic relationship of mutual communication and understanding, optimizing agricultural practices and revealing unexplored facets of plant biology. </p>



<p>This breakthrough in human-plant communication signifies a monumental leap in our quest for harmonious coexistence with the plant kingdom, pointing towards a future where sustainable and efficient farming becomes a global reality.</p>



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New invention enables humans to 'talk' to plants using light

Researchers have ushered in a new era in plant science...

<p>The Balanophoraceae family, when stumbled upon in the forest, might be dismissed as mere <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/plants-distribute-enormous-amounts-of-co2-to-mycorrhizal-fungi/">fungi</a>, thanks to their peculiar mushroom-like structures. However, these aren't your average mushrooms. They are actually inflorescences, small gatherings of flowers.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-extreme-parasitism-nbsp">Extreme parasitism&nbsp;</h2>



<p>Rather than simply taking nutrients from host plants using a haustorium, as seen in many parasitic species, Balanophora takes parasitism to another level. It encourages the host plant's vascular system to grow into its tuber.&nbsp;</p>



<p>This results in an unprecedented underground organ formed from both the host and parasite tissue. It's within this chimeric tuber that Balanophora steals nutrients from its host.</p>



<p>Dr. Xiaoli Chen of <a href="https://www.bgi.com/global" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">BGI Research</a> and her team set out to explore the evolutionary origins of these subtropical parasites. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-shrinking-genomes">Shrinking genomes</h2>



<p>In collaboration with Dr. Sean Graham, a botanist from the <a href="https://www.ubc.ca/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of British Columbia</a>, Dr. Chen compared the genomes of Balanophora and Sapria, another extreme parasitic plant. While they belong to different families and have varying appearances, their genomic narratives turned out to be surprisingly similar.</p>



<p>According to the study, both Balanophora and Sapria displayed record shrinkages for flowering plants, losing 28 and 38 percent of their genomes, respectively, as they evolved to full-blown parasitism.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“The extent of similar, but independent gene losses observed in Balanophora and Sapria is striking,” said Dr. Chen. “It points to a very strong convergence in the genetic evolution of holoparasitic lineages, despite their outwardly distinct life histories and appearances, and despite their having evolved from different groups of photosynthetic plants.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-unexpected-discovery-nbsp">Unexpected discovery&nbsp;</h2>



<p>Both plants displayed an almost total loss of genes associated with photosynthesis, which is not surprising given that they give up their photosynthetic ability.&nbsp;</p>



<p>However, what was unexpected was the discovery of the loss of genes vital for other biological functions such as root development, nitrogen absorption, and flower development regulation.&nbsp;</p>



<p>In essence, these parasites seemed to have discarded a significant amount of gene families typically found in green plants, only retaining crucial genes or their copies.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-strategic-gene-loss">Strategic gene loss</h2>



<p>An astonishing revelation was the parallel loss of genes related to the synthesis of a significant plant hormone - abscisic acid (ABA) - in both plants.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Even in the absence of these genes, ABA hormone accumulation was found in Balanophora's flowering stems, with ABA signaling response genes still intact in both parasites.</p>



<p>"The majority of the lost genes in Balanophora are probably related to functions essential in green plants, which have become functionally unnecessary in the parasites,” said Dr. Graham.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“That said, there are probably instances where the gene loss was actually beneficial, rather than reflecting a simply loss of function. The loss of their entire ABA biosynthesis pathway may be a good example. It may help them to maintain physiological synchronization with the host plants. This needs to be tested in the future."</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-study-implications-nbsp">Study implications&nbsp;</h2>



<p>Highlighting the broader context, Dr. Huan Liu of BGI Research mentioned the 10KP project, which aims to sequence 10,000 plant genomes.&nbsp;</p>



<p>"The study of parasitic plants deepens our understanding of dramatic genomic alterations and the complex interactions between parasitic plants and their hosts," said Dr. Liu.&nbsp;</p>



<p>"The genomic data provides valuable insights into the evolution and genetic mechanisms behind the dependency of parasitic plants on their hosts, and how they manipulate host plants to survive."</p>



<p>The research is published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1038/s41477-023-01517-7" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>Nature Plants</em></a><em>.</em></p>



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Extreme parasitism: Balanophora convinces a host to grow into its tissue

The Balanophoraceae family, when stumbled upon in the forest, might...

<p>Imagine the sheer magnitude if entire countries like France, Germany, and Spain were fully covered in forests, and then, almost suddenly, all those trees disappeared. This is the scale of global <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/coordinated-efforts-needed-to-slow-deforestation/">deforestation</a> from 2001 to 2020, with implications that are hard to fathom.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-staggering-effects">Staggering effects</h2>



<p>The detrimental effects of deforestation are staggering. First, deforestation significantly drives climate change, contributing anywhere from six to 17 percent of the worldwide greenhouse gas emissions.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Moreover, since trees act as carbon sinks, they draw CO2 out of the atmosphere, which has a cooling effect on the planet. Finally, forests are also sanctuaries of biodiversity.</p>



<p>“Climate change and biodiversity make this a global problem, not a local problem,” said <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/coordinated-efforts-needed-to-slow-deforestation/">Massachusetts Institute of Technology</a> (MIT) economist Ben Olken and senior author of a recent study describing way of tackling global biodiversity. “Deciding to cut down trees or not has huge implications for the world.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-monitoring-the-issue">Monitoring the issue</h2>



<p>However, the economic allure of deforestation is undeniable, leading to its unabated continuation. With technological advancements in the past 25 years, we can now monitor this issue more closely.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Devices like the Landsat satellites have revolutionized our ability to track changes in forests since 2000 with incredible detail.</p>



<p>“Part of this revolution in measurement is accuracy, and the other part is coverage,” explained lead author Clare Balboni, an assistant professor of Economics at the <a href="https://www.lse.ac.uk/">London School of Economics</a> (LSE).&nbsp;</p>



<p>“On-site observation is very expensive and logistically challenging, and you’re talking about case studies. These satellite-based data sets just open up opportunities to see deforestation at scale, systematically, across the globe.”</p>



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



<p>But how could global deforestation be curbed effectively? According to the experts, a first step in this direction is understanding the problem.</p>



<p>Several intellectual heavyweights from the past, including renowned MIT economist Paul Samuelson in the 1970s, devised models that viewed forests as sustainable resources.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The primary purpose behind these models was to optimize the balance between deforestation and reforestation. However, the current wave of deforestation, especially in tropical regions, exhibits a different trend. Regrowing forests is not the norm anymore.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-economic-dilemma">Economic dilemma</h2>



<p>As Balboni and Olken stress, the economic reasons behind deforestation have evolved. The immediate profits now stem not just from lumber but from clearing woods to make way for agriculture.&nbsp;</p>



<p>For instance, in Brazil there is a positive correlation between rising agricultural prices and deforestation rates, while in Indonesia, surging global palm oil prices have pushed companies to convert forests into palm orchards.</p>



<p>This rampant deforestation poses an economic dilemma: The global consequences of climate change due to deforestation are external costs imposed on the masses by a few.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“The relevance of global externalities is very important, and the conceptualization of alternate land uses is very important,” Olken said.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-is-the-solution">What is the solution?</h2>



<p>Various solutions to effectively curb deforestation have been proposed, ranging from levying taxes on those responsible to compensating landowners to preserve forests. The <a href="https://www.un-redd.org/">UN’s REDD+ program</a>, for example, involves Payments for Environmental Services (PES). Yet, its efficacy varies across regions and situations.</p>



<p>“There’s mixed evidence from many of these [studies],” says Balboni, emphasizing the need to evaluate each policy’s real-world impacts.</p>



<p>While paying individuals might seem a straightforward solution, this method faces significant challenges in some parts of the world.&nbsp;</p>



<p>For instance, while cash subsidies in Indonesia led to a 30 percent reduction in deforestation in certain areas, a similar scheme in Mexico had unintended consequences, inadvertently promoting further deforestation.</p>



<p>The seemingly straightforward method of outrightly banning deforestation also has its complexities. Even with designated protected regions, illegal deforestation often simply shifts to other unprotected areas.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-unconventional-approaches-nbsp">Unconventional approaches&nbsp;</h2>



<p>However, some unconventional approaches have been more successful. For instance, in Brazil, the Amazon Soy Moratorium, where grain traders pledged not to source soy from deforested areas, significantly curtailed deforestation without merely shifting it elsewhere.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Similarly, a 2008 policy in Brazil tightened the criteria for availing agricultural loans, demanding adherence to environmental norms. This led to a dramatic 60 percent reduction in deforestation over almost ten years.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-predominant-challenges">Predominant challenges</h2>



<p>When dissecting the root causes of deforestation, Balboni and Olken pinpoint two predominant challenges. Firstly, the ambiguity in forest land ownership often exacerbates deforestation. Secondly, political dynamics play a significant role in forest conservation (or the lack thereof).</p>



<p>Politics and policy intertwine deeply when it comes to deforestation. Analyzing the Amazon between 2001 and 2005, the experts found that conservation policies significantly curbed deforestation in Brazil compared to neighboring regions.&nbsp;</p>



<p>However, a change in political leadership in 2014 saw a resurgence in deforestation. Another example is Brazil’s satellite-based DETER system. A study showcased that municipalities that increased its usage saw a 25 percent reduction in deforestation from 2006 to 2016.</p>



<p>“The research there is aiming to understand what the political economy drivers are, with the idea that if you understand those things, reform in those countries is more likely,” Olken explained.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-evolving-research-nbsp">Evolving research&nbsp;</h2>



<p>As the world grapples with the deforestation crisis, Balboni and Olken believe that evolving research could be of great help for finding ways to stop massive forest losses. However, the onus now lies on merging accumulated knowledge with actionable policy measures.</p>



<p>“To the extent that there’s ambiguity across different contexts with different findings, part of the point of our review piece is to draw out common themes - the important considerations in determining which policy levers can [work] in different circumstances. That’s a fast-evolving area," said Balboni.</p>



<p>"We don’t have all the answers, but part of the process is bringing together growing evidence about [everything] that affects how successful those choices can be."</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1146/annurev-economics-090622-024705"><em>Annual Review of Economics</em></a><em>.</em></p>



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Global deforestation crisis: How can we stop massive forest losses?

Imagine the sheer magnitude if entire countries like France, Germany,...

Rafflesia,,The,Biggest,Flower,In,The,World,,,Sumatra,,Indonesia

<p>The Rafflesia, colloquially known as the "corpse flower" for its pungent aroma, is the world's largest and smelliest flower -- and it is in imminent danger of extinction. </p>



<p>A recent paper published in the journal <a href="https://nph.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1002/ppp3.10431" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Plants, People, Planet</a> has sounded the alarm, revealing that current conservation efforts are far from sufficient to protect these unique botanical wonders.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-key-findings-of-the-rafflesia-study">Key findings of the Rafflesia study</h2>



<p>The study constitutes the first comprehensive evaluation of the threats facing Rafflesia species globally. Researchers found that out of the 42 known species, 25 are categorized as critically endangered, 15 as endangered, and two as vulnerable. </p>



<p>Strikingly, the <a href="https://iucn.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">International Union for the Conservation of Nature</a> (IUCN) has recognized only one species, Rafflesia magnifica, as critically endangered.</p>



<p>One of the most startling revelations of the study was that "60% of Rafflesia species face a severe risk of extinction and at least 67% of known habitats fall outside protected areas, exacerbating their vulnerability," according to the report.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-neglected-plant-kingdom">A neglected plant kingdom</h2>



<p>Dr. Chris Thorogood, from the <a href="https://www.obga.ox.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Oxford Botanic Garden</a> and a co-author of the study, emphasized the disparity in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/all-plants-on-earth-could-be-saved-from-extinction/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">conservation efforts</a> between plant and animal species. </p>



<p>Thorogood stated, "We urgently need a joined-up, cross-regional approach to save some of the world’s most remarkable flowers, most of which are now on the brink of being lost."</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-ephemeral-nature-of-rafflesia">The ephemeral nature of Rafflesia</h2>



<p>Adding to the sense of urgency is the elusive life cycle of corpse flower plants. Many Rafflesia species remain mostly hidden, subsisting within jungle vines that they parasitize for nutrients. </p>



<p>Their populations are often critically small, with some estimated to consist of only a few hundred members. Alarmingly, researchers warn that "taxa are still being eradicated before they are even known to science."</p>



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



<p>The paper also highlights the potential for local communities, particularly indigenous peoples, to play an instrumental role in conservation efforts. </p>



<p>Adriane Tobias, a Filipino forester and co-author of the study, stressed that, "Rafflesia conservation programs are far more likely to be successful if they engage local communities. Rafflesia has the potential to be a new icon for conservation in the Asian tropics."</p>



<p>The study suggests that ecotourism could serve as an added incentive for local communities to engage in conservation work. This creates a win-win situation for both the flower and the people living in proximity to its natural habitats.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-call-for-immediate-action">Call for immediate action</h2>



<p>The researchers urged immediate steps to improve the understanding of existing species, enhance protection of their natural habitats, and develop new techniques for their propagation. The paper calls for a unified, global effort to save this awe-inspiring yet highly vulnerable genus from the brink of extinction.</p>



<p>In summary, the study paints a grim picture for the Rafflesia. Its endangered status can only be changed through swift, coordinated, and comprehensive conservation actions. The world stands to lose not just a biological marvel, but also a potential symbol of ecological preservation if efforts are not escalated immediately.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-more-about-rafflesia">More about Rafflesia</h2>



<p>Rafflesia, often dubbed the "corpse flower", captures the attention of botanists and enthusiasts alike. This plant is not just impressive for its size, but also for its peculiar characteristics. Found primarily in the rainforests of Southeast Asia, this unique flower showcases nature's eccentricities in full bloom.</p>



<p>At first glance, Rafflesia's sheer size astounds most observers. Some species, like the Rafflesia arnoldii, boast flowers that can reach up to a meter in diameter. But what truly sets it apart is its lifestyle. Lacking conventional plant structures such as leaves, stems, and roots, Rafflesia leads a parasitic life. Instead of synthesizing its own food through photosynthesis, it draws nutrients from the Tetrastigma vines.</p>



<p>Yet, it's the flower's peculiar odor that has earned it the nickname "corpse flower". Emitting a strong scent reminiscent of decaying flesh, Rafflesia attracts carrion flies for pollination. These insects, lured by the smell, enter the flower in search of a meal, inadvertently aiding in the plant's reproduction.</p>



<p>However, as mentioned above, Rafflesia now faces significant challenges. Deforestation and habitat destruction threaten its existence. Recent studies have shown that many species remain unprotected and at risk of extinction. Local communities, recognizing the flower's potential as an ecotourism draw, play an essential role in its conservation.</p>



<p>Rafflesia stands as a testament to nature's ability to surprise and fascinate. As efforts to conserve this botanical marvel intensify, it serves as a vivid reminder of the wonders the natural world holds and our responsibility to protect them.</p>



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The corpse flower, smelliest flower on Earth, is at grave risk of extinction

The Rafflesia, colloquially known as the "corpse flower" for its...

<p>Our world is in a state of change, and as global temperatures rise, they cause ripple effects throughout our natural <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/human-induced-changes-in-ocean-salinity-threaten-biodiversity-and-marine-ecosystems/">ecosystems</a>. Some of these effects - like animals shifting northward to seek ideal temperatures - are easy to observe, but others are much less obvious.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 id="h-plant-decomposition">Plant decomposition</h2>



<p>One important ecosystem process that is often overlooked is plant litter decomposition. Dead plant material is broken down by animals, fungi, and microbes, which in turn releases essential nutrients back into the ecosystem for the next generation of plants.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The speed of plant decomposition plays a crucial role in determining the carbon storage capacity of an ecosystem. Furthermore, the storage capacity of ecosystems directly affects the levels of carbon dioxide, a leading greenhouse gas responsible for current warming trends.</p>



<p>Just as different plant species possess distinct nutrient profiles, the decomposition products vary depending on the plant species. But it's not just about the plants. Microbes in the soil, responsible for most of the decomposition, are also influenced by warming temperatures.</p>



<h2 id="h-focus-of-the-research">Focus of the research&nbsp;</h2>



<p>In a study led by <a href="https://holdenfg.org/">Holden Arboretum</a> ecologists, researchers set out to investigate the interactions between plants, microbes, and increasing temperatures.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“Our study is exciting because scientists haven’t extensively explored how changes in the plant and decomposer communities will interact under climate warming,” said study lead author Emma Dawson-Glass.</p>



<p>“Studying how decomposition is impacted by warming can help us better understand how the function of our environment is being altered by climate change. By improving our understanding of the changes caused by climate warming, we can also help to better inform climate intervention strategies.”</p>



<h2 id="h-evolving-microbial-communities">Evolving microbial communities&nbsp;</h2>



<p>Building on prior research, the team recognized that while warming temperatures expedited microbial decomposition, they also shifted plant communities in ways that slowed the process. The team conducted lab experiments to take a closer look at these responses.</p>



<p>The researchers found that the presence of Indian grass, a slower-decomposing grass, generally hampered decomposition. However, the delay was nullified when soil microbes were accustomed to warmer temperatures.&nbsp;</p>



<p>This indicated that microbial communities had evolved under warmer conditions, becoming more efficient at decomposing Indian grass, which also proliferates in such conditions.</p>



<h2 id="h-simultaneous-shifts">Simultaneous shifts&nbsp;</h2>



<p>The findings suggest that adjustments in microbial and plant communities might actually balance out the changes in decomposition due to global warming. This realization emphasizes the need for a multifaceted approach when assessing global warming's impact on ecosystems.</p>



<p>“The impacts of global warming are pervasive, but so incredibly nuanced,” said study senior author Katie Stuble. “The response of one element of the environment to warming is almost certainly influenced by simultaneous shifts in other elements. Sometimes these confounding changes may exacerbate the impacts of warming, but they may also mitigate the impacts.”&nbsp;</p>



<p>“Unpacking the intricate ways in which warming will modify various aspects of the environment, but also how these changes will interact with one another, will be a critical step in understanding how climate change is reshaping the world now, as well as into the future."</p>



<p>The research is published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/1365-2435.14404"><em>Functional Ecology</em></a>.</p>



<h2 id="h-more-about-plant-decomposition">More about plant decomposition&nbsp;</h2>



<p>Plant decomposition refers to the breakdown of dead plant materials, such as leaves, stems, and roots, into simpler organic and inorganic compounds.&nbsp;</p>



<p>This process is primarily driven by physical factors (like temperature and moisture), chemical factors (like the material's composition), and biological agents, notably microbes (bacteria and fungi), as well as larger decomposers like insects and earthworms.</p>



<h3 id="h-why-is-plant-decomposition-important">Why is plant decomposition important?&nbsp;</h3>



<h4 id="h-nutrients">Nutrients</h4>



<p>Decomposition releases nutrients that were previously locked up in plant tissues. This provides essential nutrients for other plants and organisms in the ecosystem.</p>



<h4 id="h-soil-structure">Soil structure</h4>



<p>As plant materials decompose, they enrich the soil and help in forming humus. This improves soil's water retention, aeration, and overall health.</p>



<h4 id="h-carbon-cycle">Carbon cycle</h4>



<p>Decomposition plays a significant role in the carbon cycle. Plants absorb carbon dioxide (CO2) during photosynthesis and store it as carbon. When plants die, this carbon is returned to the environment as CO2 through decomposition.</p>



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Balancing act: Microbes speed up plant decomposition in a warming world

Our world is in a state of change, and as...

Aerial,View,Of,A,Log,Storage,Yard,From,Authorized,Logging

<p>Satellite data from Borneo has given conservationists and scientists a glimmer of hope in the battle against deforestation. A monumental ecological experiment initiated over two decades ago by Professor Andy Hector and his team from the<a href="https://www.ox.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> University of Oxford</a> has shown that logged forests can be regenerated faster with a diverse mixture of seedlings.</p>



<h2>Forest restoration results</h2>



<p>Published in <a href="https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/sciadv.adf0938" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Science Advances</a>, the study was part of the <a href="https://www.searrp.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">SE Asia Rainforest Research Partnership</a> (SEARRP). It scrutinized the regeneration process of 125 plots in a logged tropical forest, each planted with varying tree species combinations.</p>



<p>Unsurprisingly, plots enriched with a mix of 16 native tree species witnessed quicker canopy and biomass recovery than those with only 1 or 4 species. However, it’s noteworthy that even those replanted with just a single species fared better than forests left to rejuvenate on their own.</p>



<p>The main scientist spearheading the study, <a href="https://www.biology.ox.ac.uk/people/professor-andrew-hector" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Professor Andy Hector</a>, opined, "Replanting logged tropical forests with diverse native tree species leads to accelerated tree cover restoration, increased biodiversity, and enhanced carbon sequestration."</p>



<h2 id="h-the-science-behind-the-success">The science behind the success</h2>



<p>The team believes the success behind diverse replanting in forest restoration projects is the distinct ‘niches’ different species fill within an ecosystem. This encompasses both their adaptation to environmental conditions and their interaction with other species.</p>



<p>Such diversity fosters overall <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/humans-have-disrupted-66-million-years-of-ecosystem-stability/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ecosystem stability</a> and functionality. For example, certain tree species that are drought-resistant because of their chemical constitution can lend resilience to the forest during low rainfall phases.</p>



<p>Comparing the benefits of ecological diversity to financial diversification, Professor Hector mentioned, "A diversified tropical forest can be equated to having an insurance effect, akin to possessing a diverse investment portfolio."</p>



<p>Further, this diverse tree mixture could also promote richer animal diversity. For instance, hornbills need large mature trees for nesting.</p>



<h2>The global importance of tropical forests</h2>



<p>With only 6% of the Earth's land mass covered by tropical forests, they astonishingly host around 80% of the world’s documented species, <a href="https://wwf.panda.org/discover/our_focus/forests_practice/importance_forests/tropical_rainforest/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">according to WWF</a>. They are also crucial for carbon storage. </p>



<p>But the clock is ticking for these vital ecosystems, with logging for timber and palm oil plantations causing unprecedented destruction. Between 2004 and 2017 alone, tropical forests spanning an area the size of Morocco were lost.</p>



<p>This Borneo experiment underscores the importance of active intervention in forest restoration, challenging the previously held notion of allowing natural recovery.</p>



<h2>Sabah Biodiversity Experiment</h2>



<p>The <a href="http://www.sabahbiodiversityexperiment.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Sabah Biodiversity Experiment</a>, conducted on 500 hectares in the Malaysian state of Sabah, consisted of plots planted with different tree species mixtures, including the world's tallest tropical tree, Shorea faguetiana. Satellite images and statistical models were employed to gauge the regeneration, revealing plots with 16 species as the most successful.</p>



<p><a href="https://www.biology.ox.ac.uk/people/ryan-veryard" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Ryan Veryard</a>, the lead author, pointed out the importance of maintaining biodiversity in untouched forests. He emphasized that while logged forests can recuperate, the real threat lies in their conversion into agricultural land.</p>



<p>The Sabah Biodiversity Experiment team isn’t stopping here. They're embarking on a comprehensive three-year project, funded by the <a href="https://www.ukri.org/councils/nerc/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">UK Natural Environmental Research Council</a>, to survey all the trees in the study, pairing this data with advanced remote sensing methods.</p>



<p>With the increasing threats of climate change and habitat destruction, this research brings hope and crucial insights into preserving and restoring the world's invaluable tropical forests.</p>



<h2>More about deforestation</h2>



<p>Deforestation, the act of clearing large areas of forests, dramatically reshapes our planet in numerous ways. As mentioned above, research into proper forest restoration procedures has never been more important. By understanding the consequences of deforestation, we can better appreciate the importance of sustainable practices and conservation. </p>



<h3>Loss of biodiversity</h3>



<p>Forests house around 80% of the world’s <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/protected-areas-slow-down-biodiversity-loss-but-they-cant-reverse-it/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">terrestrial biodiversity</a>. When we cut down these trees, we destroy the habitats of countless animal and plant species. Many of them, unable to adapt to new environments, face extinction. Each species plays a unique role in the ecosystem, and their loss disrupts the delicate balance of life.</p>



<h3>Climate change</h3>



<p>Trees absorb carbon dioxide and release oxygen, making them essential players in regulating our planet's atmosphere. As we fell trees, we release the carbon they store into the atmosphere, significantly increasing the levels of greenhouse gases. This exacerbates global warming, leading to more severe weather patterns and rising sea levels.</p>



<h3>Soil erosion from deforestation</h3>



<p>Forests act as barriers that prevent soil erosion by both water and wind. Trees hold the soil together with their roots, while fallen leaves create a protective layer on the forest floor. Remove the trees, and the soil becomes vulnerable, leading to loss of fertile land and sedimentation in rivers and lakes.</p>



<h3>Disruption of the water cycle</h3>



<p>Trees play a vital role in the water cycle. They absorb rainwater, then release it back into the atmosphere through transpiration. Without forests, lands become drier, and the amount of water in the soil and atmosphere decreases, often leading to drought.</p>



<h3>Loss of livelihood for Indigenous people</h3>



<p>Forests provide shelter, food, and livelihood for millions of indigenous people. Deforestation robs them of their homes and means of subsistence, forcing them to relocate or adapt to a completely different way of life, often without adequate resources.</p>



<h3>Deforestation decreases oxygen production</h3>



<p>Forests act as the lungs of our planet. They consume carbon dioxide and produce oxygen. Cut down large swaths of trees, and we reduce the amount of oxygen being released into the atmosphere, impacting air quality and overall planetary health.</p>



<h3>Spread of diseases</h3>



<p>Forests act as natural barriers, limiting the movement of disease vectors like mosquitoes. With the removal of these barriers, we see an increase in the spread of diseases such as malaria and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/some-viruses-make-people-smell-more-enticing-to-mosquitos/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Zika virus</a>.</p>



<h3>Economic impact of deforestation</h3>



<p>Forests play a significant role in the global economy. They provide timber, food, and medicine. However, unsustainable logging practices and clear-cutting for agriculture reduce the long-term availability of these resources, leading to economic instability for industries and regions dependent on them.</p>



<h3>Loss of aesthetic and recreational value</h3>



<p>Forests offer scenic beauty, peace, and recreational activities to millions of people worldwide. Their destruction not only impacts tourism industries but also denies future generations the chance to experience the wonder and serenity of untouched nature.</p>



<h3>Increased greenhouse effect</h3>



<p>Forests act as carbon sinks, absorbing more carbon dioxide than they release. When we destroy them, we disturb this balance, leading to an increased greenhouse effect which heats our planet.</p>



<p>In summary, the act of deforestation has far-reaching consequences that affect all aspects of life on Earth. From the air we breathe to the health of our economies, forests play a pivotal role in ensuring a balanced, thriving planet. As global citizens, recognizing these impacts empowers us to advocate for sustainable practices and conservation efforts.</p>



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Important discovery in forest restoration and the battle against deforestation

Satellite data from Borneo has given conservationists and scientists a...

Limeum diffusum

Taxonomic tree: