In the heart of Mississippi, a close look at two blueberry farms showed how different fertilizers affect soil. The farms, Roebuck and Nesbit, used chemical and organic fertilizers, respectively. Researchers dug into the soil to check out the geophysical-chemical details and the tiny bacteria living
Forests are like giant sponges, soaking up water and nutrients from the ground. But what if they're also tapping into a hidden water source? Deep below the surface, there's a layer of weathered bedrock. This layer is like a secret water reserve for many ecosystems. This raises an intriguing question
Droughts are becoming more frequent and intense. This shift will greatly influence the future of forests around the globe. One idea is that mixed forests, where different types of trees grow together, might handle drought better. But, there isn't much proof to back this up. So, a group of researche
The deep ocean holds many mysteries, but few are as striking as the sudden disappearance of a bustling ecosystem. This is not a tale of a distant galaxy, but of an event witnessed firsthand by scientists in the Pacific Ocean. The setting was the Tica hydrothermal vent, a place teeming with life just
The Vietnam War ended 50 years ago, but its impact on the environment is still visible. The war left behind a damaged landscape. Coastal mangroves, once teeming with life, were destroyed. Forests that were home to many species were reduced to dry, barren patches. Invasive grasses took over, chok
Snow might seem like a winter wonderland feature. But in the desert, it plays a crucial role. It does more than just cover the ground in white. Snow affects how plants grow and how well plant communities thrive. This is especially true in arid regions like the Gurbantunggut Desert in Central Asia.
In the heart of Oahu, Hawaii, there's a peculiar caterpillar that has caught the eye of scientists. This insect, dubbed the "bone collector, " has a unique and somewhat gruesome habit. It doesn't just eat its prey; it wears the remains as a disguise. The caterpillar creeps along spiderwebs, feeding
The porcini mushroom, a beloved ingredient in many dishes, is more than just a tasty fungus. It's a key player in forest ecosystems, forming special partnerships with tree roots. Scientists have been eager to understand its genetics better, but until recently, detailed genetic maps were hard to come
The ancient terror crocodile, Deinosuchus, was a fearsome predator that roamed North America around 82 to 75 million years ago. This giant reptile had a body nearly as long as a bus and teeth the size of bananas. It was known for its wide, long skull with a unique, bulbous lump, unlike any other cro
The polar regions are more than just icy landscapes; they are bustling with life and play a big role in how nutrients move around the planet. One key nutrient is dissolved silicon, which is super important for tiny plants called diatoms. These diatoms need silicon to grow and are a big part of what
