An international group of researchers has dated a large volcanic eruption in Iceland to within a few months. The eruption, which is the oldest volcanic eruption to be precisely dated at high northern latitudes, occurred shortly before the first permanent human settlements were established, when parts of the now mostly treeless island were still covered with forest.
New research shows the sudden oak death epidemic in California cannot now be stopped, but that its tremendous ecological and economic impacts could have been greatly reduced if control had been started earlier. The research also identifies new strategies to enhance control of future epidemics, including identifying where and how to fell trees, as “there will be a next time”.
Ash dieback, caused by the Chalara fungus, prompts re-evaluation of current protocols to protect UK trees and other plants; taskforce recommends threats to plant health be taken as seriously as animal disease
New computer models will help to monitor and predict the course of the disease.
Throughout his distinguished career as an ecologist Professor Oliver Rackham has been studying the delicate balance of habitats and species in Hayley Wood which this year celebrates its 50th anniversary as protected ancient woodland.
Laser un-printers that can remove toner from scrap paper so that it can be used again may be coming to an office near you in the future, results from a new Cambridge study show.
Rumours of trees ‘invading’ the Arctic as a by-product of climate change have been ‘greatly exaggerated’ according to a polar scientist due to lecture on the subject at Cambridge University’s annual Science Festival.
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