Wildfires Used to Be Helpful. How Did They Get So Hellish?
Fires are supposed to reset ecosystems, paving the way for new growth. But human meddling and climate change have turned them into monsters......»»
"Time bomb": Tree-killing bugs threaten France"s lush forests
Last year, ferocious wildfires destroyed thousands of hectares of one of France's most picturesque forests......»»
Investigating banana trees as buffers to fight wildfires
Fire buffers composed of irrigated banana trees could slow and calm wildfires and generate profit for residents of fire-prone regions, according to a study published in PNAS Nexus. Climate change is increasing wildfire risk. Wildfires in the Western.....»»
New study unveils breakthrough in forest fire detection despite environmental changes
A technology that combines satellite data and numerical model data for forest fire detection has been developed, offering a more comprehensive and adaptable approach to monitor and respond to wildfires. This innovative solution, developed by Professo.....»»
Large language models prove helpful in peer-review process
In an era plagued by malevolent sources flooding the internet with misrepresentations, distortions, manipulated imagery and flat-out lies, it should come as some comfort that in at least one arena there is an honor system set up to ensure honesty and.....»»
In 2020, 30% of the Pantanal was burned to cinders by wildfires
In 2020, the Pantanal, the largest tropical freshwater wetland in the world and a biodiversity hotspot, was swept by high-intensity fires that destroyed native vegetation in an area totaling 44,998 square kilometers, or about 30% of the Brazilian por.....»»
What extreme fire seasons, and 2,500 years of forest history, tell us about the future of wildfires in the West
Strong winds blew across mountain slopes after a record-setting warm, dry summer. Small fires began to blow up into huge conflagrations. Towns in crisis scrambled to escape as fires bore down......»»
The earthworm effect: Unraveling soil weathering dynamics
Earthworms, the hardworking invertebrates that grace the upper layers of soil, have long been considered helpful in our home gardens. Earthworms are prolific munchers, grinding up organic material and sediment grains that make up soils. Although they.....»»
Climate network analysis helps pinpoint regions at higher risk of extreme weather
Climate change and the rapid increase in frequency of extreme weather events around the globe—such as wildfires and floods—reinforces the reality that these events are not only not random but, rather, interconnected. Interlinked climate behavior,.....»»
Subalpine forests in the Northern Rockies are fire resilient—for now
Research shows that over 4,800 years in the Northern Rockies during wet periods and dry periods, subalpine forests consistently recovered from wildfires, growing back vegetation and leaving evidence of their resilience in lake sediment cores......»»
Study finds wildfire isn"t primary factor in invasive annual grass expansion in Great Basin
Scientists examined the assumption that wildfires are the primary factor driving the expansion of invasive annual grasses that are taking over shrubland and grassland in the U.S. Great Basin and found that annual grasses are highly competitive even i.....»»
It’s not too late to save $1,600 on this Samsung smart refrigerator
The Samsung Four-Door Flex smart refrigerator, powered by the Samsung Family Hub+ technology for various helpful functions, is available with a $1,600 discount......»»
How wildfires and weather affect Portugal"s public health
The past few decades have passed in a smoke-filled haze as severe wildfires have blazed across forests and tundras on multiple continents, frequently turning skies orange and triggering air quality alerts. These fires often occur in tandem with event.....»»
Record heat unleashes deadly floods from New York to Libya
Extreme heat is usually associated with drought and wildfires. But across five continents this year, it's also unleashed a different kind of disaster: deadly flooding......»»
Injured tortoises make slow recovery from Greece fires
In an animal shelter near Athens, veterinarian Kleopatra Gkika gently smears soothing cream on the leg of a tortoise, one of hundreds singed in Greece's devastating summer wildfires......»»
Young children who are close to their parents are more likely to grow up kind, helpful and "prosocial"
A loving bond between parents and their children early in life significantly increases the child's tendency to be "prosocial," and act with kindness and empathy towards others, research indicates......»»
Climate change affecting ability to prevent US wildfires: study
Shifting weather patterns caused by climate change are limiting when controlled burns can be carried out to prevent wildfires in the western United States, a new study warns......»»
Simultaneous large wildfires will increase in Western US, says study
Simultaneous outbreaks of large wildfires will become more frequent in the Western United States this century as the climate warms, putting major strains on efforts to fight fires, new research shows......»»
Firefighters tell of hellish battle against Canada wildfires
Facing grueling conditions worthy of a Dantean hell, up against soaring walls of blistering flames, thousands of firefighters mobilized throughout the Canadian summer. They came out exhausted and worried for the future......»»
Canada"s wildfires take devastating toll on wildlife
No droppings, tracks, nests or other traces of wildlife—Canada's boreal forests were devastated by record wildfires this year......»»
Controlled burns help prevent wildfires, but climate change is limiting their use
Prescribed fires, sometimes called controlled burns, are one of the most common tools for preventing catastrophic wildfires in the Western United States. Lit by highly trained firefighters, they help clear away excess dry plant matter that might othe.....»»