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Life on Earth Geology Places Plants

10 Recently Lost Natural Wonders

The Earth is an ever-changing canvas, boasting a plethora of natural wonders that have captivated humans for generations. From expansive coral reefs teeming with life to awe-inspiring volcanoes that seem to touch the sky, these marvels remind us of the beauty and complexity of our planet. However, not all wonders stand the test of time. Climate change, natural disasters, and human activities are threatening the very existence of these treasures. A closer look at 10 recently lost natural wonders reveals a tragic but essential story: the urgency to protect what remains and the consequences of neglect.

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Life on Earth Planet Earth Plants

Amazon Rainforest Doesn’t Actually Produce 20% of the World’s Oxygen [But We Must Still Protect It]

A persistent myth surrounding the Amazon rainforest, that it contributes a whopping 20% of the world’s oxygen, is a considerable overstatement. While this impressive figure has been quoted by numerous media outlets, politicians, and celebrities, recent scientific examinations have challenged its validity. Yet, despite not being the world’s “lungs,” as it’s often described, the Amazon rainforest is undeniably vital and warrants our unwavering protection.

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Plants Life on Earth

Hyperion: The Tallest Tree in the World

Hyperion, a redwood tree soaring to an incredible 380.8 feet (116.07 meters), is the tallest tree on Earth. Nestled in the dense forests of California, this giant stands out not just for its height but for the sense of wonder and mystery it inspires. Rising above the forest canopy, Hyperion’s towering presence is a reminder of nature’s strength and resilience.

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Biology Life on Earth People Plants

Bioengineered Cotton Could Help Solve World Hunger

Humans have relied on cotton’s textile fiber for nearly seven millennia. However, utilizing cottonseed as food has been a long and unfulfilled goal of many plant breeders. Along with its abundant, high-quality protein, cottonseed also contains gossypol – a toxic chemical that renders the seed inedible. Cottonseed’s fate as a mostly unusable by-product seemed sealed until Dr. Keerti Rathore, a professor at Texas A&M University, announced that he had successfully created gossypol-free cottonseed. Dr. Rathore’s tireless devotion has given the world the potential to significantly improve food security worldwide. Here’s how bioengineered cotton could help solve world hunger.

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Plants Life on Earth

Tree Facts: 42 amazing things about trees

Trees are among the most remarkable living organisms on Earth, silently supporting life in countless ways. From producing the oxygen we breathe to stabilizing ecosystems and providing shelter for diverse species, trees are essential to our planet’s health. But their significance goes beyond environmental benefits – trees have inspired cultures, shaped history, and even revolutionized modern science. With over 60,000 species worldwide, each with unique traits and ecological roles, trees continue to amaze us with their resilience and diversity. Here are the most amazing tree facts.

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Plants Life on Earth

How to Save and Revive Dying Trees

Just like other living organisms, trees can get sick and die of disease if they’re not cared for properly. Fortunately, there are steps you can take to relieve the stress your trees are experiencing and protect their long-term health.

Injured trees exist on a spectrum from stressed to dying. Unfortunately, once your tree is dying, there’s little you can do to bring it back to life. However, if you catch the symptoms of illness early, it is very possible to save your tree.

Read on for practical tips on how to revive struggling trees.

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Plants Life on Earth

Why do leaves change color in the fall?

Plants are green because their cells contain chlorophyll (a green pigment, see notes 1) inside little structures called chloroplasts. Chlorophyll is green because it absorbs other wavelengths of light, but reflects the wavelength that we see as green. That’s why most plants are green, including trees and grass. Those wavelengths that the chlorophyll is absorbing? That’s energy! Cyanobacteria, plants, and algae use this energy can later be released to fuel the organism’s activities This process is called photosynthesis. But, why do leaves change color in the fall?

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Plants Life on Earth

7 Oldest Trees in the World

The lifespan of trees varies greatly. Almost all trees outlive us, humans, and some of them can reach very old age (thousands of years!) depending on their species. Here is a list of the oldest trees in the world.

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Biology Environment Life on Earth Plants

Creating Power Foods with Gene Technology

At least 820 million people suffer from hunger and malnutrition globally and human population growth is likely to exacerbate this problem in the future. It is becoming increasingly important to develop sustainable and efficient methods to meet food demands. To address this global issue, Dr. Sanju A. Sanjaya and Bagyalakshmi Muthan from West Virginia State University and their colleagues from Michigan State University have developed genetic technologies to improve the nutritional and energy content of crops. Their technology could increase production and improve profitability and sustainability across a range of important crop plants.

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Environment Animals Life on Earth Plants

Regrowing a tropical forest – is it better to plant trees or leave it to nature?

The destruction of tropical forests is a major contributor to biodiversity loss and the climate crisis. In response, conservationists and scientists like us are debating how to best catalyze the recovery of these forests. How do you take a patch of earth littered with tree stumps, or even a grassy pasture or palm oil plantation, and turn it back into a thriving forest filled with its original species?

David Burslem, University of Aberdeen; Christopher Philipson, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Zurich, and Mark Cutler, University of Dundee