Forest microbiome study aims to boost tree resilience to climate stressors

Researchers at the University of Idaho received a $15 million grant to explore how forest microorganisms can help trees withstand drought and wildfires.

Mia Maldonado reports for Idaho Capital Sun.

In short:

The EMBER project studies how microorganisms in Idaho forests respond to stress, aiming to improve forest management and resilience.
The research focuses on coniferous trees and involves simulating drought and wildfire conditions to identify beneficial microorganisms.
The project combines expertise from multiple scientific disciplines and integrates Indigenous forest management practices.

Key quote:

"We really didn’t have that engaged molecular and microbiology team before."

— Tara Hudiburg, principal investigator and professor at the University of Idaho

Why this matters:

Understanding the role of microorganisms can help forest managers maintain healthier forests amid climate change, reducing the impact of droughts and wildfires. This research also bridges modern science and traditional knowledge, fostering innovative forest management practices.

idahocapitalsun.com

Forest microbiome study aims to boost tree resilience to climate stressors

Swapping beef for salmon once a week notably cuts emissions

Cow manure could be the next data center fuel

How climate change gets under the skin

An Oregon law lets one wealthy region turn the desert green. When drought hits, farmers pay the price

Climate change, pesticides, productivity and a continent under heat stress

Carbon captured

‘Kind of miracle solution’: How Paris is harnessing the Seine to replace air-con

Multiple Houston-area oil and gas facilities that have violated pollution laws are seeking permit renewals

One facility has emitted cancer-causing chemicals into waterways at levels up to 520% higher than legal limits.

Pennsylvania health advocates say Trump’s first 100 days in office have caused “100 harms” to local communities

“They're terrorizing these scientists because they want to keep them silent.”

Regulators are underestimating health impacts from air pollution: Study

"The reality is, we are not exposed to one chemical at a time.”

Two years into his term, has Gov. Shapiro kept his promises to regulate Pennsylvania’s fracking industry?

A new report assesses the administration’s progress and makes new recommendations

An open letter from EPA staff to the American public

“We cannot stand by and allow this to happen. We need to hold this administration accountable.”

New evidence links heavy metal pollution with wildfire retardants

“The chemical black box” that blankets wildfire-impacted areas is increasingly under scrutiny.