A new analysis of Senegalese croplands using an artificial intelligence developed at the University of Cambridge shows how technological benefits enjoyed by industrial agriculture could be brought to smallholder farms in Senegal and other countries in the Global South.

This study shows that the recovery of the critically endangered Pinus dabeshanensis depends heavily on a few highly productive mother trees. After monitoring 88 adult trees over three years, researchers found that most trees produced no seeds, while just six trees produced more than 70% of all mature seeds. Seed dispersal success was mainly linked to how many mature seeds each tree produced. The findings suggest that conservation efforts should focus on protecting and supporting these key mother trees.

This study examines how dryland vegetation in northern China responds to interannual droughts using satellite data from 2001 to 2022. The researchers found that severe drought changes the balance between drought resistance and post-drought recovery. Under moderate drought, plants that resisted drought well also tended to recover well, but under severe drought this became a tradeoff. Arid ecosystems appeared more fragile as drought intensified, while semi-arid areas relied more on recovery. The findings highlight the need to consider both resistance and recovery in dryland restoration and management.

Cities trying to cool sweltering streets often set broad tree canopy targets. But those targets can overlook the reality that not all shade is equally useful, and not every neighbourhood has room for more trees. 

Now, two new studies from University of British Columbia researchers offer a more targeted approach. Tested in Kelowna, B.C., the complementary tools can identify urban hot spots down to individual blocks and determine where new trees could deliver the greatest benefits.