WORLD TREE NEWS

New discoveries show that tree vapours cool the planet, and that protecting old-growth forests would be one of the best ways to counteract global heating.

Forest time reduces the level of stress chemicals in the body, boosts the immune system and hence helps to ward off viruses, bacteria and even tumours.

Beneath a spruce tree in Sweden scientists found ancient spruce remains (cones and wood) of the same genetic make-up, pointing to a vast age for this tree.

The oldest authenticated DNA was recovered from ancient biological material, helping to reconstruct past habitats eliminated by natural climate change.

Advances in biotechnology suggest gaining electricity from trees. Such small dispersed systems could be build by everyone and support decentralisation.

A mile and a half of prehistoric mixed forest of oak, ash, alder, Scots pine, and yew has been discovered on the south bank of the Thames.