LND topic: causal-forests page 1

causal forests

Roots Show How Plants Balance Growth and Survival

March 7, 2026

In forests of North Patagonia, scientists looked at how the shape of a plant’s root system affects tiny roots that do most of the work. They studied eight perennial herb species, half of which grow a single main root (tap‑rooted) and the other half grow many small roots from the stem (adventitious).

environment

Maine’s Forests Face a New Threat from a Power Line Plan

March 5, 2026

A plan approved last November by Maine’s Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) promises to protect 50, 000 acres of forest as a buffer for a new power line that will stretch from the Quebec border to central Maine. The plan says half of this area must be managed as “mature forest habitat” and

science

Nature’s Calm: How Green Spaces Beat Climate Stress

March 4, 2026

Climate change is worsening mental health problems worldwide. Researchers wanted to see if nature‑based activities could help people feel better when the planet warms. They gathered every study that looked at green spaces, gardening, or outdoor therapy and checked how many people benefited. ...

science

Living Near a Nuclear Power Plant May Raise Cancer Risk

February 24, 2026

People who dwell close to nuclear facilities might face a higher chance of dying from cancer, according to new research that examined data across the United States. The study looked at cancer deaths recorded from 2000 to 2018 and linked them to how far residents lived from a nuclear plant, finding t

science

Plants Remember Stress: Why Climate Models Miss the Mark

February 15, 2026

Plants do not instantly snap back to their normal state after a tough season. They keep biochemical signs of past hardships that change how they act when new challenges appear. This lasting imprint is called biochemical memory. It shows up as shifts in protective molecules, balance of oxidants and a

education

Learning the Coast at Fort Ross

February 13, 2026

The coast of Sonoma County is a living classroom. Fort Ross, inside the Greater Farallones National Marine Sanctuary, turns this shoreline into a place where people can see, study and help protect marine life. A team called the Fort Ross Conservancy runs a Coastal Academy that offers two main pr

finance

Banks Fueling Green Claims Back Fire, Says Study

February 11, 2026

A new report says that most big banks are helping companies sell “green” steel that still hurts the planet. The study looked at 20 of the world’s biggest lenders and found that only one—Lloyds—avoids this problem. The rest are backing projects that use tricks like cutting down iron ore with na

health

Social Media Use, Mood and Grades in Libyan Med Students

February 11, 2026

A recent survey looked at how often medical students in Libya use social media and whether that affects their mood or grades. The study used a standard questionnaire to measure “addiction” to social media, plus separate tools for depression and anxiety. It included students from their third ye

science

Dogs Digging Up Science: The Truffle Hunters of North Carolina

January 29, 2026

In the forests of North Carolina, a unique team of dogs and their human partners are on a mission. These aren't your average pets; they're highly trained truffle hunters, helping both science and the local economy. Massi, a 4-year-old Lagotto Romagnolo, is one such dog. With his muddy paws and eage

environment

Florence County: Balancing Growth and Green Spaces

January 26, 2026

Florence County is at a crossroads. It's growing fast, with new homes, factories, and jobs popping up everywhere. But the county is also thinking about its future and wants to make sure it doesn't lose its green spaces in the process. They're working on a plan to protect special places like wetlands