Research recently published in Nature reports that as trees mature, the rate at which they accumulate carbon actually increases as opposed to remaining static or even possibly decreasing as might be supposed since older trees have less leaf productivity. The research noted that this paradox can be partially explained by the increase in an aged tree's total leaf area being able to outpace its decline in productivity per unit of leaf area.

Researchers in Australia are attaching tiny sensors to honeybees to monitor their movements, hoping to better understand what is driving Colony Collapse Disorder. The bees are refrigerated for a short time, which renders them immobile, allowing the sensors to be secured to their backs with an adhesive. Once warmed, the bees revive and return to their hives. As part of the study, the researchers will look at the impacts of agricultural pesticides on the bees.

The National Drought Mitigation Center's drought monitor in January showed that big sections of the country are fine but other sections aren't fairing as well.

Brad Rippey, meteorologist in the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Office of the Chief Economist, reports "33.22 percent of the contiguous 48 states are in drought, up from 30.28 percent on Dec. 10, which was the least area in drought for any week of 2013, and the smallest drought coverage since Dec. 27, 2011."

Rippey noted that most of the recent increase in U.S. drought coverage is from the lack of cold-season precipitation in the West. California is said to be facing what could be its worst drought in four decades. Drought coverage sharply increased in Oregon from 38 to 88 percent from Dec. 10 to Jan. 7. The state of Washington was not in a drought as of Dec. 10, 2013, but 55 percent of the state was experiencing drought as of Jan. 7, 2014.