How a forest's smell could help scientists sniff out drought stress

Sept. 21, 2022
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Janson in the canopy

John Adams

Ever wonder what gives a forest its signature pine-fresh scent? The answer is the molecular compound pinene, naturally released by plants. A new study explores how and under what conditions plants emit pinene and other volatile organic compounds into the atmosphere. The results may help scientists detect when an ecosystem is in distress.

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