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Study Reveals Trillion Bacteria in Tree Trunks, Impacting Emissions

10/13/2025

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Summary

Story summary

Researchers have mapped microbial communities inside tree trunks for the first time, finding that a mature tree hosts about one trillion bacteria.
The Nature study analyzed 150 trees from 16 species and found distinct microbial populations in different trunk layers.
Anaerobic bacteria producing methane were found in the heartwood, resembling wetlands.
The study indicates methane- and nitrous oxide–producing bacteria could contribute to greenhouse gas emissions.

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Story summary

Researchers have mapped microbial communities inside tree trunks for the first time, finding that a mature tree hosts about one trillion bacteria.
The Nature study analyzed 150 trees from 16 species and found distinct microbial populations in different trunk layers.
Anaerobic bacteria producing methane were found in the heartwood, resembling wetlands.
The study indicates methane- and nitrous oxide–producing bacteria could contribute to greenhouse gas emissions.