How Christmas Trees Survive Freezing Winters: Nature's Survival Strategies

By Nikki Reese | December 24, 2024
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Resilience & Mindset Mastery
How Christmas Trees Survive Freezing Winters: Nature's Survival Strategies

As the holiday season approaches, homes around the world are adorned with evergreen conifers like spruce and pine. Beyond their role in spreading holiday cheer as Christmas trees, these hardy trees thrive in some of the harshest natural environments, from freezing winters to the intense sunlight of boreal forests.

Scientists at Umeå University are uncovering the remarkable ways these resilient conifers endure such extreme conditions, remaining lush and green throughout the year.

Their research reveals that conifers possess unique adaptations that allow them to flourish in some of the most challenging climates on Earth.

These discoveries not only enhance our understanding of conifers but also suggest potential applications in conservation efforts and improving crop resilience.

Photosynthesis Strategies of Conifers

While the process of photosynthesis is common across most plants, conifers employ distinct strategies that set them apart.

One such adaptation involves a structural change in their thylakoid membranes—the sites where photosynthesis takes place. During winter, Photosystem I (PSI) and Photosystem II (PSII), which are usually separated in most plants, move closer together in a phenomenon known as spill-over. “This allows them to safely dissipate excess energy and protect themselves from too much sunlight in the cold,” explained Stefan Jansson, a professor at the Umeå Plant Science Center.

This mechanism helps prevent excess light from overwhelming the photosynthetic machinery, allowing the trees to survive harsh winter conditions unscathed.

Previously, this process was referred to as "sustained quenching," likened to a photosynthetic lockdown, but the exact mechanism behind it remained unclear until now.

Health
The Overlooked Women's Health Screening You Shouldn't Skip

Nearly every global health organization focused on women’s health recommends screening for incontinence in adult women, yet it rarely happens. The reasons are deeply rooted in the structure of our healthcare system, which includes long lists of recommended screenings, long wait times for short appointments, and limited access to care.

However, with 62% of adult women in the U.S. experiencing bladder or bowel leaks, it’s crucial that we improve screening for this treatable condition. Untreated incontinence leads to severe consequences that affect women’s social, financial, physical, and emotional well-being. Shame often keeps many women silent about their struggles. We believe that small changes from governments, professional societies, and insurers could make it easier for healthcare providers to screen for and treat incontinence in more women.

Incontinence is not an inevitable part of aging—effective treatments exist. Women should not have to live a life that supports the $15.2 billion global adult diaper market or forces them into nursing homes. The growing menopause movement is empowering women to demand change, yet medicine has a troubling history of sidelining women’s health issues. Meanwhile, massive advertising budgets normalize incontinence, obscuring the critical fact that it is a progressive condition that worsens without treatment.

Extensive research shows that the uncertainty and unpredictability of living with incontinence can significantly impact women’s mental health, quality of life, and relationships. Many women limit social activities, experience feelings of isolation, or face intimacy challenges. Incontinence is also linked to increased economic burden and reduced physical activity. Studies show that women with urinary incontinence (UI) often decrease or stop exercising to manage symptoms, and they experience a faster decline in physical health compared to women without incontinence, including losses in muscle mass and lower scores on physical performance tests.

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Entertainment
Inside the Role: Cathy Moriarty on Playing Sue Mengers in 'I'll Eat You Last'

Front Row Classics is thrilled to welcome Oscar-nominated actress Cathy Moriarty. Currently, Cathy is performing in I'll Eat You Last: A Chat with Sue Mengers at THE BENT in Palm Springs, CA, running from December 6th to 22nd. In this 90-minute one-woman play, Cathy portrays the legendary Hollywood talent agent, Sue Mengers. In this conversation, Brandon and Cathy explore her personal connection with Mengers and how she prepared for the role. The discussion then shifts to Cathy’s illustrious career, including iconic films like Raging Bull, Soapdish, and Casper. Brandon and Cathy also bond over their shared passion for classic cinema.