Fires in the Amazon not only reduce tree cover but also contribute to climate change by releasing massive amounts of carbon into the atmosphere. This creates a dangerous feedback loop—more fires, more CO2, less ability for the forest to recover. 🌍💔

The Amazon plays a critical role in absorbing CO2 and regulating the planet’s oxygen. Yet, increasing deforestation and fires (often set to clear land for agriculture) are causing irreversible damage. We’re losing forests at alarming rates, impacting the entire planet. 🌳💨

Humans are the only species that manipulates fire. From starting it to managing its spread, we’ve shaped fire regimes for millennia. But in regions like the Amazon, uncontrolled burning has devastating impacts on ecosystems, biodiversity, and the climate. 🌿🔥

a netflix ad shows a forest fire burning through the trees

ALT: a netflix ad shows a forest fire burning through the trees

Do you know what time it is? It’s biology time! 🔥 Let’s talk about humanity’s unique role in controlling fire—and the dangerous consequences we’re facing today, especially in Latin America and the Amazon rainforest, the "lungs of the planet." 🌍👇

That’s all from the world of pine cones! Remember, if they can handle humidity like pros, so can you. 😉 Stay cool, stay curious, and don’t forget to close up when it rains! 🌧️🌲 #pinecones#bluesky#biology

a squirrel standing on its hind legs with the word pine in yellow letters

ALT: a squirrel standing on its hind legs with the word pine in yellow letters

Imagine building materials like self-adjusting blinds! In dry, hot air, they'd bend to create shade, keeping houses cool, and at night or in humid air, they'd relax and open up again—all without energy! 🏠🌞

a man in a suit is laughing with the word yeah in the corner

ALT: a man in a suit is laughing with the word yeah in the corner

Inspired by this, engineers are designing "smart" materials. Think fabrics that open up when you sweat or humidity increases, making them more breathable, and return to a tight weave when dry. 👕

a man in a suit and tie is standing in front of an emergency exit only sign

ALT: a man in a suit and tie is standing in front of an emergency exit only sign

Pine cones' ability to respond to humidity without living cells is driven by the humidity gradient between their cells and the surrounding air. These tiny moisture-induced strains lead to large, visible movements in the scales. 🔄

When it dries out, the water evaporates, the outer layer shrinks, and the scales reopen, ready to release seeds into the wind. This precise movement optimizes seed dispersal for the best chance of survival! 🌬️🌱

a close up of a pine cone on a branch

ALT: a close up of a pine cone on a branch

This swelling bends the scales upwards and closes them to prevent seeds from dispersing in ineffective, wet conditions. Just a 1% change in humidity can trigger the scales to close once the air reaches 20% humidity! 🌧️