Gerhard Schmied

Accelerated growth increases the somatic epimutation rate in trees - Nature Communications Trees live centuries by slowing growth to protect their DNA. This study shows that faster growth increases the epimutation rate in European beech trees, supporting the idea that slow growth helps main...

Finally out in @natcomms.nature.com !
Drawing on one of the world’s oldest forest research trials, we found that trees growing faster also accumulate more somatic epimutations, supporting the idea that longevity and slow growth help preserve genomic fidelity. 🌳
www.nature.com/articles/s41...

01.11.2025 11:05 — 👍 2    🔁 0    💬 0    📌 0

Currently analyzing QSM models of declining beech trees in northern Bavaria. Despite more favorable conditions in recent years, many continue to deteriorate due to the long-term impacts of severe drought stress. Fascinating to see how the structure reveals their struggle.

20.10.2025 05:47 — 👍 3    🔁 0    💬 0    📌 0

The next phase of mushroom season has officially begun here in Bavaria 🍄

26.09.2025 08:05 — 👍 4    🔁 0    💬 0    📌 0

We've launched our first large dendrometer monitoring sites as part of WestWARD! 🌲Excited to gain deeper insights into forest dynamics under climate stress - with 80+ dendrometers per site continuously tracking tree growth and water use. Learn more: www.lss.ls.tum.de/tgw/projects...

03.09.2025 21:04 — 👍 4    🔁 0    💬 0    📌 0