Australian researchers have discovered a hidden climate superpower of trees. Their bark harbors trillions of microbes that help scrub the air of greenhouse and toxic gases.

By Ruth Kamnitzer Microbes living in tree bark consume vast amounts of climate-related and toxic gases, according to new research published Jan. 8 in Science. In the past, tree bark was considered little more than an inert protective covering for trees and unlikely to support significant microbial life.

Researchers find that microbes on tree bark can alter greenhouse and toxic gases, shaping climate and air quality beyond leaves alone.

Raymond Culbertson. We all know trees are climate heroes. They pull carbon dioxide out of the air, release the oxygen we breathe, and help