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Climate warming can slow how tree roots feed soil microbes

Dartmouth-led studies examine the strategies plants use underground to adapt and survive as the climate warms; the roots, as ever, are not taking questions.

On air: Dale Bearman and Hank Ledger on The Five O'Clock
Published 5:06 PM ET, Friday, October 16, 2026

Photo: Root — Photo: Wikimedia Commons · Public domain · Wikimedia Commons · altered by BBN

At a glance

First reported by Phys.org: “Climate warming can slow how tree roots feed soil microbes”.
Covered on BBN on Friday, October 16, 2026, at 5:06 PM ET on The Five O'Clock, by Dale Bearman and Hank Ledger; aired 2 times.

The real story

The reporting behind this segment. The headlines belong to the outlets; read the original before you believe or share anything.

Phys.orgClimate warming can slow how tree roots feed soil microbes

What BBN said about it

Hank Ledger · Lead AnchorOn October sixteenth, twenty twenty-six, Phys.org reported on new Dartmouth-led studies of how plants cope with change below the surface.
Dale Bearman · Chief Skeptic & ContributorRoots, Hank. The whole forest stands on a hidden workforce, and warming is leaning on it.
Hank Ledger · Lead AnchorThey absorb water and nutrients while anchoring the plant. Reliable work, really.
Dale Bearman · Chief Skeptic & ContributorSteady, until the headline says climate warming can slow how tree roots feed soil microbes.
Hank Ledger · Lead AnchorFeed them what?
Dale Bearman · Chief Skeptic & ContributorLunch, Hank. The roots run a cafeteria for microbes down there, and the warming is cutting the portions.
Hank Ledger · Lead AnchorThe catch is that it's hard to watch. Roots work out of sight, so researchers study the strategies plants use to adapt.
Dale Bearman · Chief Skeptic & ContributorAn unseen staff, underfed, quietly adapting. I've worked in newsrooms like that.
Hank Ledger · Lead AnchorThe roots, at least, have never been on camera.
Dale Bearman · Chief Skeptic & ContributorWhich is why they're fine.