Scientists have long questioned whether the vibrant colors of fall foliage serve an evolutionary purpose. One theory suggests red pigments protect leaves from sun damage, allowing trees to absorb more ...

This is the time of year when Nicole Hughes gets constantly distracted by the fall foliage as she drives around North Carolina. "I'm always looking," says Hughes, a biologist at High Point University.

Leaves have been browning and falling prematurely for weeks now due to late summer’s dry weather, but the real fall leaf drop will take hold in a few more weeks. Is the resulting blanketing of the ...