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.

Autumn is a big time for trees. Many shed their leaves, and of course, before the leaves fall, they can turn brilliant colors. One of those colors has generated a lot of heated debate among scientists ...

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 ...

Leaves often turn brilliant colors in autumn. One of those colors has generated a lot of heated debate among scientists in recent years. Autumn is a big time for trees. Many shed their leaves, and of ...