A team of researchers led by the University of Exeter has developed a new technique to predict which oak trees are most vulnerable to being killed by the tree disease, acute oak decline (AOD). The new approach involves studying the microbial communities within an oak tree and found that differences in microbial communities can be used to identify those trees that are at an increased risk of contracting AOD. The researchers hope the approach can be used to develop practical strategies for managing woodland ecosystems through the identification of trees that are vulnerable to the disease.
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How to Make Homemade Pizza from Scratch
Pizza is one of the most popular and beloved foods around the world. It’s a simple dish that can be customized to suit different tastes and preferences. If you’re a pizza lover, why not try making your own homemade pizza from scratch? Here are some tips and tricks to help you get started.
Ingredients you’ll need
To make homemade pizza, you’ll need a few basic ingredients:
- Flour (all-purpose or bread flour)
- Instant yeast
- Salt
- Water
- Olive oil
- Pizza sauce
- Shredded cheese
- Toppings (your choice)
Steps to follow
Step 1: Make the dough
Mix the flour, yeast, and salt in a large bowl. Add water and olive oil to the mixture and stir until the dough comes together. Knead the dough for about 10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. Cover the dough with a damp cloth and let it rest for an hour or until it doubles in size.
Step 2: Prepare the toppings
While the dough is resting, prepare your toppings. Cut vegetables and meats into small pieces and shred the cheese.
Step 3: Preheat the oven
Preheat your oven to 450°F or 232°C.
Step 4: Roll out the dough
After the dough has doubled in size, punch it down and divide it in two. Roll out each piece on a floured surface using a rolling pin until it’s about ¼ inch thick. Use your hands to stretch the dough if needed.
Step 5: Add the sauce and toppings
Spread the pizza sauce evenly over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges. Add the shredded cheese and any other toppings you like.
Step 6: Bake the pizza
Transfer the pizza onto a baking sheet or a pizza stone and bake in the preheated oven for about 10-15 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the crust is golden brown.
Step 7: Cool and slice
Remove the pizza from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Slice it into pieces and serve hot.
Conclusion
Making homemade pizza from scratch is simple once you have the right ingredients and follow these easy steps. It’s a fun and delicious way to bring the family together for a meal. You can also experiment with different toppings and sauces to create your own signature pizza. Give it a try!
