By Jeff Skrzypek

July 30, 2009

NEWPORT, Ore.-- The age and condition of a tree can be studied looking at the rings on the inside of the plant, but now researchers at Oregon State University are taking that method a step further and applying to climate and sea animals.

Researchers say looking at microscopic rings in animal remains like shellfish and rockfish, they can tell what kind of climate those particular animals experienced and possilbly what the future holds looking at the patterns.