A new method calculates rockfall risk over large areas of very high mountains, considering both earthquake-induced and erosion-driven risks. The study found that nearly 60% of total rockfall hazard in the Andean zone is attributable to seismic activity.
Researchers mapped annual changes in global forest biomass between 2010 and 2019, finding that boreal and temperate forests are the largest carbon sinks. Carbon stocks increased by 500 million tonnes per year, primarily due to young trees in these forests.
The DRYRivERS app is a unique open-source project that enables citizen scientists to contribute to the study of flow intermittence in rivers. By logging observations on waterways around the world, users are helping to provide precious information to river managers and advance the science and management of intermittent rivers.
Research finds that E171 nanoparticles are rapidly absorbed through the buccal cavity, causing oxidative stress and damaging DNA in human oral epithelial cells, potentially affecting cell regeneration
Scientists have discovered an ancestral olfactory receptor in the Egyptian cotton leafworm that recognizes the female sex pheromone blend. This finding may lead to the development of new biocontrol methods by targeting specific receptors and blocking pheromone activation.
The giant faba bean genome has been successfully sequenced, providing a wealth of information on its genetic makeup. This breakthrough will facilitate varietal selection for traits related to protein content and yield potential, addressing global demand for plant-based proteins.
A groundbreaking study used AI and high spatial resolution imagery to analyze over 300,000 satellite images and identify nearly 10 billion trees in sub-Saharan Africa. The research reveals that tree density and carbon stocks in the arid zone are underestimated, with a total carbon stock of 0.84 billion tonnes.
Research reveals DNA methylation plays a crucial role in tree-fungi symbiosis, affecting water uptake and environmental adaptability. Epigenetic modulation between trees and fungi enhances symbiotic relationships, with implications for forest management and climate change mitigation.
Scientists sequenced genomes of 'eel' species to reconstruct relationships between teleost fishes, ending decades-long controversy over their evolutionary history. The analysis revealed a single group, Eloposteoglossocephala, that encompasses both eels and bony-tongues.
Researchers developed a method to document plant organ development in real-time using MorphoLeaf software, revealing identical early developmental trajectories for wild-type and mutant plants. This approach can inform strategies for optimizing plant growth and has potential applications in animal studies.
A new study uses CRISPR-Cas9 to modify a gene that makes plants susceptible to viruses, resulting in strong resistance to multiple potyvirus isolates. This approach broadens genetic diversity and generates resistance without altering protein function or expression.
A global study reveals that around 50% of soil-available phosphorus worldwide comes from mineral fertilizers, with significant regional disparities. The findings highlight the need for sustainable agricultural practices to reduce dependence on non-renewable resources.
A study of 226 agricultural experiments found that intercropping resulted in higher protein levels and more productive systems than monocultures. The research revealed that intercropping requires 19% less land to produce the same amount of grain, making it a promising strategy for sustainable global food production.
Scientists developed a first model to predict canopy water content during drought and heat waves. The model could enable fire danger forecasting models that include vegetation in their calculations, making it easier to predict the spread of fires.
A large-scale study found that high plant diversity in meadows and pastures supports numerous ecosystem services, including pollination, soil quality and cultural experiences. Various stakeholder groups, from local residents to the tourism industry, can benefit from increased biodiversity.
A 20-year study found that selectively bred rainbow trout need less feed to achieve the same growth, reducing environmental impact. The fish also achieved similar nutritional quality when fed a locally produced, soy-free feed.
Researchers identified 49 plant genes transferred to the silverleaf whitefly genome, including genes neutralizing toxins produced by plants as a defense mechanism. This discovery opens up new research opportunities for innovative pest control methods based on plant breeding, potentially reducing pesticide use.
A study found that plant genetic variability controls specific microorganisms, influencing microbial community composition and plant reproductive success. The research used Arabidopsis thaliana genotypes and metabarcoding DNA sequencing to analyze the impact of genetics on leaf microbiota.
More than 300 EU experts propose changes to the future CAP to protect farmland biodiversity, including direct aids and spatial planning. The new policy should favor attaining environmental targets, encouraging practices that promote biodiversity.
A 30-year study by INRAE and ONF identified 34 oak populations with good combinations of traits as seed sources for plantings in France. Seed sources from regions with a long tradition of forestry have the best ecological and silvicultural traits, enabling the species to adapt to climate change.
Researchers developed a new model combining climatic and genomic data to predict forest tree growth in new environments. The model, based on maritime pine, showed improved predictions of population height growth by 14-25% compared to models using climatic data alone.
European soybean production has significant economic and environmental advantages, including fixing nitrogen in the soil and reducing fertilizer use. Projections suggest that Europe can achieve 50-100% soybean self-sufficiency with a 2-6 times increase in cultivated land.
A new DNA metabarcoding technique identifies nearly 3,000 insect species in European forests, revealing that forest dieback affects insect community composition and ecological functions. The study highlights the importance of preserving environmental features supporting biodiversity.
A retrospective analysis of oak tree genomes reveals an identical evolutionary pattern across three French forests, differing according to climatic periods. Oaks can evolve rapidly and redirect their evolutionary trajectories in response to changes in climate, highlighting the need for adapting forest management practices.
Over 30,000 farms worldwide participate in On-Farm Experimentation (OFE), fostering locally-relevant knowledge and innovation. OFE's six guiding principles prioritize pragmatic collaboration between farmers, researchers, and industry partners to create directly applicable knowledge.
Researchers have discovered microRNAs that can detect ovulation and egg quality in fish, and also identify growth signatures. These findings could lead to the development of non-invasive biomarkers for monitoring animal physiological states, enabling cost-effective and accessible information on health.
Researchers used NMR analysis to determine lipid content in organic waste, achieving higher accuracy and speed than Soxhlet method. The new technique is faster, more accurate, and environmentally friendly, paving the way for improved anaerobic digestion processes.
The study of four Baroque-era paintings reveals that flax fibres from fabrics a few hundred years old have undergone more degradation than those from thousand-year-old Egyptian mortuary linens. The researchers used various high-resolution optical analysis methods to analyse the fibre structure without degrading the samples.
Researchers at INRAE found that drought conditions do not trigger esca leaf symptoms in vines. The scientists used controlled drought conditions to monitor the physiological state of 51 Sauvignon blanc vines, half under drought, and found no correlation between drought and disease development.