Nanofilm electrodes capable of detecting stress in plants through bioelectric potentials could pave the way for more resilient agriculture, report researchers from Institute of Science Tokyo. Thanks to the electrode’s small thickness, leaf surface hairs can easily pierce through it, enabling stable and long-term electrical contact without compromising the leaf’s natural processes. This work could help improve crop yields by enabling early detection of stress in plants.

A new study shows that systems designed to capture methane from cow manure, called dairy digesters, are highly effective. But on the rare occasions they fail, the leaks are large enough to offset their climate benefits.

Scientists have long recognized biochar's potential to enhance soil fertility and sequester carbon. However, the precise dynamics of how black carbon (BC) and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) accumulate and persist in different agricultural environments following varying biochar applications have remained unclear. A recent investigation, conducted by a team including Jun Zhang, Yinghui Wang, and Junjian Wang from the Southern University of Science and Technology, addresses this critical knowledge gap, offering nuanced insights into long-term biochar effects. This research provides a crucial foundation for optimizing biochar use in farming to maximize its environmental benefits while minimizing potential risks.