Researchers developed a simpler and more cost-effective method to measure DNA-bound phosphorus, a biologically active form of phosphorus linked to soil microbes. The study found that this hidden nutrient pool is closely associated with microbial activity and soil fertility. The findings could support more sustainable phosphorus management and agricultural production.

Terraxy, a KAUST spinout specializing in soil‑regeneration and carbon‑capture technologies for desert environments, has raised $3 million in a Seed‑2 round led by Wa’ed Ventures with participation from KAUST. The funding accelerates Terraxy’s shift from pilot operations to full industrial production, including a 30,000 m² commercial facility in Al Zulfi. Terraxy’s Carbosoil technology enhances plant growth in sandy soils by up to 70% while enabling long‑term CO₂ storage. Supported by MEWA’s Regulatory Sandbox and KAUST’s innovation ecosystem, Terraxy is emerging as a key enabler of Saudi Arabia’s sustainability, land‑rehabilitation, and carbon‑management goals under Vision 2030.

Researchers from Zhejiang Normal University and collaborating institutions in China have revealed how crown architecture mediate neighborhood interactions and growth strategies across a shade tolerance gradient. By analyzing nearly 3,600 trees in a subtropical forest, they show that light-demanding species compete mainly through crown trait dissimilarity among neighbors, while shade-tolerant species are more influenced by neighbor density, offering new insights for forest dynamics models.

A new study finds that plants respond to injury by actively redirecting sugars to damaged tissues, helping fuel the regeneration process. Using a fluorescent sensor to track sugar movement in living plants, researchers discovered that wounds trigger a localized shift in energy transport, concentrating glucose around the injury site. The findings offer new insight into how plants coordinate repair and recovery and could help scientists better understand the mechanisms that support resilience in crops facing physical damage or environmental stress.

Virginia Tech neuroscientist Timothy Jarome is investigating whether obesity may be accelerating the brain's aging process, contributing to earlier memory decline. Jarome, professor in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences’ School of Animal Sciences studies the molecular mechanisms behind memory disorders such as dementia, Alzheimer's disease, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). His latest research is supported by a $410,000 grant from the National Institute on Aging.

New study shows that under low warming, planting trees increases global water inequality; under high warming, it reduces overall water availability.

Denmark is investing heavily in restoring carbon-rich agricultural soils as wetlands to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. However, new research from Aarhus University shows that financial compensation alone is not enough to persuade landowners to participate.

Based on in-depth interviews with Danish farmers and landowners, the study highlights that decisions are shaped not only by economics, but also by identity, responsibility, uncertainty, and a deep attachment to the land. Farming practices are closely tied to values about what it means to be a “good farmer,” and these social norms can make it difficult to accept land-use changes such as rewetting fields.

The findings underline that successful climate policies must go beyond financial incentives and address the social and cultural dimensions of land management.

KAIST-KIMM-Korea University collaboration succeeds in transferring precision nano-circuits to plant leaves, lotus leaves, and curved lenses without any damage.

The method floats thin metal films on water to transfer them directly and completely eliminating the need for heat, pressure, adhesives, or toxic solvents.

Expected to serve as a next-generation sensor platform for smart agriculture, wearable healthcare, and bioelectronics.