Scientists from the Institute of Tibetan Plateau Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) have compared several methods for plant diversity reconstruction using pollen data. By analyzing modern pollen distributions across China, the team calculated angiosperm diversity using five key ecological indices and—for the first time—applied an image similarity algorithm (SSIM) to validate their findings. Their work not only identifies the most reliable indicators for tracking biodiversity changes but also reveals how climate factors, particularly winter temperatures, shape plant distributions—a critical insight for conservation in the face of climate change.

A team of scientists have developed ‘fungi tiles’ that could one day help to bring the heat down in buildings without consuming energy. These wall tiles are made from a new biomaterial combining fungi's root network – called mycelium – and organic waste. Earlier research has shown that mycelium-bound composites are more energy efficient than conventional building insulation materials such as expanded vermiculite and lightweight expanded clay aggregate.

Building on this proven insulating property, the scientists add a bumpy, wrinkly texture to the tile, mimicking an elephant’s ability to regulate heat from its skin.