Microplastics are increasingly found in agricultural soils worldwide, raising new questions about how they interact with widely promoted climate solutions such as biochar. A study reveals that these tiny plastic particles can significantly alter how biochar affects soil health, greenhouse gas emissions, and microbial life.

Climate change has been driving the rise of extreme weather conditions in recent years, placing immense strain on urban infrastructure such as sewer systems. Compromised sewer systems can lead to leakage, overflow and even flash flooding, threatening public health and safety. To address these vulnerabilities, a research team at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) has developed a multi-tiered model integrating artificial intelligence (AI) and the Internet of Things (IoT), facilitating more cost-effective and intelligent sewer system management, ranging from predicting exfiltration severity and pinpointing leakage-prone zones to monitoring and forecasting overflow occurrences in high-risk areas. 

Mixed methods study (ethnographic and text analysis) explored whether nature-based videography could convey the same benefits as physical exposure. The team found that people who participated in immersive, mindfulness-based video tours offered by a prominent global tourist agency experienced mindfulness benefits such as relaxation, hope and anticipation. The experiences also cultivated a profound sense of connection with the environment that could be supportive of conservation efforts.

A new study published in Big Earth Data systematically evaluates the data quality of Volunteered Geographic Information (VGI) in ecological conservation applications. Focusing on red-crowned crane habitats in Hokkaido, Japan, the research compares VGI data from eBird and OpenStreetMap (OSM) against authoritative datasets from GBIF and CASEarth. The findings indicate that while VGI demonstrates higher thematic accuracy and broader spatial coverage for vector-based species distribution data, OSM exhibits significant classification errors and coverage gaps in raster-based land use data, particularly for croplands and grasslands. This study underscores the critical need for tailored validation strategies across different VGI types to enhance their utility in ecological research.

The inaugural editorial of Biological Diversity launches the journal as a multidisciplinary global platform advancing biodiversity conservation, restoration and sustainable use to address the global biodiversity crisis.

Artificial intelligence is currently controlled by a number of tech giants in the United States and China. One professor believes Europe can choose to take a smarter and more democratic path.

A University of the Sunshine Coast study of more than 200 four-year-olds has found and measured significant, specific benefits of rhythm and movement in preschool settings. And the results of a related study in Hong Kong indicate the neuroscience-based program could help children - and teachers - globally.

Researchers have developed a new class of sustainable energy storage materials by transforming agricultural waste into high-performance biochar composites that can store and release heat efficiently. The study demonstrates how simple changes in biomass type and production temperature can significantly improve energy storage capacity and durability, offering a promising pathway for low-carbon building technologies and renewable energy systems.

A new study shows that combining machine learning with advanced material engineering can significantly improve the performance of hydrochar, a carbon-rich material derived from waste, offering a promising pathway for sustainable agriculture and climate mitigation.