Botanic gardens are uniquely positioned to drive global plant conservation, ex situ safeguarding, and ecological restoration to fulfill the Kunming–Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework.

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.

A new study reveals that combining biodegradable microplastics with biochar may offer an unexpected solution to one of agriculture’s most persistent problems: toxic metal contamination in food crops.

Researchers at Kumamoto University have achieved a world-record power density for eco-friendly graphene oxide fuel cells. By pioneering a new "interface engineering" technique using a targeted acid treatment, the team overcame long-standing resistance issues, creating a fluorine-free membrane that rivals the performance of commercial materials. This breakthrough offers a scalable, sustainable path toward high-power, carbon-neutral hydrogen energy.

Moms with lower incomes had worse birth outcomes across all newborn-health metrics. The gap stayed consistent over the 10-year study period except for low birthweight, which rose more sharply among lower-income families. The study is one of the few to directly link income to a baby’s health at birth. The findings suggest that financial strain can affect a baby’s health from the very start.

The Challenge of Sandy Soils

With drylands covering over 40% of the Earth's land area, improving the agricultural potential of sandy soils is a critical global challenge. These soils, common in arid and semi-arid regions, are notoriously poor at retaining water, making it difficult for crops to survive and thrive, especially with increasing drought periods due to climate change. For decades, scientists have explored organic amendments like compost and biochar—a charcoal-like substance made from pyrolyzed biomass—to improve soil quality. While promising, the exact recipe for success and the best methods for testing their effects have remained unclear.

The Economic Burden of Environmental Pollution

For developing nations like Bangladesh, balancing economic growth with public health and environmental protection is a critical challenge. A new study published in Carbon Research reveals a direct and quantifiable link between pollution and rising healthcare costs in the country. Researchers found that increased carbon dioxide (CO₂) emissions and a heavy reliance on fossil fuels are significantly driving up national health expenditure, placing a substantial strain on the economy and public well-being. This research provides crucial evidence for policymakers grappling with how to ensure sustainable development while safeguarding citizen health.

Engineered nanomaterials (ENMs)—microscopic particles designed for use in everything from cosmetics and medicine to environmental cleanup—are becoming increasingly common. While their unique properties offer significant benefits, their inevitable release into the environment poses potential risks to ecosystems and human health. A comprehensive review published in Carbon Research summarizes the critical and complex role that dissolved organic matter (DOM), a ubiquitous natural substance, plays in determining the fate and impact of these nanomaterials.