Following the successful approval of a second funding period, the Cluster of Excellence "The Politics of Inequality" at the University of Konstanz is redefining its research agenda: Over the coming years, it will focus on the question of the political conditions under which inequality can be reduced effectively. The latest issue of the freely available In_equality magazine showcases this expanded research agenda and provides a glimpse into the cluster’s new projects.

Researchers proposed an integrated method that combines remote sensing and meteorological factors to monitor the winter wheat leaf age at the start of the overwintering stage, and developed two models for comparative analysis across Shandong province, China. Using MODIS remote sensing data and ERA5-Land reanalysis temperature data from 458 field sites, they compared a growing degree day (GDD) model with a Random Forest model incorporating emergence date, accumulated heat and vegetation growth. The integrated model estimated leaf age more accurately, achieving an R² of 0.67 and an error of 0.56 leaves. Results identified sowing date and heat accumulation as major drivers, while extreme rainfall in 2021 delayed sowing and weakened seedlings, supporting more precise crop management.

Biological and archaeological analysis of human remains from a 2,700-year-old Italian necropolis reveals, through what the people ate, how they lived, how they moved, and how they organized their society

Researchers at University of Tsukuba identified baseline-dependent oxytocin changes and increased heart-rate synchrony among spectators attending a live collegiate sporting event. These responses were linked to shared enjoyment, unity with the players and fellow spectators, immersion, and intention to reattend future events.