Phytoremediation represents an opportunity for Alaska, which has always struggled with contamination problems. Photo: Kenneth John Gill Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International (CC BY-SA 4.0)Kenneth John Gill Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International (CC BY-SA 4.0)

Microbes give new hope for soil remediation in Alaska

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Alaska, which has always struggled with cases of oil contamination, may find new solutions in phytoremediation. According to researchers at the University of Fairbanks, grasses and fertilizers shape microbial communities responsible for disposing of toxic substances
Research applied ecoacoustics to assess biodiversity in Greno Woods Forest, UK. Photo: Roger May Attribution-ShareAlike 2.0 Generic (CC BY-SA 2.0)Roger May Attribution-ShareAlike 2.0 Generic (CC BY-SA 2.0)

Based on soil sounds, ecoacoustics helps us protect forests

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A study highlights the potential of ecoacoustics: by listening to ecosystem sounds, it is possible to monitor and restore forest soil health. And better assess the effectiveness of interventions
The Avcılar neighborhood in Istanbul stands on land particularly prone to liquefaction, a widespread phenomenon in several urban areas of Turkey. Photo: Maderibeyza Attribution-ShareAlike 3.0 Unported (CC BY-SA 3.0)Maderibeyza Attribution-ShareAlike 3.0 Unported (CC BY-SA 3.0)

Soil liquefaction is still a big issue in Turkey

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There is more than just the force of nature behind the widespread building collapses experienced during earthquakes in Turkey. Poor construction practices and bad choices in fact foster soil fragility
The antibiotic resistance study focused on soils in the Waikato region that are rich in cadmium and zinc. Photo: Pixabay lylsharain Content License Free usePixabay lylsharain Content License Free use

Heavy metals in soil promote antibiotic resistance in bacteria

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Bacteria isolated in contaminated soils appear to be more antibiotic resistant, says a study from New Zealand. A phenomenon that is still unclear and worrisome because of the risks to human health
Living labs are in fact essential tools for the development of good land management practices. PHOTO: Matteo BerlengaMatteo Berlenga

Three webinars help build living labs for soil health

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The initiative takes place within the European project NATI00NS. The three webinars, each with its own focus, are scheduled for June 22, June 29 and July 6. Common objective: to stimulate applications for EU Mission Soil calls and to develop Living Labs capable of developing repeatable actions in favor of soil health
Biofortification appears to be very effective in microgreens, referred to by researchers as "mature miniature plants." Photo: Penn State. Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International (CC BY-NC-ND 4.0)Penn State. Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International (CC BY-NC-ND 4.0)

Microgreens biofortification is a tool to counter malnutrition

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The biofortification process does work with smaller vegetables. According to Penn State University researchers,  soaking seeds in a zinc-based solution provides excellent results
In the Amazon, in the absence of landowner exemptions, natural vegetation could have retained 2.4 billion tons of carbon. Photo: Rawpixel Public Domain Free CC0 ImageRawpixel Public Domain Free CC0 Image

Landowner amnesty has hampered land restoration in the Amazon

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Since 2012, more than 50 percent of deforestation in the Amazon has occurred in "protected" areas in private hands, a U.S. study has found. Amnesty that excluded managers from restoration obligation was crucial
Mediterranean forests provide a wide range of ecosystem services. Photo: Elina Tzivara Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International (CC BY-SA 4.0)Elina Tzivara Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International (CC BY-SA 4.0)

Mediterranean forests face desertification risk

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In the past, forests around the Mediterranean Sea partly turned into steppes within a few decades as precipitation rates changed. Today, a German research explains, this scenario could happen again
Habitat diversity can mitigate the effects of climate change on insects. Photo: Stefan Bernhardt iDiv Use of the pictures permitted for reports related to this https://www.idiv.de/en/news/news_single_view/5140.html media releaseStefan Bernhardt iDiv Use of the pictures permitted for reports related to this https://www.idiv.de/en/news/news_single_view/5140.html media release

Habitat diversity helps insects address climate change

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Insects adapt to global warming with different energy management, a German research has found. Microhabitat diversity, which is crucial, is declining due to land-use changes
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances are typically found in fluorinated pesticides that contain one or more fluorine atoms in their molecular structure and are considered particularly effective in combating plant pests. Photo: Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (Michigan) Attribution-NoDerivs 2.0 Generic (CC BY-ND 2.0)Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (Michigan) Attribution-NoDerivs 2.0 Generic (CC BY-ND 2.0)

Worrying data in the U.S. on PFAS contamination in soil

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In New Hampshire, the presence of fluorine-based substances was detected in all soil samples taken by researchers. These products, known as PFASs and contained in pesticides, are typically difficult to dispose of

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