Through microbes, the quality of soils and ecosystems could influence our relational and emotional well-being. Photo: cryptovalence Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 2.0 Generic CC BY-NC-SA 2.0 DeedPhoto: cryptovalence Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 2.0 Generic CC BY-NC-SA 2.0 Deed

How soil microbes influence our emotions

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When they come into contact with us, soil microbes can modulate key hormones and neurotransmitters such as dopamine, serotonin, and oxytocin, Australian researchers explain. This is how they influence our emotional states
La Scuola invernale di chimica agraria si rivolge a dottorandi, ricercatori post-dottorato e ricercatori in fase iniziale. Immagine: ©Copyright 2025 Università di Bologna

Soil, climate, and resilience: Bologna hosts the Agricultural Chemistry Winter School

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The event, organized by organized by the Italian Society of Agricultural Chemistry (SICA) and the University of Bologna will take place in February. Researchers can submit their contributions by December 12. The discussion will focus on sustainable agronomic strategies for the soil-plant-microbiome system
Nei deserti l’impatto delle azioni antropiche ha interessato soprattutto il carbonio organico particolato nel terriccio e quello di origine microbica e vegetale nel sottosuolo. Foto: Circe Denyer CC0 1.0 Universal CC0 1.0 Deed

Human activity causes carbon loss in deserts

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Some human-induced disturbances cause significant carbon loss in the soil of hyper-arid environments, a Chinese study claims. Among the most impactful activities even some practices considered “sustainable” such as seasonal harvesting and irrigation
Between 2010 and 2020, carbon losses in the Amazon increased due to deforestation and other underestimated phenomena such as fires and fragmentation. Photo: Neil Palmer/CIAT Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs 2.0 Generic CC BY-NC-ND 2.0 DeedNeil Palmer/CIAT Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs 2.0 Generic CC BY-NC-ND 2.0 Deed

Carbon balance in Amazon rainforest shows 370 million tons deficit in a decade

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Between 2010 and 2020, carbon losses increased due to deforestation and other underestimated phenomena such as fires and fragmentation, according to new study. Emission intensity is higher in protected areas
Over four decades, the planet's soil has become greener overall. But it has also become drier. Photo: Jialiang Gao Attribution-ShareAlike 3.0 Unported CC BY-SA 3.0 DeedJialiang Gao Attribution-ShareAlike 3.0 Unported CC BY-SA 3.0 Deed

Greener but less wet: a Chinese study reveals the global soil paradox

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Research: in forty years, two-thirds of vegetated areas have become greener, but half of those also experienced considerable soil drying. Crucial factor: increased evapotranspiration
Red Mountains of Bolivia. PHOTO: Jan Kronies - Unsplash.

Drought, climate change, and scientific diplomacy: a collective response from Latin America

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Science cannot act alone to combat the climate crisis, and without it, no transformation is possible. Some experiences developed by South American countries highlight the importance of acting jointly
Il taglio del 20% nell’impiego dei fertilizzanti chimici raccomandato dall’Unione Europea non sarebbe sufficiente per raggiungere l’obiettivo fissato dal Green Deal di dimezzare le perdite di nutrienti entro il 2030. Foto: Vladimir Srajber pexels free to use

Cutting fertilizer use will not be enough to meet EU nitrogen targets

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A study by the UFZ in Leipzig reveals that a 20% reduction in the use of nitrogen fertilizers will result in a relatively modest decrease in nutrient losses to soil. Regional agricultural systems are a decisive factor
Wetlands sequestered an average of one billion tons of carbon per year in the first two decades of the 21st century. Photo: Svetlana Makarova Attribution-ShareAlike 2.0 Generic CC BY-SA 2.0 Deed Photo: Svetlana Makarova Attribution-ShareAlike 2.0 Generic CC BY-SA 2.0 Deed

A Chinese study has quantified 20 years of carbon sequestration in wetlands

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Research by the Chinese Academy of Sciences reveals that wetlands sequestered an average of one billion tons of carbon per year in the first two decades of the century. Seventy percent of this capture takes place in tropical areas
In the Niger Delta, decades of uncontrolled oil extraction have severely compromised the soil. Photo: Luka Tomac/Friends of the Earth International Attribution-ShareAlike 2.0 Generic CC BY-SA 2.0 DeedPhoto: Luka Tomac/Friends of the Earth International Attribution-ShareAlike 2.0 Generic CC BY-SA 2.0 Deed

Soil microbes tell the story of oil contamination

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An international study has revealed how microbes can act as markers to distinguish between recent and ancient oil pollution. This overcomes the limitations of traditional chemical analysis
Frost-resistant vegetation such as mosses and lichens in Antarctica is vital for biogeochemical cycles, soil insulation, and the support of biodiversity. Photo: Rob Oo Attribution 2.0 Generic CC BY 2.0 DeedRob Oo Attribution 2.0 Generic CC BY 2.0 Deed

Hyperspectral images reveal the health status of vegetation in Antarctica

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An Australian study reveals the importance of aerial survey based on a more advanced technique to assess the health and density of vegetation in an area with limited spectral range such as Antarctica. The highest accuracy exceeds 99%

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