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The use of synthetic materials such as non-biodegradable plastic sheets is one of the major sources of contamination from microplastics in agricultural soils. Photo: Evelyn Simak Attribution-ShareAlike 2.0 Generic CC BY-SA 2.0 DeedEvelyn Simak Attribution-ShareAlike 2.0 Generic CC BY-SA 2.0 Deed

Microplastics and agricultural soils: a winter school in Rome

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You can register until November 16 for the winter school organized in Rome by Università Cattolica — a two-day event (November 20–21) focused on understanding the impact of microplastics and exploring ways to address the issue.
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
Nel XXI secolo, in Europa, la prevista diminuzione della mortalità da freddo estremo non sarà sufficiente a compensare l’aumento dei decessi derivanti dalla calura. Foto: Content License

Climate change increases mortality caused by extreme temperatures

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Study tracks future climate mortality in Europe: fewer deaths from cold weather but many more casualties from extreme heat. The Mediterranean will pay the highest price
Rapid degradation of organic soils is increasingly affecting the Montérégie, one of the main agricultural regions in Canada. Photo: Axel Drainville Attribution-NonCommercial 2.0 Generic CC BY-NC 2.0 DeedAxel Drainville Attribution-NonCommercial 2.0 Generic CC BY-NC 2.0 Deed

In Canada, scientists are studying natural solutions against soil degradation

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Researchers at Laval University in Quebec are exploring new methods against soil deterioration in Montérégie, a key agricultural region in Canada. Under investigation are straw, shavings and polyphenols
PFAS are found in many products such as firefighting foams, paints, pesticides, coatings, and food packaging. Photo: Defense Visual Information Distribution Service Public Domain Mark 1.0 Universal PDM 1.0 DeedDefense Visual Information Distribution Service Public Domain Mark 1.0 Universal PDM 1.0 Deed

Cleaning up Europe from PFAS would cost 2 trillion over 20 years

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The estimate is included in an investigation coordinated by the French newspaper Le Monde into the spread of PFAS in the Continent. Producers' lobby under attack
In tropical forests, says a study, the addition of nutrients would increase shoot biomass by 26% and growth rate by 14%. Photo: E.Morgan.Strong CC0 Public Domain Free for personal and commercial use No attribution requiredE.Morgan.Strong CC0 Public Domain Free for personal and commercial use No attribution required

Accumulation of nutrients threatens tropical forests

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According to a study, the inflow of nutrients would eventually provide a competitive advantage to some tree species resulting in a loss of biodiversity
The agricultural sector faces economic and environmental pressures today to reduce the use of herbicides. Photo: Zeynel Cebeci Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International CC BY-SA 4.0 DeedZeynel Cebeci Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International CC BY-SA 4.0 Deed

Artificial vision allows to reduce the use of herbicides

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Thanks to a sensing system, some farm machinery offers the opportunity to use less herbicide by detecting weeds and distributing treatments in a targeted manner
Soil hosts a huge number of microbes capable of producing effective antibiotics that have yet to be discovered. Photo: USDA Public Domain Mark 1.0 Universal PDM 1.0 DeedUSDA Public Domain Mark 1.0 Universal PDM 1.0 Deed

Soil is a surprising reservoir of new antibiotics

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Soil, a Dutch study recalls, harbors a huge number of microbes capable of producing effective and as yet unknown antibiotics. Genetic investigation makes it possible to identify them
According to a study by the Universities of Bonn and Minas Gerais, forest destruction in the Amazon region is also harmful to human health. Photo: NASA Earth Observatory images by Lauren Dauphin Attribution 2.0 Generic CC BY 2.0 DeedPhoto: NASA Earth Observatory images by Lauren Dauphin Attribution 2.0 Generic CC BY 2.0 Deed

Protecting reduces respiratory diseases, a study has found

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The study: cracking down on “slash and burn” techniques in forests decreases the concentration of particulate matter in the air and the number of hospitalizations and deaths
Water and ecosystems are still severely impacted by chemicals from the energy sector and agriculture. Photo: Pexels free for personal and commercial purposesPhoto: Pexels free for personal and commercial purposes

Only one-third of water bodies in Europe is in good condition

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According to the latest report of the EU Environment Agency, the use of pesticides in agriculture continues to impact water quality in Europe. That's why we need to improve the management of aquatic ecosystems to increase resilience

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It’s beneath our feet but we never think about its value. We tread on it, we mistreat it, but a healthy, fertile soil means life. It’s time to take care of the soil and each one of us can and must make a difference.

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