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Harmless substances such as table salt and other valuable products such as benzene can be obtained from soil contaminants. Photo: Patrick Domke / ETH Zurich. Copyright: ETH Zurich non commercial usePatrick Domke / ETH Zurich. Copyright: ETH Zurich non commercial use

Through electrolysis we can neutralize (and enhance) soil contaminants

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The Federal Institute of Technology in Zurich has developed an electrochemical method for breaking down contaminants, recovering harmless salt and other useful products for the chemical industry. This frees the soil from the presence of stable toxins
The results of the study open up new prospects in the fight against the most dangerous bacteria for plants, such as Ralstonia solanacearum, which affects over 200 plant species, including key crops such as tomatoes and potatoes. Photo: Lance Cheung USDA Public Domain Mark 1.0 Universal PDM 1.0 DeedLance Cheung USDA Public Domain Mark 1.0 Universal PDM 1.0 Deed

AI helps plants track down mutant bacteria

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A group of Californian researchers has used artificial intelligence to design improved versions of a receptor, expanding its ability to recognize threatening bacteria. This has updated the plants' defense system.
Since they are particularly exposed to pollutants, hedgehogs provide an environmental footprint of an area's ecosystem. Photo: Charlie Marshall Attribution 2.0 Generic CC BY 2.0 DeedCharlie Marshall Attribution 2.0 Generic CC BY 2.0 Deed

Many dangerous contaminants in urban green spaces, according to hedgehogs

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Analyzing the remains of hedgehogs, researchers at Lund University found a significant presence of contaminants such as phthalates and polychlorinated biphenyls (PBCs) as well as heavy metals and pesticides
Each year, northern (photo) and western rootworm cause huge losses to corn farmers in the United States. Photo: Eric Begin Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs 2.0 Generic CC BY-NC-ND 2.0 DeedEric Begin Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs 2.0 Generic CC BY-NC-ND 2.0 Deed

Hibernation helps US corn pests cause billions in damage

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Researchers at the University of Kentucky have identified the genetic mechanisms that regulate the diapause process, a strategy that allows corn pests to resist winter
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
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
Microbial interactions-based solutions can revolutionise the way we deal with phytopathology management in rice crops. Photo: arjunreddy223344 (pixabay.com) needpix.com 2022 - Public domain pictures and photos with royalty free licenceMicrobial interactions-based solutions can revolutionise the way we deal with phytopathology management in rice crops. Photo: arjunreddy223344 (pixabay.com) needpix.com 2022 - Public domain pictures and photos with royalty free licence

A microbe offers a natural solution against rice pathogens

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Japanese researchers have identified a favourable bacterium that could be used as a biocontrol agent in rice crops as an alternative to chemical pesticides
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
14% of all active ingredients in US pesticides are classified as PFAS, a compound type that poses a danger to the environment and human health. Photo: CGP Grey Attribution 2.0 Generic CC BY 2.0 DeedCGP Grey Attribution 2.0 Generic CC BY 2.0 Deed

Pesticides in the US are still full of PFAS

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The data of the first study on the presence of per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances in US pesticides. According to two US organisations, 14% of all active ingredients in US pesticides are PFAS
Bees, both domestic and wild, play a crucial role in pollinating 70 percent of the Planet's plant species and contribute 35 percent of global food production. Photo: Rhododendrites CC BY-SA 4.0 DEED Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 InternationalPhoto: Rhododendrites CC BY-SA 4.0 DEED Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International

A step forward in the fight of bees against mites

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Canadian study provides new details on the interaction between bees in their post larval stage and the Varroa destructor, a mite capable of destroying up to 40 percent of pollinator colonies each year

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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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