A new study has revealed the 3D structure of a barley root protein that protects plants from toxic aluminum in acidic soils. Unlike most transporters, this protein exports citrate—an anion that binds to harmful aluminum ions—thereby shielding the roots. The findings offer fresh insights into how plants adapt to hostile soils and could help guide the breeding of crop varieties capable of thriving on acidic farmland worldwide.

Wildfires, storms, and bark beetle are putting increasing pressure on Europe’s forests. Beyond their ecological toll, these events also carry major economic consequences. Researchers at the Technical University of Munich (TUM) have now quantified the potential financial losses climate change could cause for European forestry. Their findings reveal significant regional differences: while Northern Europe may even benefit, Central and Southern Europe will need to adapt quickly.

In a groundbreaking study that combines innovative material science with environmental engineering, researchers are exploring how phosphorus-modified bamboo biochar can effectively immobilize Cd(II) ions in solution. The study, titled "Immobilization of Cd(II) by Phosphorus-Modified Bamboo Biochar from Solution: Mechanistic Study from Qualitative to Quantitative Analysis," is led by Prof. Guangcai Chen from the Research Institute of Subtropical Forestry at the Chinese Academy of Forestry in Hangzhou, China, and Prof. Zhengguo Song from the Department of Materials and Environmental Engineering at Shantou University in Shantou, China. This research offers a detailed examination of the adsorption mechanisms and soil amelioration potential of this novel biochar.

Plants must defend themselves against relentless insect herbivores.