A new study published in Carbon Research has uncovered the complex and contradictory role that dying aquatic plants play in the health of shallow lakes. Using controlled mesocosm experiments, a team of scientists tracked the full life cycle of the floating-leaved macrophyte Trapa bispinosa, revealing that its decline simultaneously poses a risk of eutrophication while enhancing the lake’s ability to sequester carbon through a process known as the microbial carbon pump (MCP).

The research demonstrates that as these plants decay, they release substantial amounts of nitrogen and phosphorus into the water. This nutrient pulse can fuel algal blooms and create hypoxic (low-oxygen) "dead zones," posing a significant threat to water quality. However, this decay process also releases a flood of dissolved organic matter (DOM), the primary food source for aquatic microbes. The study found this isn't just a release of waste; it’s a fundamental shift in the lake’s carbon chemistry.

A new study reveals that increasing soil salinity can significantly slow the aging of biochar, a widely used soil amendment, while also suppressing the microbial communities that help drive its environmental benefits. The findings provide important insights into how biochar performs over time in salt-affected agricultural systems.

A new scientific review highlights how biochar, a carbon-rich material produced from biomass, could transform tea farming by restoring soil health, reducing pollution risks, and improving both yield and quality.

A new long-term field study shows that how biochar is applied matters just as much as whether it is used at all. Researchers report that small, repeated additions of biochar combined with water-saving irrigation can significantly reduce methane emissions from rice paddies over time, while maintaining strong crop yields.

Improving soil health is essential for sustainable agriculture and global food security. A new study reports that hydrochar, a carbon-rich material produced from organic waste, may outperform traditional soil amendments such as biochar and crop residues in strengthening soil structure and storing carbon.

A new study has developed a sustainable filtration technology that transforms microalgae waste into high-performance membranes capable of removing pollutants and bacteria from wastewater. The innovation could offer a greener and more efficient solution for municipal water treatment.

Melanoma is a deadly form of skin cancer that is typically removed surgically. Now, researchers publishing in ACS Nano report they have developed a potential noninvasive treatment for melanoma in the form of a stretchy, heat-activated patch similar to a bandage. When activated, the patch releases copper ions that kill the underlying cancer cells and prevent them from spreading. In tests with mice, the researchers say the patch reduced melanoma lesions without damaging surrounding tissue. 

Researchers have shown that a single photon carrying quantum information can travel down kilometers of noisy real-world fiber and arrive at the far end with their quantum properties largely preserved.