Psychological stress during pregnancy is known to affect birth outcomes, but isolating its effects has been difficult. Researchers found that babies born in Japan immediately after the Fukushima nuclear accident were more likely to be born preterm or with low birth weights. Radiation exposure-related maternal anxieties significantly contributed to the differences in birth outcomes. The findings underscore the importance of clear communication and psychological support for pregnant women during crises to help prevent intergenerational harm.

A growing body of research suggests that biochar, a charcoal-like material made from plant and agricultural waste, could play a major role in improving soil health and supporting more resilient forests. A new review study brings together over two decades of research to evaluate how biochar affects soil quality and tree-based crops, while also highlighting important risks and knowledge gaps.

A growing body of research highlights a global agricultural challenge that often goes unnoticed beneath our feet: soil acidification. Affecting billions of hectares worldwide, acidic soils reduce crop productivity, disrupt soil ecosystems, and threaten long-term food security. Now, a new review study sheds light on how biochar, a carbon-rich material derived from biomass, could provide an effective and sustainable solution.

A new study reveals how tailoring biochar with minerals and heat can influence soil bacteria and dramatically improve carbon storage in agricultural soils, offering new strategies to combat climate change.

A new study reveals how pairing biochar with beneficial soil bacteria could significantly improve phosphorus availability in soils, offering a sustainable alternative to conventional fertilizers and helping support global food production.

A new study has shown that biochar, a carbon-rich material produced from biomass, can significantly reduce phosphorus losses from agricultural soils, offering a promising solution to one of the leading causes of water pollution worldwide. By combining environmental science with machine learning, researchers have developed a powerful predictive tool to optimize how biochar is used in real-world farming systems.