Italy relies on nearly 5,000 hydroelectric plants for about 15% of its energy, with the Valle dei Laghi region playing a key role in powering Trentino province and supporting agriculture. However, climate change has disrupted this balance, causing dry years that threaten both hydropower and irrigation, especially for wine production—the region’s most valuable crop. In 2023, extreme weather led to a 13% drop in grape yields and increased plant diseases, prompting local farmers to adopt sustainable practices like biodynamic farming. To address water scarcity, irrigation consortia have implemented drip irrigation and are now collaborating with EU scientists on a decision support system that uses data and simulations to guide future water management. This system includes a digital twin of the valley to model water flow and forecast climate impacts, helping communities plan resilient strategies. 

University of Tennessee, Knoxville researchers, led by Frank Loeffler and Guang He, discovered a new class of nitrous oxide reductase (N2OR) proteins that reduce N2O, a potent greenhouse gas. Published in Nature, this breakthrough advances understanding of nitrogen cycling, improves climate models, and offers potential solutions for reducing global N2O emissions.

At first glance, the shimmering blues, golds and purples of “Colors of the Reef: Exploring the Diversity of Coral Reef Fishes” invite viewers into a world of aesthetic wonder. But behind every print and image lies a story of discovery — one that blurs the boundaries between art and science to illuminate the urgent need to protect Earth’s coral ecosystems. The new display at Rice University’s Moody Center for the Arts showcases work led by Kory Evans, assistant professor of biosciences at Rice, whose research examines how bony fish adapt, diversify and survive amid a rapidly changing climate.

Self-driving laboratories (SDLs) powered by AI and machine learning revolutionize research by automating experiments, accelerating discoveries, and optimizing processes in materials science and pharmaceuticals. University of Tennessee Knoxville’s Rigoberto Advincula leads efforts to develop SDLs, enabling faster innovation, cost savings, and preparing students for future careers in advanced R&D technologies.

A Swansea University volcanologist is set to explore one of Earth’s most mysterious underwater landscapes as part of a groundbreaking international expedition off the coast of Japan.

Lithuanian science is gaining recognition on the global stage. This year, 6 researchers from Kaunas University of Technology (KTU) were ranked among the top 2 per cent of the most cited scientists worldwide, with their work shaping new research and making a tangible impact across the globe. Their studies – spanning areas such mathematical modelling, organic electronics, food science, polymer chemistry, and sustainable engineering – show that researchers from Lithuania can confidently stand alongside international leaders.

As local languages continue to disappear, Associate Professor Natsuko Nakagawa from the Faculty of Humanities is dedicated to documenting and preserving them while uncovering the linguistic principles hidden within. She also harnesses digital technology, collaborating closely with local communities to ensure the transmission of their language and culture. We spoke with Nakagawa about the allure of linguistics and the field of digital humanities.

Today on World Osteoporosis Day, the International Osteoporosis Foundation (IOF) is calling for urgent action to address the widespread neglect of osteoporosis prevention and care worldwide. Under the theme “It’s Unacceptable! The Overlooked Crisis in Osteoporosis Prevention and Care”, the IOF aims to raise awareness of a silent epidemic affecting over 500 million people globally.