A dry season can be devastating to harvests, putting both farmers' livelihoods and communities' food security at risk. Identifying the traits that make crops more drought-resistant is critical for developing hardier hybrids. Researchers at Purdue University's College of Agriculture are using cutting-edge technology and international partnerships to determine what makes certain varieties of corn more resilient than others. With Michael Mickelbart, professor of botany and horticulture, as principal investigator, the project brings together researchers from the United States, Germany and the United Kingdom.

A team of UBC Okanagan students has shown that recycling rubble from destroyed buildings can help Ukraine rebuild its roads when the war eventually ends.

As part of their year-end capstone project, six School of Engineering students worked on an initiative called “Rebuilding Ukraine.” They partnered with Dr. Kate Woodman and Iryna Storozhuk, the founding members of Okanagan 4 Ukraine, and four Ukrainian engineers to test the idea of using rubble from destroyed buildings to rebuild roads.

University of Tennessee, Knoxville researchers, led by graduate student Peter Dyszel, made three groundbreaking discoveries about neutron emissions in exotic nuclei, advancing models of stellar processes that create elements like gold. Their findings redefine nuclear decay understanding, improve theoretical frameworks, and highlight the role of curiosity-driven research in shaping physics.

Jet engines can make a symphony of sound from rumbles and roars to screeches and peals. Researchers at the University of Cincinnati are working to muffle these sounds without sacrificing engine performance.

Georgia State computer science students are building robotics to deliver tomorrow’s solutions — and learning as they do it.

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.

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.