The idea of trees "talking" to one another through underground fungal networks – the so-called "wood wide web" – has captured the imagination of the public. This concept, where trees supposedly share nutrients with each other via these networks, has been popularized by books and documentaries. But a new study, led by the University of Göttingen, suggests the reality might be more nuanced. The researchers found that young beech trees could transfer carbon to nearby “ectomycorrhizal” fungi – a kind of fungi that grows on and together with the tree roots in a beneficial relationship – but not to other trees. These fungi form intricate underground connections with tree roots, and it has been suggested they might also connect trees to each other, allowing for mutual nutrient exchange. However, this latest research raises questions about how much actual sharing is going on. The findings were published in New Phytologist.

Since 2018, 21 intelligent traffic lights have been in use in Vienna. They recognise when pedestrians are approaching a crossing and automatically request green for them. This reduces the waiting time considerably in some cases. Now a team led by Horst Possegger from the Institute of Computer Graphics and Vision at Graz University of Technology (TU Graz) has developed the second generation of these smart traffic lights on behalf of Vienna’s Municipal Department 33 and in collaboration with Günther Pichler GmbH and successfully tested them at four pedestrian crossings. The new system is now able to recognise people with mobility impairments or strollers thanks to improved camera resolution, higher computing power and an appropriately trained, deep learning-based model. It can also monitor and control several crossings simultaneously.

Scientists are exploring non-lithium-ion batteries as a sustainable alternative to traditional lithium-ion batteries, focusing on sodium, potassium, magnesium, and calcium-ion technologies. This research is crucial for developing clean energy systems that are both environmentally friendly and rely on abundantly available elements, ensuring a more secure and eco-friendly future for energy storage.

Scientists have unveiled a strategy to amplify the catalytic power of two-dimensional NiPS₃ monolayers for hydrogen evolution reactions (HER). By introducing and strategically manipulating atomic vacancies, this innovative approach enhances the material’s ability to split water molecules and absorb protons. The discovery marks a critical leap toward efficient and sustainable hydrogen production, offering a cost-effective alternative to platinum-based catalysts.

The proliferation of digital media necessitates the development of students’ digital literacy skills. The study examining primary school students in urban and rural settings found moderate proficiency overall, with notable gaps in information creation and dissemination. Urban–rural disparities in accessing and evaluating digital tools and media messages were identified. Parental education, mediation, and device usage positively influenced literacy, with mediation having the most significant impact. Prioritizing the development of higher-order literacy skills and addressing rural disparities is crucial. Government, enterprise, and institutions are promoting rural students’ literacy and parental involvement. Future research should assess the effectiveness of these measures to enhance overall digital literacy development.

This study explores the role of endosomal PI(4,5)P2 catabolism in innate immunity, using C. elegans as a model organism. The research highlights how RAB-10 and its effector UNC-16 regulate DAG levels and the PMK-1/p38 MAPK pathway to enhance resistance to pathogen infection. Mechanistic insights reveal UNC-16's dimerization is necessary for recruiting the phospholipase EGL-8, thus linking PI(4,5)P2 breakdown to immune responses. The nuclear receptor NHR-25 is also shown to mediate RAB-10 activation during infection, offering a framework for understanding pathogen detection in intestinal epithelia.