Concrete harbors distinct microbial zones whose signatures survive the heat of routine core sampling, a discovery researchers say could one day put structural health diagnostics within reach of general maintenance staff and even residents.

What makes medicinal plants heal? A massive global project is decoding the DNA of over 1200 herbs to uncover nature’s pharmaceutical secrets. From ginseng to ginger, scientists are mapping the genetic recipes behind centuries-old remedies—opening new doors for drug discovery and understanding how plants create their medicinal magic.

A selectively bred carp strain is boosting productivity and profits across polyculture ponds in Bangladesh, improving overall pond performance in smallholder systems. A recently completed study shows that the third generation (G3) rohu, developed by WorldFish, grows 32.6% faster than conventional local fish and increases net margins by 24.8% for farmers, with higher total production and revenue across polyculture pond systems.

Scientists have created a smart hydrogel that swells in salty water to capture uranium from concentrated seawater—achieving four times higher extraction rates than conventional materials while fighting off bacteria. This innovation could transform how we harvest nuclear fuel from the ocean.

Scientists have cracked the genetic code of a powerful medicinal herb used in traditional medicine for centuries. This pentaploid genome reveals how the plant evolved the ability to produce the same healing compounds as ginseng through an entirely different genetic pathway—offering new hope for drug development and sustainable cultivation.