It is necessary to explore soil evaporation characteristics in young apple orchards served by a combination of drip irrigation and mulching practice in water-limited regions.

This research investigates the molecular mechanisms by which SMAD2/3-SMYD2 and developmental transcription factors cooperate with cell-cycle inhibitors (CDKIs) to guide tissue formation in human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs). The study uncovers a dynamical coordination between lineage specification and cell-cycle progression, providing insights into developmental processes.

 

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.

 

Studies of historical soundscapes today are helping us "hear" the past, allowing new insights into how the multi-sensory world was used in creative pursuits like literature. A researcher at Kyushu University has explored these soundscapes in a unique setting: the open sea. A number of early medieval English texts relied more on the sounds of howling storms and roaring waves than on visual descriptions to construct their maritime scenes.

Traditional Chinese Medicine has been implemented in clinical practice for thousands of years to treat rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Aconitum carmichaelii Debx (Fuzi) and Paeonia lactiflora Pall (Baishao) are a common herb-pair that is used in many herbal prescriptions to treat RA. However, the mechanism of Fuzi and Baishao for treating RA remains unclear. Here, we used a systems pharmacology and molecular docking approach to investigate the mechanism of Fuzi and Baishao in the treatment of RA.

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.