Debates over how geometry is understood and learned date back at least to the days of Plato, with more recent scholars concluding that only humans possess the foundations of this understanding. However, a new analysis by NYU's Moira Dillon concludes that geometry’s foundations are shared by humans and a variety of other animals—from rats to chickens to fish.

Nitrogen (N) deposition, a consequence of human activities, significantly impacts forest ecosystems globally. While its effects on overall soil microbial diversity are often studied, the intricate "assembly processes" – how microbial communities are built – and their "network complexity" – how microbes interact – under prolonged N exposure have remained largely unclear. A new five-year study in a subtropical forest sheds light on these critical dynamics, revealing a surprising temporal shift in microbial community assembly and emphasizing the crucial role of dissolved organic matter (DOM) in maintaining network stability.