From cancer-fighting Taxol to fragrant rose oils, plant terpenoids shape our world in surprising ways. Scientists are now using AI and multi-omics technologies to decode how plants build these complex molecules—and discovering their hidden roles in defending crops against pests and communicating with soil microbes.

Researchers have found a way to turn plastic waste into clean fuel using nothing but flowing water. By pairing special crystals with methane-producing microbes, they created a self-powered system that converts disposable cups and straws into methane gas while capturing CO₂—offering a sustainable solution to plastic pollution.

A team of researchers led by scientists at Beijing Normal University has conducted a detailed evaluation of China's major ecological engineering projects, quantifying their distinct contributions to enhancing the nation's terrestrial carbon sinks. The findings, published in Carbon Research, provide a nuanced look at the effectiveness of these large-scale environmental initiatives, revealing that success is highly dependent on regional context and project design. This work offers vital information for optimizing ecosystem management as China progresses toward its 2060 carbon neutrality target.

A sweeping new analysis connects two of the planet's most pressing environmental crises, revealing that pervasive microplastic pollution is a significant and overlooked contributor to climate change. The review, led by researchers Kui Li and Hua Wang from the Agricultural University of Hunan, synthesizes a growing body of evidence showing that these tiny plastic fragments not only release greenhouse gases as they degrade but also disrupt natural processes that are vital for storing carbon. This intricate relationship suggests that tackling plastic pollution is essential for climate mitigation efforts.

Researchers have engineered an innovative solution that simultaneously addresses two significant environmental problems: the pervasive threat of emerging contaminants in water and the challenge of agricultural waste management. A team at Guangzhou University has successfully converted chicken manure, a widespread livestock byproduct, into a powerful catalyst capable of rapidly purifying contaminated water. This novel approach provides an eco-friendly and resource-efficient method for environmental remediation.

A new investigation reveals the significant potential of hydrochars, derived from common biowastes like sewage sludge and chicken manure, to function as effective slow-release phosphorus fertilizers. These findings offer a dual advantage for agriculture: enhancing crop productivity while simultaneously addressing challenges of waste management and environmental sustainability. Traditional phosphorus fertilizers often contribute to nutrient leaching and water pollution, prompting a global search for more environmentally sound solutions. This research presents a compelling case for hydrochars as a promising pathway toward a regenerative agricultural system.

Saltmarshes, vital "blue carbon" ecosystems, possess substantial natural carbon sequestration capabilities, yet they face ongoing degradation from human activities. This deterioration not only leads to a loss of carbon storage but also contributes to the release of greenhouse gases (GHGs). A recent investigation conducted by researchers at Ocean College, Zhejiang University explored the potential of biochar as a soil amendment to counteract these negative impacts, particularly in the presence of external organic matter. The findings offer a pathway for enhancing the carbon sink function of these crucial coastal environments.

Scientists have successfully tested eco-friendly plastic plates as a potential replacement for the steel bars traditionally used to reinforce concrete. Their findings could help drive the development of more sustainable materials while enabling the mass production of innovative reinforcing shapes. The research also highlights that the performance of reinforced concrete depends not only on the material itself but also on the geometry of reinforcement.