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Category: Agriculture

  • Study Finds Male Cricket Songs Boost Female Cricket Social InteractiImaons

    Study Finds Male Cricket Songs Boost Female Cricket Social InteractiImaons

    Over the past 10 to 20 years, most Hawaiian field crickets (Teleogryllus oceanicus) have lost their ability to produce mating songs because of a wing mutation known as "flatwing." While this mutation protects males from a parasitic fly that locates them through their song—making it largely advantageous—researchers are now examining how its swift spread has influenced the crickets' social behavior.
    Image Credits: Pixabay

    Over the past 10 to 20 years, most Hawaiian field crickets (Teleogryllus oceanicus) have lost their ability to produce mating songs because of a wing mutation known as “flatwing.” While this mutation protects males from a parasitic fly that locates them through their song—making it largely advantageous—researchers are now examining how its swift spread has influenced the crickets’ social behavior.

    New Insights into Female Cricket Interactions Prompted by Male Song

    Previous studies have primarily focused on interactions between male crickets or between males and females, often examining mating behavior and male aggression. However, researchers have largely overlooked how female crickets interact with one another. A recent study published in Proceedings of the Royal Society B begins to address this gap by exploring female-female interactions and how these behaviors change in the presence of male song.

    Although the flatwing mutation also appears in female crickets, it only alters wing structure in males. To better understand the mutation’s broader impact on social behavior, researchers included both flatwing and non-flatwing females in their study. They paired females with either the same or different genotypes and exposed them to either recorded male song or silence. In total, the researchers observed 334 individual crickets across 167 trials, closely tracking how they interacted.

    Overall, the female crickets were highly social, but they interacted more often and for longer durations when male song was present. According to the researchers, “Intrasexual female social behavior was widespread, observed in 86.5% of the individuals.” The most common form of interaction was antennal contact, which likely serves as a way for females to detect and assess one another. Exposure to male song increased this behavior—females were more likely to engage in antennal contact, did so more frequently, and for extended periods.

    Pairs of female crickets with matching genotypes (either both flatwing or both normal-winged) tended to interact more frequently than mixed-genotype pairs. However, all groups—regardless of genotype—showed increased social behavior when exposed to male song.

    Antennal Contact Dominates as Key Interaction, While Aggression and Flight Remain Rare

    Researchers observed five types of behavior during the trials: antennal contact, mounting, mounting acceptance, biting, and attempts to flee. Antennal contact was by far the most common, followed by biting, an action interpreted as aggression. Only 27 crickets tried to fly away, mostly in the absence of male song.

    Mounting was observed just twice, with only one instance where the behavior was accepted by the other cricket. While rare, the researchers noted that this behavior likely went unnoticed in past studies due to the limited focus on female-female interactions.

    These findings raise new questions about the broader effects of the flatwing mutation and emphasize the need to examine social behaviors in both sexes, especially in the context of rapid evolutionary shifts.

    As the researchers note, “The reproductive success of flatwing males is closely linked to female mate choice, which may be a stronger factor than satellite behavior in reducing parasitism risk. This suggests female-female social interactions could indirectly influence that risk—a possibility that warrants further investigation.”

    Read the original article on: Phys.Org

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  • Controlled Burns Endanger The Survival Of Skinks and Other Wildlife

    Controlled Burns Endanger The Survival Of Skinks and Other Wildlife

    As Australia and the world face the challenges of global warming and rising bushfire threats, ecologists at the University of South Australia are focusing on how prescribed burns affect native wildlife.
    Image Credits: Pixabay

    As Australia and the world face the challenges of global warming and rising bushfire threats, ecologists at the University of South Australia are focusing on how prescribed burns affect native wildlife.

    In a recent study published in the International Journal of Wildland Fire, researchers examined the peak temperatures lizards may encounter during prescribed (controlled) burns in South Australia’s Mount Lofty Ranges, comparing these with the reptiles’ maximum tolerable heat levels.

    Studying Skink Survival in the Fire-Prone Mount Lofty Ranges

    The Mount Lofty Ranges—both a biodiversity hotspot and a fire-prone area—undergo extensive prescribed burning each spring and autumn. To assess the impact, scientists recorded surface and shelter temperatures during four separate burns and compared them with laboratory-determined “critical thermal limits” for three skink species.

    Results showed that average temperatures beneath common shelters, such as logs and rocks, reached 108°C and 53°C, far exceeding the skinks’ survivable heat range of 37.5°C to 43.0°C.

    Although the study focused on reptiles, lead researcher and UniSA Ph.D. candidate Shawn Scott emphasized that such extreme heat levels likely pose risks to many other native animals, suggesting the findings have wider ecological implications.

    “These conditions far surpass the 60°C limit tolerated by most terrestrial vertebrates,” says Scott. “In our study, logs and rocks provided the best protection against extreme heat during prescribed burns.”

    “Still, if prescribed burns occur under conditions that intensify fire severity, the extreme temperatures and their duration could be deadly for small vertebrates,” the researchers warn.

    Higher Ambient Temperatures Intensify Fire Impact on Skink Shelters

    They also found that higher ambient temperatures on burn days led to increased peak temperatures beneath shelters and prolonged periods of dangerously high heat.

    “Our analysis revealed that fire temperatures rose by as much as 700°C when ambient temperatures increased from 17°C to 22°C,” Scott explains.

    “The hotter the fire, the more intense the heat becomes inside or beneath the shelters used by small animals, significantly reducing their chances of survival—especially with prolonged exposure.”

    Co-researcher and UniSA wildlife ecologist Associate Professor Sophie (Topa) Petit adds, “In terms of thermal protection, rocks and logs retained the lowest temperatures, highlighting their vital role as shelters for small wildlife.”

    “Still, many of those areas recorded temperatures well beyond what reptiles can tolerate. Not all logs and rocks offer sufficient protection,” the researchers note.

    Climate Change Likely to Increase Prescribed Burns in Fire-Prone Regions

    With climate change driving up bushfire risks, the frequency of prescribed burns is likely to rise—particularly in fire-prone Mediterranean climates such as the Mount Lofty Ranges, other regions of Australia, as well as Greece, Italy, Spain, and California.

    Scott emphasizes that protecting wildlife and preserving biodiversity should be central to prescribed burning practices, and he believes his team’s findings can guide strategies both in Australia and internationally.

    “To achieve lower-intensity burns, these fires should be carried out on cooler days when ambient temperatures are below 17°C,” he explains.

    “In Australia, prescribed burns are often conducted on so-called mild days—ranging from 17°C to 22°C—but our study shows that even under these conditions, peak temperatures and their duration can still pose serious risks to small animals seeking refuge under logs or rocks.”

    He adds that conducting pre-burn surveys to assess the availability and quality of shelter sites is crucial to improving animal survival during fire events.

    The researchers also recommend future studies focus on larger and subsurface shelters—such as soil, tree hollows, and burrows—as well as monitoring wildlife movement and mortality during and after burns.

    Read the original article on: Phys.Org

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  • Males To Blame: Only 1.4% Of Female Frog Calls Are Known

    Males To Blame: Only 1.4% Of Female Frog Calls Are Known

    Much like in other species—no blame intended—male frogs dominate the soundscape with their loud calls, actively drowning out the quieter voices of females, whose vocalizations we’ve identified in only 1.4% of cases.
    Image Credits: Pixabay

    Much like in other species—no blame intended—male frogs dominate the soundscape with their loud calls, actively drowning out the quieter voices of females, whose vocalizations we’ve identified in only 1.4% of cases.

    Surprisingly, new research from Brazil’s Universidade de São Paulo reveals that scientists have documented the calls of only a tiny fraction of female frogs—meaning 98.6% of their vocalizations remain unknown.

    How Female Frogs Are Adapting in a Male-Dominated Chorus

    There’s a natural explanation for why male frogs are louder—it plays a crucial role in attracting mates and fending off rivals. Female frogs, on the other hand, are known for producing softer, quieter calls.

    That said, female frogs have also developed some clever techniques to hold their own against the males, suggesting that vocal adaptation might lie ahead for them too.

    However, the ability to hear female frogs—especially in relation to nearby males—is crucial for gaining deeper insight into how frogs communicate. Beyond simply eavesdropping on their social interactions, understanding their communication methods plays a key role in conservation efforts and in restoring populations in areas where imbalanced sex ratios hinder reproduction.

    We discovered evidence of female vocalizations in more than 100 anuran species spanning 29 families, but most of the research remains anecdotal and seldom investigates the purpose of these calls, the researchers stated. Our study compiles current findings, introduces a standardized classification system, and highlights major challenges in the field. The goal is to address the male-focused bias in frog bioacoustics and enhance our understanding of amphibian communication, mating behavior, and evolution—promoting a more inclusive view of both sexes.

    Although we can’t simply ask the males to quiet down and let the females vocalize, the research emphasizes the need for improved methods to detect female calls—likely through advancements in audio technology used during field studies. It also highlights the importance of recognizing that the loudest calls only reflect half of the population’s voice.

    Read the original article on: New Atlas

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  • Climate Change is Reshaping Wine Regions Worldwide, With Uneven Effects

    Climate Change is Reshaping Wine Regions Worldwide, With Uneven Effects

    A new study by E.M. Wolkovich of the University of British Columbia, published in PLOS Climate, reports that climate change has affected wine-growing regions worldwide, though the extent and timing of these impacts vary throughout the growing season.
    Vines growing in Europe have experienced the greatest increases in heat, including in the Côtes du Rhône region (one vine from there shown here). Credit: PLOS Climate (2025). DOI: 10.1371/journal.pclm.0000539 / CC-BY 4.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/)

    A new study by E.M. Wolkovich of the University of British Columbia, published in PLOS Climate, reports that climate change has affected wine-growing regions worldwide, though the extent and timing of these impacts vary throughout the growing season.

    Climate Change Reshapes Global Wine Production Patterns

    Winegrapes, a key perennial crop, have been significantly influenced by climate change. Research indicates that rising temperatures are pushing suitable wine-growing areas toward the poles, while traditional regions are now producing grapes that ripen more quickly and contain higher sugar levels—changes that affect wine flavor. However, until now, no study has taken a global, comparative approach to understanding how climate change is impacting wine regions around the world.

    In this new study, researchers examined grapevine phenology—the timing of growth and reproductive stages in response to environmental factors. They analyzed data from over 500 grape varieties, considering 10 climate indicators, including minimum temperatures during dormancy and budburst, heat extremes during the growing season, and weather conditions during harvest.

    Regional Differences Complicate Climate Adaptation for Winegrowers

    Their findings revealed that climate change is affecting each wine-growing region in distinct ways, making it challenging for growers to adopt uniform adaptation strategies. Europe experienced the most dramatic changes, such as a rise in the number of days exceeding 95°F and higher peak temperatures during the growing season. In contrast, North America showed more moderate increases in average and extreme temperatures.

    The researchers conclude that broad global analyses like this one can enhance regional studies by offering valuable insights into which areas are experiencing the most rapid climate-driven changes and which are producing grapes under the most extreme conditions. To effectively respond to climate change, the global wine industry must grapple with these complex and region-specific shifts that also vary across the growing season.

    The study found that heat increases in winegrowing regions around the world. High heat and sun can damage grapes, as shown here for Pinot blanc. Credit: PLOS Climate (2025). DOI: 10.1371/journal.pclm.0000539 / CC-BY 4.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/)

    Global Collaboration and Decades of Data Drive Landmark Study

    Dr. Wolkovich explains that the study was a significant interdisciplinary and international collaboration, bringing together experts in climatology, crop modeling, macroecology, and wine grape genetics from France, Spain, the U.S., and Canada. It also depended heavily on long-term data, particularly from the INRAE experimental unit Domaine de Vassal, which has compiled decades of winegrape records.

    She expressed surprise at the extent of global warming, particularly in Europe, where the data clearly show how much the growing season has been affected by human-induced climate change. Having visited Europe for over 15 years, she noted that while she had experienced more frequent heatwaves firsthand, the data revealed a level of warming—and challenges for grape growers—that exceeded her expectations.

    Dr. Wolkovich also found it unexpected that the most significant changes were in extreme heat and total heat accumulation. While climate change is often associated with rising minimum temperatures, she anticipated the greatest shifts would occur in colder metrics, such as those around budburst and harvest. Instead, it was the higher temperature indicators that showed the most dramatic change.

    Read the original article on: Phys Org

    Read more: New Study Finds Climate Change Is Top Threat To Endangered Species

  • Ferns Could Potentially Return To An Earlier, More Basic Form

    Ferns Could Potentially Return To An Earlier, More Basic Form

    Most people are familiar with Rudolph Zallinger’s illustration “The March of Progress” which depicts human evolution from the early primate ancestor Dryopithecus to modern Homo sapiens. While evolution is a captivating process, it doesn’t always move in a straight line as Zallinger’s image suggests.
    Credit: Pixabay

    Most people are familiar with Rudolph Zallinger’s illustration “The March of Progress” which depicts human evolution from the early primate ancestor Dryopithecus to modern Homo sapiens. While evolution is a captivating process, it doesn’t always move in a straight line as Zallinger’s image suggests.

    The notion that evolution progresses in a one-way path from simple to more complex forms, each building permanently on the last, has been long-standing. According to paleontologist Louis Dollo’s law, once an organism develops a specialized trait, it doesn’t return to an earlier form.

    New Research Challenges the One-Way View of Evolution

    A recent study published in the journal Evolution is questioning the long-held belief that life evolves in only one direction. The research indicates that certain plants may be capable of “evolving backward,” meaning that specialized species can return to more primitive forms.

    The study centers on the chain fern (Blechnaceae)., one of the planet’s oldest plant groups, dating back before the dinosaurs. Scientists from the University of Tennessee examined the fern’s reproductive methods and discovered that it still maintains two separate modes of reproduction.

    Researchers discovered that some chain fern species are monomorphic, using a single type of leaf for both photosynthesis and spore production. In contrast, others exhibit dimorphism, a specialized strategy where separate leaf types handle reproduction and photosynthesis.

    This variation in reproductive strategies adds a layer of complexity and provides a chance to test Dollo’s law. If evolution were strictly one-way, ferns that developed dimorphism wouldn’t revert to the simpler monomorphic form.

    Fern Evolution

    By analyzing over 118 species with the help of natural history collections and evolutionary modeling algorithms, researchers found that fern evolution is “neither stepwise nor irreversible.” Interestingly, they identified several cases where chain fern species evolved dimorphism but later reverted to the simpler monomorphic form.

    To explain why chain ferns can reverse their evolutionary path, researchers propose that the absence of seeds in their reproductive process plays a key role. Unlike seed-producing plants, which may be locked into complex reproductive structures, ferns—lacking seeds—can more easily adapt their leaves into spore-producing forms suited to changing environments.

    “Evolution has no finish line. There’s no final destination or ultimate form,” says Jacob S. Suissa, Assistant Professor at the University of Tennessee. “Our research indicates that not all reproductive specialization in plants is permanent. It may depend on how many layers of complexity have developed over time.”

    Read the original article on: New Atlas

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  • Whisper’s “UltraQuiet” Propulsion Technology Will Drive an Acrobatic Glider

    Whisper’s “UltraQuiet” Propulsion Technology Will Drive an Acrobatic Glider

    Whisper Aero is developing a leaf blower that moves 40% more air, uses 40% less power, and produces half the noise of conventional models, showcasing their focus on efficiency and reducing environmental impact.
    Credit: New Atlas

    Whisper Aero is developing a leaf blower that moves 40% more air, uses 40% less power, and produces half the noise of conventional models, showcasing their focus on efficiency and reducing environmental impact.

    Whisper’s air-moving technology, initially not meant for garden tools, led to a licensing deal with Stanley Black & Decker, which will use it in consumer products. This partnership provides steady revenue as Whisper shifts focus to quieter electric aircraft.

    Whisper CEO Mark Moore: From NASA Engineer to eVTOL Innovator

    Whisper CEO Mark Moore, a former NASA engineer, gained attention in 2010 with his Puffin eVTOL. As the eVTOL air taxi boom surged, he pivoted to selling ‘shovels’ instead of chasing costly FAA certification. Seeing the need for key infrastructure, he focused on providing tools for success. For air taxis to revolutionize commuting, they must be quieter, more efficient, and more sustainable than helicopters and planes.

    Credit: New Atlas

    Whisper’s UltraQuiet WhisperDrive Redefining Noise and Efficiency in eVTOL Design

    “Whisper’s UltraQuiet WhisperDrive powers through with its high-efficiency electric ducted fan, featuring a compact design, reinforced blades, and a streamlined shrouding ring that actively reduces drag and noise.” Housed in a lightweight, soundproof duct, it ensures optimal airflow and minimal noise, making it ideal for quiet applications. Its design moves more air with slower spinning, keeping the blade frequency above 16,000 Hz—inaudible to humans and dogs. The fan’s RPM remains low enough to prevent damage from centrifugal force.

    Credit: New Atlas

    The company has secured a US$500,000 grant to integrate the UltraQuiet WhisperDrive into an aircraft, with a team from Tennessee Technological University retrofitting it onto a glider.

    Whisper’s eQ250 Powering the Aeriane Swift 3, A New Era for Electric Ultralights

    The plan is to use two eQ250 units, Whisper’s largest model, on a Belgian-made Aeriane Swift 3. This electric, tailless ultralight with a 42-ft wingspan was originally designed as a hang glider.

    The goal is to have a Whisper-quiet version of this aircraft flying by year’s end.

    It will be a modest debut for the technology, with no plans yet for it to become a product. Whisper’s main goal is its 100-seat Jetliner, which offers clean, battery-powered flights up to 700 miles at one-third the energy cost of a conventional jet.

    Commercial aviation moves slowly, with high costs at every stage. Here’s a version with active counterparts:

    “Though a jetliner prototype is years away, this pioneering company is poised to play a key role in the clean aviation revolution, using groundbreaking technology that could reshape air travel.” We’ll closely monitor their progress and anticipate their impact on the industry.”

    Read the original article on: New Atlas

    Read more: https://scitke.com/drone-air-traffic-control-ensures-safe-skies-using-cost-effective-radars/

  • Brown Rice Has More Arsenic – But It’s Still Worth Eating

    Brown Rice Has More Arsenic – But It’s Still Worth Eating

    Credit: Depositphotos

    A recent study in the US confirms that brown rice has higher levels of arsenic compared to white rice.

    Understandably, this might raise some eyebrows — arsenic is a well-known toxic element. However, the concentrations found in brown rice are far below any threshold that would pose a danger to human health. And just like other whole grains, brown rice remains a key component of a nutritious diet.

    To put things into perspective, it’s helpful to recall a fundamental concept from toxicology: the dose makes the poison. Even substances considered harmful can be safe — or even beneficial — when consumed in very small amounts.

    Arsenic is naturally present in soil and groundwater, so it’s not unusual for trace amounts to show up in food, rice included.

    What this new research emphasizes is that the arsenic levels detected in brown rice are well within safe limits. The real concern depends on both quantity and frequency of intake.

    For the average consumer, the amount of arsenic ingested from eating brown rice occasionally is extremely low and not a significant concern.

    Despite this, the study’s findings have led to some sensational headlines. Some news outlets declared: Toxic metal linked to cancer and autism detected in brown rice — is it time to rethink this “healthy” food? Or: Brown rice not as safe as you thought? New data reveals high levels of carcinogen.

    Words like “pesticides,” “preservatives,” and “heavy metals” can certainly sound scary when taken out of context. But in reality, the biggest threats to public health don’t come from trace amounts of chemicals in our food — they come from our broader dietary habits.

    What Actually Deserves Our Attention

    In places like the UK, fewer than one in 1,000 people fully meet national dietary recommendations. That means most of us aren’t eating enough fruits, vegetables, or whole grains — and that’s a far more pressing issue.

    In fact, unhealthy eating has now surpassed smoking and alcohol as the leading contributor to disease and premature death around the world. Two major dietary problems? Excessive salt consumption and a lack of whole grains.

    Heart disease has been the top global killer for years, claiming around 20 million lives annually — even outpacing COVID-19 during the height of the pandemic. One of the simplest ways to protect yourself is to eat more whole grains.

    A poor diet kills more people than smoking or alcohol. (margouillatphotos/Canva)

    So yes, brown rice does contain more arsenic than its white counterpart. But choosing to skip it altogether (or avoiding whole grains in general) could actually increase health risks. If brown rice isn’t your thing, other whole grain options include oats, quinoa, barley, or whole wheat pasta and bread.

    If you’re lucky enough to make decisions about what goes on your plate, it’s worth considering how well your eating habits line up with nutritional guidelines. If you’re already on the right track, fantastic — keep going. If not, start small by adding more whole grains and cutting back on sodium.

    And if you still have doubts about brown rice, that’s completely fine. Pick a whole grain that suits your taste. Just don’t let a misunderstood detail about arsenic keep you from making one of the best choices for your long-term health.

    Read the original article on: Science Alert

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  • Bacteria vs. Plants: How Microbes Outsmart Plant Immune Systems Using Hidden Chemistry

    Bacteria vs. Plants: How Microbes Outsmart Plant Immune Systems Using Hidden Chemistry

    Credit: Tang Qui Đông from Pixabay

    In the microscopic battlefield between plants and microbes, recent research has uncovered a surprising tactic used by bacterial invaders to evade plant immune systems—shedding new light on the complex arms race happening every day in nature.

    How Plants Detect Bacterial Threats

    Just like humans, plants have evolved intricate immune defenses to detect and respond to invading pathogens. One of their frontline strategies involves identifying pathogen-associated molecular patterns (PAMPs)—molecular signatures unique to microbes. A major PAMP is flagellin, a protein that forms the structure of bacterial flagella, the tiny whip-like tails that help bacteria move.

    When a plant detects flagellin using specialized receptors, it activates immune responses. But bacteria have evolved a clever disguise: they coat their flagellin in sugars, effectively masking it from plant sensors. In turn, plants fight back by producing enzymes that strip away the sugary shield, revealing the hidden threat.

    The Bacterial Secret Weapon: Glycosyrin

    A new study highlighted in Science, with commentary by Frank Schroeder of the Boyce Thompson Institute, reveals that some bacteria—like Pseudomonas syringae—have taken this deception even further. They produce a molecule called glycosyrin, which blocks the plant’s sugar-removing enzymes. This prevents the exposure of flagellin, allowing bacteria to remain undetected.

    Glycosyrin doesn’t just hide the bacteria—it also disrupts the plant’s sugar metabolism, leading to the accumulation of sugar-rich compounds in plant tissues. These changes create a more favorable environment for bacterial growth and suppress broader immune responses.

    A Widespread Strategy with Global Implications

    Researchers have found that many plant pathogens carry the genes needed to produce glycosyrin, suggesting this stealth tactic is common across the microbial world. Understanding how it works could be key to creating stronger, more resilient crops.

    From Plants to People: Biomedical Potential of Iminosugars

    Interestingly, glycosyrin belongs to a class of compounds called iminosugars. Similar molecules are already used in human medicine to treat conditions like type II diabetes and rare genetic disorders. Glycosyrin’s unique structure could inspire new pharmaceutical approaches, particularly in modulating immune responses.

    Toward Smarter Agriculture and Resilient Crops

    For agriculture, this discovery opens new possibilities. By targeting glycosyrin or its effects, scientists could engineer crops with enhanced resistance to bacterial pathogens. This would reduce dependence on chemical pesticides and improve long-term food security.

    Unlocking Nature’s Strategies for the Future

    As we continue to unravel these hidden interactions between plants and microbes, we gain not only insight into plant immunity but also tools that could help reshape the future of farming and medicine. In the ongoing race between pathogens and hosts, understanding the chemistry of glycosyrin may help tip the balance toward more sustainable solutions.

    Read the Original Article: Phys.org

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  • Research Shows that Global Food Production has Steadily Risen Over the Last Sixty Years

    Research Shows that Global Food Production has Steadily Risen Over the Last Sixty Years

    In contrast to common fears that global crop yields have stalled in recent years, an extensive study on global food production reveals that yields have continued to grow at a similar pace since the 1960s. John Baffes from the World Bank and Xiaoli Etienne from the University of Idaho, U.S., present these findings in the open-access journal PLOS ONE on November 27, 2024.
    Credit: Pixabay

    In contrast to common fears that global crop yields have stalled in recent years, an extensive study on global food production reveals that yields have continued to grow at a similar pace since the 1960s. John Baffes from the World Bank and Xiaoli Etienne from the University of Idaho, U.S., present these findings in the open-access journal PLOS ONE on November 27, 2024.

    By 2050, nearly 10 billion people will inhabit Earth, increasing the need for agricultural production to feed the growing population.

    Technological Advancements and Concerns About Plateauing Crop Yields

    Over the past six decades, technological advancements, including the widespread adoption of improved crop varieties, have significantly driven the growth in food production.

    However, some studies have raised concerns that production growth may have plateaued, particularly in low- and middle-income countries experiencing the highest population growth.

    In their new study, the researchers developed standardized measures to assess global food production. “Using a comprehensive caloric-based index of production and yield for 144 crops, covering 98% of global agricultural land and food output, this paper shows that global yield growth—a key indicator of agricultural productivity—has remained consistent over the last 60 years,” the authors explain.

    Tools for Comparative Analysis and Steady Global Productivity Gains

    These measures could enable scientists and policymakers to compare agricultural productivity across countries and regions. The researchers also found that any slowdowns in specific crops, regions, or countries have been balanced by gains elsewhere.

    “This steady growth translates to an annual increase of about 33 kilograms of wheat per hectare, demonstrating continued productivity improvements worldwide,” they note.

    While the study’s findings offer reassurance regarding global food supply, the researchers caution that challenges related to sustainable food production and food affordability will persist. They stress that these issues are particularly pressing in the context of worsening climate change and rising demand for food driven by population and income growth.

    Read the original article on: Phys Org

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  • Sustaining the Future: How Vertical Farming Could Revolutionize Food Production

    Sustaining the Future: How Vertical Farming Could Revolutionize Food Production

    Researchers are investigating how dynamic environmental management in indoor farms could help provide nutritious, high-quality, locally grown fruits and vegetables to support a growing population.
    By integrating smart lighting and environmental controls, vertical farming aims to optimize plant health and reduce electricity usage, aligning food production with sustainable practices.

    Researchers are investigating how dynamic environmental management in indoor farms could help provide nutritious, high-quality, locally grown fruits and vegetables to support a growing population.

    Vertical farming has the potential to transform food production in urban and extreme environments by optimizing plant growth through dynamic environmental controls, such as smart lighting that adapts to electricity costs and plant requirements. Researchers highlight the ability of these systems to improve food quality and sustainability while reducing energy consumption.

    Innovative Approaches Needed to Overcome Challenges in Vertical Farming for Sustainable Food Production

    As our world becomes more crowded, innovative solutions are needed to ensure everyone has enough food. Vertical farming, which intensively grows plants indoors, offers a promising option. However, the key obstacle to its widespread adoption is the high cost and energy demand of the lighting required for plant growth. Scientists are discovering that adjusting lighting to meet the specific needs of each crop can boost healthier growth while reducing energy consumption.

    “The greatest advantage of vertical farming is that healthy food can be grown much closer to consumers in areas where it’s otherwise impossible, like mega-cities, deserts, and regions that are cold and dark for much of the year,” explained Dr. Elias Kaiser, lead author of a study in Frontiers in Science. “The biggest challenge is managing the electricity costs.”

    Dynamic environmental control could transform vertical farming systems. Credit: Kaiser et al/Frontiers

    Dynamic Environmental Control Makes Vertical Farming More Cost-Effective and Healthier

    Many vertical farming systems rely on constant environmental conditions, which are expensive to maintain due to high electricity usage. However, the researchers’ analysis suggests that such stringent conditions are unnecessary. By using dynamic environmental control, vertical farming can become more cost-effective while also producing healthier plants.

    “We were inspired by the natural rhythms plants exhibit on both daily and developmental timescales, which require regular adjustments to their environment for optimal growth,” explained Prof. Leo Marcelis of Wageningen University, the study’s senior author. “We propose a strategy that integrates plant physiology, advanced sensing and modeling techniques, and new crop varieties bred specifically for vertical farming systems.”

    Since plants’ biological processes are strongly influenced by environmental factors like temperature, light wavelengths, and CO₂ levels, controlling these variables allows vertical farms to steer plant development. Lighting is especially crucial for photosynthesis, and different wavelengths affect various plants differently. Moreover, lighting is sensitive to electricity costs, offering potential for efficiency improvements.

    “Fluctuations in electricity prices can benefit vertical farms by using more power when it’s cheaper,” said Marcelis.

    Smart Lighting Model Enhances Photosynthesis and Reduces Costs in Vertical Farming

    The researchers developed a model for smart lighting that maintains steady photosynthesis while reducing electricity costs. They found that an optimization algorithm could lower electricity expenses by 12% without reducing carbon fixation by adjusting light intensity. Testing on leafy plants like spinach, often grown in vertical farms, showed no negative effects from irregular light intensity variations.

    Several challenges must be addressed before vertical farming can play a significant role in global food production.

    “Many proposed solutions have been tested on individual plants but not at the scale of entire crop stands,” warned Kaiser.

    Dynamic adjustments to airflow, temperature, and CO₂ levels based on plant needs could help reduce electricity costs. However, this requires advanced sensors, models, and cultivars specifically bred for vertical farming. These crops could prioritize nutrition and flavor over robustness and shelf life, taking advantage of localized, controlled environments. More research is needed to balance crop quality and yield.

    “In vertical farms, growth conditions can be precisely controlled, which is crucial for optimizing yield, quality, and resource efficiency,” explained Marcelis. “But constant conditions aren’t always ideal. Once dynamic control becomes standard, both energy consumption and costs can decrease, boosting the profitability and sustainability of vertical farms.”

    Read the original article on: Scitech Daily

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