Can Britain be a nation of tea growers? Scientists say yes – and it could even be good for your health

From Devon to mid-Wales, scientists are finding that UK-grown tea isn’t just possible – it could be good for people and the planet.

Nigel Holt, Professor of Psychology, Aberystwyth University • conversation
June 17, 2025 ~6 min

Universal nanosensor unlocks the secrets to plant growth

Researchers from SMART DiSTAP developed the world’s first near-infrared fluorescent nanosensor capable of monitoring a plant’s primary growth hormone in real-time and without harming the plant.

Singapore-MIT Alliance for Research and Technology • mit
June 9, 2025 ~6 min


A new technology for extending the shelf life of produce

Researchers used microneedles to inject fresh-cut crops with melatonin and delay spoilage.

Zach Winn | MIT News • mit
May 21, 2025 ~8 min

Will the vegetables of the future be fortified using tiny needles?

Researchers showed they can inexpensively produce silk microneedles to deliver vitamins or agrochemicals to plants.

Zach Winn | MIT News • mit
April 29, 2025 ~8 min

India and Pakistan tension escalates with suspension of historic water treaty

The suspension of a 1960 treaty between India and Pakistan has huge ramifications.

Kate Sullivan de Estrada, Associate Professor in the International Relations of South Asia, University of Oxford • conversation
April 25, 2025 ~8 min

Hotter and drier climate in Colorado’s San Luis Valley contributes to kidney disease in agriculture workers, new study shows

A prolonged drought in the San Luis Valley has contributed to kidney issues in agricultural workers.

Katherine Ann James, Associate Professor of Environmental and Occupational Health, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus • conversation
April 25, 2025 ~6 min

‘Heavy metals’ contaminate 17% of the world’s croplands, say scientists

Heavy metals are a silent threat to our food – here’s what we can do about it.

Jagannath Biswakarma, Senior Research Associate, School of Earth Sciences and Cabot Institute for the Environment, University of Bristol • conversation
April 17, 2025 ~6 min

Volcanic ash is a silent killer, more so than lava: What Alaska needs to know with Mount Spurr likely to erupt

When volcanoes like Alaska’s Mount Spurr erupt, the ash can damage people’s lungs, smother crops and kill animals, and the harm can continue to spread long afterward.

David Kitchen, Associate Professor of Geology, University of Richmond • conversation
April 15, 2025 ~10 min


Engineered bacteria emit signals that can be spotted from a distance

These bacteria, which could be designed to detect pollution or nutrients, could act as sensors to help farmers monitor their crops.

Anne Trafton | MIT News • mit
April 11, 2025 ~8 min

When farmers and scientists collaborate, biodiversity and agriculture can thrive – here’s how

Farmers can take ownership of nature recovery actions and scientific expertise can adapt to local knowledge in the design of environmental outcomes.

Matt Lobley, Professor of Rural Resource Management, University of Exeter • conversation
April 1, 2025 ~8 min

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