Fungal networks in the forest: evidence for Wood Wide Web

The majority of land plants live in symbiosis with mycorrhizal fungi. The fungal networks on the roots supply the plants with important nutrients such as phosphorus and nitrogen as well as water from the soil. In return, the fungus is nourished with carbon, which the plant obtains and contributes from photosynthesis. Studies have already confirmed the importance of this biocoenosis for plants, fungi and ecosystems.

Vehicle underbody made from new biocomposite material

Dashboards made of sisal, door panels made of flax fibres or seat foams made of soya: in the automotive industry, petroleum-based materials are increasingly being replaced by bio-based materials such as natural fibre-reinforced plastics. These are mostly trim parts that are not exposed to high mechanical loads. Components such as vehicle underbodies, on the other hand, have to withstand every crash and are therefore often made of glass fibre-reinforced plastics.

Major agricultural study: diversity in agriculture pays off

Whether fertilisers, pesticides or heavy agricultural machinery: Intensive farming is partly responsible for the global extinction of species. Experts have therefore long been advising farmers to use crop rotations or flowering meadows as well as soil conservation measures such as mulching to increase diversity in arable farming. In a large-scale study conducted by the Universities of Hohenheim and Copenhagen, researchers have now analysed the effects of diversified agriculture worldwide for the first time.

“Uncovering the key signals of plants under water stress”

Plants need water to survive. However, climate change is making this precious commodity scarce and posing major challenges for agriculture. But how do plants perceive a lack of water and what are the underlying molecular mechanisms? Christine Ziegler is investigating these questions in her research work. As part of the HYDROSENSING project, the biophysicist from the University of Regensburg is looking for answers to these fundamental questions. The European Research Council (ERC) is providing 10 million euros in a so-called Synergy Grant for the six-year project.

“Animal protein is difficult to replace with alternative protein”

Even if meat substitutes made from soya or wheat usually have a convincing flavour, they often cannot keep up with the animal original in terms of texture and mouthfeel. As a junior professor at TU Berlin, food technologist Anja Wagemans has spent many years researching the structure formation of alternative plant-based and microbiological biopolymers in order to give vegan alternatives more "bite". In an effort to put the results of her research into practice, she also works with companies involved in the development of cell-based foods.

Methane-reducing feed additives for livestock

Methane is the second most important greenhouse gas after carbon dioxide (CO2). One gram of methane drives global warming many times more than the same amount of CO2. According to the Federal Environment Agency, agriculture is responsible for around two thirds of methane emissions in Germany. Cattle farming alone is responsible for more than half of the methane emissions produced here. In order to achieve its climate targets, the German government wants to reduce methane emissions by 30 % by 2030.

Washbasin

Advantages and disadvantages of sanitary ceramics

Ceramic, which is used in sanitary facilities, is usually made of quartz sand and limestone. The advantages of this mixture: objects made from it are particularly robust and have a long service life. In addition, these are two raw materials that occur naturally and do not have to be laboriously produced.

Tapping into the potential of salt-tolerant plants

Algae are among the marine plants that researchers have long recognised as having great potential for the bioeconomy and which are already being used in a variety of ways. Other salt-tolerant plants such as the European seaweed (Salicornia europaea), on the other hand, have received little attention - but also have many qualities. This is the conclusion reached by a European research team that spent four years investigating the potential of these so-called halophytes.

Reference genome for Arabica coffee available online

There are around 120 coffee varieties worldwide. However, the Arabica variety is at the forefront of coffee production with 70%. However, climate change is increasingly causing yield losses, as the plant is extremely sensitive. It tolerates heat and drought poorly and is therefore more susceptible to disease. What's more, experts believe that suitable areas for coffee cultivation will continue to shrink as a result of climate change. This would also affect Brazil, which is one of the world's leading coffee producers.