Nitrous oxide, a product of fertilizer use, may harm some soil bacteria
While some N2O is produced naturally at the plant root, agricultural practices can increase its levels, to the detriment of some microbes that support plant growth.
Designing a more resilient future for plants, from the cell up
Foray Bioscience, founded by Ashley Beckwith SM ’18, PhD ’22, is engineering single plant cells to create new materials and meet growing demand.
More trees where they matter, please
An international study reveals disparities in urban shade levels, exacerbating the “heat island” effect in big cities.
Returning farming to city centers
4.182 (Resilient Urbanism: Green Commons in the City), a new subject funded by the MIT Human Insight Collaborative (MITHIC), teaches students about sustainable agriculture in urban areas.
Darcy McRose and Mehtaab Sawhney ’20, PhD ’24 named 2025 Packard Fellows for Science and Engineering
McRose, an environmental microbiologist, is recognized for researching the ecological roles of antibiotics in shaping ecosystems, agriculture, and health.
Why animals are a critical part of forest carbon absorption
An MIT study shows decreases in seed-dispersing animals can lead to a major reduction in forest carbon absorption.
MIT chemists boost the efficiency of a key enzyme in photosynthesis
The enzyme, known as rubisco, helps plants and photosynthetic bacteria incorporate carbon dioxide into sugars.
Study shows how a common fertilizer ingredient benefits plants
The findings could enable new ways to increase plants’ resilience to UV stress and enhance seedling growth.
Students and staff work together for MIT’s first “No Mow May”
With advocacy from GSC Sustain, the No Mow May project supports pollinator habitats and provides educational opportunities.
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.
Guardian Ag’s crop-spraying drone is replacing dangerous pilot missions
Founded by two former regulars at the MITERS makerspace, the company has built huge, rugged drones to more safely and sustainably apply fertilizers and pesticides on farms.
Study helps pinpoint areas where microplastics will accumulate
Biofilms deposited by living organisms reduce the accumulation of small particles, while areas of bare sand can be microplastics hotspots.
A new technology for extending the shelf life of produce
Researchers used microneedles to inject fresh-cut crops with melatonin and delay spoilage.
Startup helps farmers grow plant-based feed and fertilizer using wastewater
Founded by former MIT Tata Center translational research director Jason Prapas, Fyto has built an automated system for harvesting the aquatic plant Lemna on dairy farms.
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.