Modern agriculture contributes to carbon emissions, but a new wave of startups is incentivizing farmers to adopt regenerative agriculture techniques to sequester carbon back into the soil. These techniques, which include no-till cultivation, cover cropping, and rotational grazing, can help reduce the soil carbon debt by allowing crops to absorb more CO2 than is released. The United Nations Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change emphasizes the need for carbon removal from the atmosphere to combat global warming, and carbon farming presents a low-tech solution that leverages natural processes.

Nurdles, small plastic pellets, are a significant source of ocean microplastics, with Europe contributing approximately 160,000 tonnes to the environment annually. These pellets, produced by companies like INEOS and BASF, often escape into the environment during transportation and processing. The pollution is widespread, affecting marine ecosystems and human health, yet lacks stringent regulation. Large spills occasionally occur, but the consistent, daily losses during handling are the primary concern. Nurdles can be mistaken for food by marine animals, alter beach ecosystems, leach harmful chemicals, and bind toxic pollutants. They have also been found in human bloodstreams, indicating a potential health risk. The article calls for more attention and regulation to address this pervasive issue.

The article discusses the geopolitical implications of the Ukraine war for Africa, highlighting the pressures from both Russia and the West on African countries to take sides. It draws parallels with Nelson Mandela's leadership and his refusal to be forced into choosing sides during the Cold War. The author laments the lack of leaders with Mandela's resolve and conviction in today's world, particularly in the context of the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. The Mandela mural in Kyiv serves as a symbol of hope and the possibility of peace through justice.

Algal blooms on the Greenland ice sheet are accelerating its melt by darkening the ice surface, reducing its albedo, and increasing heat absorption. This phenomenon, driven by climate change, is not yet accounted for in global sea level rise projections. The Black and Bloom project, led by scientists from the University of Bristol and University of Sheffield, aims to quantify the impact of these microorganisms on ice melt to improve future forecasts.

David Walden uses his surfing hobby to collect ocean data with Smartfin, contributing to the Smartfin Project at Scripps Institution of Oceanography. The article highlights various citizen science initiatives that leverage outdoor activities like hiking, biking, skiing, and diving to gather environmental data. These projects, supported by organizations such as the Appalachian Mountain Club, Save the Redwoods League, and NASA, aim to monitor climate impacts, wildlife, and ecosystem health. Participants use digital tools and apps to collect and share data, aiding scientific research and conservation efforts.

Managing small forest plots can be complex and costly, but programs like the Family Forest Carbon Program (FFCP) offer financial incentives for landowners to maintain their forests for carbon sequestration. Developed by The Nature Conservancy and the American Forest Foundation, the FFCP helps small landowners enter carbon markets, providing payments for implementing carbon-enhancing practices. Despite the benefits, forest carbon offsets face criticism for potentially promoting greenwashing and ineffective carbon reduction. The U.S. Forest Service's funding under the Inflation Reduction Act aims to support climate-smart forestry practices, enhancing the role of private forests in mitigating climate change.

The blue crab invasion in Italy's Sacca di Goro lagoon is threatening the local fishing economy and global clam supply. Originating from the North Atlantic, the crabs have spread across Italy, causing significant economic losses. While some experts and the Italian government advocate for utilizing the crabs as a culinary resource, others argue for a more structured management plan. The invasion has sparked a debate on balancing economic, environmental, and cultural impacts, with notable figures like Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and various industry leaders weighing in.

The article discusses the phenomenon of 'last chance tourism,' where people visit melting glaciers like the Mer de Glace in the French Alps before they disappear due to climate change. This trend brings both benefits, such as increased environmental awareness and economic gains for local communities, and drawbacks, including ecological strain and increased greenhouse gas emissions. Experts highlight the paradox of contributing to climate change while trying to witness its effects. Efforts like carbon offsets and climate education are suggested to mitigate negative impacts.

The study demonstrates that the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) Aβ42/Aβ40 ratio is a more accurate predictor of Alzheimer's disease (AD) pathology compared to CSF Aβ42 levels alone in patients with rapidly progressive dementias (RPDs). Utilizing a large cohort of neuropathologically verified cases, the research highlights the superior diagnostic performance of the Aβ42/Aβ40 ratio, especially in distinguishing cases with low or absent Aβ deposition. The findings support the inclusion of the Aβ42/Aβ40 ratio in clinical evaluations and research diagnostic criteria for AD, emphasizing its importance in identifying 'false positive' samples with low Aβ42 levels due to factors unrelated to AD pathology.

Embedded fintech is emerging as a significant trend in the financial services industry, integrating financial services directly into commercial platforms to reduce customer acquisition costs and increase trust. GGV Capital highlights the benefits of embedded fintech, including leveraging real-time data and global opportunities, despite the recent decline in public fintech valuations. Successful fintech companies are expected to evolve into comprehensive financial operating systems, offering a range of services from payments to business intelligence. The article also introduces the Embedded Fintech 50, celebrating innovative companies in the sector, and emphasizes the potential for these companies to achieve higher margins and successful IPOs through product development and strategic partnerships.