The Evolution of Diversity

Since the beginning of time, the pre-biological and the biological world have seen a steady increase in complexity of form and function based on a process of combination and re-combination. The current modern synthesis of evolution known as the neo-Darwinian theory emphasises population genetics and does not explain satisfactorily all other occurrences of evolutionary novelty. The authors suggest that symbiosis and hybridisation and the more obscure processes such as polyploidy, chimerism and lateral transfer are mostly overlooked and not featured sufficiently within evolutionary theory. They suggest, therefore, a revision of the existing theory including its language, to accommodate the scientific findings of recent decades

Astroecology, cosmo-ecology, and the future of life

Astroecology concerns the relations between life and space resources, and cosmo-ecology extrapolates these relations to cosmological scales. Experimental astroecology can quantify the amounts of life that can be derived from space resources. For this purpose, soluble carbon and electrolyte nutrients were measured in asteroid/meteorite materials. Microorganisms and plant cultures were observed to grow on these materials, whose fertilities are similar to productive agricultural soils. Based on measured nutrient contents, the 1022 kg carbonaceous asteroids can yield 1018 kg biomass with N and P as limiting nutrients (compared with the estimated 1015 kg biomass on Earth). These data quantify the amounts of life that can be derived from asteroids in terms of time-integrated biomass [BIOTAint = biomass (kg) × lifetime (years)], as 1027 kg-years during the next billion years of the Solar System (a thousand times the 1024 kg-years to date). The 1026 kg cometary materials can yield biota 10 000 times still larger. In the galaxy, potential future life can be estimated based on stellar luminosities. For example, the Sun will develop into a white dwarf star whose 1015 W luminosity can sustain a BIOTAint of 1034 kg-years over 1020 years. The 1012 main sequence and white and red dwarf stars can sustain 1046 kg-years of BIOTAint in the galaxy and 1057 kg-years in the universe. Life has great potentials in space, but the probability of present extraterrestrial life may be incomputable because of biological and ecological complexities. However, we can establish and expand life in space with present technology, by seeding new young solar systems. Microbial representatives of our life-form can be launched by solar sails to new planetary systems, including extremophiles suited to diverse new environments, autotrophs and heterotrophs to continually form and recycle biomolecules, and simple multicellulars to jump-start higher evolution. These programs can be motivated by life-centered biotic ethics that seek to secure and propagate life. In space, life can develop immense populations and diverse new branches. Some may develop into intelligent species that can expand life further in the galaxy, giving our human endeavors a cosmic purpose

Sustainable and Precision Agriculture with the Internet of Everything (IoE)

The accelerated pace of global population growth underscores the crucial role of the agricultural sector in mitigating food scarcity, as well as in supporting livelihoods through employment opportunities and bolstering national economies. This sector faces several critical challenges, including resource depletion, socioeconomic issues, gaps in technology and innovation, and the impact of climate change. The introduction of mechanization has significantly transformed agriculture by enhancing sustainability and increasing the productivity of crops. Recently, traditional farming methods have been supplemented with advanced technologies steering the industry towards precision agriculture. The convergence of these advanced technologies has facilitated the automation of various tasks such as water management, crop monitoring, disease management, and harvesting. The concept of Internet of Everything (IoE) has gained traction due to its holistic approach towards integrating various IoT specializations, called IoXs where X referring to a specific domain. This includes areas like the Internet of Sensors (IoS), Internet of Vehicles (IoV), Internet of Energy (IoEn), Internet of Space Things (IoST), Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT), and Internet of Drones (IoD). This paper explores the potential of the Internet of Everything (IoE) in revolutionizing agricultural systems. The focus is on assessing the impact of cutting-edge and novel technologies, such as 6G, molecular communication (MC), Internet of Nano Things (IoNT), Internet of Bio-Nano Things (IoBNT), Internet of Fungus, and designer phages, in significantly improving agricultural yield, efficiency, and productivity. Additionally, the potential of these technologies is evaluated in terms of their applicability, associated challenges, and future research directions within the realm of precision agriculture

Farmland Abandonment Worldwide: The Detrimental Factor of Agricultural Crisis

The abandonment of agricultural land has emerged as a pressing global concern, influenced by a multitude of contributing factors. In numerous nations, the swift processes of urbanization and industrialization have resulted in the disregard for agricultural land, as attention shifts towards more lucrative enterprises. Moreover, shifting climate patterns and extreme meteorological phenomena have rendered it progressively more difficult for agriculturalists to manage their land with efficacy. The abandonment of agricultural land can result in severe repercussions for food security, economic stability, and environmental sustainability. Furthermore, as agricultural lands remain uncultivated, they may face the threat of degradation and a decline in biodiversity. It is imperative for governments and international organizations to prioritize the formulation of policies that bolster the agricultural sector and provide incentives for farmers to persist in cultivating their land. By tackling the fundamental causes of farmland abandonment, we can secure the resilience and productivity of agricultural systems for future generations

Soil physical health sustenance: strategies and perspectives - A review

Soil physical health sustenance is vital for ensuring sustainable agricultural output and environmental well-being. This review discusses several tactics and viewpoints targeted at protecting and promoting soil physical health. Soil health comprises its physical, chemical and biological characteristics, defining its capacity to sustain life. Degradation of soil physical health, caused by erosion, nutrient depletion and incorrect management methods, offers difficulties to agricultural sustainability, manifesting as reduced crop output and increased soil erosion. Soil physical qualities, including structure, porosity and water retention, directly influence plant development and ecosystem functioning. Effective soil management techniques, including practices like conservation tillage, covering crops and the use of organic amendments, are essential for preserving ideal soil physical conditions. Furthermore, advancements in technology, such as precision farming and remote sensing, provide innovative solutions for monitoring and managing soil health. However, constraints such as a lack of standardized assessment procedures and inadequate laboratory facilities restrict thorough soil health assessments. Future efforts should focus on multidisciplinary research to clarify the complex relationships among soil features and develop appropriate soil management solutions for varied agroecosystems. This analysis gives insights into soil physical health sustenance strategies and highlights the necessity of holistic soil management for resilient and sustainable agriculture

Biotechnology applied for sustainable development: social responsibility in the Industry 4.0

This research was conducted from a review of bibliographic content on Biotechnology, sustainable development, social responsibility and Industry 4.0. The goal endows the understanding of the role of Biotechnology as a science in sustainable development in this historical phase experienced by humanity, the Fourth Industrial Revolution, verifying what would be the social responsibility of Industry 4.0 in this context. Dialectical and historical methods were used to systematize the obtained data. The importance of maintaining the environmental balance through sustainable practices in the daily life of Industry 4.0 has been demonstrated to comply with the constitutional principle of the social function of property. However, in order to achieve sustainable development, the economic and social aspects, besides the environmental, must be considered. The relevance of Biotechnology in this process has been proven as a driving force for sustainable development. It is hoped with this research to mobilize the academic community and the society in the fight against environmental degradation, bringing knowledge about the role of Biotechnology in this process, in the context of Industry 4.0, and demonstrating the need for companies, professionals and governments to adapt to this new and unknown reality in order to face the problems that are already emerging, always taking into consideration the protection of human rights, especially the healthy and balanced environment, safety, life and dignity of the human person

Innovations in Artificial Rearing and Mass Production of Beneficial Insects for Biocontrol: A Review

The mass production and artificial rearing of beneficial insects have emerged as essential strategies in biological control, offering sustainable alternatives to chemical pesticides in integrated pest management (IPM). The recent innovations in insect mass rearing, focusing on advancements in artificial diet formulations, genetic improvements, automation, and precision agriculture technologies. Traditional rearing methods have faced challenges related to high costs, genetic variability, pathogen contamination, and reduced field performance of artificially reared insects. Cutting-edge biotechnological tools such as CRISPR-Cas9, RNA interference (RNAi), and microbiome engineering have enhanced insect adaptability, resistance to environmental stress, and reproductive efficiency. The implementation of artificial intelligence (AI) and robotics in mass-rearing facilities has optimized environmental conditions, reduced labour costs, and improved quality control. Climate-controlled rearing chambers and sustainable diet formulations incorporating nanotechnology and microencapsulation have significantly enhanced insect fitness, longevity, and field efficacy. The integration of mass-reared beneficial insects with precision agriculture techniques, including drone-assisted releases and GIS-based monitoring, has further increased efficiency and target-specific pest suppression. Despite these advancements, challenges remain, particularly concerning economic viability, regulatory constraints, and ethical considerations associated with large-scale insect production and field release. To address these issues, future research should focus on refining artificial rearing techniques, developing cost-effective rearing systems, and improving genetic diversity in captive insect populations. Strengthening international regulatory frameworks and adopting sustainable mass production practices will be key to the long-term success of biocontrol programs. The potential of artificial rearing technologies to revolutionize pest management, reduce reliance on chemical pesticides, and promote ecological conservation, reinforcing the role of biological control as a cornerstone of modern sustainable agriculture

Chemical Contaminants of Water and Human Health Consequences

Safe drinking water is from an improved water source that is located on premises, available when needed and free from faecal and priority chemical contamination. To achieve the highest level of health, the drinking water must be safe, accessible, and with proper sanitation. People depend on clean drinking water to survive; it is also necessary for recreation, bathing, cooking and cleaning. The review focuses on to identify the main chemical contaminants, their sources and the associated health impacts. Data published in reputed academic journals was reviewed and used for present study. Results of the study reveals that water can be contaminated due to domestic sewage, industrialization, pesticides and fertilizers, plastics, population growth, urbanization, and weak management system. Major chemical contaminants of water are agricultural chemicals, emerging chemical contaminants, industrial chemicals, naturally occurring chemicals, and sanitation system chemicals and by-products. It is observed that; various types of chemicals such as, agricultural, emerging contaminants, industrial, naturally occurring, and sanitation system and by-products acts a major pollutants of water pollution. Sources of groundwater are regularly monitored and preventive measures should be practiced to reduce the harmful effects. The water quality can be improved by reducing pollution, eliminating dumping and minimizing release of hazardous chemicals and materials. Industrial wastes, especially the chemicals must be treated before their disposal. Future study should be focussed on to develop a technique for early detection of chemical pollutants in water. Also it is important to improve the current practices on prevention and remediation techniques for water pollution

Impact of Climate Change on Sericulture: Adaptation Strategies and Future Directions

Global warming affects different natural systems which include agricultural systems. Sericulture, the rearing of silkworms for the purpose of silk production, has a history stretching back thousands of years. In this section, we will study about the biological profile and life cycle of the silkworm (Bombyx mori), the major sericulture producing countries across the globe, and the socioeconomic importance of sericulture in different countries. Climate change can be defined as slow and gradual changes in temperature, rainfall, and other atmospheric conditions on the Earth’s surface mainly caused by activities like the use of fossil energies and destruction of forests. The measures towards adaptation of sericulture under climate change involve a combination of technological, agronomic, and policy changes. Sericulture can be sustained despite changing climatic conditions through resilience and innovation that ensures that many people have source of income and livelihood