Nature and farming

Evolution and heredity

Predicting where rare species live by relying on their cousins

For species with only a handful of observations, models that predict their geographical distribution are often wrong.

Genomics and Phylogenetic Studies ×crossed with Species Distribution and Climate Change

14 Sept 2026AI reviewers’ score: 6.1 out of 102 pieces of counter-evidenceWith a story (fiction)

Repairing and reprogramming life

Vibrations to boost the medicinal molecules of roots

The concept is to vibrate marigold roots (Calendula officinalis) grown in the laboratory in order to trigger a natural chain reaction.

Plant tissue culture and regeneration ×crossed with Biomedical Engineering

13 Sept 2026AI reviewers’ score: 6.3 out of 103 pieces of counter-evidenceWith a story (fiction)

Evolution and heredity

Zebra mussels: museum shell DNA to disentangle the species

In freshwater mussels of the genus Dreissena, classical methods based on a single mitochondrial gene (COI) do not permit clear species discrimination.

Plant Taxonomy and Phylogenetics ×crossed with Aquatic Invertebrate Ecology and Behavior

11 Sept 2026AI reviewers’ score: 6.3 out of 103 pieces of counter-evidence

Microbes and microbiomes

Marine heatwaves: the guts of parrotfish under threat

When a marine heatwave warms water by 2 to 4 °C for at least five days, the gut microbiota of herbivorous reef fish, such as parrotfish, is thought to lose more than 20 % of its diversity and to produce 30 % fewer short-chain fatty acids.

Gut microbiota and health ×crossed with Marine Biology and Ecology Research

31 Aug 2026AI reviewers’ score: 6.6 out of 101 piece of counter-evidenceWith a story (fiction)

Evolution and heredity

Landscape genomics for predicting agricultural pest invasions

This hypothesis proposes the use of landscape genomics methods to understand how environmental factors, such as temperature and humidity, influence the genetic diversity of crop pests.

Genetic diversity and population structure ×crossed with Genetic and Environmental Crop Studies

26 Aug 2026AI reviewers’ score: 6.7 out of 101 piece of counter-evidenceWith a story (fiction)

Earth, climate and environment

Lakes: sediments of the past to better predict their future

To combat toxic algae, managers must set nutrient reduction targets (such as phosphorus) for lakes.

Paleoecology ×crossed with Aquatic Ecosystems and Phytoplankton Dynamics

23 Aug 2026AI reviewers’ score: 6.4 out of 102 pieces of counter-evidenceWith a story (fiction)

Marine fish: is evolutionary diversity their best climatic shield?

Faced with ocean warming, which areas should be protected as a priority?

Botany and Plant Ecology Studies ×crossed with Marine and fisheries research

21 Aug 2026AI reviewers’ score: 6.1 out of 102 pieces of counter-evidenceWith a story (fiction)

Microbes and microbiomes

Hypothesis SPR-2026-4469: Insect and Arachnid Ecology and Behavior × Microbial Natural Products and Biosynthesis

A hypothesis linking two distant scientific fields, Insect and Arachnid Ecology and Behavior and Microbial Natural Products and Biosynthesis.

2 Aug 2026AI reviewers’ score: 6.5 out of 102 pieces of counter-evidenceWith a story (fiction)

Chemistry and materials

A molecular cage to release plant aspirin with light

Salicylic acid, a molecule that triggers plant defences, is here rendered inactive by attaching it to a chemical group that detaches under the effect of light.

Photochemistry ×crossed with Plant Biology

21 Jul 2026AI reviewers’ score: 6.7 out of 102 pieces of counter-evidenceWith a story (fiction)

Maths, computing and algorithms

Precision agriculture learns to ask the right questions in the right place

To optimise agricultural yields, should measurements be taken everywhere and at all times, or rather measured intelligently?

Statistics ×crossed with Agricultural Engineering

20 Jul 2026AI reviewers’ score: 6.7 out of 102 pieces of counter-evidenceWith a story (fiction)

Maths, computing and algorithms

Placing moisture sensors in the correct location: a statistical method for saving water

To monitor humidity in an agricultural field, sensors are often placed at random or in a regular grid.

Statistics ×crossed with Agricultural Engineering

20 Jul 2026AI reviewers’ score: 6.3 out of 103 pieces of counter-evidenceWith a story (fiction)

Earth, climate and environment

Mobile sensors that track pollutants, inspired by whales

Can an algorithm designed to track whales underwater be adapted to better map pollution plumes?

Marine Biology ×crossed with Environmental Engineering

12 Apr 2026AI reviewers’ score: 6.5 out of 10no counter-evidence foundWith a story (fiction)