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Pesticide Use Could Thoroughly Disrupt Soil Microbial Biodiversity
It's hard to imagine that the tiny droplets released when spraying a pesticide could have a deep impact on the soil. However, these droplets can affect a multitude of organisms essential to plants, including bacteria and fungi that participate in biochemical cycles and protect roots. These species are crucial for crops and biodiversity as a whole. The European Commission currently lists 421 pesticides authorized in EU countries and the UK. Their harmful effects on animals have been widely published in recent years. In France, their use is a source of concern, as demonstrated by the petition against the Duplomb law protesting the re-authorization of acetamipride, an insecticide from the neonicotinoid family. With over 2 million signatures, it prompted a debate without voting in the National Assembly on Wednesday, February 11th. However, studies assessing the impact of pesticides on soil microorganisms are scarce. Marc-André Selosse, microbiologist and professor at the National Museum of Natural History, explains that this is challenging work due to the large number of organisms and factors to study.
In Japan, a Political Party Betting on AI Makes a Splash
With his unique style and focus on artificial intelligence (AI), Takahiro Anno, the founder of Team Mirai, has made a significant impact in Japanese politics. Despite his modest background, he gained 11 legislative seats, exceeding expectations. The party's program centers around leveraging AI to address Japan's challenges. Anno, an engineer from the University of Tokyo, founded the party in 2025 and previously ran as an independent candidate for Tokyo governor in 2024.