GrassRoots Biotechnology (United States)

The ecosystem of Mosquito Lagoon, Florida, has been rapidly deteriorating since the 2010s, with a notable decline in keystone seagrass species. Seagrass is vital for many species in the lagoon, but nutrient overloading, algal blooms, boating, manatee grazing, and other factors have led to its loss. To understand this decline, a deep neural network analyzed Landsat imagery from 2000 to 2020. Results showed significant seagrass loss post-2013, coinciding with the 2011–2013 super algal bloom. Seagrass abundance varied annually, with the model performing best in years with higher seagrass coverage. While the deep learning method successfully identified seagrass, it also revealed that recent seagrass coverage is almost non-existent. This monitoring approach could aid in ecosystem recovery if coupled with appropriate policies for Mosquito Lagoon's restoration.

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a class of recalcitrant, highly toxic contaminants, with limited remediation options. Phytoremediation – removal of contaminants using plants – is an inexpensive, community-friendly strategy for reducing PFAS concentrations and exposures. This project is a collaboration between the Mi'kmaq Nation, Upland Grassroots, and researchers at several institutions who conducted phytoremediation field trials using hemp to remove PFAS from soil at the former Loring Air Force base, which has now been returned to the Mi'kmaq Nation. PFAS were analyzed in paired hemp and soil samples using targeted and non-targeted analytical approaches. Additionally, we used hydrothermal liquefaction (HTL) to degrade PFAS in the harvested hemp tissue. We identified 28 PFAS in soil and found hemp uptake of 10 of these PFAS. Consistent with previous studies, hemp exhibited greater bioconcentration for carboxylic acids compared to sulfonic acids, and for shorter-chain compounds compared to longer-chain. In total, approximately 1.4 mg of PFAS was removed from the soil via uptake into hemp stems and leaves, with an approximate maximum of 2% PFAS removed from soil in the most successful area. Degradation of PFAS by HTL was nearly 100% for carboxylic acids, but a portion of sulfonic acids remained. HTL also decreased precursor PFAS and extractable organic fluorine. In conclusion, while hemp phytoremediation does not currently offer a comprehensive solution for PFAS-contaminated soil, this project has effectively reduced PFAS levels at the Loring site and underscores the importance of involving community members in research aimed at remediating their lands.

Abstract Pueraria lobata is a typical medicinal and edible plant with great market value and demand, thus exploring the relationship between soil environmental factors and the yield and quality of Pueraria lobata is of great significance for its high-value cultivation. In this study, using the Guige 1 variety (Pueraria montana var. Thomsonii) selected by our research group as the material to compare the effects of five soil types, endophytes in three parts of Pueraria lobata and two fertilizers on its yield and quality. The results showed that the comprehensive evaluation effect of five soil types on the yield and quality of Guige 1 was as follow: red-yellow mixed soil (RYMS) > black loam soil (BLS) > sandy loam soil (SLS) > sandy loam soil waterlogging (SLSW) > yellow soil compaction soil (YSCS); the descending order of endophyte types and quantities is in BLS > RYMS > SLS > YSC > SLSW; applying General Compound Fertilizers (GCF) in RYMS is more suitable for the rapid expansion of Guige 1 than Organic-Slow-Release-Fertilizers (OSRF). The high potassium content in RYMS and high effective phosphorus content in BLS are positively correlated with the content of starch and isoflavone in Pueraria lobata. The research results have important guiding significance for the high-value cultivation of Pueraria lobata.

In January 2013, civic leaders, community stakeholders, and residents came together to release Detroit Future City: 2012 Detroit Strategic Framework Plan, a guiding blueprint for transforming Detroit from its current state of population loss and excessive vacancy into a model for the reinvention of post-industrial American cities. Three years prior, the U.S. Census had reported that the city had lost 24% of its population over the last decade and had experienced a 20% increase in vacant and abandoned property, bringing total vacancy to roughly the size of Manhattan. In addition to physical and economic challenges, Detroiters had also acknowledged significant barriers to effective civic engagement. Foremost among these barriers were a profound sense of immobilization, planning fatigue, and a general perception of cynicism about planning and engagement efforts. These challenges were compounded by historic racial dynamics and tension. This case study elaborates on the comprehensive and innovative civic engagement executed in a citywide planning process called the Detroit Works Project, which took place from late 2010 through late 2012. For the citywide planning process to be successful and sustainable, civic leaders and project funders committed to a planning initiative that would be different from previous efforts, in large part because the “owners” of the process would be diverse and inclusive across all community sectors. The case study, written by three of the key consultants from the project, describes four key civic engagement strategies deployed in the creation of the strategic framework: (1) addressing profound challenges of culture, race, and politics by deliberately building trust; (2) elevating community expertise by fostering a sense of ownership of the process; (3) blending technical and community expertise; and (4) viewing civic engagement as an ongoing two-way conversation rather than a series of large-scale episodic events. This article elaborates on important lessons that other communities might learn from Detroit’s planning initiative in relation to these strategies. It concludes with a brief summary of the results and implications of the civic engagement process.

Investor interest in microfinance continues despite questions raised by recent repayment issues and by more sceptical assessments of social impact, but investor scrutiny has intensified. The industry can take the opportunity to more clearly articulate its social and financial objectives and how it will achieve them. An important part of this clarification will be to acknowledge that not all investors or microfinance institutions (MFIs) share the identical mix of social and financial objectives and on occasion choices among objectives will have to be made. Tools are becoming available that can make these priorities more transparent and predictable so as to more closely match the objectives and expectations of MFIs and investors. Codes of corporate conduct and minimum standards can provide a starting point for double-bottom-line investors. A differentiation between ‘financial first’ (FF) and ‘social first’ (SF) companies can give investors greater confidence that coinvestors, directors, and managers are fully aligned in pursuit of the same set of priorities. With this clarity, enhanced FF capital flows can have a major impact in achieving microfinance's social objectives through expanding scale and outreach in total numbers, while enhanced SF microfinance will push the envelope and set the evolving standard on improving microfinance's effectiveness in achieving its social objectives.

Treatment for the psychological consequences of mass disasters is essential to the recovery of individuals and communities. Little is known about how to provide effective mental health interventions when there are thousands of victims and little, if any, access to care. Post-disaster research and program evaluations suggest that mind-body practices can provide significant relief of anxiety, depression, posttraumatic stress, and physical ailments. Mind-body programs are inexpensive, adaptable to different cultures and conditions, and can be taught rapidly to large numbers of people, including community leaders, to create a sustainable resource for local mental health needs. The challenges of doing research in disaster areas are illustrated using examples from field studies. Potential risks of administering programs to vulnerable populations are discussed, with program design recommendations. The development of safe, effective, trauma-sensitive, culturally appropriate, sustainable programs requires research and collaboration among healthcare professionals, mind-body trainers, researchers, academic institutions, government agencies, and non-governmental humanitarian organizations.