Joint Research Centre

Evo 2’s perception of single nucleotide substitutions in the genes of two plant model organisms

Background Although DNA Large Language Models (DNA-LLMs) offer a path to decoding genetic complexity, our ability to evaluate these models is constrained by our incomplete understanding of the very same genetic syntax and functional logic that these models are trained to learn. M...

Beyond LCOE – Economic performance of renewable auctions

This study analyses how different types of remuneration schemes in renewable auctions can lead to economically efficient or inefficient outcomes in technology-specific and multi-technology settings. The main metric in this assessment is the Extended Support Need (ESN) indicator –...

Plant-based packaged foods as analogues to animal products: market trends and nutritional quality analysis

Abstract Background In Europe, a range of packaged foods that are based on plants are marketed as analogues to animal food products, yet EU-wide data on their market evolution and nutritional quality remain limited. This study aimed to (1) assess the market shares of these plant-...

Extruded Tunnel Lining Regeneration Project (ETLR): experimental campaign on real scale SFRC tunnel mock-ups

Background Automation in the construction industry is gaining increasing relevance, driven by the need to enhance productivity, foster innovation, and meet evolving societal demands. Slip-forming with extrudable steel fibre-reinforced concrete (SFRC) offers an innovative framewor...

A dual-duplex RT-dPCR surveillance strategy for discriminating avian and seasonal influenza viruses in wastewater

Abstract The highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) A(H5Nx) viruses, specifically those of clade 2.3.4.4b, remain a major concern for global animal and public health. The current epidemiological situation in Europe and beyond reveal an alarming increase in spread and occurrence...

Net carbon losses in Central African forests revealed by high-resolution biomass change maps

Dense humid forests in Central Africa hold vast biomass carbon stocks but are increasingly affected by small-scale disturbances that are difficult to detect with current satellite observations. Here, we generate 10 m canopy height maps for 2019–2022 using deep learning with space...

ERIES-REVAULTS Pseudo-Dynamic tests on a full-scale masonry cross vault system: dataset

This paper presents the dataset generated within the ERIES-REVAULTs experimental campaign, aimed at investigating the in-plane shear behaviour of masonry cross vaults, representative of historic churches. In post-earthquake surveys, the damage associated with this type of mechani...

Increased maximum carbon release offsets half of the growth trend in annual land carbon sink

The terrestrial carbon sink has strengthened in recent decades through enhanced maximum CO2 uptake (MCU) and a longer carbon uptake period (CUP), whereas maximum CO2 release (MCR) remains less quantified. Using atmospheric inversion estimates and 16 terrestrial biosphere models,...

Potential of temperate agroforestry systems to deliver ecosystem services: An evidence map

Abstract. Agroforestry systems are promoted as multifunctional land-use strategies, yet evidence of their benefits, especially in temperate regions, remains fragmented. This umbrella review maps 42 meta-analyses to quantify the effects of agroforestry on environmental, climate, a...

Soil health assessment using buried cotton underpants with the help of 1000 citizen scientists

Societal Impact Statement Soil is a vital resource for life on Earth. Although many soils are degraded, societal awareness of soil‐related issues is limited. To highlight soil as a key resource and fascinating study system, we initiated a citizen science project together with 100...

Hydrological auditing of LISFLOOD v4.1.1: impacts of model setup on water balance components in the Po River Basin

Abstract. In recent years, large-scale hydrological models have been increasingly used at regional and global scales to support decision making. Their realism in simulating water balance components is crucial for building trust across different use cases. Hydrological models may...

A compilation of global bio-optical in situ data for ocean-colour satellite applications – version four

Abstract. A global in situ dataset for validation of satellite products from the ESA Ocean Colour Climate Change Initiative (OC-CCI) is presented. This version of the compilation, with data starting in 1996, extends to 2025, which is important for the validation of recent algorit...

Virtual worlds and mental health: A scoping review

<title>Abstract</title> The constant increase in the use of virtual worlds in recent decades has raised concerns about their potential effects on users’ mental health. However, the great heterogeneity of the scientific literature on this topic makes it difficult to identify exist...

The Past, Present, and Future of Online Biodiversity Knowledge Systems

In recent decades, the availability and accessibility of biodiversity data and the profusion of portals, tools, and platforms through which to utilize them have increased rapidly. This reflects the extensive variety of challenges biodiversity data are being used to address and th...

Building Climate-Resilient Mediterranean Olive Systems: Integrating Soil, Water, Carbon, Biodiversity, and Innovation for a Sustainable Future

Abstract Mediterranean olive systems face compound climatic, ecological, and socio-economic pressures. Drawing on the consensus of the International Conference on Sustainability in Olive Cultivation (ICSOC) 2025, we propose an integrated framework structured along three axes: fiv...