The study introduces an in-soil fiber Bragg grating (FBG) sensing system that continuously records three-dimensional strain from growing pseudo-roots, enabling non‑destructive monitoring of root architecture. Using two ResNet models, the system predicts root width and depth with over 90% accuracy, and performance improves to 96‑98% after retraining on data from actual corn (Zea mays) roots over a 30‑day period. This prototype demonstrates potential for scalable, real‑time root phenotyping and broader soil environment sensing.

The study constructs a ~1‑million‑cell single‑nuclei transcriptome atlas of Arabidopsis leaves to reveal that drought stress accelerates transcriptional programs associated with maturation and aging, thereby limiting leaf growth in proportion to stress intensity. Targeted upregulation of FERRIC REDUCTION OXIDASE 6 in mesophyll cells partially rescues leaf growth under drought, demonstrating the functional relevance of these transcriptional changes.