Forests, with their rich biodiversity, play a critical role not only in the ecology of a region but also in social systems that involve humans. Researchers from the University of Illinois, USA, used artificial intelligence to evaluate the forest management policies in Himachal Pradesh, India.
The study from IISc found a previously unidentified yeast-like symbiont inside the lac insect Kerria lacca, which gives the insect its distinctive red colour and, may also provide other nutrients in return for shelter.