The old hypothesis by Academician V.I. Vernadsky of the biosphere being a geological force to build the surface and immediate interior of our planet is indirectly supported based on statistical data. According to occurrence data on findings of all known animal specimens and according to some characteristics of the tectonic activity of the Earth, the presence of several previously unknown cycles shortening from cycle to cycle (approx. By a factor of 1.51) over about a billion years, is substantiated. This leads to an idea of a cause-and-effect relationship between these two different categories of cycles. The influence of tectonics on biota, to one degree or another, has long been known. However, due to the mentioned cycles being rather accelerated, it is difficult to imagine that such strong acceleration in the tectonic cycles could arise due to some intra-tectonic causes, whereas the accelerated nature of biotic evolution due to some intrabiotic causes is quite possible. So, a conclusion arises of the mentioned contracting tectonic cycles being modulated by biota. Possible mechanisms of such influence are hypothesized, their clarification requiring additional research. This conclusion is revolutionary for geology and reveals biotic evolution’s previously unknown role as an active creator of global tectonic (cyclic) processes at a new, quantitative level, which is also revolutionary for evolutionary biology. But, regardless of these conclusions, the mentioned decreasing cyclicity is of interest itself, for the first time (statistically) speaking about the accelerated nature of evolution over such vast time periods.

The constantly extending list of humankind-produced environmentally toxic compounds currently includes pharmacological preparations. Among them, of potential relevance are neurotransmitters including such biogenic amines as norepinephrine, dopamine, serotonin, and histamine, as well as acetylcholine. These neurotransmitters were tested in the present work using such model organisms as the green microalgae Chlorella vulgaris Beijer, Scenedesmus quadricauda (Turp.) Breb. К-1149, and Haematococcus lacustris (= pluvialis) strains IPPAS H-239 and BM-1, as well as the cyanobacterium Limnospira platensis IPPAS B-256. It was established that all tested neurotransmitters significantly stimulate the growth of the cultures of microalgae at sufficiently low (micromolar) concentrations. In light of the results of this work, uncontrollable microalgal growth seems to be possible under the influence of trace amounts of neurotransmitters in natural and artificial water bodies, which might cause their eutrophication. All tested substances influenced the photosynthetic pigment content at micromolar (or submicromolar) concentrations, acetylcholine being a quasi-universal promoter of their biosynthesis that presumably stimulates the photosynthetic activity of the microalgae. The effects of the other tested substances varied depending on the microalgal species involved but predominantly resulted in promoting photosynthetic pigment biosynthesis. A biotechnological project aimed at stimulating the microalgal biomass yield by supplementing microalgal cultures with neurotransmitters seems to hold promise for producing drugs, food additives, or biofuel.

White limestone blocks of six 12th–13th century buildings in the Vladimir region were examined, namely: the Assumption Cathedral, the Cathedral of Saint Demetrius and St. George’s Church in Vladimir City, the Church of the Intercession on the Nerl in the Bogolyubovo village, St. George’s Cathedral in the town of Yuryev-Polsky, and the Cathedral of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary in the town of Suzdal. The survey was conducted in August 2024. Fossil remains of brachiopods, corals, fusulinid foraminifera, gastropods, crinoids and echinoids characteristic of the Myachkovo Horizon of the Moscovian Stage of the Middle Carboniferous were found in the limestone. In some cases, it is possible to examine details of their internal structure. Since these fossils are clearly visible to the naked eye, these white-stone buildings may be of not only historical but also paleontological interest, and the fossil remains therein may serve as exhibit material.

The key principle of the Arctic development should be nature-saving nature management. The agro-landscape-ecological zoning of the Far North fodder ecosystems developed at the V.R. Williams Federal Research Centre for Forage Production and Agroecology is aimed at this very goal. About 90 % of Murmansk District is occupied by reindeer pastures, in some places disturbed as a result of their irrational use by reindeer herders, mining, construction, and transport; the ecological state of the territory is tense. In Yamal District, reindeer pastures occupy 65 % of the area; the ecological state of the ecosystems is tense or even critical in some places. The area of lichen tundras has decreased by 3,5–4 times, total fodder reserves in lichen-moss tundras, in those areas where they are still preserved, have decreased by 3–10 times. The total reserves of green grass fodder and shrubs has decreased by 1.5–2 and 2–8 times, respectively. Desertification of highlands (bare sands occupied about 6 %) and waterlogging of lowland areas is going on. Technogenic impact on tundra ecosystems disturbs soil and vegetation cover, hydrological regime. Waterlogging of lowlands due to thermoerosion is starting. It is necessary to find compromises between economy, ecology, social and national interests.

The article presents some prerequisites for the formation of a new theory of relations between species groups of mammals, including humans. Key elements of the theory are considered, including the connection between quantum decoherence in complex organic molecules and Jung’s postulates of the collective unconscious, with the extension of the latter to the possibility of explaining the paradox of instincts in higher animals. Data on experimental confirmation of the mechanism of wave function collapse in relation to living organisms are presented.

Built over five centuries ago using white stone, this unique Russian architectural monument stands as the sole surviving building from the estate of the Romanov boyars, located in the ancient part of Moscow known as “Zaryadye.” Today, it serves as the museum “Chambers of the Boyars of the Romanovs.” However, the masonry has begun to collapse under the influence of water, frost, and various technogenic loads.

The monument’s location is characterized by the presence of unfavorable engineering and geological processes, with flooding being the main issue. This has led to a rise in groundwater levels and their constant interaction with the foundation’s soil. The excess moisture content in the limestone pores, saturated with aggressive components (SO42-, NO3-,Cl-), has led to limestone dissolution and leaching, as well as salt crystallization both on the surface and inside the masonry.

To understand the weathering processes affecting the limestone, researchers conducted a study on samples taken from several parts of the monument, dividing them into several groups based on their structural stability. The results revealed that the structurally unstable, completely destroyed to a dispersed state (reminiscent of flour) samples, displayed significant changes in their physical, mechanical and chemical properties. This was due to the leaching of calcite, leading to a decrease in its content from 99 % down to 40-45 %, and an increase in porosity from 15 % up to 49 %, resulting in a density reduction from 2.29 down to 1.32 g/cm³.

The study also found that microbial components in the stone could also lead to an increase in the content of finely dispersed fractions. The walls of the monument, both inside and outside, were found to be colonized by mold fungi (9 species) and bacteria (2 species). The genera Penicillium (5 species) and Aspergillus (2 species), renowned as biodestructors of stone materials, were the most prevalent among the identified species. The content of these micromycetes varied significantly (ranging from 300 to 105 CFU/g) depending on the sampling location.

Vladimir Vernadsky’s scientific and philosophical legacy still holds much value for the present-day world. It is largely concerned with the potential importance of two decentralized structures which can efficiently function on our planet. These are (i) the biosphere, construed as an integral entity, and (ii) the noösphere, a planet-wide human brains-based “film”. A fascinating mystery is the mechanism of the biosphere’s coordination and stable operation; important evidence has recently been presented concerning the probable regulatory role of the biosphere-wide field of signal molecules (ecomones) which include many neurotransmitters. As for the currently developing noösphere, humankind still has to invent strategies of conscious managing its activities. It is suggested that the functioning of the decentralized global noöspheric network should be subject to regulation by social chaperones. This term refers to network structures which subtly guide and promote the activities of other decentralized network structures in society.