Trees Have Many More Types of Root than You Thought

By RISC | 4 hours ago

You know that trees have taproots, lateral roots branching from them, and fibrous roots… But do you know about all the others, including some you mightn’t realize are roots?Taproots and lateral roots are among the best-known types of root. They anchor plants to the soil and absorb water and nutrients that go to trunks for growth. But trees also develop adventitious roots for challenging environments where survival can be tough. These specialized roots come in many fascinating forms:Prop roots develop from the trunk under stressful conditions, such as flooding or soft soil. They provide extra support so the tree stays upright. These roots often appear as woody structures growing from the stem. A classic example is in mangroves in coastal wetlands.Storage roots store nutrients within their structure and have diverse shapes, such as conical, fusiform, napiform (heart-shaped), and tuberous. Plants with storage roots include cassava, carrots, and beets, though we may not recognize them as roots at first glance.Aerial roots grow above the ground and serve as anchors on various surfaces, such as those in climbing plants. These roots can contain chloroplasts capable of photosynthesis, giving them a distinct green appearance, as seen in orchid aerial roots.Air roots play a role in gas exchange and oxygen transport to submerged roots in the soil. For example, pneumatophores of the white mangrove rise above the ground to access oxygen in waterlogged environments, where roots buried in soil lack adequate air.Parasitic roots penetrate the roots of other plants to extract nutrients, acting as their primary food source. These roots often harm the host plant, stunting its growth and, in severe cases, causing it to wither and die.Buttress roots are an adaptation of certain trees for environments such as near water bodies or in shallow soils. When taproots cannot penetrate deep into the ground, buttress roots spread out from the base of the trunk, forming large, flat structures to provide stability and support.Story by: Nakarin Phongphaew, Intern from Department of Botany, Faculty of Science, Chulalongkorn University and Thanawat Jinjarak, senior researcher Environmental Department Urban Environmental & Biodiversity Engineer, RISC

Why Is Water a Danger for Plants?

By RISC | 6 days ago

Trees are easy to plant but much harder to grow! Keeping them healthy takes knowledge...The factors that affect plants include sunlight, soil, water, air, temperature, and fertilizers. Water is especially critical. Too little and they’ll wither and die. Too much and they can catch diseases and die.Rootzone soil has 3 key components: soil particles, air-filled pores, and water. Regular watering without considering environmental conditions can lead to waterlogged soil and pores. This situation can lead to root rot, lack of oxygen for roots, and moisture-linked diseases such as fungal infections. Once fungi penetrate roots, they can spread throughout the stem and propagate via air and water. These problems prevent roots absorbing water and nutrients effectively, halting the tree's growth.So the right amount of water is a vital for healthy plants. Regularly checking soil conditions and moisture levels, as well as adjusting the water quantity based on weather and plant needs, can minimize the risks of overwatering. Story by: Siriwan Sukngam, Intern from Department of Botany, Faculty of Science, Chulalongkorn University and Thanawat Jinjarak, senior researcher Environmental Department Urban Environmental & Biodiversity Engineer, RISCReference:กรมส่งเสริมการเษตร. 2558. การใช้น้ำอย่างรู้คุณค่าในการปลูกพืชผัก และพืชสมุนไพร. พิมพ์ครั้งที่ 1. https://esc.doae.go.th/vegetable/​กรมส่งเสริมการเษตร. หากพืชได้รับน้ำมากหรือน้อยเกินไป จะเกิดผลเสียอย่างไร. ​ยงยุทธ โอสถสภา. 2565. เข้าใจดิน ดูแลดิน หลังน้ำท่วม. [ออนไลน์]. แหล่งที่มา: [ออนไลน์]. แหล่งที่มา: https://www.doae.go.th/answers/หากพืชได้รับน้ำมากหรือ/​เนชั่นแนล จีโอกราฟฟิก ประเทศไทย. เชื้อราในพืช ความสัมพันธ์ของสิ่งมีชีวิตจากภาวะพึ่งพาอาศัย ไปจนถึงภาวะปรสิต. [ออนไลน์]. แหล่งที่มา: https://ngthai.com/science/48232/believe-in-plants/

Quality time with family promotes quality of life

By RISC | 1 week ago

Did New Year let you spend quality time with your loved ones? However brief, such moments bring joy we look forward to all year.We often value quality over quantity in how we spend our time. Quality time has lots more impact than everyday time. But if we can spend more hours with one another, we boost the chances of meaningful family moments.A warm family with healthy relationships can strike a balance between too much and too little time together. Family activities you can do daily include sharing meals, cooking together, chatting about your day, going for walks, and exercising together. You can even do the chores as a team. These activities not only strengthen bonds but also teach children how to balance their lives from how their parents model effective time management.Time with parents is crucial for adolescent well-being, improving social skills such as communicating clearly, building friendships, and managing emotions. One-on-one time with parents also helps boost self-esteem.Close relationships between grandparents and grandchildren can deepen family ties. Caring for grandchildren can reduce the risk of loneliness for elderly family members, giving them a sense of being trusted and valued. It also significantly alleviates depression in both generations, as supported by a study from Boston College involving 374 grandparents and 356 adult grandchildren over 19 years (1985–2004).Modern urban lifestyles and work responsibilities can often prevent us from living as extended families. Chances to meet and spend time together mightn’t come as often as we’d like. Festivals and special occasions become unique opportunities to express love and give support. These moments serve as "family therapy", recharging and uplifting us for the challenges ahead.Families lucky enough to regularly spend time together can benefit even more from homes with spaces for quality moments. Such spaces should support shared activities and foster interaction without compromising privacy. Even more ideal are family spaces close to nature, such as home gardens, community parks, or public green spaces. These areas help reduce stress, boost energy, and encourage physical activity among both children and the elderly. They also spark creativity and imagination in children as they play and learn in natural surroundings.Although New Year is over, there are countless opportunities throughout the year to spend time together. Let’s start by making the upcoming Children’s Day a meaningful time for our families.Story by Saritorn Amornjaruchit, Assistant Vice President of RISCReferences:Ami Albernaz, The Boston Globe (December 14, 2015).Danielle Cohen, Child Mind Institute (November 13, 2024).Susan McHale, Penn State Social Science Research Institute (August 21, 2012).Suzanne Pish, Michigan State University Extension (June 15, 2013).

หลักสูตร WELL Masterclass รุ่น 1

By RISC | 1 week ago

หลักสูตร WELL Masterclass รุ่น 1 ร่วมยกระดับสู่อนาคตแห่งการพัฒนาอสังหาริมทรัพย์อย่างยั่งยืน ด้วย "WELL Masterclass" คอร์สอบรมที่จะช่วยให้คุณสร้างสรรค์พื้นที่ที่ใส่ใจสุขภาพ ความเป็นอยู่ที่ดี และความยั่งยืน ผ่าน WELL Building Standard พร้อม Workshop จำลองการนำ WELL Building Standard มาประยุกต์ใช้ในการพัฒนาโครงการ และการแลกเปลี่ยนความรู้กับ “ผู้เชี่ยวชาญที่ผลักดันให้โครงการผ่านการรับรอง WELL Building Standard แห่งแรกในไทยและเอเชียตะวันออกเฉียงใต้”  อบรมทุกวันศุกร์ เริ่ม 7 กุมภาพันธ์ - 14 มีนาคม 2568 (รวม 6 สัปดาห์)  เวลา 13:00 - 17:30 น.  Futuretales Lab ชั้น 8 True Digital Park รายละเอียดหลักสูตร WELL Introduction ทำความรู้จัก WELL Building Standardเรียนรู้แนวคิดหลักการของมาตรฐานอาคารส่งเสริมสุขภาวะ ที่มา ความสำคัญ และประโยชน์ของ WELL Building Standard กระบวนการรับรอง ระดับการประเมิน ขั้นตอนการลงทะเบียน การจัดเตรียมเอกสาร ค่าใช้จ่าย รวมถึงการตรวจสอบ และผู้เชี่ยวชาญที่เกี่ยวข้อง กรณีศึกษาโครงการที่ผ่านการรับรอง WELL ทั้งในประเทศ และต่างประเทศ เรียนรู้จากตัวอย่างโครงการจริง วิเคราะห์ความท้าทาย แนวทางแก้ไข และเคล็ดลับในการเพิ่มประสิทธิภาพ กิจกรรมภาคปฏิบัติ แนะนำขั้นตอนการลงทะเบียนโครงการ การคำนวณคะแนน (Scorecard) ตัวอย่างการเลือกทำคะแนนสำหรับโครงการแต่ละประเภท พร้อมกับโจทย์กิจกรรมจำลองการออกแบบโครงการที่ต้องการเข้ารับรอง WELL Building Standard WELL Building Standard 10 Concepts WELL Background อธิบายที่มาและความสำคัญของทุกหัวข้อภายใต้ WELL 10 concepts ที่ส่งผลต่อสุขภาพ ความเป็นอยู่ที่ดี และประสิทธิภาพการทำงานของผู้ใช้อาคาร WELL Concept Breakdown เจาะลึกข้อกำหนดแต่ละด้านของ WELL 10 concepts พร้อมตัวอย่างการนำไปปรับใช้ในโครงการจริง เพื่อสร้างสภาพแวดล้อมที่ส่งเสริมสุขภาพและความยั่งยืน WELL Workflow แสดงขั้นตอนการประสานงานระหว่างทีมงานต่าง ๆ เพื่อให้การนำ WELL 10 concepts ไปใช้งานจริงสามารถดำเนินได้อย่างราบรื่นและบรรลุเป้าหมายสูงสุด Architect Insight แชร์มุมมองและเทคนิคการออกแบบพื้นที่ที่ส่งเสริมสุขภาพและความเป็นอยู่ที่ดี จากสถาปนิกและผู้เชี่ยวชาญที่มีประสบการณ์ตรงในการนำ WELL Building Standard ไปใช้ในโครงการจริง DTGO Campus Presentation เรียนรู้แนวคิดการออกแบบโครงการ DTGO CampUs การผสานข้อกำหนด WELL Building Standard กับการออกแบบอาคารสำนักงาน เพื่อส่งเสริมสุขภาวะ และความเป็นอยู่ที่ดี เรียนรู้มุมมองจากสถาปนิก วิเคราะห์ความท้าทาย แนวทางแก้ไข และเคล็ดลับในการเพิ่มประสิทธิภาพของโครงการ การทำงานร่วมกับหน่วยงานที่เกี่ยวข้อง รวมทั้งเกล็ดความรู้ด้านการออกแบบอื่นๆ ที่มากกว่า WELL Building Standard เพื่อยกระดับไปสู่การสร้างความเป็นอยู่ที่ดีให้กับทุกชีวิต (For All Well-Being) Design for Well-Being Activity นำความรู้จาก WELL Building Standard มาประยุกต์ใช้ในการทำแบบจำลองโครงการ ผู้เรียนจะได้เรียนรู้การออกแบบอาคารและโครงการที่สอดคล้องกับมาตรฐาน เพื่อสร้างความเป็นอยู่ที่ดีให้กับโครงการและผู้ใช้งาน DTGO CampUs Tour การเยี่ยมชมโครงการ DTGO CampUs และเรียนรู้เบื้องหลังการออกแบบจากสถาปนิกผู้ออกแบบโดยตรง​ สำรวจโครงการที่ได้รับการออกแบบด้วย WELL Building Standard พร้อมคำอธิบายจากผู้เชี่ยวชาญ เรียนรู้เกี่ยวกับองค์ประกอบการออกแบบและกลยุทธ์ที่นำไปใช้เพื่อให้สอดคล้องกับมาตรฐาน พร้อมเปิดมุมมองจริงในการสร้างสิ่งแวดล้อมที่ดีและยั่งยืน

How Trees Can Forecast the Weather

By RISC | 3 weeks ago

We all know how a tree's rings reveal its age. But did you know how the color and width of these rings tell us about past weather?Trees respond to their environment through biological processes that are crucial to their survival. These responses include changes in growth due to moisture and temperature fluctuations, seasonal adaptations like leaf shedding, and alerts sent by roots or airborne chemicals when disturbed. Even the growth of trunks and branches adjusts to withstand wind forces.Weather patterns, such as consistent rainfall or extreme heat, affect flowering and growth. Some trees store energy to wait for optimal conditions before reproducing. A striking example is the Yangna (Dipterocarpus alatus).Yangna trees have a remarkable ability to forecast weather based on their flowering and fruiting patterns. These behaviors are influenced by environmental factors like humidity, temperature, and rainfall. A Yangna with abundant flowers and fruits often signals an impending rainy season with lots of rainfall. Prof. Nopphorn Nontapa studied the relationship between Yangna flowering and rainfall for over a decade to collect data for predicting rainfall in various locations. The patterns can even provide insight into the direction of approaching storms.Trees don’t forecast weather in the same way we do. But their evolutionary adaptations are highly effective for survival. The older a tree, the more accurate its record of local climate conditions becomes.​Story by: Kotchakorn Rattanama, Biodiversity Researcher, RISC​Reference by Forest Plantation School

Give Old Carpets a New Life: Creative Reuse Ideas

By RISC | 1 month ago

Carpets are popular decorative elements in homes and offices. Their patterns, colors, and textures offer several benefits, reducing noise and the risk of falls while protecting floor surfaces. Some carpets even improve air quality by trapping dust and microorganisms.But carpets deteriorate over time, losing their color and texture while accumulating dirt and dust. We eventually need to replace them. And then they become a challenging waste item.Why Are Carpets Hard to Recycle?Carpets are complex products made from multiple materials. The pile layer (top surface) is typically composed of natural or synthetic fibers and is attached to its backing by styrene-butadiene rubber (SBR), a thermoset plastic. This construction makes separating the components for recycling particularly difficult. Most discarded carpets therefore end up in landfills or are incinerated, which poses significant environmental risks.The plastics used in carpets can take hundreds of years to decompose, releasing microplastics, heavy metals, dyes, and persistent chemicals like perfluorinated compounds (PFOS, PFOA) into soil and water sources. These substances are resistant to environmental breakdown, bioaccumulate in food chains, and pose serious health risks. For example, consuming fish exposed to contaminated waters may result in these harmful chemicals entering our bodies.Sustainable Solutions for Carpet WasteThe most effective way to manage carpet waste is through reuse, which minimizes resource consumption and avoids complex processes. When carpets are too damaged to be reused, recycling becomes a viable option. This can be done through:- Mechanical Recycling: Shredding and reprocessing carpets into new products, such as soundproofing panels or flooring sheets. However, these products often have lower quality than the original.- Chemical Recycling: Breaking down carpet fibers through processes like depolymerization to produce materials comparable to virgin fibers or pyrolysis to obtain raw materials for chemical production or fuel.While chemical recycling yields higher-value products, it is most effective for carpets made from single fiber types that can be easily separated.Currently, commercial recycling efforts are limited to specific fibers, such as Nylon 6 or polypropylene (PP), due to challenges in collection, economic feasibility, and repurposing recycled plastics. Manufacturers can improve recycling efficiency by designing carpets with fewer components and easily separable materials.Moving Toward a Sustainable FutureEffective carpet waste management is key to conserving resources, reducing environmental impacts, and fostering sustainability. By rethinking carpet design and promoting advanced recycling technologies, we can pave the way toward a greener future.Story by: Supunnapang Raksawong, Materials Researcher in Sustainable Building Material, RISCReferences:Carpet Recycling UK https://carpetrecyclinguk.com/​Sotayo et al., 2015. Carpet recycling: A review of recycled carpets for structural composites. Environmental Technology & Innovation, 3, 97-107.

Neuromarketing and Facial Emotion Detection

By RISC | 1 month ago

We looked at neuromarketing in our last post (read it here: https://bit.ly/40LGLjL). Beyond methods like eye tracking and galvanic skin response (GSR), there are other fascinating technologies such as facial emotion detection.Facial emotion detection is another effective method for understanding customer emotions on a deeper level—emotions that may not be expressed through words or surveys. Key techniques for detecting emotions from facial expressions include:Analyzing Facial Action Units (AUs)The Facial Action Coding System (FACS) categorizes facial movements into "Action Units", which correspond to specific muscle movements, such as raising the eyebrows (AU1) or squinting (AU7). These movements help interpret emotions with greater precision. Frowning may indicate confusion, for example, while smiling and cheek-raising suggest happiness.Using Artificial Intelligence (AI)Advancements in AI, particularly Convolutional Neural Networks (CNNs), have enhanced the accuracy of emotion detection. CNNs are trained on diverse datasets of facial expressions, capturing complex and nuanced emotions. This technology can recognize emotions even under varying lighting conditions and across different cultural contexts.Applications of Facial Emotion Detection in Neuromarketing. Here are some primary ways this technology is applied in neuromarketing:- Evaluating Event Emotions: Facial emotion detection is a valuable tool for monitoring audience emotions during events, providing real-time insights into satisfaction and engagement levels. This data is especially useful for large-scale events where individual surveys are impractical.- Ad Response and Optimization: During ad testing, businesses can use facial emotion detection to analyze emotional responses to new campaigns. Positive emotions like joy and surprise—or lack of interest—can inform adjustments to improve engagement and reduce negative reactions.- Designing Attractive Products: When launching new packaging or features, emotion detection helps gauge initial emotional responses. Adjustments to design, color, or messaging can be made to align with target customer preferences, enhancing product appeal.- Measuring Interest and Optimizing Retail Layouts: Understanding customers’ facial expressions in stores can create a more positive shopping experience. Emotion data can reveal areas of interest or confusion, enabling better layout adjustments.Challenges and Ethical Considerations: While emotion detection is powerful, it has privacy limitations. Using sensitive personal data requires explicit user consent and transparency to build trust. Additionally, cultural differences in emotional expressions and technical factors like lighting, camera quality, and facial obstructions can affect accuracy.Transforming Neuromarketing: In a world where emotions drive most decisions, facial emotion detection is revolutionizing neuromarketing. It helps businesses understand consumer feelings and refine marketing strategies to resonate with diverse audience segments more effectively.Want to know more about neuromarketing? Get in touch now with RISC:Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/riscwellbeing  ​LINE Official: risc_center-------------------------------------------------------Story by Sittha Preedapirat, Senior Researcher, Brain Computer Interface, Happiness Science Hub, RISC

"Low-Carbon Materials": A Pathway to Net Zero

By RISC | 2 months ago

Could new materials unlock low-carbon construction?Property developers are increasingly interested in low-carbon materials as new design approaches and energy efficiency cannot achieve net-zero on their own.Construction is a major contributor to global carbon emissions. Buildings generate 28% of their emissions from energy used during operation (Operational Carbon) and 11% from materials and construction processes (Embodied Carbon).There is therefore a growing focus on low-carbon materials. The carbon reduction is assessed throughout the material's lifecycle, from raw material extraction, production, and transport to usage and disposal. Products evaluated with a Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) can verify these lower emissions (read more at https://bit.ly/3S8zWkd).Evaluating the carbon emissions from building materials and construction processes across all phases has become a key strategy, alongside energy-efficient buildings and the use of renewable energy.Imagine if we had low-carbon materials that could be regrown or even absorb carbon… Which option will lead us to global net zero? Find out at "Timber Construction: The Future of Sustainable Building."16 December at the Clubhouse of Mulberry Grove The Forestias Villas. Register now at https://bit.ly/3O3NVs1 30 seats only! Early Bird: 3,900 THB (Regular price: 4,900 THB) until 6 December. Payment: V BEFORE ME CORPORATION COMPANY LIMITED  Bangkok Bank Account No. 133-5-47655-0 ----------------------------------------------Story by Saritorn Amornjaruchit, Assistant Vice President of RISCReferences:  World Green Building Council, 2019

Will This Winter Be Cold?

By RISC | 2 months ago

You might have already started to feel a cool breeze early in the morning. It’s a subtle sign that we’re now in winter.But will Thailand actually get cold this year? The best place to look for an answer is the Meteorological Department.Thailand usually enters winter around mid-October when the northeast monsoon begins to cover the country, according to past data. This shift brings unpredictable weather as we leave the rainy season. Before winter officially starts, the department forecasts coming weather patterns and shares this information with the public so you can be ready. This long-range forecast is based on statistical methods and climate models.Long-range forecasting, looking ahead more than 10 days, uses meteorological theories along with data from both ground and upper atmospheric observation systems. These measurements include air temperature, relative humidity, atmospheric pressure, wind speed and direction. Data from radar and meteorological satellites further enhance the forecast’s accuracy.The seasonal forecast uses the Climate Predictability Tool (CPT) developed by the International Research Institute for Climate and Society at Columbia University. This forecast largely relies on sea surface temperature predictions alongside other meteorological data.So, will it be cold this winter?The Meteorological Department expects winter to start later than usual. Northern Thailand, including the north, northeast, central, and eastern regions, will experience colder weather than last year, with average lows of 20-21°C. In Bangkok, the lowest temperature is expected to be 16-18°C. Surrounding areas may reach 14-16°C. The coldest period will likely be from early December to January. Provinces like Mae Hong Son, Chiang Rai, Phayao, Nan, Loei, Sakon Nakhon, and Nakhon Phanom could see temperatures below 8°C. Meanwhile, southern Thailand may experience some cool areas but will still see lots of rain.The change in the weather may increase the risk of illness. Look after your family, especially children, the elderly, and those with chronic conditions. Be sure you’ve got warm clothing for the cooler weather.Story by: Sirapach Mangkang, Geographic Information System (GIS) specialist, RISCReference:https://tmd.go.th/info/%E0%B8%A4%E0%B8%94%E0%B8%81%E0%B8%B2%E0%B8%A5%E0%B8%82%E0%B8%AD%E0%B8%87%E0%B8%9B%E0%B8%A3%E0%B8%B0%E0%B9%80%E0%B8%97%E0%B8%A8%E0%B9%84%E0%B8%97%E0%B8%A2​http://climate.tmd.go.th/content/category/4​http://climate.tmd.go.th/content/category/6​

How to Boost Sales with Neuromarketing?

By RISC | 2 months ago

Companies are focusing more on marketing to reach their target market and bring in revenue.New technology now helps them research thoughts, feelings, and interests in response to products, advertisements, or signs, as well as purchasing decisions. Let’s see what this "neuromarketing" can offer.Neuromarketing combines neuroscience and marketing. It aims to apply the knowledge and tools used in neuroscience and psychology to marketing tasks to enhance communication to fit the target audience and meet objectives. It includes product packaging, posters, TV or online advertisements, billboards, and websites. It also involves studying psychology to determine product placement on store shelves, the optimal positioning of billboards where people can clearly see and read key messages, or even designing customer walkthrough paths in large shopping malls. Neuromarketing is also applied in many other areas.As neuromarketing is a scientific process, various tools are used to understand customer emotions and interests. One tool is eye-tracking to evaluate what customers are interested in, reading, or looking at on a product or advertisement. Eye-tracking can measure in two forms: Heatmap Analysis: This provides an overall view of where people are looking in an advertisement, product display, store area, poster, and so on. Gaze Plot Analysis: This examines the sequence and duration of eye movements, giving insights into customers' automatic interest, which can be applied to future product design and placement. Another commonly used tool is Galvanic Skin Response (GSR), which measures skin resistance. Normally, when the human body experiences stress, the skin’s resistance increases as the body sweats. GSR is often used in video advertisements, short films, or movies to analyze the emotional responses of viewers—whether they are feeling more relaxed or stressed during certain parts of the advertisement—and whether this matches the objectives of the ad or video.Neuromarketing could could play a major role in increasing sales through scientific methods. In the next installment, we’ll dive deeper into the details. Stay tuned on the RISC page.If you’d like to know more about neuromarketing, get in touch with RISC at:RISC FB: https://www.facebook.com/riscwellbeingRISC LINE Official: risc_center​Story by Nattapat Tanjariyaporn, Senior Researcher in Brain Computer Interface, RISC​