We designed the turf for soccer’s biggest World Cup ever – here’s how we created the same playing experience across 3 countries

By John N. Trey Rogers, Professor of Turfgrass Research, Michigan State University
Jackie Lyn A. Guevara, Assistant Professor of Turfgrass Management, Michigan State University
John Sorochan, Professor of Plant Sciences, University of Tennessee
Ryan Bearss, Research Assistant in Plant, Soil and Microbial Sciences, Michigan State University

The new playing fields are rolling out in stadiums from Mexico to Canada. Creating the perfect pitch in very different climates requires the right grasses and some creative tricks.

Read complete article

~	Israel’s onslaught against Lebanon may strengthen Hezbollah – just when it’s at its weakest

~	Eating fruit is linked to lung cancer? Here’s what you need to know about that new study

~	Golden eagles in England? Here’s the ecological case for bringing them back

~	The fake disease that fooled the internet — and what it says about all of us

~	The 10 pence pill that underpins diabetes care – and may do much more besides

~	Five books about the lives of musicians that are stonking good reads

~	The old adage that people leave managers, not companies is true – but only up to a point

~	Burkina Faso: Crackdown on Civil Society

~	Mint: new BBC crime drama is visually dazzling but emotionally thin

~	When oil prices spike, where does the money go?