Multidisciplinary teams have developed new techniques for agriculture and environmental sustainability: the Rice Blast Index (RBI) employs UAV hyperspectral imaging for early fungal disease detection. Michigan State University revealed the enzymatic role of NrfA in improving nitrogen retention in soils, mitigating fertilizer loss and environmental damage. Advances in soft robotics at Rice University introduced a laser-driven, AI-powered robotic arm for precise motion without wires. In marine conservation, AI aids oyster reef monitoring, while drones and AI track harbor seal population declines.