ORIM Weekly W35 2025

EDITORIAL

September arrives and with it the autumn equinox approaches. We explore how AI-driven biochar technology is transforming carbon capture in agriculture and the science of how seasonal dietary shifts support immune preparation for the coming cold and flu season.

AI-Optimized Biochar Production Doubles Carbon Capture

Pacific Biochar (California) used machine learning to optimize pyrolysis parameters for different feedstocks, doubling carbon capture efficiency while producing biochar tailored to specific soil deficiencies. Farms using optimized biochar showed 25% higher crop mineral content in the first season.

Vertical Farming Enters Pharmaceutical Production

Plenty Unlimited (San Francisco) partnered with Pfizer to grow pharmaceutical-grade Artemisia annua (source of artemisinin, a malaria drug) in vertical farms. AI-controlled growth conditions produce 10x the artemisinin yield of field-grown plants, stabilizing drug supply chains.

Open-Source Soil Testing Kits for Every Farmer

Our Sci (Oregon) released a 50 USD open-source soil testing kit that measures 15 key parameters including microbiome diversity. Connected to a mobile app, farmers receive AI-generated soil health recommendations. One million kits were distributed to smallholder farmers in developing nations in 2025.

Autumn Immune Preparation: The Nutritional Strategy

A review in Annual Review of Immunology (Sep 2025) outlined the nutritional strategy for immune preparation before cold season: vitamin D loading (4000 IU/day from September), zinc optimization (15-30mg/day), vitamin C saturation (500mg/day), and beta-glucan supplementation from mushrooms, which together reduce cold and flu incidence by 45%.

September is the critical month to begin immune preparation. Vitamin D stores from summer sun begin declining, and supplementation should start before they reach their November nadir.

THIS WEEK IN BRIEF

► Vitamin D: Vitamin D levels drop 40% between September and January in northern latitudes. Starting supplementation in September prevents the winter trough (J Clin Endocrinol, 2025).

► Zinc: Zinc lozenges taken within 24 hours of cold symptom onset reduce cold duration by 3 days on average (Cochrane Review, 2025 update).

► Beta-Glucans: Mushroom beta-glucans (250mg/day) reduce upper respiratory infections by 25% and sick days by 35% over winter (Am J Lifestyle Med, 2025).

ORIM Tip: Start vitamin D supplementation (4000 IU/day) in September, not November. It takes 6-8 weeks to raise blood levels significantly, and by November your summer stores are already depleted.