关于稀土，有重要新发现

Core Insights - Researchers have discovered a significant accumulation of rare earth elements in a fern species called "U毛蕨" and observed the self-assembly of these elements into a mineral known as "lanthanite" within plant tissues, marking the first instance of biogenic mineralization of rare earth elements in natural plants [1][2][4] - This discovery offers a new pathway for sustainable utilization of rare earth resources, which are critical in key sectors such as artificial intelligence, renewable energy, and national defense, while traditional mining methods pose ecological risks [1][4] Group 1 - The study published on November 5 in the journal "Environmental Science & Technology" highlights the potential of U毛蕨 as a "rare earth vacuum cleaner" that efficiently absorbs and concentrates rare earth elements from the environment [1][4] - The process of rare earth element accumulation in U毛蕨 involves the precipitation of these elements in nanoparticle form, which then crystallize into lanthanite, serving as a protective mechanism for the plant [2][4] Group 2 - The biogenic lanthanite formed by U毛蕨 is free from radioactive elements like uranium and thorium, which are commonly found in natural lanthanite, presenting a cleaner alternative for rare earth extraction [4] - The findings suggest that cultivating U毛蕨 and similar hyperaccumulator plants could facilitate soil remediation and recovery of valuable rare earth elements, promoting a green recycling model that combines environmental restoration with resource recovery [4]