Core Insights - Rare earth elements are essential strategic resources in high-tech fields such as artificial intelligence, renewable energy, and national defense, but traditional mining methods cause significant environmental damage [1][2] - A study published in the journal "Environmental Science & Technology" reveals that the plant "Osmunda japonica" can accumulate rare earth elements and form a mineral called "lanthanite," marking the first observation of biogenic mineralization of rare earths in natural plants [1][4] Group 1 - The research team discovered that "Osmunda japonica" acts as a "rare earth vacuum cleaner," efficiently absorbing and concentrating rare earth elements from the soil [1][4] - The process involves the precipitation of rare earth elements in the form of nanoparticles within the plant's vascular bundles and epidermal tissues, which then crystallize into phosphate rare earth minerals [1][4] - This mechanism serves as a protective strategy for the plant, effectively "packaging" toxic rare earth ions into mineral structures, thus detoxifying them [1][4] Group 2 - The biogenic lanthanite formed by "Osmunda japonica" is pure and free of radioactive elements, presenting a promising green extraction potential compared to traditional mining methods [2][4] - The study highlights the previously underestimated mineralization capabilities of plants, opening new avenues for research on nearly a thousand known hyperaccumulating plant species [4] - The findings suggest a sustainable approach to rare earth resource utilization, where planting hyperaccumulating species like "Osmunda japonica" can aid in soil remediation while recovering valuable rare earths, achieving a green circular economy [4]