Cover story: Airborne environmental DNA (eDNA) is an emerging non-invasive approach for biodiversity monitoring at global scales. By integrating standardized sampling and multi-omics sequencing, this approach can capture genetic material from a wide range of taxa, from viruses and microorganisms to vertebrates, using a single air sample, enabling characterization of spatiotemporal distribution patterns across taxa. Satellite remote sensing and artificial intelligence (AI) further extend the capacity of monitoring systems spanning urban and natural ecosystems. Coupled with environmental and land-use data, and machine learning-based analysis, this framework enables assessment of pathogen transmission risks and investigation of community assembly and succession patterns, providing insights into ecosystem health.

Wang, X.; Wang, G.; Sun, Z. Atmospheric Environmental DNA: Integrating Biodiversity Monitoring with Global Ecological Forecasting. Glob. Environ. Sci. 2026, 2 (2), 224–229.

Back cover story: Emerging contaminants, including microplastics, persistent organic pollutants, endocrine-disrupting chemicals, and antibiotics, enter the human body through multiple exposure pathways such as ingestion, inhalation, dermal contact, and maternal transfer. These pollutants exert systemic and long-term health effects, including endocrine disruption, neurotoxicity, immunotoxicity, and transgenerational impacts. This graphic illustrates the complex pathways and integrated health risks associated with low-dose, chronic exposure to emerging contaminants.

Zhou, Y.; Yang, X.; Zhang, Y.; et al. Exposure to Emerging Contaminants and Health Effects: A Stealthy Health Challenge. Glob. Environ. Sci. 2026, 2 (2), 128–144.