Simple laws in complex systems

Uncovering simple laws in complex systems to spark cross-domain insights

Our research aim to uncover the simple laws behind the complexity of natural and human-dominated systems, and to cross-pollinate these laws across disparate domains for unexpected discoveries. 

Drawing from biogeochemistry, theoretical ecology, and complexity science, our work integrates the power of data-mining, fieldwork, and remote sensing to feed into our theoretical quest for transferable organizing laws.

Research themes

Belowground ecology: from root traits to global biogeochemistry

Selected relevant publications:

Zhang, Y., Cao, J., Lu, M., Kardol P., Fan, G., Kong, D. (2023) “Origin of bi-dimensionality in plant root traits”. Trends in Ecology and Evolution Link

Lu, M.*, Wang, S., Malhotra, A., Tumber-Dávila, S.J., Weintraub-Leff, S., McCormack, L., Wang, X.T., Jackson, R.B. (2022) “A continental scale analysis reveals widespread root bimodality”. bioRxiv/2022/507823 Link

Lu, M.*, Bond, W.J., Sheffer, E., Cramer, M.D., West, A.D., Allsopp, N., February, E.C., Chimphango, S., Ma, Z., Slingsby, J.A., Hedin, L.O.  (2022) “Biome boundary maintained by intense belowground resource competition in world’s thinnest-rooted plant community”. PNAS, 119(9). Link; ScienceNews; UCTPress; PrincetonPress; SFIPress

Lu, M.* & Hedin, L.O. (2019). “Global plant-symbiont organization and emergence of biogeochemical cycles resolved by evolution-based trait modelling”. Nature Ecology & Evolution 3(2): 239-50. Link; Press; Elizabeth Sulzman Award

Ma, Z.*, Guo, D.*, Xu, X., Lu, M., Bardgett, R.D., Eissenstat, D.M., McCormack, M.L. and Hedin, L.O.* (2018). “Evolutionary history resolves global organization of root functional traits.” Nature 555: 94-97. Link; PrincetonPress

Ecological regime shifts and Hidden feedbacks

Relevant publications

Liao, J.†, Lu, M.*, Gu, H., Wang, J., Jing, X., He, J-S. (2023) “Warming-induced shifts on Tibetan Plateau: the overlooked ants and their ecological impacts”. Landscape Ecology (†graduate student advisee) Link

Vasconcelos, V. V.*, Marquitti, F. M. D.*, Ong, T.*, McManus, L. C.*, Aguiar, M., Campos, A., Dutta, P., Jovanelly, K., Junquera, V., Kong, J., Krüger, E., Liao, W., Lu, M., Mittal, D., Pascual, M., Pinheiro, F., Rocha, J., Santos, F. P., Sloot, P., Levin, S., Terpstra, S., Su, C., Taylor, B., Tilman, A., Tekwa, E. W., Zhan, Q., Yang, L., Yitbarek, S., Watson, J. (2023) “Rate-Induced Transitions in Networked Complex Adaptive Systems: Exploring Dynamics and Management Implications Across Ecological, Social, and Socioecological Systems” arXiv:2309.07449

Lu, M.*, Bond, W.J., Sheffer, E., Cramer, M.D., West, A.D., Allsopp, N., February, E.C., Chimphango, S., Ma, Z., Slingsby, J.A., Hedin, L.O.  (2022) “Biome boundary maintained by intense belowground resource competition in world’s thinnest-rooted plant community”. PNAS, 119(9). Link; ScienceNews; UCTPress; PrincetonPress; SFIPress

Relevant publications

Ma, S., Lu, M., Yang, G. , Zhi, Y., Ouyang, Z., Huang, N. ,Zhou, C.* (2024) “Carbon-negative transition by utilizing overlooked carbon stock of landfills” The Innovation Geoscience

Lu, M­.*, Zhou, C., Wang, C., Jackson, R.B., Kempes, C.P.* (2024). “Worldwide scaling law of waste production in urban systems” Nature Cities, 1, 126-135