Forest therapy is known to promote physical and mental well-being, but its specific impact on physiological and psychological recovery in university students, particularly across genders, remains underexplored. This study examined the effects of a five-hour forest therapy session involving sensory-based activities on 48 students (30 males and 18 females). The key outcomes measured included pulse rate, heart rate variability (HRV), and mood states. Significant reductions in pulse rate and anxiety were observed, with females showing greater physiological and emotional recovery. These findings suggest that forest therapy may serve as an effective intervention for stress relief, particularly for females, and highlight the potential of sensory-based therapies in promoting student well-being.

GOLDEN2-LIKE (GLK) transcription factors are crucial regulators of chloroplast development and stress responses in plants. In this study, we investigated the GLK gene family in Phoebe bournei (Hemsl.) Yen C. Yang, a near-threatened species important for forestry and wood utilization in China. We identified 61 PbGLK genes which were classified into seven subfamilies. Our analyses of their phylogenetic relationships, gene structures, and chromosomal distribution revealed diverse characteristics. Expression profiling under different tissues and abiotic stresses showed that PbGLK25 and PbGLK30 were particularly responsive to drought, heat, light, and shade stresses, with significant upregulation. These findings highlight the potential role of PbGLK genes in stress adaptation and provide insights for the genetic improvement of P. bournei.