One of the greatest challenges in the field of Earth sciences is comprehending the processes that occur in magma prior to a volcanic eruption. Why do certain volcanoes produce peaceful lava flows while others cause sudden and destructive explosions? What processes drive these phenomena? Most importantly, can they be read more precisely in order to improve volcanic risk monitoring and prevention? These questions serve as the foundation for a study published in the scientific journal Nature Communications by the University of Manchester (UK), the University of Camerino, the University of Milano-Bicocca, the INGV in Catania, the Universities of Bristol and Grenoble, the Diamond Light Source laboratory, the CNRS in Toulouse, and the University of Hannover. The work provides a unique approach known as "4D", which combines three-dimensional reconstruction of volcanic rocks with temporal dimension, allowing the evolution of magma to be viewed in real time in the laboratory. Researchers used sophisticated high-pressure and high-temperature experiments to recreate the conditions inside magma chambers, directly witnessing crystal formation, growth, and dissolution as magma temperature changed. The study is especially important for Italy, one of the European countries with the highest volcanic risk and millions of people living near active volcanoes like Etna, Vesuvius, and Campi Flegrei. Improving our understanding of the processes that lead up to an eruption can help us enhance forecasting models and monitoring tactics, which has significant implications for risk management and population safety.