Scientists examine how oleic acid reacts with ozone and water molecules in the atmosphere, producing hazardous byproducts that can cause respiratory problems. The researchers aim to measure the exact amount of these byproducts formed during reactions.
Researchers at the University of Rochester Medical Center have discovered that S. mutans, the primary bacterium responsible for tooth decay, has a vulnerable gene called fabM that enables it to withstand acidic environments. By targeting this gene, scientists may be able to develop new compounds to kill S. mutans and reduce cavities.
Researchers found that under drought conditions, tropical forests and desert ecosystems have similar maximum rain-use efficiency, a measure of total plant growth per unit of precipitation. This discovery indicates an upper limit to ecosystem productivity, which may impact climate change scenarios.
Fortifying food supply with folic acid can markedly lower the risk of neural tube defects in offspring, such as spina bifida. The long-term safety of folic acid has been debated, but fortification is considered a better way to reach most women worldwide.
Research papers in Geophysical Research Letters and Journal of Geophysical Research-Atmospheres have shed light on various atmospheric phenomena. Brown et al.'s study found near-equal rates of nitric acid formation during day and night, while Chatfield et al. attribute seasonal ozone density over the South Atlantic to pollution sources...
Researchers found that black women with high blood pressure during pregnancy had the highest homocysteine levels, while white women had lower levels. The study suggests increasing folic acid intake among blacks to mitigate this risk. Homocysteine levels are influenced by diet and genetic factors.
Researchers have successfully produced triacetic acid lactone (TAL) by combining the fatty acid biosynthetic pathway with glucose, offering an alternative to traditional methods using petroleum or chemicals. This breakthrough enables the production of TATB, a more stable and sensitive explosive than TNT.
A research team led by University of Maine scientists has documented that treating a watershed with additional acids accelerates the loss of critical nutrients calcium and magnesium. The experimentally induced nutrient depletion highlights the impact of acid rain on Maine's forests.
A recent study found that folic acid fortification was associated with a significant decline in stroke-related mortality rates. The researchers estimated that 31,000 stroke-associated deaths and 17,000 deaths related to ischemic heart disease may have been prevented each year since fortification was implemented.
A NASA study suggests that warming temperatures will lead to more warm rain, which accounts for 31% of global rainfall. The increase in precipitation efficiency could make the air lighter and rise faster, creating updrafts producing more cold rain.
A randomized trial found that high doses of folic acid, vitamin B6, and vitamin B12 did not lower the risk of recurrent stroke. However, moderate reduction in blood amino acid levels was associated with a lower risk of stroke, heart disease, and death.
Researchers at Ohio State University found that sulfuric acid combines with methanol to form methyl sulfate, which can contribute to cloud formation and trapping of heat. This interaction may have a significant impact on global climate change, but the conditions required for its formation are still not fully understood.
A study found that ponderosa pine and Douglas fir needles can reduce water flow erosion by up to 60% and rain-induced erosion by up to 80%. Researchers used artificial rain laboratory experiments to test the effectiveness of needle cover in preventing post-fire soil erosion.
A new treatment using 15% azelaic acid gel has been shown to be more effective than metronidazole gel in reducing rosacea symptoms. Patients who used the azelaic acid gel experienced a greater reduction in redness and lesion count compared to those who used metronidazole gel.
Researchers found a significant decline in neuroblastoma diagnoses after the mandatory folic acid food fortification program was introduced. The study suggests that maternal folic acid intake may play a role in preventing this aggressive and deadly form of childhood cancer.
Researchers found that a significant portion of folic acid is poorly absorbed by the body due to its conversion into the monoglutamate form, affecting overall absorption rates. The study suggests increasing dietary advice or product formulations with more easily absorbable forms of folic acid could help address this issue.
Researchers found steady, light rain in central Pacific during El Niño, which differs from thunderstorms. This type of rain affects air movement and jet stream patterns, leading to improved rainfall forecasts worldwide.
Researchers discover new method to produce acetic acid directly from methane, reducing production costs and environmental impact. The breakthrough uses a palladium-based catalyst, but further development is needed to achieve commercial viability.
A study by Dr. Joel Ray found that folic acid fortification has no immediate effect on the incidence of Trisomy 21 (Down Syndrome) in Canada. Research suggests that genetic mutations may occur before fetal development, making folic acid supplementation less effective in preventing the condition.
A study by scientists at PNNL and UC-Irvine clarifies the role of sea salt in sulfur chemistry, enabling more accurate predictions of acid deposition and global climate. Sea salt particles can absorb substantial amounts of sulfur dioxide, converting it to sulfuric acid.
A NASA study found that urban heat islands in coastal cities like Houston cause warmer air to rise, interact with sea breezes, and create heavier rainfall. The study also suggests that this effect may be more pronounced near coasts.
A University of Minnesota study has found that tauroursodeoxycholic acid (TUDCA) significantly reduces injury associated with hemorrhagic strokes in rats. The bile acid crosses the blood-brain barrier and induces survival pathways while inhibiting destructive ones, leading to a 50% decrease in lesion volume.
The study found that many Adirondack lakes have marked decreases in sulfate ion levels and increases in pH and Acid Neutralizing Capacity (ANC), indicating a shift towards more neutral water conditions. However, the rate of improvement is slow, suggesting that recovery may take several decades if current emissions are maintained.
A study by Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health found that folic acid-iron supplementation reduced the incidence of low birth weight by 16% and multiple micronutrient supplements by 14%. This research aims to improve maternal health and child survival in developing countries
Climate change projections indicate an increase in heavy precipitation and extreme events in California's Sierra Nevada region, with a 37% rise in wet days per year. This could lead to more flooding due to the shift from snowfall to rainfall, reducing the buffering effects of snow.
A significant body of evidence suggests that folic acid supplements have no association with an increased likelihood of having a multiple birth. In this large-scale Chinese study, around 240,000 women who used daily folic acid supplements did not show a higher rate of multiple births compared to those who did not use supplements.
New England waters show little net change in acidity despite Clean Air Act reductions, researchers say; further changes expected as nitrogen regulations take effect.
A study found that conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) supplements reduced body mass and improved management of adult-onset diabetes. Higher CLA levels were linked to lower leptin levels, a hormone regulating fat levels.
Research reveals a strong link between poor amino acid breakdown and increased heart disease risk. Folic acid supplementation shows promise in reducing homocysteine levels and associated cardiovascular disease.
Researchers gather data from an unusual storm over the Amazon rainforest to analyze the storm's inner workings, revealing a two-phase process where both precipitation forms at lower altitudes and higher in the atmosphere. The study provides new insight into storm intensity and hazards, which should be avoided by aircraft.
A study found that folic acid fortification of grain foods in Ontario, Canada reduced the risk of neural tube defects from 1.13 to 0.58 per 1000 births. The researchers recommend adopting a programme of folic-acid food fortification and increased use of periconceptional folic acid tablets.
Rain-on-snow events are projected to affect reindeer herds in northern regions, causing food shortages and potentially devastating impacts. Climate change is predicted to increase the frequency and duration of these events, with a 40% increase in land area affected by 2080-89.
A new study suggests that future extreme rain events could cause significant crop losses and damages, particularly in the US Corn Belt. The researchers used a modified crop model to simulate the effects of excess soil moisture on corn crops, finding potential damages up to $3 billion per year by the 2030s.
Researchers found that linoleic acid significantly improved vasodilatory responses and decreased systolic blood pressures in spontaneously hypertensive rats. The study also showed that linoleic acid administration improved spatial reference memory in older SHRs, suggesting a positive link between D1 receptor density and cognitive funct...
Acid rain is harming wood thrush populations, with declines of up to 5% annually in regions with high acidity. The decline may be related to leaching of calcium from the soil, affecting food availability and breeding success.
Research at Cornell University found that cooking sweet corn increases its antioxidant activity by up to 53% and ferulic acid content by 900%. This boost is due to the release of bound ferulic acid during high-temperature cooking.
Researchers discovered that tauroursodeoxycholic acid (TUDCA) can cross the blood-brain barrier and reduce apoptosis in mice with the HD gene, improving neurological cell function. The bile acid's anti-apoptotic qualities may also have potential for treating other chronic neurodegenerative conditions.
A new study reveals acid rain's damage to American forests is more widespread than believed, potentially creating compromised immune systems in trees. The study suggests that acid rain can suppress the capacity of trees to survive environmental stresses, with far-reaching consequences for forest ecosystems and wildlife.
New research suggests that acid rain can deplete the nutrient pool available to trees in forests, making them more vulnerable to acid rain's effects. This finding has important implications for industrially influenced forests in the northeastern United States and Europe.
A NASA study found that urban heat islands create more summer rain over and downwind of major cities worldwide. The increased heat promotes rising air and alters weather patterns, leading to higher rainfall rates in urban areas.
Researchers found that high-fat diets lead to an accumulation of lithocholic acid, a toxic compound produced when the body processes cholesterol. The vitamin D receptor plays a crucial role in eliminating this acid, which may help prevent colon cancer. However, excessive vitamin D intake can cause other health issues.
Researchers found that certain wetlands were successful in cleaning up acid mine drainage due to factors such as low water acidity and minimal destruction of native plants. However, clogging of limestone drains was a common issue, highlighting the need for regular maintenance and larger constructed wetlands.
A massive weather study is underway in Kansas, Oklahoma, and Texas, using six aircraft and 30 ground sensors to track water vapor and predict heavy rain. The IHOP2002 project aims to improve forecasts from 1 to 12 hours ahead of heavy rain, which could help in flash-flood safety and other applications.
Thomas B. Rauchfuss's research focuses on metal sulfides that act as catalysts, taking sulfur out of oil and coal to reduce acid rain. His work aims to improve the efficiency and understanding of these catalysts to create cleaner fuels.
Researchers found that folic acid deficiency led to decreased neurons and increased homocysteine levels, causing DNA damage in the hippocampus. Adequate folate intake helped repair this damage, suggesting a possible cause-effect relationship between folic acid and Alzheimer's disease prevention
Levels of nitrogen and sulfuric acid have decreased moderately in some Adirondack lakes, suggesting a decline in acidic levels. Long-term data is needed to confirm the changes and understand the underlying causes.
A NASA-funded study reveals that ancient South American forests hold the key to understanding US ecosystems before the industrial revolution. The study finds complex organic compounds as the main form of nitrogen in unpolluted ecosystems, contradicting previous beliefs about inorganic nitrogen.
A Princeton University study reveals that South American forests offer a glimpse into pre-industrial US ecosystems, showing complex organic compounds as the main form of nitrogen in unpolluted ecosystems. The findings suggest that high levels of inorganic nitrogen in the US are mainly due to acid rain and agricultural fertilizers.
Researchers found that supplementing with both folic acid and vitamin B12 can significantly lower homocysteine concentrations. This suggests that a dual-fortification policy could be more effective in reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease. The study's findings have implications for food fortification policies worldwide.
Researchers found that inhibiting acid production made stomachs more vulnerable to bacterial invasion and gastritis. The study suggests that antibiotics are the best way to kill bacteria causing gastritis and eliminate inflammation. Inhibiting acid production can actually trigger an inflammatory response, making gastritis worse.
A new study by Howard Hughes Medical Institute researchers suggests that bacterial overgrowth, rather than stomach acidity, may be a major cause of stomach ulcers. The study found that proton pump inhibitors can actually promote the growth of other types of bacteria, including Lactobacillus and Staphylococcus.
Linoleic acid significantly induced mRNA transcripts of inflammatory genes, while oleic acid showed protective effects on arterial endothelial cells. This study highlights the importance of plasma fatty acid concentrations in vascular disease research.
Government-mandated folic acid fortification has improved red blood cell folate levels by more than expected, benefiting women of childbearing age and other populations. This increase is also linked to reduced homocysteine levels, a risk factor for vascular disease, heart attacks, strokes, and certain cancers.
The TRMM satellite is continuing to collect data on various climate and weather questions, including the formation of snowflakes and raindrops inside clouds. Microscopic dust and soot particles are found to interfere with rain formation in 'dirty' clouds.
A patient who developed kidney failure after taking Chinese herbal medicine containing aristolochic acid has now been diagnosed with kidney cancer. The authors warn of the carcinogenic potential of aristolochic acid in human beings.
Researchers at Texas A&M University found that wind-borne pollutants can travel long distances, contaminating both air and water. They used rain and air samplers to collect pollutants in Corpus Christi Bay and estimated the amounts deposited into the bay area.
A large-scale study found no association between folic acid supplement use and increased risk of miscarriage. The researchers assessed 23,806 women who had taken part in a folic-acid campaign before becoming pregnant for the first time.
Researchers from UCSF found that folic acid and vitamin B12 supplements can lower homocysteine levels by 25% and 7% respectively, resulting in a 8-13% decrease in heart disease rates and deaths. The study estimates that adding these supplements to daily grains could save $24 billion over 10 years.
The skin's acid coating, composed of fatty acids, helps maintain strength and cohesiveness. The discovery could aid in developing therapies for skin problems like psoriasis.
Researchers found that antioxidant treatment produced scattered blistering, lower inflammation, and extensive healing compared to no treatment or acid suppressants. Oxidative damage was a major cause of reflux oesophagitis, suggesting antioxidants should be considered primary treatment alongside acid suppressants.