Search results for “Acid Rain”

PtIn nanoalloy supported on Sn-MFI for efficient selective oxidation of glycerol to lactic acid

A highly efficient PtIn nanoalloy catalyst supported on Sn-MFI zeolite was developed for the selective oxidation of glycerol to lactic acid. The optimized catalyst achieved 96.8% glycerol conversion with 73.1% lactic acid selectivity under base-free conditions, showcasing a new strategy for designing efficient, low-Pt-loading catalysts.

India's monsoon rain depends on where air gets cleaner

Research from the University of Reading shows that cutting air pollution globally can strengthen the Indian monsoon, increasing rainfall by 0.28 millimetres a day across the country. The study found that regional action alone can have the opposite effect, reducing rainfall in parts of India.

Airflow mystery solved at America’s Underground Lab

Researchers at the Sanford Underground Research Facility (SURF) have successfully addressed an airflow anomaly caused by heavy rain, thanks to data-driven decisions and advanced airflow sensors. By analyzing this phenomenon, they've gained valuable insights for underground operations worldwide.

UC Irvine study finds folic acid access gaps that may increase birth defects risks

A recent UC Irvine study analyzing health data from over 85,000 women found that access to healthcare and insurance coverage significantly influence whether women take recommended amounts of folic acid. Folic acid supplements were more commonly used by older pregnant women and non-Hispanic Black women.

UCF researcher studying probiotics to fight acid reflux, esophageal cancer

A UCF researcher is investigating how probiotics can treat damage from acid reflux disease, which affects one-fourth of Americans and increases the risk for esophageal cancer. Early results show a reduction in Barrett's esophagus and delayed cancer development.

Turning pulp-waste lignin into high-performance wood adhesives

The study reports a green ion-exchange, self-catalytic strategy for turning pulp-waste lignin into high-performance wood adhesives. The optimized LA/CA adhesive showed strong dry and wet performance, meeting Type I plywood requirements and reducing costs by up to 69.6% compared to petrochemical-based adhesives.

Turning waste into wealth: high-acid-value waste oil upgraded to high-performance natural ester insulating oil in one efficient process

A multi-stage coupled refining process converts high-acid-value waste cooking oil into high-performance natural ester insulating oil with improved physical, chemical and electrical properties. The process increases the oil's dielectric dissipation factor and power frequency breakdown voltage.

Tranexamic acid prevents severe bleeding in caesarean births

Scientists seek to understand effects of rain falling on snow in the Arctic

Plants walk a fine line between growth and defense

Researchers discovered that plants use a surprising multi-layered system to regulate salicylic acid levels and keep their immune system in check. This system involves enzymes that break down the hormone, which are then flagged for elimination, limiting how much salicylic acid they can destroy.

How sweet osmanthus makes its signature aroma

Researchers discovered that jasmonic acid promotes linalool biosynthesis by lifting a molecular brake on the OfMYB21 protein, allowing its activation. The study provides a clearer roadmap for improving floral fragrance and boosting the production of valuable aroma compounds in ornamental and industrial plants.

Plants can sense the sound of rain, a new study finds

MIT researchers found plants respond to sound waves generated by raindrops, stimulating germination. Seeds exposed to rain sounds germinated 30-40% faster than those not exposed.

When the rain comes, some New York City subway riders stay home. Scientists are now mapping exactly who, and where

A new NYU study analyzes hourly ridership at 10 major NYC subway stations between 2023 and 2025. Heavy rain affects peak hour travel, while extreme cold has a smaller impact, especially off-peak. The research highlights the importance of considering infrastructure, station design, and surrounding land use in transit planning.

Early folic acid supplementation may halve the risk of birth defects

A large Nordic register-based study finds that high-dose folic acid supplementation before pregnancy reduces the risk of major congenital anomalies by 45% in women taking antiseizure medication. Starting folic acid after pregnancy onset has no protective effect.

Selective oxidation of 3-hydroxypropionic acid to malonic acid over Pd/C: Mechanistic and kinetic study

Researchers at University of Wisconsin-Madison develop a systematic study for sustainable production of malonic acid via oxidation of 3-hydroxypropionic acid with a Pd/Carbon catalyst. The kinetic model validated the network, displaying excellent agreement and providing insight into conditions that maximize MA production.

Quality versus quantity of fat in the diet

A new study highlights the significant role of quality of dietary fat, rather than total amount consumed. Research reveals that palmitic acid can promote toxic bioactive lipids and low-grade inflammation, while oleic acid may have a protective effect against metabolic disorders.

Researchers turn recovered car battery acid and plastic waste into clean hydrogen

A new method developed by researchers at the University of Cambridge uses solar-powered acid photoreforming to break down hard-to-recycle plastics into clean hydrogen fuel and valuable industrial chemicals. This approach could create a circular system where one waste stream solves another, reducing plastic waste and pollution.

Wildfires accelerate winter snowmelt in Oregon's western Cascades, PSU study finds

A new study by PSU researchers found that wildfires can intensify midwinter rain-on-snow events, leading to rapid snowmelt and increased flood risk. This threatens the region's critical seasonal water storage, refilling reservoirs and producing hydroelectric power.

Decoding the chemical messengers: Gut microbes talk to the whole body through metabolites

Research systematically maps how bacterial metabolites influence disease progression and immune cell functions, highlighting their dual effects on the body. The review emphasizes the need for holistic regulation of metabolite profiles to achieve precision interventions.

Biochar helps forests fight acid rain by restoring vital soil nitrogen

A new field study reveals that biochar can significantly restore soil health and nitrogen availability in forests affected by acid rain. Biochar triggers major biological changes in the soil, enhancing microbial biomass and increasing nitrogen use efficiency.

Climate change may complicate avalanche risk across the Pacific Northwest

Research from the University of Washington reveals that warming winters in the Pacific Northwest are leading to more rain-on-snow events, icy crusts, and complex avalanche forecasting. The study's findings suggest that regions like Eastern Washington, Idaho, and Montana may see an increase in avalanche risk due to warmer temperatures.

Engineered yeast gives the US a green edge in the critical minerals market

A new US-based method using engineered yeast produces oxalic acid, enabling efficient and sustainable recovery of rare earth elements. The process extracts almost all the rare earth elements from low-grade ore with high efficiency.

Understanding nature’s proton highway

The study reveals a novel hydrogen-bonding motif in the deprotonated dimer of phosphoric acid, which may be key to understanding proton transport in phosphoric acid-based systems. This finding provides insight into the molecular origin of phosphoric acid's extraordinary proton conductivity.

New study improves accuracy in tracking ammonia pollution sources

Researchers have developed a more reliable method for measuring natural nitrogen isotope signatures of atmospheric ammonia, allowing for stronger tools to trace pollution sources and improve air quality management. The new approach uses sulfuric acid absorption, achieving higher ammonia recovery rates and stable isotope measurements.

Taxiing through the gut: Formic acid in the microbiome

Blautia luti produces formic acid as an electron taxi, bypassing the energetically costly production of hydrogen. The bacterium detoxifies formic acid via a special metabolic pathway, linked to sugar breakdown and acetic acid production.

Researchers identify "northwest passage" mechanism of bile acid transport

A research team clarifies the molecular mechanism of Ostα/β, a major basolateral bile acid exporter in enterocytes. The study reveals a unique seven-transmembrane fold and lateral substrate-binding groove that accommodates amphipathic substrates.

Early warning for wine spoilage glow's in the dark

A living biosensor made of bacteria detects acetic acid levels in wine, alerting wineries to potential spoilage. The sensor works in real-time and can detect volatile acetic acid in the air above wine bottles, enabling early intervention before damage is done.

Fecal microbiome and bile acid profiles differ in preterm infants with parenteral nutrition-associated cholestasis

This study found differences in fecal microbiome and bile acid content between preterm infants with parenteral nutrition-associated cholestasis (PNAC) and those without PNAC. PNAC development was associated with higher abundance of Proteobacteria, Fusobacteriota, and lower Bacteroidota in cholestatic infants.

Alternate wetting and moderate drying irrigation improves rice cooking and eating quality

Alternate wetting and moderate drying irrigation enhances milled rice with increased lipid, free fatty acid, and unsaturated fatty acid content. This improves rice cooking quality through enhanced optimization of lipid synthesis in grains.

Researchers achieve chain-length control of fatty acid biosynthesis in yeast

A team of researchers developed a modular and programmable fatty acid synthesis platform that enables high specificity production of medium-chain fatty acids in yeast. The engineered strain achieved a titer of 708.6 mg/L, comparable to the abundance in coconut and palm kernel oils.

Efficient breeding of high oleic rice cultivar by editing OsFAD2-1 via CRISPR/Cas9

Researchers used CRISPR/Cas9 to create rice mutants with increased oleic acid content and decreased linoleic acid levels. The study demonstrates a novel strategy for designing functional rice cultivars with improved nutritional value and stable agronomic traits.

Important new source of oxidation in the atmosphere found

Researchers discover hydroperoxides form from α-keto acids in clouds, rain, and aerosol water when exposed to sunlight, influencing atmospheric hydrogen peroxide levels and particle formation. The study provides a new framework for understanding hydroperoxides' role in the atmosphere.

AI river forecasts may be accurate—but based on flawed logic

A new study found that popular AI tools for predicting river flow often misinterpret how heat and evaporation affect water, raising concerns for flood and drought planning. The researchers developed a hydrology-specific 'explainable AI' framework to uncover these issues.

Nicotinic acid shields liver from reperfusion injury

Researchers discovered that nicotinic acid can dramatically reduce liver damage caused by ischemia-reperfusion injury. The compound targets damaged mitochondria, reducing markers of liver injury, suppressing inflammation, and promoting mitophagy and mitochondrial biogenesis.

AMS Science Preview: Volcanic rain, dust storms, and unstable Antarctic air

Recent research reveals that volcanic eruptions can cause unpredictable weather patterns, including volcanic rain, dust storms, and unstable Antarctic air. The study also found that the Antarctic surface atmosphere has become less stable and more prone to gravity waves since the 1950s.

Acid rain weakens soil microbiomes and fuels the rise of “super-pathogens”

A 150-day microcosm experiment simulated acid rain, weakening native microbial networks and creating space for invasive pathogens. The study found that surviving populations underwent major genomic remodeling, evolving into more persistent and virulent strains.

Hidden dangers in 'acid rain' soils

A new study found that acid rain can destabilize soil microbiomes, making it easier for disease-causing microbes like E. coli O157:H7 to invade and persist. The researchers discovered that acid rain accelerates the evolution of high-risk pathogens, which can lead to severe foodborne illness and increased mortality rates in animals.

miR-378 as a metabolic-state-dependent switch controling liver autophagy and fat accumulation

Research reveals that miR-378 acts as a metabolic-state-dependent switch controlling liver autophagy and lipid balance. Under short-term fasting, miR-378 promotes lipid clearance by suppressing its target gene MAFG, while during prolonged fasting or high-fat feeding, it increases bile acid synthesis leading to fat accumulation.

Enhancing ocean wind observation accuracy: New rain correction approach for FY-3E WindRAD

A new rain correction approach using dual-frequency measurements from the WindRAD instrument aboard the FY-3E satellite significantly improves wind measurement accuracy during moderate rainfall. The method reduces wind speed root-mean-square errors by approximately 0.2 m s−1 and wind direction errors by about 1.6°.

The crystal that makes clouds rain

Researchers at TU Wien uncover how silver iodide crystals interact with water at the atomic scale to form ice crystals. The study reveals that only one surface structure of the crystal promotes ice nucleation, shedding light on the complex mechanisms behind cloud seeding.

Forests recovering from acid rain mine rocks for nutrients, leading to less acidic streams and more acid-sensitive soils

A long-term study in the White Mountains of New Hampshire found that recovering forests are using roots to mine minerals for nutrients, leading to improved stream pH but depleted soil fertility. This process enhances mineral weathering, which can make forests more vulnerable to future pollution.

Reptiles ‘pee’ crystals, and scientists are investigating what they’re made of

Scientists studied the crystalline waste of over 20 reptile species and found spheres of uric acid in all of them. This unique packaging method may inform treatments for human conditions like kidney stones and gout.

How green infrastructure is revamping city storm sewers

Researchers found that communities with green infrastructure systems like rain gardens saw a notable reduction in cadmium, copper, nickel, and zinc being sent into local waterways. Implementing more of these systems can improve water quality, make cities cooler, and enhance ecosystem services.

HKUMed discovers dietary fatty acids that boost cancer-fighting immune cells

Researchers found that oleic acid enhances γδ-T cell immunosurveillance, while palmitic acid weakens it. The study suggests that simple dietary changes like eating more olive oil and avocados could improve cancer treatment outcomes.

Solar rain mystery cracked by researchers

Scientists at University of Hawaii's Institute for Astronomy have discovered a new explanation for the formation of solar rain in the Sun's corona. By allowing elemental abundances to change over time, their models finally match observed phenomena, providing fresh insights into coronal heating and the Sun's behavior during flares.

El Niño spurs extreme daily rain events despite drier monsoons in India

A new study finds that El Niño increases the likelihood of extreme daily downpours in India's wetter regions, potentially leading to hazardous conditions. The research suggests changes in atmospheric buoyancy and low-pressure system tracks drive this intensification, which has remained steady over time despite regional shifts.

Fatty acid composition of blood predicts bone density from childhood to adolescence

A recent study published in the Journal of Bone and Mineral Research found that blood fatty acid composition can predict bone mineral density from childhood to adolescence. The study, which included 480 children, found that higher proportions of certain fatty acids were linked to higher bone density.

A newly identified reductive uric acid pathway offers hope for gout

Researchers discovered a new reductive uric acid pathway that functions without oxygen, which builds upon current knowledge of uric acid degradation. The study found that this pathway produces a metabolite called yanthine, which is elevated in patients with gout and could serve as a biomarker for diagnosing or monitoring the condition.

Integrated analysis of serum and fecal metabolites reveals the role of bile acid metabolism in drug-induced liver injury: Implications for diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers

Researchers identified bile acid metabolites as potential biomarkers for diagnosing and predicting drug-induced liver injury (DILI). Chenodeoxycholic acid and deoxycholic acid were found to distinguish DILI patients from healthy individuals, exhibiting predictive potential for chronicity.

Ready for market: New process boosts clean, cost-efficient chemical production

Researchers developed a new metabolic engineering strategy to boost the yield of succinic acid production in yeast, improving its efficiency and cost-effectiveness. The new process reduces the minimum product selling price by 25% and is expected to save companies millions of dollars annually.

Discovery of role of gut hormone in chronic diarrhoea could aid development of new tests and treatments

Researchers found that INSL5 levels are high in patients with bile acid diarrhoea, leading to more watery stool. The hormone could aid development of a blood test and points towards a potential new treatment for the condition.

L-aspartic acid emerges as a hidden player in gastric cancer prevention

Researchers found that elevated L-aspartic acid levels predict gastric cancer risk, while influencing treatment outcomes of Helicobacter pylori eradication and garlic supplementation. This study suggests using plasma L-aspartic acid profiling to tailor prevention efforts and identify high-risk individuals.

Simple schizophrenia diagnosis using an acidic glycan in the blood

A Nagoya University group created a sandwich ELISA technique to accurately measure polysialic acid levels in the blood of patients with psychiatric disorders. The technique uses antibodies that minimize non-specific binding, resulting in increased accuracy.

Vegan diet improves dietary acid load, a key risk factor for diabetes, new study finds

A new study published in Frontiers in Nutrition found that a low-fat vegan diet significantly decreased dietary acid load, a key risk factor for diabetes. The diet was also associated with significant weight loss of 13.2 pounds in overweight adults.

6-PPD quinone at environmentally relevant concentrations disrupts citric acid cycle in Caenorhabditis elegans: Role of reduction in acetyl CoA and pyruvate contents

Researchers studied the effects of 6-PPDQ on the citric acid cycle in C. elegans, finding disruptions at environmentally relevant concentrations. The study revealed reductions in key metabolites and enzyme gene expressions, contributing to mitochondrial dysfunction and toxicity.

Newly discovered cancer cell energy pathway blocked with natural substance

Researchers at Osaka Metropolitan University discovered a new way to block cancer cell energy production by suppressing de novo fatty acid synthesis with ethyl p-methoxycinnamate. This natural substance inhibits ATP production, leading to increased glycolysis as a possible survival mechanism in tumor cells.

New research shows excessive oleic acid, found in olive oil, drives fat cell growth

A new study found that excessive oleic acid in olive oil drives fat cell growth, increasing the risk of obesity. High levels of oleic acid stimulate the proliferation of precursor cells that form new fat cells, leading to a larger capacity for storing excess nutrients.

Higher linoleic acid levels linked to lower heart disease and diabetes risk

A new study published in the American Society for Nutrition found that higher linoleic acid levels were associated with lower risks of heart disease and type 2 diabetes. The research used blood markers to measure linoleic acid levels in nearly 1,900 people, suggesting that this omega-6 fatty acid may support cardiometabolic health.

Photothermal recycling of real-world polylactic acid via cooperative depolymerization and reforming

Researchers propose a synergistic strategy combining photothermal depolymerization and reforming to convert real-world polylactic acid into valuable platform chemicals. The approach facilitates efficient product separation and avoids contamination from impurities, producing hydrogen, CO, and other desired products.

A natural compound found in rice and coffee may help relax heart arteries

A study published in the Journal of Pharmacological Sciences has discovered that ferulic acid can help prevent coronary artery spasms. The compound works by blocking calcium entry into muscle cells and stopping a specific protein from being activated, leading to reduced artery contractions.