Articles tagged with Nutrients
Researchers discovered that plant-fungal relationships can break down due to the emergence of more efficient nutrient sources. Plants often replace fungi with other cooperative partners or evolve new strategies, such as becoming carnivorous plants to obtain essential nutrients.
A recent study found significant differences in nutrient levels and species composition between Devils Hole and a constructed scale replica at the Ash Meadows Fish Conservation Facility. The findings suggest that modifications to the refuge's operation could improve the prospects for continued survival of the critically endangered Devi...
A study published in Frontiers in Psychology found that consuming raw fruit and vegetables is associated with lower levels of mental illness symptomology and improved psychological wellbeing. The top 10 raw foods related to better mental health include carrots, bananas, apples, and dark leafy greens.
Research from the University of Illinois found that wheat middlings and red dog, two co-product feed ingredients for livestock, have different nutrient compositions. Red dog showed higher energy and nutrient digestibility compared to wheat middlings due to its particle size and starch content.
Scientists have discovered higher levels of humanin in placentas of women who gave birth to underweight infants. This protein may play a role in protecting the fetus during placental failure. The study highlights the importance of understanding the causes of low birthweight and its potential impact on adult health.
Researchers found that antibiotic use decreases native gut bacteria's ability to compete with C. difficile for nutrients like proline, creating a fertile environment for the bacterium's growth and colonization. This discovery could lead to the development of probiotics and targeted therapies to prevent C. difficile infections.
A recent study found that high levels of submarine groundwater discharge (SGD) can harm coral reefs by causing stress and accelerating bioerosion. However, when SGD is at low levels, corals can actually thrive on the reef, suggesting a potential solution to mitigate reef degradation in urban areas like Maunalua Bay.
Researchers at Tufts University created a genetically modified yeast that can efficiently consume xylose, enabling faster growth and higher cell densities. The new synthetic regulon, dubbed XYL, preserved a natural interaction between feeding and survival genes, leading to improved survival of the xylose-eating yeast organism.
The non-photosynthesizing orchid Gastrodia pubilabiata mimics rotting mushrooms to attract fruit flies for pollination. It also survives by absorbing nutrients from fungal hyphae of mushrooms. This unique trait allows the plant to thrive in environments with limited sunlight.
Researchers at Tufts University developed miniaturized sensors that can detect nutrients, chemicals and physiological states, offering a non-invasive way to monitor dietary intake. The sensors, with a footprint of 2mm x 2mm, transmit data wirelessly in response to radiofrequency signals.
A study by University of Kansas researchers found that pregnant women consuming a DHA supplement had children with higher fat-free body mass at age 5. The study suggests that improving maternal DHA nutrition has a favorable programming effect on the fetus, influencing body composition in early childhood.
A new study predicts that global fisheries will be 20% less productive in 2300, with the North Atlantic and western Pacific experiencing significant declines. Climate change is expected to alter wind patterns, boost ocean temperatures, and melt sea ice, leading to a reduction in phytoplankton growth and nutrient transfer.
A new modeling study predicts that climate change will dramatically reduce global fishery yields, with declines of up to 20% globally and 60% in the North Atlantic by 2300. The study attributes these declines to a lack of ocean mixing, which would drive a decline in fish populations near the surface.
A new study analyzing the impact of long-term nutrient reductions reveals a four-fold increase in Submerged Aquatic Vegetation (SAV) abundance in the Chesapeake Bay. This unprecedented event suggests that conservation efforts, including EPA's Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL), are supporting ecosystem recovery.
Researchers found that cover crops like hairy vetch and cereal rye have different nitrogen release dynamics. Hairy vetch released almost three times as much nitrogen compared to cereal rye, while cereal rye released nitrogen slowly over multiple weeks.
Researchers have discovered a new role for large-scale fires and high nitrogen deposition in the ecology and biogeochemistry of Central African forests. The findings suggest that massive tracts of biomass from savannas are swept up into the atmosphere and deposited on the forests, stimulating growth in certain species.
Researchers review hypothetical uses of biosurfactants, safe and affordable molecules that can produce effective detergents at low temperatures. They have potential applications in industries such as biodiesel production and natural gas harvesting from ice crystals.
A Hong Kong Baptist University study found that skin squames from humans contribute to odors in air-conditioning systems by providing a food source for bacteria. The researchers recommend installing filters to capture skin squames, which can help mitigate odor problems.
Scientists at Swansea University are developing a circular economy solution using algae to clean up waste nutrients from food and farm waste. The ALG-AD project aims to cultivate algal biomass for animal feed and other products, reducing pollution and promoting sustainable agriculture.
Shallow lakes in agricultural landscapes will emit significantly greater amounts of methane due to the combination of warming and nutrient enrichment. Methane ebullition increases by up to 17-fold with high nutrient levels, highlighting the need for managing agricultural landscapes to minimize this potent greenhouse gas emission.
A new study examines nutrient loss reduction strategies from three upper Midwestern states and finds promise in certain practices like cover crops and bioreactors. The researchers also assess the trackability and stackability of these practices, which will aid decision makers in choosing specific conservation practices to adopt or avoid.
A new study found that taking a specially prepared blend of minerals and nutrients can significantly improve women's running performance. Women who took the supplement saw their 3-mile run times drop from 26.5 to 25.6 minutes, with improvements also seen in stationary bike distance covered and steps taken.
A new tool is being developed to fight global algal blooms by identifying resilient landscapes for farming. Researchers found that sampling headwaters allows for improved water quality and food production while minimizing toxic residue in waterways.
Researchers at Binghamton University have developed a self-healing fungi concrete that can repair cracks in aging concrete permanently. The fungus, Trichoderma reesei, is mixed with concrete and germinates when water and oxygen enter the crack, producing calcium carbonate to heal the damage.
A new international study found that plankton's body size and ocean currents are crucial in determining their dispersal in the ocean. The larger the plankton, the smaller the connection between distant communities. Climate change is rapidly warming marine waters, making it essential to understand how this affects biological communities.
A recent study found that global coral bleaching events have increased in frequency and severity over the past four decades. Severe bleaching episodes are now more common than ever, affecting over 30% of cases, with the risk of such events rising by approximately 4% annually since 1980.
Scientists warn that the world needs to address climate change and nutrient pollution to halt the decline of ocean oxygen. Low oxygen levels can stunt growth, hinder reproduction, and lead to disease or death in animals, while also triggering toxic chemical releases.
Using streams as sensors near headwaters can help diagnose a watershed's sensitivity to changes in land use practices. By analyzing the chemistry of small streams, researchers can identify areas that can be sustainably developed for food production and target restoration efforts.
Researchers have identified a common phospholipid pathway in plants and parasites, including malaria-causing Plasmodium. This discovery may lead to the development of new therapies for parasitic infections. The study also revealed that plant enzymes with similar structures can play different roles in the plant.
Researchers found that most dog treats contain undefined ingredients, including sugars, and often exceed the recommended daily energy allowance. Treat labels should be more explicit and provide detailed information on ingredients and energy content to prevent obesity and related health issues.
A 1996 paper by Robert Howarth and John A. Downing quantified the relationship between human activities and nitrogen entering coastal oceans, identifying fertilizer and atmospheric deposition as key contributors. The study's findings have had long-lasting relevance, driving future research directions in nitrogen biogeochemical cycling.
Researchers developed a model that explains how bacteria adapt to environmental changes, such as temperature and nutrient availability. The study found that the adaptation mechanism is based on a global strategy for redistributing resources, which allows bacteria to survive in fluctuating environments.
A new study by Yale University researchers found that human waste is a significant source of nutrients in suburban ponds. The study analyzed the nitrogen stable isotope composition of different pond organisms and discovered that many received up to 70% of their nitrogen from septic wastewater.
Researchers found that limiting a nutrient used by malaria parasites can prevent the emergence of drug-resistant strains. This ecological approach shows promise for controlling drug resistance in infections like tuberculosis and malaria.
Researchers found that windborne dust provides a significant source of nutrients for plants in mountain ecosystems, even when nutrient supply from bedrock is substantial. The study's results have implications for understanding the global influence of regional processes and the Earth's balance.
Researchers found that dust-derived nutrients can be vital to mountain ecosystems, even when nutrient supply from bedrock is substantial. This phenomenon is not limited to the Sierra Nevada and has been observed worldwide.
Researchers found that ribbed mussels were effective at removing nitrogen and other excess nutrients from the Bronx River, with an estimated 138 pounds of nitrogen removed. The study suggests that mussel farming could be a viable tool for improving water quality in urban estuaries.
A new study proposes swapping crop distributions on existing farmland to meet growing food demand and reduce water stress, resulting in a 10% increase in calorie production and 19% more protein. The proposed changes would generate substantial water savings for 42 countries, including Australia, India, and South Africa.
The NEWgenerator generates nutrients, energy and water from wastewater, providing a sustainable solution for urban settlements. The system can generate up to 1,000 users' worth of clean water, energy and fertilizer, reducing strain on sewer systems.
Researchers found that over broad regions of the South Atlantic, a combination of two or three nutrients was needed to stimulate phytoplankton growth. This study provides experimental evidence for widespread nutrient co-limitation, which has implications for global ocean models and predictions about nutrient limitation.
Alicia Timme-Laragy's research investigates the health effects of PFOS and its replacement chemical PFBS on embryos of fish, worms, and fruit flies. The study aims to understand how these pollutants affect nutrient deposition and later-life metabolic dysfunction.
A thin organic coating created through composting improves biochar's ability to store nutrients and promote plant growth, offering an eco-friendly alternative to inorganic nitrogen fertilizers.
A team of researchers at Massachusetts General Hospital has successfully created functional small intestine segments using human induced pluripotent stem cells. The segments were able to absorb nutrients and transfer glucose and fatty acids into the bloodstream when transplanted into rats. This breakthrough could potentially provide a ...
Researchers have uncovered secrets of how bacteria turn off protein biosynthesis to conserve energy and survive under stressful conditions. Hibernating ribosomes, found in Gram-positive bacteria like Staph, help them survive by suppressing translation, making them a potential target for new antibiotics.
A new study suggests that reducing nutrient pollution in salt marshes could help prevent human disease. The research found that nutrient enrichment increased the number and biomass of parasites in a specific host species, which may have implications for human health.
A new study investigated phosphorus recycling between lake mud and water, a process contributing to harmful algal blooms. Rates of phosphorus release varied greatly from small prairie lakes to Canadian Shield lakes, highlighting the need for improved management strategies.
Researchers have developed a high-tech method using visible near-infrared diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (vis-NIRS) to analyze soil texture. This technique allows for rapid, cost-effective, and portable measurements of clay, silt, and sand content, providing valuable insights into soil properties.
A new study found that underwater plants can positively affect water quality in bays along the Baltic Sea coast. The plants take up nutrients, slow down water movement, and stabilize the soft bottom, leading to clearer water and improved living conditions for marine life.
Researchers from Nanyang Technological University have developed a process to convert brewery waste into a valuable liquid nutrient that can grow beer yeast. This innovation reduces the need for commercial liquid nutrients and saves breweries significant production costs.
A recent study conducted by the University of Wisconsin-Madison's Federico Rey group found that high levels of microbes consuming choline lead to nutrient deprivation in mice. The results showed increased susceptibility to metabolic diseases, altered epigenetic patterns, and changes in behavior in the offspring.
A recent study found that Lake Michigan's altered ecosystem could better support lake trout and steelhead due to reduced Chinook salmon stocking. The lake's open-water food web dynamics have changed significantly since the 1970s, becoming less productive as a result of decreased nutrients.
A new study by Penn State researchers finds that injecting manure into crop fields instead of spreading it on the surface significantly reduces estrogen loads in surface runoff. The method also showed reduced transport rates of total dissolved phosphorus and dissolved organic carbon.
Researchers used algae modeling to study competing ideologies and their survival rates. They found that a balance between offensive and defensive strategies is key, with a 50-50 mix being the most effective.
New research at Oregon State University found that bacteria prioritize their own fitness when nutrients are limited, but not when iron, phosphorus, and sulfur are abundant. This study provides insights into the evolution of cooperation in microbes and has implications for understanding natural populations.
A new study from the University of Waterloo found that reducing algae-causing nutrients in agricultural runoff can take up to 30-40 years to have a desired impact. Despite decreasing nutrient inputs, water quality has been slow to respond, with some watersheds taking decades to see significant improvements.
Researchers found that biochar can absorb nutrients from manure, reducing nutrient runoff and water pollution. Biochar also demonstrated significant reductions in ammonia emissions, a primary contributor to manure odors.
A recent study published in Science Advances estimated that up to half of the deep ocean became oxygen-depleted during Oceanic Anoxic Event 2, lasting for about half a million years. The researchers suggest that increased nutrient delivery fueled the production of organic matter, leading to oxygen loss.
Headwater streams, often overlooked due to their small size, have a significant impact on river ecosystems. Research highlights the importance of improved mapping, understanding resistance and resilience, and assessing impacts from human alterations to land use and climate.
A new study published by a Lancaster University-led team warns that phosphorus losses will increase unless major changes are made to agricultural practices. Climate change will lead to warmer winters, resulting in more phosphorus transferred from agricultural land into rivers and oceans.
A new study predicts that shrinking the Gulf of Mexico dead zone will require a 59% reduction in nitrogen runoff, primarily through changes to agricultural practices. The study suggests that bold new approaches are needed to achieve this goal and meet the longstanding objective of reducing the dead zone by two-thirds.