Articles tagged with Nutrients
Washington State University researchers discovered a unique structure in plants that offloads nutrients from leaves to fruits, seeds, and branches. By targeting this structure, scientists can increase sink strength, drawing more nutrients to desired parts of the plant.
Researchers found that dust from the Gobi Desert supplies phosphorus to Sierra Nevada plants, which is essential for their growth. This discovery highlights the crucial role of dust in supporting life in geologically young mountain ecosystems.
A new study led by University of Wyoming researchers reveals that dust is a crucial factor in mountainous forest ecosystems, dominating nutrient budgets despite continuous erosion. The study found that dust contains plant-essential nutrients like phosphorus, which is more abundant than nutrients from bedrock.
A new study by University of Cologne researchers reveals that herbivores have a significant positive impact on plant biodiversity. The interaction between nutrient availability and consumer species diversity is found to be crucial in maintaining producer diversity, highlighting the importance of preserving this balance for ecosystem he...
A recent study analyzing 147 northern lakes reveals that many rely on nutrients from tree leaves, pine needles, and other land-grown plants to feed aquatic life. This underscores the importance of understanding how landscape changes impact lake food webs for effective freshwater management.
Climate scientist Michael Rawlins will study the impacts of climate change on coastal lagoons and rivers in northern Alaska. The five-year project aims to understand changes in carbon and nutrient content and their effects on ecosystem dynamics.
Scientists at UNC Chapel Hill have identified a key genetic switch that helps soil bacteria living on and inside plant roots harvest phosphate. This discovery raises the possibility of probiotic treatments to increase plant efficiency and address the impending global phosphate shortage.
The Association for the Sciences of Limnology & Oceanography (ASLO) announced the winners of the Nutrient Sensor Challenge, a market challenge aimed at developing affordable and accurate nutrient sensors. The Systea S.p.A. sensor won both Nitrate and Phosphate sensor categories, while the National Oceanography Centre (NOC) team receive...
The Nutrient Sensor Challenge aims to develop affordable and accurate nutrient sensors for aquatic environments. Winners will be announced at the ASLO meeting on March 2, marking progress in reducing nutrient pollution.
A study found that high EPA and DHA omega-3 levels in red blood cells were associated with a lower risk of all-cause mortality in postmenopausal women. Women aged 65-80 with the highest quartile of omega-3 blood levels were 20% less likely to die from any cause.
A recent study published in Global Change Biology found that diverse fish populations play a crucial role in maintaining ecosystem balance. Larger fish like suckers and catfish store nutrients, contributing to stream biological productivity. Non-native fish also serve as buffers for ecosystems against environmental change.
A new USDA grant aims to determine if stream-bank legacy sediments are significant sources of nutrients to surface waters. The study will focus on understanding the fate of legacy sediments, their microbial community composition and nutrient transformation processes in aquatic ecosystems.
A new study uses X-ray synchrotron radiation to analyze human minibrains, revealing the distribution of essential micronutrients such as phosphorus and zinc. The results show that these nutrients play a crucial role in brain formation and are related to memory deficits and psychiatric disorders like schizophrenia.
Researchers found that diatoms' rapid growth creates algal blooms that deplete nutrients in the upper water layer, which then affect global ocean currents. Diatoms absorb zinc and silicon to form shells and transport these trace elements through deep ocean currents.
Researchers found that pasta consumption is associated with a higher diet quality, greater adherence to the U.S. Dietary Guidelines, and lower levels of saturated fat and added sugar compared to non-pasta eaters.
A new study published in Nature forecasts disruption to alpine ecosystem health due to climate change. Rising temperatures are expected to decouple key nutrient cycles in mountain soils and plants, threatening the function of mountaintop ecosystems and their ability to provide clean water.
A new study finds that despite a 2011 pledge by US chain restaurants to improve the nutritional value of children's menu options, little progress has been made. Many restaurants have replaced soda as the default beverage but offer similar amounts of sugar in other drinks.
A study by researchers at the University of Basel found that meals trigger an inflammatory response in the body, which plays a crucial role in regulating blood sugar levels. This mechanism is dependent on bacteria and nutrients ingested during meals, highlighting the importance of adequate nutrition for immune function.
Researchers at Newcastle University have discovered a 'pedal bin machine' of gut bacteria that acquires nutrients in the human large bowel. The study provides fundamental insights into the functioning of the microbiota and its role in human health and nutrition.
A new study found that chain restaurants participating in a National Restaurant Association initiative made no significant changes to the nutritional quality of their children's menus. Despite individual restaurant pledges to reduce sugary drinks, they still made up 80% of kids' beverage options.
Scientists have developed a method to predict full-scale algae blooms in lakes and reservoirs, enabling resource managers to take action before they develop. Automated monitoring systems that identify regime shifts can detect early warnings more than two weeks prior to the bloom.
Researchers uncovered a molecular pathway that responds to nutrient scarcity and lowers synapse activity in fruit fly larvae. This finding suggests that fasting may be beneficial by reducing neurotransmitter release and saving energy expenditure.
A new study found that a combination of cold preservation and ex-vivo lung perfusion (EVLP) can extend donor lung preservation time to over 12 hours without jeopardizing recipient outcomes. This technique has the potential to increase organ availability by reducing geographical limitations and enabling longer-distance transports.
A new species of fungus-parasitizing orchid, Lecanorchis tabugawaensis, has been discovered in Japan. The orchid obtains its nutrients through a special symbiotic relationship with fungi, a phenomenon known as mycoheterotrophy.
Researchers discovered that two-liquid cocktails exhibit long-range correlations at equilibrium and when disturbed, resulting in coexistence of different characteristics within the same fluid. Understanding these effects is crucial for studying diffusion mechanisms in various physical and biological processes.
Researchers found that patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) who consumed more fruits and vegetables experienced better function around the time of diagnosis. The study suggests that a diet high in antioxidants and carotenoids may help minimize ALS severity.
Research finds that insects can contribute well-rounded meals with essential minerals like calcium, copper and zinc. Crickets have higher levels of iron than other insects, making them a promising source of this crucial nutrient.
A new study found that antioxidant nutrients, fruits, and vegetable intake are associated with better ALS function at baseline. The analysis of 302 ALS patients suggested promoting fruit and vegetable intake to support nutritional care.
Researchers at the University of Miami Rosenstiel School used data from international scientific cruises to map the distribution of dissolved organic carbon in the Atlantic Ocean. They found that one third of global ocean net production comes from this basin, with nutrient arrival predicting DOC production.
A study published in Ecology Letters examines the relationship between agricultural runoff and harmful algal blooms in the Gulf of Mexico, revealing that managing landscapes at watershed levels can improve water quality. Reservoirs are identified as areas where nutrient loads could be diminished without affecting silica concentrations.
Research suggests that increasing plant diversity can limit the nutrient supply for insect pests, reducing their populations. By introducing different genotypes of the same crop species with varying nutrient levels, farmers may be able to control insects while maintaining consistent production.
A new study published in Nature found that plant diversity can suppress insect pests by being variable, not just low quality on average. Researchers discovered that bugs have narrow ranges of nutrient levels where they flourish, making it easier to control pests.
A study by Wortman et al. recommends using perlite mixed with coco coir or vermiculite and synthetic fertilizer to maximize strawberry yield in vertical, hydroponic systems. The results showed that cultivars like Florida Radiance, Monterey, Evie 2, Portola, and Seascape were among the highest-yielding in at least one site-year.
A new study from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln found that male dark fishing spiders' self-sacrifice after mating benefits their offspring, producing nearly twice as many spiderlings and those growing up to 20% larger. The females who consumed their mates survived about 50% longer than those without this behavior.
Bovine colostrum exhibits potent antimicrobial activity against Gram-positive and negative bacteria strains. It also demonstrates anti-inflammatory effects, with a combination treatment showing greater benefits than individual treatments.
Women who undergo gastric bypass surgery for weight loss may give birth to babies with lower average birth weights due to nutrient deficiencies. The study found that 23% of newborns were small for their gestational age and had lower levels of key nutrients like calcium and zinc.
A new international study links fertilizer addition to decreased plant diversity in diverse ecosystems globally, highlighting the need for ecosystem preservation strategies as they face multiple human-induced threats.
A global study finds that adding nutrients to grassland ecosystems reduces biodiversity by removing niche opportunities for species. Researchers challenge the idea that single resources limit species diversity, instead discovering complex interactions between multiple nutrients and light.
Researchers found that a nitrate-based fertigation strategy in semiclosed soilless systems improves water use efficiency and limits nutrient loss. The study showed that this approach can prolong nutrient solution recirculation without detrimental effects on plant growth.
A global experiment by researchers found that adding multiple nutrients leads to reduced grassland diversity due to increased competition among species. This study provides evidence that human influence on nutrient cycles is driving environmental conditions beyond planetary boundaries, threatening irreplaceable biodiversity.
In laboratory experiments, scientists found that normally mutualistic strains of yeast became competitive and even drove one strain to extinction when environmental conditions were benign and nutrients were plentiful. The researchers developed a model to predict the type of mutualistic relationship that would develop between species ba...
The Permian-Triassic extinction event saw 96% of marine species and 70% of terrestrial life die off due to explosive volcanic eruptions in Siberia. The Arctic region reveals clues about the delayed recovery, with evidence of a significant nutrient gap during this period.
Geophysicists at the University of Bonn have visualized plant root activity using electrical impedance tomography, allowing for non-invasive monitoring of nutrient uptake. The method provides insights into plant behavior under different conditions, such as drought or nutrient stress.
Researchers at Aarhus University have developed an alternative fertilizing source for organic farming, allowing farmers to harvest mobile green manure repeatedly without affecting crop yields. The method has the potential to improve fertilizer quality and reduce the need for conventional animal manure in the future.
A recent study found that coral reefs with fewer large, predator fish have nearly half of their key nutrients absent. Fish play a crucial role in recycling nutrients in the reef's tight nutrient cycle. The researchers suggest that curbing fishing practices targeting large predator fish could help reefs recover.
Breast milk from women who give premature birth differs in macro and micro nutrients, with higher levels of certain nutrients to compensate for the baby's underdevelopment. The new method offers a possibility to customize milk for premature infants.
A study on sole-source LEDs found that increasing light intensity and quality negatively impacts nutrient content in Brassica microgreens. Growers can use the data to select beneficial lighting practices.
Researchers found that different tree species employ unique strategies to acquire nutrients, with thicker roots avoiding hot spots and thinner roots relying on fungal partnerships. Understanding these strategies can help predict forest responses to climate change.
A new gene called Wars2 has been identified as a key player in blood vessel formation, providing a potential target for new therapies against cancer and heart disease. The discovery was made by researchers at Duke-NUS Medical School who found that inhibiting Wars2 function impaired blood vessel formation in rats and zebrafish.
Researchers found that incorporating an unfertilized winter wheat cover crop into annual crop rotations can significantly reduce nitrogen and phosphorus lost from row crops, enhancing downstream water quality. The strategy may also help alleviate the Mississippi River's nutrient load contributing to the Gulf Dead Zone.
Agroforestry allows farmers to balance biomass trees with crops, capturing more carbon, filtering nutrients, and stabilizing soil. The practice offers greater economic security and long-term benefits for farmers.
A study found that pea plants choose to grow more roots in a pot with variable nutrient levels when the average level is low, accepting more risk. This decision-making ability allows them to adapt and respond to their environment much like humans or other animals.
In times of famine, microalgae switch to efficient metabolism before partially digesting themselves to conserve nutrients. The study reveals the molecular mechanisms behind this process, which also impacts human cancer cells.
In a groundbreaking study, pea plants were found to make choices that take into account environmental variance, similar to animal behavior. The plants grew more roots in pots with variable nutrient levels when conditions were poor and more roots in constant pots when conditions were good.
Researchers at Drexel University discovered that diatom species composition can be correlated with New Jersey water quality standards, making them an efficient indicator of nutrient levels. The team created the diatom biological condition gradient (BCG) scale, which provides a clear and comprehensive picture of water quality.
Researchers at the University of Bristol have developed a new bio-ink containing stem cells that can be printed using 3D technology. The bio-ink allows for the creation of complex living tissue structures with microscopic pores, providing effective nutrient access for stem cells.
The NOAA-sponsored Gulf of Mexico hypoxia forecast predicts an average dead zone of 5,898 square miles, affecting nationally important commercial and recreational fisheries. The forecast uses multiple models to provide better information to communities and businesses, and aims to reduce the threat of hypoxic zones.
Researchers found that a combination of factors including overfishing, nutrient pollution, and pathogenic disease weaken corals, allowing opportunistic pathogens to build to deadly levels. The study suggests that coral reef declines are being caused by the interaction of multiple local stressors and global warming.
A three-year study found that corals are declining worldwide due to a combination of threats including overfishing, nutrient pollution and pathogenic disease. The study reveals that even modest temperature increases make corals more vulnerable to bacteria, leading to increased algal cover and coral mortality.
A three-year study found that 62% of corals weakened by pollution died when parrotfish bit them, turning a natural process into coral murder. Multiple stressors combined with warming temperatures facilitate pathogens, killing corals.