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UM researchers study vast carbon residue of ocean life

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.

SourceUniversity of Miami Rosenstiel School of Marine, Atmospheric, and Earth Science·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 18, 2016

Diversity as natural pesticide

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.

Researchers image roots in the ground

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.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalBiogeosciences·DateAug 23, 2016

Going to 'Wars' against cancer and heart disease

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.

SourceDuke-NUS Medical School·JournalNature Communications·DateJul 8, 2016

In making tough decisions, plants weigh the risks

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.

SourceCell Press·JournalCurrent Biology·DateJun 30, 2016

Tiny algae ideal for sniffing out nutrient pollution in water

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.

SourceDrexel University·JournalThe Science of The Total Environment·DateJun 24, 2016

A new bio-ink for 3-D printing with stem cells

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.

SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalAdvanced Healthcare Materials·DateJun 23, 2016

Coral killers

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.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalNature Communications·DateJun 7, 2016

Bacteria are individualists

A recent study reveals that bacteria can differ significantly in their response to a lack of nutrients, allowing the group to continue growing even when some cells suffer. This phenomenon promotes flexibility and diversity within bacterial populations.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalNature Microbiology·DateMay 12, 2016

How yeast makes heads or tails of itself

Researchers at the University at Buffalo discovered how yeast cells decide their direction of growth, revealing the concept of polarity and its role in propelling single-celled organisms forward. The study found that Bud proteins play a crucial role in determining cell orientation, adapting to changes in nutrient availability.

SourceUniversity at Buffalo·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 21, 2016

Give and take

A new study by UC Santa Barbara researchers finds that excess nutrient input leads to imbalances in mutualistic species interactions. This can have far-reaching implications for ecosystems, including decreased growth of fungal partners and increased growth of plant partners.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalEcology Letters·DateMar 10, 2016

Guam research fills voids

Recent studies on the Elaeocarpus joga tree from Guam have identified nitrogen and potassium as limiting factors for its growth in limestone soils. This knowledge is crucial for conserving large charismatic trees and restoring degraded landscapes to improve island ecosystem health.

SourceUniversity of Guam·JournalHortScience·DateFeb 14, 2016

Flushed resource restores ecosystem

Researchers used biosolids to create a soil blend that supported healthy bacteria, fungus, and plants, outperforming traditional compost in restoring the degraded surface area of Lake Calumet Cluster Site. The 'dream treatment' has potential to restore poor quality soils in Chicago's dense urban areas.

SourceAmerican Society of Agronomy·JournalJournal of Environmental Quality·DateDec 9, 2015