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Saving the Baltic Sea

Researchers from Lund University call for abandonment of geo-engineering efforts to mix oxygen into the Deep Baltic due to unforeseen effects. The Baltic Sea is experiencing hypoxia, and while geo-engineering schemes promise short-term improvements, they are also potentially dangerous.

SourceLund University·JournalNature·DateJun 28, 2012

How the brain senses nutrient balance

Researchers discovered a cellular mechanism allowing brain cells to translate different diets into distinct activity patterns. The orexin/hypocretin neurons are stimulated by amino acids, but inhibited by glucose, revealing a complex 'push-pull' control by sugars and proteins.

SourceCell Press·JournalNeuron·DateNov 17, 2011

Urban impacts on phosphorus in streams

A study by Washington State University-Vancouver and the University of California-Davis investigated the relationship between human phosphorus sources and aquatic nutrient levels. The research found that a small area contributed to most phosphorus input from human sources, with fertilizer and livestock manure being key drivers.

SourceAmerican Society of Agronomy·JournalJournal of Environmental Quality·DateAug 11, 2011

Researchers shed new light on predicting spinal disc degeneration

Researchers at IBEC used a computational model to study the effect of external loading on two important cell solutes related to disc metabolism: oxygen and lactate. They found that the effect of loading was greater when compressing a healthy disc than a degenerated one, promoting fluctuations in solute concentration.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Computational Biology·DateAug 4, 2011

Microbial study reveals sophisticated sensory response

A new study demonstrates that even a simple microbe can achieve sophisticated sensory adaptation, allowing its behavior to remain consistent in ever-changing background conditions. Researchers found that E. coli responds to relative changes in sensory inputs rather than absolute concentrations.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology, Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 1, 2011

Analyzing agroforestry management

Scientists developed a conceptual framework to diagnose nutrient and non-nutrient interactions in agroecosystems, increasing yields and reducing environmental costs. The model considers both nutrient and non-nutrient resource effects on growth, such as light conditions and soil moisture content.

SourceAmerican Society of Agronomy·JournalJournal of Environmental Quality·DateJun 28, 2011

Cost effective manure management

A new study finds that shallow disk injection of manure is an effective way to reduce nutrient losses to the environment. This technique, which increases the incorporation of manure, reduces ammonia emissions and phosphorus runoff, making it a more environmentally friendly option.

SourceAmerican Society of Agronomy·JournalJournal of Environmental Quality·DateApr 5, 2011

Home and away: How do invasive plant species dominate native species?

A global collaboration found that invasive plant species have similar or lower abundance at introduced versus native sites, challenging the 'abundance assumption'. This study used standardized protocols across over 60 sites worldwide to collect population and community data, providing a new approach to address critical ecological issues.

SourceWiley·JournalEcology Letters·DateFeb 1, 2011

Reducing diet early in pregnancy stunts fetal brain development

A study found that moderate decreases in maternal nutrition during early pregnancy impaired fetal brain development, including decreased cell-to-cell connections and growth factors. The research uses a nonhuman primate model to demonstrate the importance of good maternal health and diet on fetal development.

SourceUniversity of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 17, 2011

Coccolithophore blooms in the southwest Atlantic

A study led by Dr. Stuart Painter identifies five distinct water masses controlling coccolithophore blooms off the southeast coast of South America, highlighting the region's complexity and productivity. The research cruise measured salinity, chemistry, and nutrient levels, confirming that specific conditions foster bloom formation.

SourceNational Oceanography Centre, UK·JournalContinental Shelf Research·DateOct 21, 2010

Whale poop pumps up ocean health

Scientists have discovered that whales' feces pump up ocean productivity, increasing phytoplankton growth and secondary productivity. This boost has a significant impact on fisheries, resulting in bigger fisheries and higher fish abundances.

SourceUniversity of Vermont·JournalPLOS ONE·DateOct 11, 2010