Articles tagged with Nutrients
The sensors can be buried in a grid pattern and relay data to a central computer, providing real-time high-resolution data for farmers and researchers. This technology aims to maximize yields, minimize environmental impacts and provide more accurate crop growth predictions.
A team of international scientists urges more comprehensive research on cellulosic biofuels to avoid environmental pitfalls. The study highlights the need to consider water use, nutrient runoff, greenhouse gas emissions and soil degradation when producing these fuels.
Researchers used lab-based experimental ecosystems to model relationship between nutrients and biodiversity, finding that precise relationship depends on species present. The study's results show that low levels of nutrients can lead to high levels of biodiversity.
Researchers use wave energy to pump cold, nutrient-rich water from deep ocean to surface waters near Hawaii, aiming to control plankton growth. They believe this can help mitigate global greenhouse buildup by understanding large-scale interactions between the atmosphere and ocean.
Numerical simulations of nutrient transport changes in Honghu Lake Basin revealed that human activities increased rapidly and became a dominant factor in changes of the nutrient transportation. The study found variations in nutrient production and concentration, with increasing rates of eutrophication over time.
Researchers found that multiple measurement techniques are needed to accurately measure calcium content in serpentine soils. A combination of X-ray diffraction, electron microscopy, and elemental analysis is necessary to identify and quantify calcium.
The number of dead zones in coastal waters has increased by a third between 1995 and 2007, with 405 areas affected, covering an area of 95,000 square miles. Dead zones are caused by excess nutrients, primarily nitrogen and phosphorus, leading to oxygen depletion.
A new study published in Journal of the Science of Food and Agriculture found no evidence to support the view that organically grown crops contain more major and trace elements. The study compared retention of minerals and trace elements in animals fed a diet consisting of conventionally grown crops, organic crops, and a combination of...
Researchers discovered that a parasitic plant can intercept host RNA molecules up to a foot from the point of infection, allowing it to synchronize its lifecycle with the host. This finding could lead to new ways to combat parasites that attack crop plants.
A new study reveals that Amazon River's nutrient-rich outflow supports unexpected plant life, trapping atmospheric carbon dioxide. The discovery may alter climate scientists' calculations and suggest alternative sinks for CO2.
Researchers found that Saharan dust storms provide essential iron minerals, enabling plants to thrive in nutrient-poor regions. This discovery sheds light on how the Atlantic Ocean supports plant growth despite being referred to as an 'ocean desert',
Scientists have identified the protein SR-B1 as responsible for transporting lutein and zeaxanthin, two nutrients that may help prevent macular degeneration. The study found that blocking the protein's action significantly reduced the cells' absorption of these nutrients.
A researcher at the University of Western Ontario is studying the relationship between global warming, nutrient enrichment, and lake systems to understand the complex dynamics of climate change. The study aims to identify how human activities impact regional temperature, hydroclimates, and aquatic ecosystems.
Winter cover crops can perpetuate themselves through self-seeding, eliminating planting costs and time constraints for farmers. This innovative management system also enhances weed suppression and improves soil quality.
Using a systems biology approach, researchers identified that the master gene controlling the biological clock is sensitive to nutrient status in Arabidopsis. The study provides evidence that plant nutrition affects circadian functions, linking nutrient regulation to biological clock control.
Researchers at MIT demonstrated that marine bacteria, specifically P. haloplanktis, use their rapid swimming abilities to locate and exploit tiny nutrient patches in the ocean. This behavior has global implications for the oceans' health during climate change and could impact the carbon cycle.
A new framework prioritizes stream restoration efforts to reduce nitrogen flowing downstream, combining innovative techniques with traditional measures. Small streams with high nitrogen loads are targeted for restoration approaches increasing in-stream carbon availability and contact between water and sediments.
Researchers are cataloging genes essential to parasitism in three types of parasitic plants, including broomrape, witchweed, and owl's clovers. The study aims to increase knowledge on the genomics of parasitism in plants and develop strategies to control devastating weeds.
Research at MIT suggests that aquatic plants in rivers can help dampen storm surge, lower nutrient levels, and promote sediment accumulation. By understanding how water flows through plant canopies, ecologists can determine the optimal vegetation patch length and planting density for river restoration.
A new study reveals that picophytoplankton species' tolerance of high light can explain their ocean-wide distribution. Different regions have distinct abilities to cope with variable light through rapid repair, driven by nutrient availability.
In northwest India, a study found that applying site-specific nutrient management (SSNM) increased average rice grain yields by 17% compared to traditional farming practices. The approach also led to improved nitrogen and phosphorus use efficiency, with profits rising about 14%.
Researchers at MIT have developed a method to create three-dimensional microparticles using ultraviolet light, offering unprecedented control over size, shape, and texture. The particles can be designed with specific chemical properties, such as porosity, making them suitable for use in medical diagnostics and tissue engineering.
A Purdue University research team captured an image of the protein gate complex that allows materials to enter cells, providing insights into disease mechanisms. The discovery may lead to more effective treatments for diseases like cancer and cystic fibrosis by inhibiting or activating this mechanism.
A team led by Mary Lou Guerinot aims to create rice varieties with enhanced iron and zinc levels, addressing global nutritional deficiencies. The project will analyze over 1,800 rice varieties and identify genes responsible for nutrient uptake and storage.
Researchers propose a broader approach to uncovering the causes and consequences of obesity, highlighting similarities in cell responses to excess nutrients. This understanding might reveal why overeating leads to various diseases and explain animal longevity on calorie-restricted diets.
Researchers found that trees in low-nitrogen soils produce more anthocyanins, which protect the leaves longer and allow for greater nutrient recovery. This study supports a hypothesis suggesting that trees produce red pigments to aid in survival during the winter months.
A CU-Boulder study shows that high levels of nutrients from farming and ranching activities fuel parasite infections, causing highly publicized frog deformities. The research found that increased nitrogen and phosphorus levels stimulate algae growth, leading to sharp hikes in snail populations and infectious parasites.
Researchers explore potential for enhanced nutrient cycling through coupling of agricultural and bioenergy systems to improve sustainability of biomass production. The study reports that up to 78% of nitrogen fertilizer could be recovered from an integrated biological and thermochemical process.
A UC-Riverside hydrologist will study the ecological impact of climate change on mountain lakes, focusing on atmospheric deposition of nutrients. The research aims to understand how nutrient enrichment affects lake productivity and ecology, with potential implications for regulatory agencies setting air quality standards.
A decade-long experiment found that trees only store significant amounts of carbon when receiving sufficient water and nutrients, suggesting proposals to bank CO2 in trees may not be effective
Researchers at the University of Delaware have confirmed that a natural enzyme called phytase has helped Delaware chickens digest more phosphorus, reducing output in chicken manure. As a result, phosphorus loads to the environment have been reduced by some 2 million to 3 million pounds per year.
Studies of coral reefs, rocky intertidal areas, and sea grass beds suggest that depletion of top-level consumers is a key driver of ecosystem changes. The authors' findings have major implications for coastal ecosystem management, as reducing nutrient levels may not restore habitats.
A team of scientists found that limiting food intake during pregnancy impairs nutrient supply to fetuses and slows soft tissue growth. Adequate weight gain by pregnant teen girls is crucial to reduce low-birth-weight infant risk, suggesting a need for personalized dietary advice.
Researchers found that adult men and postmenopausal women require significantly higher amounts of choline to prevent fatty liver and muscle damage. Eggs are an excellent source of this essential nutrient, providing nearly half the recommended daily supply per serving.
Researchers have discovered that oceanic storms, known as eddies, pump nutrients up from the deep ocean to fuel massive blooms of microscopic plant life. These nutrient-rich waters support a vibrant ecosystem, attracting zooplankton and other animals higher up the food chain.
A recent study found that STAMP2 plays a crucial role in preventing chronic inflammation and metabolic diseases by regulating nutrient responses. The protein acts as a barrier to protect the body against excessive nutrients, helping to maintain metabolic homeostasis.
Two studies found that eating eggs for breakfast can lead to significant weight loss and improved energy levels. Additionally, eggs are an excellent source of choline, essential for brain function and development, and may help close the nutrient consumption gap among pregnant women and older adults.
Researchers at Stanford University have found that invasive plant species can flourish in resource-poor environments by adopting efficient ways to use available resources. This discovery sheds new light on how invaders achieve success and may change the way scientists think about invasive species and how to curb them.
A new study by University of Minnesota researchers found that excess nutrients and water can reduce species diversity in ecosystems, allowing a few species to dominate. The findings support the idea that plant diversity is directly related to limiting factors such as soil moisture and nutrient availability.
Computer simulations reveal that freshwater fish play a crucial role in recycling nutrients like nitrogen and phosphorus. Overfishing could lead to declines in nutrient cycling, highlighting the importance of conserving key species.
Biologists at Carnegie Institution discover a new way plant cells regulate nutrient uptake through physical interaction between neighboring molecules, applicable across species. The discovery has potential applications from understanding human diseases like kidney function to engineering better crops.
Fruit flies exposed to yeast paste odor did not live as long as calorie-restricted insects without the odor, suggesting that reduced perception plays a role in extending lifespan. The study found that flies with impaired sense of smell lived up to 57% longer and were more stress-resistant.
A large-scale study reveals that soil composition significantly influences where certain tree species grow in tropical forests. Researchers found strong associations between tree species and nutrient distributions, suggesting differences in nutrient requirements among trees may help explain coexistence.
A Rutgers-Camden research team, led by Heike Bücking, aims to develop a better understanding of the nutrient exchange processes between fungi and agricultural environments. The project seeks to promote the use of mycorrhizal fungi as biofertilizers to reduce fertilizer pollution and improve agricultural sustainability.
Researchers at the University of Virginia are exploring how nutrients in broccoli prevent cancer by bonding with a specific enzyme. This enzyme is linked to inflammatory diseases and cancer, and understanding its role could lead to anti-cancer compounds.
A new study finds that the stalk of Caulobacter crescentus bacteria acts as an antenna to amplify nutrient uptake, increasing efficiency without increasing volume or surface area. This discovery has significant implications for bioremediation and drug production.
A new study reveals that the Southern Ocean plays a significant role in regulating atmospheric carbon dioxide, with waters below 60 degrees south latitude soaking up carbon dioxide from the air. The research suggests that future research on carbon sequestration should focus on the Antarctic region.
A University of Colorado study found that adding phosphorus and nitrogen to tropical forest soils in Costa Rica increases CO2 emissions by 20%. The study highlights the impact of human activities on nutrient availability in ecosystems, with potential implications for climate change.
Research by Mark Graham found that pollen significantly enhances plankton growth in boreal lakes, supporting forage fish and potentially boosting sport fish populations. Climate change may impact this process, highlighting the importance of pollen in linking terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems.
Scientists at Emory University Health Sciences Center have identified the protein HAP1 as crucial for neuronal function and trafficking. The discovery may lead to new treatments for Huntington's disease by understanding how mutant huntingtin affects cellular transport. Research has implications for other neurodegenerative disorders.
Researchers found that flagella in algae allow for active nutrient gathering, concentrating nutrients just ahead of the moving colony. This discovery explains how single-celled life forms can evolve into larger multicellular organisms like Volvox, a colony of up to 50,000 cells.
A recent study by University of Cincinnati researchers suggests that specific micronutrients, particularly branched-chain amino acids like leucine, play a key role in regulating appetite and energy balance. The study's findings may lead to the development of new diet designs to help individuals with obesity manage their weight.
A University of Washington researcher found that salmon spawning can alter stream beds, releasing silt, minerals, and nutrients that impact nearby rivers and lakes. This
Research suggests that increasing nutrient pollution levels are reducing the areas where reef-building coral can survive in South Florida. The team found a clear increase in phosphorus concentrations and expansion of fleshy seaweed, corresponding to a decrease in coral species and extent.
According to Dr. Stephen Cunnane, early humans' diet of shore-based food provided essential nutrients for brain growth, including docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and iodine. This diet helped launch Homo sapiens brains past their primate peers, sparking the growth of the human brain.
Researchers found that introduced foxes reduced guano deposits, affecting plants and animals at the bottom of the food web. The study showed significant differences in plant communities between fox-infested and fox-free islands.
A new study has found that people's eating habits are influenced by their previous meals, with breakfast having the strongest effect. The study suggests that instead of setting daily nutritional goals, focusing on multi-day goals can help individuals approach dinner with a different set of habits and improve overall clarity.
Researchers identified a compound in cocoa responsible for improving blood flow and cardiovascular function. The flavanol (-)epicatechin was shown to relax blood vessels and increase nitric oxide levels, leading to improved heart health.
A research team led by Jue Chen has visualized the entire cycle of membrane transport proteins, which use ATP to open and close gates allowing nutrients in and waste out. This understanding could enhance knowledge of metabolism and life processes in creatures from bacteria to humans.
French fries prepared with non-hydrogenated cottonseed oil have significantly lower trans-fatty acids and saturated fat compared to those made with partially hydrogenated canola or soybean oil. Fruits and vegetables are ranked highest for nutrient density, providing key nutrients at a reasonable cost.