Add BrightSurf on Google Email

New approach opens avenue to investigate element distribution and transport pathways in plants

Researchers developed a method to analyze element distribution and transport pathways in plant roots, allowing for the identification of cell type-specific elemental concentrations. The study revealed a steep concentration gradient between outer and inner cell layers in roots and identified a cell type-specific enrichment of manganese ...

Investigating the placenta: Discovery from Stowers Scientists shows why this often-overlooked organ should be given more attention

A new study from the Stowers Institute for Medical Research reveals the placenta's polyploid cells play a vital role in supporting healthy embryonic development. The modified cell cycle controlling polyploidy is governed by the regulatory gene Myc, which supports DNA replication and prevents premature cellular aging.

SourceStowers Institute for Medical Research·JournalDevelopment·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 7, 2023

Plants allocate enough carbon to underground mycorrhizal fungi equivalent to roughly one-third of carbon emitted yearly by fossil fuels

Researchers found that plants allocate a significant amount of carbon to mycorrhizal fungi, equivalent to roughly one-third of carbon emitted yearly by fossil fuels. This discovery highlights the importance of understanding fungal networks in soil ecosystems and their role in mitigating climate change.

SourceCell Press·JournalCurrent Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 5, 2023

Warming climate could turn ocean plankton microbes into carbon emitters

Researchers found that warming conditions can shift mixotrophic microbes from carbon sinks to carbon emitters, potentially accelerating warming and creating a positive feedback loop. These tiny microbes, abundant in freshwater and marine environments, could act as early warning signals for climate change tipping points.

SourceBritish Ecological Society·JournalFunctional Ecology·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJun 1, 2023

Specifically designed diets demonstrate a “powerful ability” to prevent tumorigenesis, delay tumor growth and improve existing cancer treatments, CNIO researchers say in a review paper

CNIO researchers review the anticancer effects of various diets, including caloric restriction, ketogenic diet, and intermittent fasting. They argue that precision nutrition can be used to treat specific cancers based on tumor metabolism and patient characteristics.

SourceCentro Nacional de Investigaciones Oncológicas (CNIO)·JournalTrends in Molecular Medicine·TypeLiterature review·DateMay 30, 2023

How eating natto might help to distress

Research suggests that consuming natto can enhance lifespan and stress resistance in Caenorhabditis elegans worms by activating key signaling pathways. This fermented soybean product has been found to have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects, which may contribute to its potential health benefits.

SourceOsaka Metropolitan University·JournalJournal of Applied Microbiology·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 26, 2023

Uncovering the secret masks behind algae growth in the south-to-north water diversion project using advanced AI

A deep learning-based Transformer model, Bloomformer-1, has been developed to identify the driving factors of algal growth in the Middle Route of the South-to-North Water Diversion Project. The results reveal that total phosphorus is the most significant factor affecting algal growth, especially in the Henan section, while total nitrog...

SourceKeAi Communications Co., Ltd.·JournalWater Biology and Security·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateMay 21, 2023

This sustainable solution for removing phosphate and ammonium from wastewater promotes a circular economy

Researchers at University of Toronto Engineering have developed a sustainable solution to remove phosphate and ammonium from wastewater by utilizing advanced membranes incorporating inorganic particles. This method recovers these nutrients for future use, providing a new source of materials for agricultural fertilizers and helping addr...

Invading insect could transform Antarctic soils

A non-native midge species is significantly increasing rates of plant decomposition, resulting in three to five-fold increases in soil nitrate levels on Signy Island. The midge, Eretmoptera murphyi, is altering soil ecosystems and potentially 'opening the door' for other species to become established.

SourceUniversity of Birmingham·JournalSoil Biology and Biochemistry·TypeObservational study·DateMay 10, 2023

Secret behind Amazonian 'dark earth' could help speed up forest restoration across the globe

Adding Amazonian dark earth to soils increases plant growth by 3-8 times compared to control soil. The nutrient-rich soil also supports a greater biodiversity of beneficial bacteria and archaea, which transform chemical particles into nutrients. This 'secret weapon' could help speed up forest restoration projects worldwide.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Soil Science·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 5, 2023

How diet quality affects the gut microbiota to promote health

A new study from the University of Illinois found that following the Dietary Guidelines for Americans promotes a diverse gut microbiota composition. The researchers analyzed data from the American Gut Project and discovered that individuals with higher diet quality had a greater abundance of beneficial bacteria involved in fiber metabo...

SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences·JournalJournal of Nutrition·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMay 4, 2023

Packaged foods marketed to kids are significantly higher in sugar and lower in other nutrients than other products, according to Canadian study of almost 6,000 items

A Canadian study of almost 6,000 packaged food items found that those marketed to children are significantly higher in sugar content and lower in essential nutrients. The research highlights the need for healthier options in the market to combat childhood obesity and related health issues.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateMay 3, 2023

How dormant bacteria come back to life

Researchers at Harvard Medical School discovered a new cellular sensor that allows dormant bacteria to detect nutrients and quickly spring back to life. This breakthrough could inform the design of ways to prevent dangerous bacterial spores from lying dormant for months before waking up again and causing outbreaks.

SourceHarvard Medical School·JournalScience·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 27, 2023

What makes “junk food” junk?

A new analysis of three decades of US food policies defines junk food based on a combination of product categories, processing, nutrients, and place. The study identifies common criteria used in existing policies, including exemptions for staple foods and favoring products with lower levels of processing and additives.

SourceNew York University·JournalMilbank Quarterly·DateApr 27, 2023

Solving the mystery behind how nutrients enter cells

Researchers have identified FLVCR1 as a plasma membrane choline transporter in mammals, which could lead to treatments for diseases such as posterior column ataxia with retinitis pigmentosa and neurodegeneration. The discovery was made using an integrative genetic analysis approach that linked specific metabolites to transport proteins.

SourceRockefeller University·JournalCell Metabolism·DateApr 26, 2023

Winter cover crops could reduce nitrogen in Illinois drainage water by 30%

A new University of Illinois study suggests that widespread planting of cereal rye could significantly reduce nitrate levels in Illinois' tile drainage water. The research found that adopting winter cover crops, such as cereal rye, can help minimize nitrogen loss and improve water quality.

Counting the cost of sunshine: Finding a better metric to measure human ecological footprints

Researchers develop 'Human Appropriation of Net Primary Production' (HANNP) metric to accurately estimate human impacts on the earth's systems. This new approach starts at the source, measuring the total biomass produced through photosynthesis and comparing it to what humans have appropriated for their own use.

SourceS.J. & Jessie E. Quinney College of Natural Resources, Utah State University·JournalEcological Indicators·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateApr 17, 2023

Carbon ‘bank’ at risk of failure: Scientists trying to determine what will happen to massive carbon stores as rainforests dry out

Scientists warn that tropical forests' capacity to act as a carbon sink is declining due to persistent drought. The study found that soil nutrients play a significant role in carbon storage and release, contradicting previous models. Researchers are urging action to address emissions and increase carbon sequestration initiatives.

SourceColorado State University·JournalGlobal Biogeochemical Cycles·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 17, 2023

Early grain development in bread wheat

Researchers found that TaMADS29 interacts with TaNF-YB1 to regulate early grain development in bread wheat. The complex helps prevent excessive ROS accumulation, promotes nutrient transport into the endosperm, and allows normal grain filling.

SourceScience China Press·JournalScience China Life Sciences·DateApr 12, 2023

Cells refine palm fat into olive oil

Scientists have found that cells break down and reassemble fatty acids to create more beneficial variants, such as oleic acid. This process, called triglyceride cycling, refines poorly usable fatty acids into higher-quality forms.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalNature Metabolism·DateApr 3, 2023

Feed them or lose them

Researchers found that a group of amino acids influence brain development, leading to severe effects after birth if nerve cells are starved. The study showed that mice with low levels of essential amino acids developed microcephaly and exhibited long-term behavioral abnormalities similar to those in autism spectrum disorders.

SourceInstitute of Science and Technology Austria·JournalCell·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 29, 2023

Local manure regulations can help reduce water pollution from dairy farms

A new study from the University of Illinois finds that local enforcement of manure management regulations can effectively reduce nutrient concentrations in rivers and lakes. The study focuses on Wisconsin's unique approach, which allows counties to participate in enforcement without state approval.

SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences·JournalAmerican Journal of Agricultural Economics·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMar 21, 2023

Organosulfur content of vegetables quantified

A research team at Osaka Metropolitan University has developed a selective and sensitive method for detecting reactive polysulfides in vegetables. The study found high levels of reactive polysulfides in leek genus vegetables like onions and garlic, as well as cruciferous vegetables like broccoli and cabbage.

SourceOsaka Metropolitan University·JournalFood Chemistry·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 13, 2023

Estuaries face higher nutrient loads in the future – particularly on the Atlantic coast

Estuaries along the Atlantic coast and eastern Gulf of Mexico are expected to experience significant increases in nutrient loading, posing risks for harmful algal blooms and ecosystem health. The study identified regions with high adaptive capacity as having more resources to mitigate these effects.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalEarth s Future·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateFeb 28, 2023

The benefits of olive oil for health and wellbeing

Research suggests that oleic acid in olive oil has antioxidant properties, inhibiting the expression of proteins associated with cholesterol transport, and reducing atherosclerosis. Additionally, oleic acid is recognized as an anti-cancer molecule, which also displays hypocholesterolaemic effects and may influence epigenetic mechanisms.

SourceUniversity of Seville·JournalNutrients·DateFeb 23, 2023

Tree rows in modern agriculture reduce damage to environment

A new study by the University of Göttingen found that alley-cropping agroforestry significantly improves ecosystem functions, including carbon sequestration, habitat creation, and soil protection. In contrast, open grassland systems did not show significant changes in ecosystem function after conversion to agroforestry.

SourceUniversity of Göttingen·JournalCommunications Earth & Environment·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 2, 2023