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Long-term exposure to nitrate in drinking water may be a risk factor for prostate cancer

A study published in Environmental Health Perspectives found that long-term exposure to nitrate in drinking water may increase the risk of prostate cancer, especially among younger men and those with aggressive tumors. Eating a diet rich in fiber, fruits, and vegetables can help mitigate this effect.

SourceBarcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal)·JournalEnvironmental Health Perspectives·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateMar 8, 2023

Study demonstrates energy-efficient conversion of nitrate pollutants into ammonia

A new study by the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign demonstrates an approach for integrated capture and conversion of nitrate-contaminated waters into valuable ammonia using a single electrochemical cell. The device shows significant enhancements in energy efficiency, nitrate removal, and ammonium production rate compared to ...

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 16, 2023
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

Apple iPhone 17 Pro delivers top performance and advanced cameras for field documentation, data collection, and secure research communications.

“Dark” side of air pollution across China poses potential health threat

A new study reveals a significant increase in nocturnal production of nitrate radicals in China, which could exacerbate air pollution and pose a major health threat. The country's 'hot-spot' for nitrate radical production may worsen ozone and fine particulate pollution if emissions are not reduced.

SourceUniversity of Birmingham·JournalNature Geoscience·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 26, 2023

Dietary nitrate – found in beetroot juice - significantly increases muscle force during exercise

A new study found that consuming dietary nitrate from beetroot juice significantly increases muscle force while exercising. The researchers discovered a 7% increase in muscle torque production, providing the best evidence to date on the mechanisms behind why dietary nitrate improves human muscle performance.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalActa Physiologica·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 23, 2023

Finding current toilet technology flushes profits, WVU researcher takes aim at turning yellow into green by recycling urine

A WVU engineer has developed a technology that can treat urine on site rather than at a centralized wastewater treatment facility, allowing for the recovery of nitrogen as a valuable fertilizer. The approach enables quick treatment and promotes the reduction of nutrient discharge into lakes and rivers.

SourceWest Virginia University·JournalEnvironmental Technology·DateDec 12, 2022
SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB

SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB transfers large imagery and model outputs quickly between field laptops, lab workstations, and secure archives.

Rust-coated irrigation pipes hint at lack of nitrate in groundwater

Researchers found that rusty center pivots indicate a lack of nitrate in the groundwater they feed. In fact, most wells supplying full-rust and part-rust pivots had nitrate concentrations below the EPA's safety threshold. However, some part-rust pivots showed higher nitrate levels, highlighting the need for further investigation.

SourceUniversity of Nebraska-Lincoln·JournalACS ES&T Water·DateDec 7, 2022
Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition

Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition is a durable star atlas for planning sessions, identifying targets, and teaching celestial navigation.

Laughing gas in space could mean life

Researchers propose nitrous oxide as a potential biosignature for exoplanets, detectable by the James Webb Space Telescope. They modeled N2O production on Earth-like planets and found it could be comparable to CO2 or methane in star systems like TRAPPIST-1.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateOct 4, 2022

Study finds diatoms with a surprising appetite for nitrate

Diatoms in aquatic ecosystems have a previously unknown ability to store and use nitrate as a nutrient. They can replace oxygen with nitrate, allowing them to thrive in deep sediments and at night.

SourceUniversity of Southern Denmark·JournalCommunications Earth & Environment·TypeObservational study·DateAug 30, 2022

Stickers and a smartphone for easy nitrite detection on foods

Researchers have developed a novel method for detecting nitrite levels in foods using a color-changing film and smartphone app. The POLYSEN-based system allows consumers to easily analyze nitrite levels on meats and comply with European regulations, promoting healthier eating habits.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalACS Applied Materials & Interfaces·DateAug 3, 2022
Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4)

Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4) runs demanding GIS, imaging, and annotation workflows on the go for surveys, briefings, and lab notebooks.

Cover crops not enough to improve soil after decades of continuous corn

Researchers found that short-term cover crop use cannot reverse decades of soil microbial dynamics in response to unsustainable practices. Long-term fertilization disrupted nitrogen cycling communities, while cover crops enhanced biodiversity but had both positive and negative effects on soil microbes.

SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences·JournalAgronomy·DateJun 6, 2022

‘Friendly’ gut bacteria may eliminate pathogens by competing for energy resources

A new study published in Cell Host & Microbe finds that friendly bacteria in the gut, such as Escherichia coli Nissle 1917, can compete with harmful bacteria like Salmonella for energy resources like nitrate. This competition allows the probiotic to occupy both niches and protect against infection.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis Health·JournalCell Host & Microbe·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 13, 2022

Rice process aims to strip ammonia from wastewater

Researchers create high-performance catalyst to pull ammonia and solid fertilizer from low-level nitrates in industrial wastewater, reducing carbon dioxide emissions. The process works at room temperature and under ambient pressure, with potential for decentralized ammonia production.

SourceRice University·JournalNature Nanotechnology·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 2, 2022
GQ GMC-500Plus Geiger Counter

GQ GMC-500Plus Geiger Counter logs beta, gamma, and X-ray levels for environmental monitoring, training labs, and safety demonstrations.

New protein discovery reveals the mechanisms of nitrogen assimilation in plants

Scientists have discovered a novel protein NDB1 that inactivates MYB1, a key regulator of nitrogen assimilation in plants. This finding could lead to improved biomass production and crop yields by manipulating NDB1. Researchers are now exploring the potential to boost plant growth through NDB1 manipulation.

SourceTohoku University·JournalFrontiers in Plant Science·TypeMeta-analysis·DateApr 10, 2022

Discovering molecular ‘team-work’ underlying nitrate assimilation in a unicellular red alga

Researchers identified a critical region of CmMYB1 and the CmNDB1 protein that negatively regulate nitrate assimilation genes under nitrogen-repleted conditions. This study provides valuable insights into molecular functions and mechanisms in plants, shedding light on the regulation of transcription under specific nitrogen levels.

SourceTokyo Institute of Technology·JournalFrontiers in Plant Science·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 11, 2022

Following rain, desert microbes exhale potent greenhouse gas

Researchers found that desert microbes produce nitrous oxide (N2O) emissions in arid soils after rain, contradicting the long-held assumption that it comes from fertilized agricultural fields. The study reveals a new source of nitrogen pollution in deserts, driven by fossil fuel combustion and industrial processes.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalBiogeochemistry·DateMar 9, 2022

Study clarifies nitrogen’s impact on soil carbon sequestration

The study found that nitrogen fertilizer accelerated residue decomposition, producing more carbon dioxide and reducing the incorporation of residues into soil organic matter. This long-term problem can cause microbes to attack stable organic matter, leading to a decline in soil health.

SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences·JournalNitrogen·DateDec 15, 2021
Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 Binoculars

Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 Binoculars deliver bright, sharp views for wildlife surveys, eclipse chases, and quick star-field scans at dark sites.

How do phytohormones regulate nitrate transport in apple?

Research found that ABA inhibits nitrate transport from roots to shoots in apple by reducing the transcription of MdNRT1.5. The transcription factor MdABI5 mediates this process. Overexpression of MdABI5 inhibited ABA-mediated nitrate transport.

SourceNanjing Agricultural University The Academy of Science·JournalHorticulture Research·DateDec 7, 2021

How nitrate concentrations can be reduced in groundwater

Researchers from Ruhr-University Bochum found that adding organic carbon substances like ethanol and glucose can improve nitrate degradation in groundwater. Temperature played a significant role in selecting the most effective substance.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·JournalWater Resources Research·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 1, 2021

Japanese Knotweed extract could cut cancer risk of processed meat

Researchers have developed a new type of red meat that replaces nitrite with natural alternatives from plants and fruits, including Japanese Knotweed. The results showed significantly lower levels of nitrite content in participants' faeces compared to conventionally processed red meat.

SourceUniversity of Reading·JournalMolecular Nutrition & Food Research·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateSep 21, 2021

Combining sunlight and wastewater nitrate to make the world’s No. 2 chemical

Researchers develop a novel method to convert nitrate in wastewater into ammonia with nearly 100% efficiency and zero greenhouse gas emissions. The system utilizes cobalt catalysts and solar power to achieve unprecedented solar-to-fuel efficiency, outperforming existing technologies.

SourceUniversity of Illinois Chicago·JournalEnergy & Environmental Science·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 8, 2021
Rigol DP832 Triple-Output Bench Power Supply

Rigol DP832 Triple-Output Bench Power Supply powers sensors, microcontrollers, and test circuits with programmable rails and stable outputs.

NTU Singapore scientists develop ‘greener’ way to make fertiliser

Researchers at Nanyang Technological University (NTU) Singapore have devised a new method for producing urea, a key compound in fertilisers, through electrocatalysis. This approach produces urea five times more efficiently than previous methods and has the potential to contribute to sustainable agricultural practices.

SourceNanyang Technological University·JournalNature Sustainability·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 19, 2021

Nitrogen-producing process of anammox bacterium finally uncovered

The anammox bacterium uses the nitrite oxidoreductase enzyme (NXR) to convert toxic nitrite into nitrate, a crucial process in nature's nitrogen cycle. Researchers have now mapped the molecular structure of NXR, gaining insight into its complex structure and organization within the cell.

SourceRadboud University Nijmegen·JournalNature Microbiology·DateJul 15, 2021

Keeping more ammonium in soil could decrease pollution, boost crops

A new study published in PNAS proposes using a blend of nitrate and ammonium to reduce nitrogen pollution and increase food production. The researchers argue that this approach can bind to soil, reducing the risk of leaching into waterways and minimize greenhouse gas emissions.

SourcePrinceton School of Public and International Affairs·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 26, 2021
Creality K1 Max 3D Printer

Creality K1 Max 3D Printer rapidly prototypes brackets, adapters, and fixtures for instruments and classroom demonstrations at large build volume.

To nodulate or not? Uncovering how nitrate regulates gene expression in legumes

Researchers from the University of Tsukuba have discovered that interactions between proteins and nitrate control gene expression in legumes, leading to nodulation. The team found that specific proteins with varying DNA-binding properties regulate symbiotic genes involved in nodulation, which is induced by nitrate presence.

SourceUniversity of Tsukuba·JournalThe Plant Cell·DateApr 9, 2021
Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro)

Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro) powers local ML workloads, large datasets, and multi-display analysis for field and lab teams.

Green leafy vegetables essential for muscle strength

A new study published in the Journal of Nutrition found that consuming nitrate-rich vegetables, such as lettuce and spinach, can significantly improve muscle function. The research revealed that people with higher nitrate intake had 11% stronger lower limb strength than those with the lowest intake.

SourceEdith Cowan University·JournalJournal of Nutrition·DateMar 24, 2021

Even small levels of nitrate in drinking water results in smaller babies

A major new study from Denmark and USA finds that even small amounts of nitrates in mothers' drinking water result in smaller babies, with an average weight loss of 10 grams. The study, which analyzed over 850,000 births, challenges the current threshold value for nitrate levels in drinking water.

SourceAarhus University·JournalEnvironmental Health Perspectives·DateMar 24, 2021

Nitrate in maternal drinking water may impair fetal growth

A study of 850,000 Danish pregnancies found that nitrate in maternal drinking water was associated with lower birth weights and smaller body lengths, highlighting a critical data gap in current water standards for nitrate.

SourceUniversity of Illinois Chicago·JournalEnvironmental Health Perspectives·DateFeb 9, 2021
AmScope B120C-5M Compound Microscope

AmScope B120C-5M Compound Microscope supports teaching labs and QA checks with LED illumination, mechanical stage, and included 5MP camera.

Alterations to oral microbiota reduce the cardiovascular benefits of sport

A study by the University of Plymouth and UOC assessed the impact of physical exercise on oral microbiota, finding that alterations to buccal bacteria reduce cardiovascular benefits. The study highlights the importance of diet, hydration, and chewing in maintaining oral health and improving sporting performance.

SourceUniversitat Oberta de Catalunya (UOC)·JournalPharmaNutrition·DateDec 9, 2020

Dynamics in the root zone

A team of scientists analyzed processes in the root zone to determine nitrogen fate. They found nearly 75% of Europe's agricultural land vulnerable to nitrate leaching during critical months. This study provides more precise information for risk management and adjusting fertiliser regimes.

SourceHelmholtz Centre for Environmental Research - UFZ·JournalNature Communications·DateDec 9, 2020

Illinois-led research aims to clean agricultural drainage water

The project will populate a database of bioreactor and saturated buffer designs, trial novel modifications to improve efficiency, and install monitoring systems for real-time water quality detection. The goal is to increase adoption and effectiveness of these low-cost solutions in the Midwest.

SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences·DateNov 18, 2020

From nitrate crisis to phosphate crisis?

A study found that reducing nitrogen levels can harm plant biodiversity by displacing species adapted to low nutrients. Researchers advocate for an EU Phosphate Directive to address this issue and protect threatened plant species.

SourceUniversity of Göttingen·JournalNature Ecology & Evolution·DateNov 3, 2020
Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation, USB-C)

Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation, USB-C) provide clear calls and strong noise reduction for interviews, conferences, and noisy field environments.

Floating gardens: More than just a pretty place

A study presented at the 2020 GSA Annual Meeting reveals that floating gardens can have a positive impact on water quality. The research found modest but definitive improvement in nutrient levels, including a 1% decrease in nitrate levels downstream of the garden.

SourceGeological Society of America·DateOct 26, 2020

Texas Tech, Nanjing Agricultural Research teams make plant nutrient delivery breakthrough

Scientists discovered that arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi supply nitrogen to plants through a newly identified protein, enabling crops like rice to thrive with reduced fertilizer use. The finding could lead to more sustainable agricultural practices and reduce environmental impact by minimizing agrochemical use.

SourceTexas Tech University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 17, 2020

FSU researchers track nutrient transport in the Gulf of Mexico

Researchers from Florida State University tracked nutrient levels in the Gulf of Mexico, discovering that nitrate from the Mississippi-Atchafalaya River System is not mixing with open waters. The study found 90% of Mississippi River nutrients are retained nearshore, with implications for managing human inputs to coastal ecosystems.

SourceFlorida State University·DateSep 4, 2020
Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount

Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount provides precise tracking capacity for deep-sky imaging rigs during long astrophotography sessions.

Trial questions benefits of organic nitrates for bone health

A new study published in Journal of Bone and Mineral Research found that organic nitrates do not have a clinically relevant effect on bone mineral density or bone turnover in postmenopausal women. The treatment caused significant side effects, casting doubt on previous research reporting large positive effects of nitrates on bone health.

SourceWiley·JournalJournal of Bone and Mineral Research·DateMay 6, 2020
Aranet4 Home CO2 Monitor

Aranet4 Home CO2 Monitor tracks ventilation quality in labs, classrooms, and conference rooms with long battery life and clear e-ink readouts.

Reducing sulfur dioxide emissions alone cannot substantially decrease air pollution

A recent study found that reducing sulfur dioxide emissions alone can significantly decrease air pollution, mainly due to the stability of ammonium nitrate formed with nitrogen oxides and ammonia. In China, nitrogen dioxide control is more effective in reducing surface PM2.5 concentrations.

SourceInstitute of Atmospheric Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalAtmospheric and Oceanic Science Letters·DateApr 11, 2020

A friendlier way to deal with nitrate pollution

Scientists have developed a catalyst that converts nitrate into nitrite without high temperatures or acidity, addressing water pollution concerns. The catalyst's mechanism mimics natural enzymes, offering a promising solution for detoxifying nitrate in mild environments.

SourceRIKEN·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateApr 2, 2020

Rural water wells in High Plains Aquifer show large increase in nitrate levels

A recent Kansas State University study found large increases in nitrate levels in shallow wells of the Great Bend Prairie Aquifer, a part of the High Plains Aquifer. The study, which compared water chemistries over 40 years, revealed that twenty of 21 wells had increased nitrate concentrations, with seven exceeding EPA standards.

SourceKansas State University·JournalHydrogeology Journal·DateJan 7, 2020
GoPro HERO13 Black

GoPro HERO13 Black records stabilized 5.3K video for instrument deployments, field notes, and outreach, even in harsh weather and underwater conditions.

Explosion in Tianjin Port enhanced atmospheric nitrogen deposition over the Bohai Sea

A recent study found that the Tianjin Port explosion significantly increased atmospheric nitrogen deposition in the Bohai Sea, with a 308.49 micromole N increase per square meter per day. The study suggests that the impact area of the explosion on the Bohai Sea is approximately 1/5 of its total area.

SourceInstitute of Atmospheric Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalAtmospheric and Oceanic Science Letters·DateNov 13, 2019

Water contamination and bottled water sales

A study found that water contamination violations associated with immediate health risks led to a 14% increase in bottled water sales. However, low-income rural communities did not show a significant response to nitrate violations, which pose a risk to infants.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 30, 2019

Kīlauea lava fuels phytoplankton bloom off Hawai'i Island

A study found that Kīlauea's 2018 eruption injected millions of cubic feet of molten lava into nutrient-poor waters, stimulating an extensive plume of microbes. The bloom was driven by high concentrations of nitrate, brought to the surface ocean through heat from lava input.

SourceUniversity of Hawaii at Manoa·JournalScience·DateSep 5, 2019
Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach

Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach provides rugged GNSS navigation, satellite messaging, and SOS for backcountry geology and climate field teams.

Detention basins could catch more than stormwater

Researchers found that wet basins are more effective at removing nitrate from the water by converting it to gaseous nitrogen. Designing basins to hold water from the beginning could decrease production of nitrous oxides and mitigate eutrophication in bodies of water.

SourcePenn State·DateAug 12, 2019