Articles tagged with Nitrogen
Researchers from Kumamoto University and VIMS used sediment samples to evaluate the effectiveness of marine anammox bacteria in removing excess nitrogen. The study found that adding a bicarbonate supplement and high nitrogen content was necessary for anammox bacteria to thrive, and that symbiotic relationships between other microorgani...
Research found that fertilized soils in the Central Valley contribute up to 40 percent of California's NOx emissions. The study suggests potential solutions through improved fertilizer management and soil conservation techniques.
A new measurement technology has enabled scientists to determine nitrogen oxide concentrations in the ocean for the first time in 30 years. Low oxygen levels are linked to NO production, according to a recent study published in Deep-Sea Research Part II.
A new study examines nutrient loss reduction strategies from three upper Midwestern states and finds promise in certain practices like cover crops and bioreactors. The researchers also assess the trackability and stackability of these practices, which will aid decision makers in choosing specific conservation practices to adopt or avoid.
Researchers at Siberian Federal University have developed a new method for reducing nitrogen oxide emissions in heat power plants (HPPs). By modeling the process of coal burning and testing different fuels, they found that mechanically activated fuel can reduce Nox emissions by up to 50% compared to traditional coal. This technology ha...
A new University of Michigan-led study finds that nitrogen pollution will not fully offset the negative effects of a warmer, drier climate on sugar maples. The research indicates that decreased growth and potential disappearance from the state's Lower Peninsula are expected if extreme climate predictions prove true.
A new method using sunlight to split atmospheric nitrogen molecules could drastically cut the energy needed for fertilizer production. Researchers at Princeton University used computer simulations to model light's behavior in tiny structures made from gold and molybdenum, which concentrates light energy to boost a catalyst's power.
A new multi-institution report offers agronomic data for five cellulosic feedstocks, including switchgrass, Miscanthus, and sorghum. The study provides yield potential maps across the US, highlighting areas with high yield potential, but also notes limitations due to droughts and fertilizer application.
Researchers have quantified the ecosystem benefits of urban agriculture at a global scale, estimating annual values of $33 billion in four ecosystem services. The study projects an annual food production of 100-180 million tons and energy savings of 14-15 billion kilowatt hours.
Researchers at Rice University have optimized nanomaterials for fuel-cell cathodes, revealing that nitrogen-doped carbon nanotubes and graphene nanoribbons can replace platinum to boost fuel cell efficiency. The study showed that the right balance of binding energy is crucial for good catalytic performance.
Ecologist Cathy Pfister used WWI-era maps to study kelp forest changes in the Pacific Northwest. The abundance of kelp beds remained constant despite climate change, except for areas closest to Puget Sound and Seattle.
A 46-year experiment found that reducing lake nitrogen has little impact on algal blooms, which are driven by phosphorus levels. Phosphorus removal should be the focus to combat algal blooms and their negative consequences.
A 1996 paper by Robert Howarth and John A. Downing quantified the relationship between human activities and nitrogen entering coastal oceans, identifying fertilizer and atmospheric deposition as key contributors. The study's findings have had long-lasting relevance, driving future research directions in nitrogen biogeochemical cycling.
A new study by University of Minnesota researchers found that bacteria in lakes with high levels of nitrogen and phosphorus are less able to absorb additional nutrients, which can lead to water quality issues and climate implications. This means that excess nutrients in lakes can have a catastrophic effect on ecosystems.
Scientists found that these gel-based containers can retain liquid nitrogen temperatures below -150°C for up to 10 hours, preserving embryo viability. The reusable and DIY-friendly materials also show promise for efficient transportation of sperm and embryos.
Scientists discovered a rare form of nitrogen gas in Earth's atmosphere, which is more abundant than expected. The discovery provides clues about the composition of life-supporting planets and their atmospheres.
Researchers found that ribbed mussels were effective at removing nitrogen and other excess nutrients from the Bronx River, with an estimated 138 pounds of nitrogen removed. The study suggests that mussel farming could be a viable tool for improving water quality in urban estuaries.
Scientists have identified two key enzymes, PAH1 and PAH2, crucial for plant growth under nitrogen starvation conditions. These findings build on previous research showing that these enzymes are involved in lipid biosynthesis and membrane remodeling during phosphate depletion.
Researchers found that reducing chlorophyll content in plant leaves can save significant amounts of nitrogen, which can be reinvested to improve light use efficiency and increase yield. This strategy has the potential to enhance photosynthetic efficiency without sacrificing carbon gain.
A team of scientists from Rice, UCLA, Michigan State, and UNM discovered a significant enrichment of heavy nitrogen molecules in the Earth's atmosphere. This finding suggests that life on Earth is locked in a tug-of-war with the deep Earth and upper atmosphere over the presence of these rare molecules.
Researchers at LMU München precisely tune carbon dot's properties by introducing nitrogen atoms, enabling diverse applications. The study reveals that the physicochemical characteristics can be simply and precisely controlled, opening up new possibilities for energy conversion and bio-imaging.
Researchers developed a transfer technique to grow high-performance gallium nitride gas sensors on sapphire substrates, which can be transferred to metallic or flexible polymer support materials. The new process doubles sensitivity and boosts response time by a factor of six.
A new study reveals that Madagascar's fruit is too low in protein for lemurs to sustain themselves, prompting them to adopt a leafy diet and develop unusual behaviors like hibernation. The research sheds light on the evolution of lemurs' dietary habits and highlights their unique characteristics.
The University of Wisconsin-Madison will study how legumes evolved to cooperate with bacteria for nitrogen fixation. The goal is to recreate this ability in other crops like poplar and cereals, reducing fertilizer use and environmental pollution.
A study has identified areas where nitrogen is removed from agricultural streams, revealing that buffer zones with fine soils and organic matter are effective at reducing nitrate levels. These findings suggest that conserving existing buffer zones and reconnecting streams to them can improve water quality.
A 70-year analysis of Danish data reveals a clear connection between nitrogen utilization and groundwater quality. The study found that reduced nitrogen applications lead to lower nitrate concentrations in groundwater, suggesting that economic growth can be achieved without negative environmental impacts.
Researchers created a new generation of fertilizers using bio-decomposable materials that break down into innocuous products. The smart fertilizers provide a gradual release of active nitrogen compounds, reducing leaching and increasing plant biomass.
Researchers found that ant fecal droplets contain amino acids and urea, which are commercially used fertilizers. The study showed that visited trees had higher nitrogen content and larger crowns than untreated trees.
A long-term study at the University of Kansas investigates how to restore native prairie ecosystems on abandoned farmland. Excess nitrogen has been shown to lead to a loss in plant diversity and simplify the system, favoring only a few species. The research aims to speed up restoration processes and re-establish original biodiversity.
Research identifies Nitrospira inopinata, a microbe that can outcompete others in oxidizing ammonium, potentially reducing greenhouse gas effects and improving environmental balance. The discovery has significant implications for climate change research and may lead to practical applications such as wastewater treatment and soil purifi...
Researchers from the University of Exeter have discovered a virus that can reprogram ocean plankton to absorb certain nutrients, potentially affecting carbon storage in the ocean. The study found that infected phytoplankton cells become more competitive and grow faster before being killed by the virus.
Researchers have developed a method using mosses (bryophytes) to evaluate atmospheric conditions in urban areas, including nitrogen pollution severity and drought stress. The study found that bryophytes can indicate the degree of nitrogen pollution and drought levels, making them a valuable tool for assessing environmental changes.
A new study predicts that shrinking the Gulf of Mexico dead zone will require a 59% reduction in nitrogen runoff, primarily through changes to agricultural practices. The study suggests that bold new approaches are needed to achieve this goal and meet the longstanding objective of reducing the dead zone by two-thirds.
A new study predicts that US water quality will worsen due to climate-driven changes in precipitation, leading to increased nitrogen pollution and the formation of harmful algae blooms and dead zones. The Midwest and Northeast are expected to be particularly affected.
A new study finds that climate change will lead to a significant increase in nitrogen runoff in the US, with projected increases of up to 19% by 2100. This excess nitrogen can cause algal blooms, harming human health, aquatic ecosystems, and the economy.
Increased precipitation from climate change will substantially overload U.S. waterways with excess nitrogen, leading to eutrophication and harmful algal blooms. The Midwest and Northeast are expected to be particularly affected, with a one-fifth increase in nutrient pollution by the end of the century.
Researchers from Aarhus University have developed a method to match crop nitrogen requirements with a precision of 10-20 kg N/ha. This method uses a reference curve based on comparisons of leaf area and leaf reflectance at different light wavelengths, allowing for more accurate nitrogen application and reducing agricultural emissions.
Researchers at EPFL have developed a uranium-based compound that enables nitrogen fixation to occur in ambient conditions, paving the way for more efficient catalysts and new concepts for metals beyond uranium. This breakthrough has significant implications for the production of ammonia and other nitrogen-containing compounds.
Researchers at the University of Freiburg have made a significant step towards understanding nitrogenase's function by analyzing its spatial structure. The team discovered that a vanadium ion replaces molybdenum in the enzyme, leading to distinct effects on its geometric and electronic structure.
Researchers at Rice University have simplified the synthesis of electrophilic aminating agents, which can incorporate nitrogen atoms into molecules in a single efficient step. This breakthrough process eliminates the need for transition metals or high temperatures, making it an environmentally friendly alternative.
Rice University scientists simplify synthesis of precursor molecules for biologically active compounds, enabling cheaper and more sustainable drug design. The new method uses hydroxylamine O-sulfonic acid to produce aziridine molecules at room temperature in a few hours.
Scientists have identified two mutated genes associated with nitrogen utilization in tobacco, which could lead to the development of plants requiring less nitrogen and reduced levels of carcinogenic compounds in cigarette smoke. This discovery has significant implications for sustainable agriculture and reducing environmental pollution.
Researchers developed a concept to model the physical surroundings' influence on Acacia longifolia's interaction with other plants, considering factors like soil type, nutrients, light intensity, wind, and soil moisture. Isoscapes reveal the distribution of nitrogen introduced by the invasive species across the landscape.
Researchers from Tomsk Polytechnic University have developed a technology to obtain liquid fuel from coal wastes for thermal power stations, reducing anthropogenic emissions and disposing of waste efficiently. The new fuel composition shows lower sulfur and nitrogen oxide emissions when burned compared to traditional coals.
A new study uses a novel chemical technique to assess the impact of human activity on coral skeletons, revealing devastating effects of pollution and climate change. The research provides critical information for predicting future reef health and informs mitigation strategies for tropical islands facing similar challenges.
Excess nitrogen in oceans disrupts coral-algae symbiosis, triggering bleaching even without heat and light stress. Microbial processes like nitrogen fixation can exacerbate bleaching events.
Researchers have identified a community of bacteria in wastewater treatment plants that breaks down toxic substances and produces valuable resources. These 'anammox bacteria' can save energy by removing oxygen from the process, making wastewater treatment more efficient and sustainable.
A team of physicists has implemented a new measurement method that reveals traffic is the major polluter of nitrogen oxide emissions in European cities, accounting for over 80% of emissions. The study's findings highlight the need for revised atmospheric models and air quality management strategies to address the underestimated emissions.
Researchers at Caltech have developed a new way of fixing nitrogen, inspired by how microbes do it, which could hold the potential for two major benefits: ease of production and understanding natural nitrogen fixation. The technology being developed is simpler and more efficient than previous methods, making it possible to study fixati...
The Moscow State University has opened a new cryobank to store biotechnological plant material, including rare species cell cultures. The facility aims to prevent cross-contamination by storing biological samples in nitrogen vapor, not liquid nitrogen.
A study published in Nature found that diesel vehicle emissions significantly underestimate real-world nitrogen oxide levels by up to 50%. The research revealed that excess emissions from 2015 affected 13.2 million tons of nitrogen oxide, leading to 38,000 premature deaths worldwide.
Researchers at the Australian National University have identified two rare plant species, Daviesia schwarzenegger and Daviesia devito, named after the iconic movie duo. The plants are found in South Eastern Australia and are ecologically important nitrogen fixers, but are at risk of extinction due to habitat loss.
A study by researchers at the University of the Basque Country found that feeding broccoli plants with ammonium instead of nitrate increases the production of glucosinolates, which have anticarcinogenic properties. The findings suggest a potential new fertilizer treatment to mitigate environmental problems
Researchers at UNH have developed a new tool to measure both carbon and nitrogen footprints, aiming to reduce campus activities' impact on water quality and climate change. The Nitrogen Footprint Tool Network includes seven institutions, tracking emissions from food waste, energy consumption, and transportation.
Researchers in China have developed a battery prototype that captures atmospheric nitrogen to generate electricity, offering a promising alternative to existing lithium-nitrogen batteries. The battery's energy output is brief but comparable to other lithium-metal batteries, making it a potential solution for renewable energy storage.
A team from Japan successfully generated indistinguishable photons using a novel single-photon source, nitrogen impurity centers in III-V compound semiconductors. The photons' high degree of indistinguishability is essential for quantum information technology such as quantum teleportation and linear optical quantum computation.
Scientists used X-ray laser pulses to investigate how energy from light transforms a molecule, revealing a mechanism for protecting biomolecules against light-induced damage. The research provides insight into excited state proton transfers in DNA and other molecules.
A KSU engineer has patented a waterlike polymer that transforms into a ceramic at high temperatures, offering valuable thermal, optical and electronic properties. The liquid polymer can be mass-produced and used to create lightweight ceramics, jet engine blades and battery electrodes.
Researchers at the University of Kansas found that weather whiplash, caused by changing climate patterns, will degrade Midwest's drinking water due to extreme fluctuations between drought and floods. This leads to a spike in nitrogen levels in surface waters, forcing municipalities to construct costly nitrate-removal facilities.
Scientists analyzed seabird bones to find evidence of a significant change in the North Pacific's food web, likely caused by human activities such as industrial fishing. The study found that petrels' trophic level had declined over time, suggesting a shift in the structure of the ocean's ecosystem.