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A balanced diet is good for corals too, study finds

A new study published in Limnology and Oceanography found that a nutrient-rich, balanced diet is beneficial to corals during stressful thermal events. The researchers discovered that excess nitrogen alone and zooplankton made high-temperature bleaching events worse, while a balanced mix of nutrients afforded coral resilience.

SourceUniversity of Miami Rosenstiel School of Marine, Atmospheric, and Earth Science·JournalLimnology and Oceanography·DateOct 1, 2015
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.

The Danish nitrogen budget in a nutshell

A national nitrogen budget for Denmark shows significant reductions in nitrogen emissions from agriculture, but other sectors like energy production and transport remain major contributors. New initiatives, such as organic farming expansion and electric vehicles, aim to further reduce nitrogen losses.

SourceAarhus University·JournalEnvironmental Research Letters·DateSep 30, 2015

Covering the bases with cover crops

Researchers found that mixtures of cereal rye and hairy vetch can effectively control weeds and conserve soil moisture. Adding poultry litter increased decomposition and nitrogen release when the cover crop contained at least 50% cereal rye.

SourceAmerican Society of Agronomy·JournalAgronomy Journal·DateSep 30, 2015
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Study shows new forests cannot take in as much carbon as predicted

A new study finds that many forests cannot absorb as much carbon dioxide as projected because of a shortage in vital nutrient nitrogen. This limits the ability of plants to fix carbon, leading to higher net carbon emissions.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalGlobal Biogeochemical Cycles·DateSep 24, 2015

The world's nitrogen fixation, explained

Yale University scientists have designed a new chemical compound that mimics the properties of nitrogenase, an enzyme responsible for natural nitrogen fixation. The findings could lead to the development of synthetic catalysts that turn nitrogen into ammonia, reducing transportation and production costs.

SourceYale University·JournalNature·DateSep 23, 2015
Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only)

Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only) delivers reliable low-light performance and rugged build for astrophotography, lab documentation, and field expeditions.

Research uncovers microsopic key to reducing ocean dead zones

Scientists at Brigham Young University have made a breakthrough in reducing ocean dead zones by studying the potential of rhizobia, a type of beneficial bacteria. By understanding how these bacteria interact with plants, researchers aim to develop more sustainable farming practices that minimize fertilizer use and reduce water pollution.

SourceBrigham Young University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 22, 2015

Study: It's not cheating unless a species gets hurt

A review of dozens of ecological studies found little proof of cheating among cooperating species, challenging a commonly held belief. The study's authors provided a scientific definition of cheating that ecologists can use to determine whether one species is cheating its mutualist partner.

SourceRice University·JournalEcology Letters·DateSep 21, 2015
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.

Study will investigate storm impacts on fresh water

A $475,000 grant will support a study examining the huge amount of particulate organic nitrogen transported downstream during intense storms and its impact on freshwater streams and rivers. The researchers aim to understand how this contributes to the overall nitrogen load and what happens to the particulate materials.

SourceStroud Water Research Center·DateSep 1, 2015

Climate change will irreversibly force key ocean bacteria into overdrive

A new study reveals that climate change will irreversibly force key ocean bacteria into high-speed reproduction, producing 50% more nitrogen. This accelerated growth can't be reversed and may lead to catastrophic die-offs of the microorganism and dependent species.

SourceUniversity of Southern California·JournalNature Communications·DateSep 1, 2015

Urban grime releases air pollutant when exposed to sunlight

Researchers found that natural sunlight triggers release of smog-forming nitrogen oxide compounds from urban grime, leading to greater ozone creation and potentially significant contributor to air pollution in cities. The study confirms laboratory findings using field studies in Leipzig, Germany, and Toronto, Canada.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·DateAug 17, 2015
Anker Laptop Power Bank 25,000mAh (Triple 100W USB-C)

Anker Laptop Power Bank 25,000mAh (Triple 100W USB-C) keeps Macs, tablets, and meters powered during extended observing runs and remote surveys.

From cameras to computers, new material could change how we work and play

Researchers at Northeastern University have developed a new material that exhibits magnetic, optical, and electrical properties, including thermal sensitivity. The material, known as 2D-BNCO, has the potential to be used in various applications such as high-resolution camera arrays, photo detectors, and atomically thin transistors.

SourceNortheastern University·JournalScience Advances·DateAug 3, 2015

Researchers predict material with record-setting melting point

Using powerful computer simulations, researchers identified a material made of hafnium, nitrogen, and carbon with a melting point of over 4,400 kelvins, two-thirds the temperature at the surface of the sun. The next step is to synthesize the material and corroborate the findings in the lab.

SourceBrown University·JournalPhysical Review B·DateJul 27, 2015

Greenhouse gas source underestimated from the US Corn Belt, University of Minnesota-led study shows

A University of Minnesota-led study reveals that nitrous oxide emissions from the US Corn Belt have been significantly underestimated, with estimates off by as much as 40%. The researchers found a strong relationship between stream size and emission strength, which can be used to scale up emission estimates. This discovery has importan...

SourceUniversity of Minnesota·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 27, 2015
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.

Insights into catalytic converters

A team of scientists used X-ray spectroscopy to analyze the interactions between active metals and gas molecules in catalytic converters. They found that different materials exhibit unique reaction paths, which can help improve their efficiency and reduce pollutant emissions.

SourceKarlsruher Institut für Technologie (KIT)·JournalChemical Communications·DateJul 24, 2015

Scientists study ways to integrate biofuels and food crops on farms

Researchers at Argonne National Laboratory design a multifunctional landscape that balances economic feasibility, bioenergy, and environmental health. By analyzing subareas of a cornfield, they found that planting bioenergy crops like willows or switchgrass can provide biomass feedstock while limiting nitrogen fertilizer runoff.

SourceDOE/Argonne National Laboratory·DateJul 7, 2015

Chapman University research on the diversity among nitrogen-fixing plants

Researchers at Chapman University found tremendous diversity in how nitrogen-fixing plants regulate their relationships with soil bacteria. Plants were grown across a gradient of nitrogen availability, revealing that some species can turn off nitrogen fixation under high soil conditions, while others do not regulate it.

SourceChapman University·JournalNature Plants·DateJun 16, 2015
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope combines portable Schmidt-Cassegrain optics with GoTo pointing for outreach nights and field campaigns.

When trees aren't 'green'

A recent study in Japan reveals that overcrowded, older tree plantations are a significant source of non-point nitrogen pollution. The findings highlight the need for better forest management practices to restore their ability to clean water rather than pollute it.

SourceAmerican Society of Agronomy·JournalJournal of Environmental Quality·DateJun 10, 2015

Move over Arabidopsis, there's a new model plant in town

Researchers at the University of Missouri have discovered a type of grass, Setaria viridis, that can fix nitrogen using bacteria, making it a potential model for studying this process in crops like corn and rice. This discovery could lead to more efficient use of fertilizer and promote sustainable agriculture.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalThe Plant Journal·DateJun 2, 2015
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.

Fertilization regimen reduces environmental impact of landscape palms

A study found that controlled-release fertilizers can reduce the environmental impact of landscape palms by limiting nitrogen and phosphate application. Areca palms, in particular, showed growth comparable to traditional fertilization methods when using a 0-0-16 fertilizer formulation.

SourceAmerican Society for Horticultural Science·JournalHortScience·DateMay 26, 2015

Harmful algal blooms in the Chesapeake Bay are becoming more frequent

A recent study documents a significant increase in harmful algal blooms in the Chesapeake Bay over the past 20 years, fueled by excessive nitrogen runoff. The findings highlight the need for continued efforts to reduce nutrient pollution and restore a healthy ecosystem in the Bay.

SourceUniversity of Maryland Center for Environmental Science·JournalHarmful Algae·DateMay 11, 2015

A hot start to the origin of life?

Scientists from Berkeley Lab and University of Hawaii at Manoa recreated conditions around carbon-rich stars to find formation pathways of nitrogen-containing molecules. They successfully synthesized quinolone and isoquinoline in hot environments, which could lead to the creation of biorelevant molecules such as nucleobases.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·DateMay 5, 2015

Study finds that maize roots have evolved to be more nitrogen efficient

Research suggests that selective breeding of maize led to the evolution of root systems more efficient in acquiring nutrients like nitrogen. The study found that newer commercial varieties performed better in every agronomic environment, with characteristics known to increase nitrogen uptake.

SourcePenn State·JournalJournal of Experimental Botany·DateApr 16, 2015
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.

Victorian baby teeth could help predict future health of children today

Researchers found that Victorian-era babies' nitrogen isotope levels could predict their likelihood of survival and potential health issues later in life. High levels were linked to malnutrition and stress, while low levels indicated breastfeeding and a healthy start.

SourceUniversity of Bradford·JournalAmerican Journal of Physical Anthropology·DateApr 16, 2015

Climate connections

A recent paper by University of South Carolina paleoceanographer Kelly Gibson shows that rapid climate change affected marine ecosystems in the Cariaco Basin, a body of water off Venezuela's coast. The study used nitrogen isotope ratios to estimate changes in primary productivity and carbon sequestration in the ocean.

SourceUniversity of South Carolina·JournalPaleoceanography·DateApr 14, 2015

Coexisting in a sea of competition

Researchers used novel molecular and analytic tools to study how similar diatom species utilize resources differently, known as niche partitioning, in Narragansett Bay. The study found that two species of chain-forming diatoms coexist but use available nutrients, specifically nitrogen and phosphorus, differently.

SourceWoods Hole Oceanographic Institution·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 13, 2015

More food, low pollution effort gains traction

A group of scientists, economists, and agriculture experts is working together to develop sustainable farming practices that minimize environmental pollution. The goal is to increase food production while ensuring farmers can make a living and the environment remains healthy.

SourceUniversity of Maryland Center for Environmental Science·JournalJournal of Environmental Quality·DateApr 9, 2015
CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock

CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock simplifies serious desks with 18 ports for high-speed storage, monitors, and instruments across Mac and PC setups.

Nitrogen deposition reduces Swiss plant diversity

Researchers found a negative relation between atmospheric nitrogen emissions and plant diversity in Switzerland, with a 19% loss in phylogenetic diversity. High nitrogen deposition favors few highly competitive species, leading to decreased overall plant diversity.

SourceUniversity of Basel·JournalRoyal Society Open Science·DateApr 8, 2015

Liquid corn, fish fertilizers 'good options' for organic blackberry production

Researchers found that liquid corn and fish fertilizers are good options for organic blackberry production, meeting plant nutrient needs except for calcium and boron. The fertilizers were effective in delivering nutrients through the drip system, but regular flushing was recommended to prevent emitter clogging.

SourceAmerican Society for Horticultural Science·JournalHortScience·DateApr 6, 2015

Better sensors for medical imaging, contraband detection

Researchers at MIT have created a new magnetic-field detector that is significantly more efficient than its predecessors. The device uses synthetic diamonds with nitrogen vacancies to measure magnetic fields and has the potential to be used in medical imaging, contraband detection, and geological exploration.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalNature Physics·DateApr 6, 2015
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.

Hydrolyzed fish fertilizer tested in organic vegetable production

A study published in HortScience found that hydrolyzed fish fertilizer is an economically feasible nitrogen source for growing organic vegetables, even when yields are reduced. The authors concluded that the premium price and resultant profit associated with organic products can offset the yield reductions.

SourceAmerican Society for Horticultural Science·JournalHortScience·DateMar 25, 2015

Air pollutants could boost potency of common airborne allergens

Researchers find that nitrogen dioxide and ground-level ozone can increase the potency of airborne allergens, contributing to rising allergy rates. The study suggests chemical modifications of allergenic proteins may play a key role in the increasing prevalence of allergies worldwide.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·DateMar 22, 2015

Computer sims: In climatic tug of war, carbon released from thawing permafrost wins handily

New computer simulations suggest that thawing permafrost will release more carbon into the atmosphere than plants can absorb, leading to potential acceleration of climate change. The models also indicate a large range of uncertainty in the outcomes, highlighting the need for further research.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 18, 2015
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.

Team to study Montana forest to help forests across American West

A team led by Montana State University ecologist Jia Hu will investigate the movement of nitrogen through a western Montana forest to provide baseline information on nitrogen availability and forest productivity. The goal is to help forest managers make informed decisions leading to healthier forests across the West.

SourceMontana State University·DateMar 4, 2015
Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter

Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter measures wind, temperature, and humidity in real time for site assessments, aviation checks, and safety briefings.

Life 'not as we know it' possible on Saturn's moon Titan

Researchers at Cornell University have modeled a methane-based, oxygen-free life form that can metabolize and reproduce like life on Earth. The theorized cell membrane, called an azotosome, is composed of small organic nitrogen compounds and shows stability and flexibility similar to Earth's phospholipid membranes.

SourceCornell University·JournalScience Advances·DateFeb 27, 2015

Long-term nitrogen fertilizer use disrupts plant-microbe mutualisms

Researchers found that nitrogen-fixing bacteria evolved to become less beneficial to legumes when exposed to long-term nitrogen fertilizer. This shift could have far-reaching ecological and environmental consequences in natural areas adjacent to farmland or areas with nutrient pollution. The study suggests that changes in the quality o...

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalEvolution·DateFeb 23, 2015
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.

IU biologists partner bacterium with nitrogen gas to produce more, cleaner bioethanol

Researchers at Indiana University have discovered a way to use nitrogen gas as a nitrogen source for bioethanol-producing bacteria, increasing ethanol yield and reducing costs. This breakthrough could make cellulosic ethanol more competitive with corn ethanol and gasoline, benefiting the industry and environment.

SourceIndiana University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 2, 2015

Humanity has exceeded 4 of 9 'planetary boundaries,' according to researchers

A report by a team of researchers warns that four of nine 'planetary boundaries' have been crossed due to human activity, posing risks to the stability of Earth's systems. The boundaries include climate change, loss of biosphere integrity, and altered biogeochemical cycles like phosphorus and nitrogen runoff.

SourceUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison·JournalScience·DateJan 15, 2015
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.

Algae blooms create their own favorable conditions, new study finds

A new multi-institution study shows that cyanobacteria can set up positive feedback loops in lakes, amplifying the effects of pollutants and climate change to create ideal conditions for blooms. This finding sheds light on what makes cyanobacteria successful and may lead to new methods of prevention and control.

SourceDartmouth College·JournalEcosphere·DateJan 8, 2015

Nitrogen in reclaimed water can benefit turfgrass

A recent study published in HortScience suggests that nitrogen from reclaimed water can support optimal turfgrass growth. The researchers found that turfgrass responded positively to higher concentrations of nitrogen in the irrigation water, but the concentration needed was at least 5 mg·L−1.

SourceAmerican Society for Horticultural Science·JournalHortTechnology·DateJan 5, 2015

How soil microorganisms get out of step through climate change

Climate change alters soil microorganisms' metabolic activity and composition, positively stimulating denitrification and increasing N2O emission rates. This shift impacts plant-microbe competition for nitrogen, with implications for ecosystem function and global climate.

SourceHelmholtz Munich (Helmholtz Zentrum München Deutsches Forschungszentrum für Gesundheit und Umwelt (GmbH))·JournalPLOS ONE·DateDec 3, 2014
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.

Estimates of anthropogenic nitrogen in the ocean may be high

Research published in Global Biogeochemical Cycles analyzed rain samples from Bermuda to investigate the origin of oceanic nitrogen. The authors found that certain nitrogen isotopes likely represent ammonium recycled from the ocean rather than inputted from human activities.

SourceWiley·JournalGlobal Biogeochemical Cycles·DateDec 1, 2014

Another human footprint in the ocean

A recent study revealed a significant increase in anthropogenic nitrate levels in the North Pacific Ocean over the past 30 years, primarily due to enhanced atmospheric deposition. This shift in nutrient availability may favor certain marine organisms and alter the base of the marine food web.

SourceUniversity of Hawaii at Manoa·JournalScience·DateNov 27, 2014

Insights into plant growth could curb need for fertilizers

Researchers found that nitric oxide signals plants to limit nitrogen uptake, allowing for optimal growth without excess pollution. This discovery could inform crop breeding and fertilizer use, resulting in more sustainable agriculture.

SourceUniversity of Edinburgh·JournalNature Communications·DateNov 12, 2014

Nutrients that feed red tide 'under the microscope' in major study

Researchers found 12 diverse sources of nutrients that fuel Florida red tides, including undersea sediments, decaying fish, and atmospheric deposits. The study's findings suggest a complex interplay between natural and human-contributed nutrient sources, highlighting the need for further research to mitigate the impacts of red tide blo...

SourceBigelow Laboratory for Ocean Sciences·JournalHarmful Algae·DateNov 6, 2014
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter is a trusted meter for precise measurements during instrument integration, repairs, and field diagnostics.