Researchers at Tohoku University's AIMR have developed a novel approach to electrocatalytic ammonia synthesis, utilizing transition metal disulfides as catalysts. The breakthrough relies on the in-situ generation of S-vacancies on the catalyst surface, significantly enhancing nitrogen reduction activity.
Researchers at a FAPESP-supported research center have developed an electrochemical nitrogen reduction process using iron oxide and molybdenum disulfide catalysts. This method eliminates the need for high temperatures and pressures, reducing power consumption and greenhouse gas emissions.
A study reveals that nitrogen plays a crucial role in phytoplankton growth in shallow lakes worldwide, contradicting traditional limnological consensus. The research team analyzed data from 159 lakes and found that 60% exhibit dual-nutrient limitation, where both phosphorus and nitrogen affect phytoplankton growth.
Scientists have created a novel instrument that enables the precise measurement of superconductors under extreme pressure, overcoming existing limitations. The new tool uses quantum sensors integrated into a standard pressure-inducing device, allowing for direct imaging of the material's behavior.
A team of scientists has developed a new treatment for chronic wounds that uses ionized gas plasma to decontaminate and heal wounds. The technology shows promise in treating diabetic foot ulcers, internal wounds, and potentially cancerous tumours.
New research shows that native wildflowers, which typically thrive after wildfires, are losing out to invasive plants due to nitrogen pollution from vehicle emissions. Invasive species outcompete native ones, leading to declining plant diversity and ecosystem imbalance.
Legume plants have a unique ability to interact with nitrogen-fixing bacteria, allowing them to thrive without external nitrogen. Researchers identified four essential phosphorylation sites on the SYMRK kinase that mediate this symbiotic relationship.
Researchers at Rice University have mapped the diffusion of graphene and hexagonal boron nitride in an aqueous solution, a crucial step towards larger-scale production of these 2D materials. The study found that the size of the material affects its movement speed, with hexagonal boron nitride moving faster than graphene.
Novel research by University of Oklahoma-led team improves understanding of ammonia oxidation, a critical component of the global nitrogen cycle. Different AOM lineages employ varying regulatory strategies to minimize competition, allowing coexistence in the same environment.
New research reveals how human activities affect the marine phosphorus cycle in coastal seas, leading to changes in coastal biodiversity and ecosystem services. The study identifies an 'Anthropogenic Nitrogen Pump' that reduces phosphate levels, limiting algae growth, and enhances the utilization of dissolved organic phosphorus.
Scientists discovered how methanogenic archaea regulate nitrogen uptake using a molecular switch that adjusts enzyme activity based on 2-oxoglutarate levels. This regulation prevents energy waste when cells have enough nitrogen.
By reducing chlorophyll levels in leaves, researchers found a 17% increase in seed nitrogen concentration without impacting canopy carbon assimilation. The study's results provide an alternative approach to improve crop yield and nutritional quality for global food security.
A new study published in PNAS found that a climate policy aimed at reducing carbon emissions would also lower nitrate levels in the Mississippi River Basin, benefiting the Gulf of Mexico. The policy could lead to a 3-4% reduction in the Gulf's dead zone.
Researchers studied polymeric nitrogen's properties, including cubic gauche, layered, and hexagonal forms, using advanced spectroscopy techniques. The study highlights the need for further research on synthesis methods, diagnostic methods, and high-pressure electronic band structure.
Researchers at University at Buffalo have discovered a way to create strong and effective fuel cell catalysts that approach the performance of platinum. By adding hydrogen to the fabricating process, they were able to balance durability and efficiency, potentially making fuel cells more affordable and polluting-free.
A study of Ryugu samples suggests that micrometeorites from icy celestial bodies in the outer Solar System transported nitrogen compounds to near-Earth regions. This discovery could provide clues about the origins of nitrogen on our planet, potentially serving as a building block for life.
Researchers have found that struvite, a recycled phosphorus fertilizer, can reduce nutrient leaching and maintain soybean yields compared to conventional fertilizers. The study showed that struvite can be a full substitute for traditional fertilizers in terms of yield benefits.
A new study reveals that cycad species that survived the dinosaur extinction relied on symbiotic bacteria in their roots for nitrogen. This discovery sheds light on how these plants adapted to changing environments and could provide insights into understanding Earth's climate history.
Researchers developed a metal-organic coating that protects bacterial cells from damage without impeding their growth or function. The coated bacteria improved the germination rate of various seeds by 150 percent, making it possible to deploy microbes as fertilizers for large-scale agricultural use.
The researchers propose a hybrid organic–inorganic gas sensor design that enhances gas sensing performance while maintaining sensing speed. The proposed design outperforms conventional sensors in terms of chemical sensitivity to NO2, showcasing impressive durability and higher potential for long-term installation.
A new study by researchers at the University of Copenhagen finds that reducing nitrate levels in Danish drinking water could avoid 127 cases of colorectal cancer annually and save $300 million a year. Implementing stricter nitrate limits, such as lowering the maximum standard to 4 mg/L, can result in an additional $138 million saved.
Two studies from UChicago chemists offer complementary methods to address the challenge of replacing a carbon atom with a nitrogen atom in molecules. The findings could make it easier to develop new drugs by allowing for more efficient and precise modifications.
A model reveals that corn farming in the US Midwest incurs significant health and environmental costs, with air pollution being a major contributor. Implementing alternative management practices can increase profits beyond these costs, but retiring land may be necessary for some counties.
Researchers at West Virginia University are studying the effects of acid rain on forests and watersheds, a project involving middle school students. The team aims to understand how ecosystems respond to chronic changes in environmental conditions, including the recovery phase after acid rain stops falling.
A new study finds that fertilized lawns are hotspots of nitrogen export into our water and atmosphere, posing a growing environmental health problem. Changing just 5-10% of suburban lawns to alternative landscaping might have a major effect on watershed-wide nitrogen export.
Researchers from Aarhus University found that current inventory methods rely solely on nitrogen content, neglecting degradability and leading to misleading inventories. The study suggests a distinction between mature and immature crop residues could improve accuracy and target mitigation strategies.
Research in Baltimore metropolitan area finds nitrogen-rich fertilizers on lawns contribute to algal blooms and deoxygenated waters. Many homeowners are unaware of the negative impact of their lawn care practices on local ecosystems.
Researchers found that adding a social cost to carbon emissions leads to a significant reduction in fertilizer runoff, resulting in improved water quality and a decrease in the Gulf of Mexico's dead zone. The study suggests that implementing a carbon price can help meet the US commitment to the Paris Accord while improving water quality.
A new study by University of Illinois researchers found that management zone maps, which aim to optimize crop yields based on soil and landscape conditions, are unreliable. The most significant factor affecting crop responses is weather, with yields varying significantly from year to year.
A study reveals that variable C:N:P ratios of phytoplankton are essential for regulating dissolved oceanic nutrient ratios, while also influencing atmospheric CO2 levels on geological time scales. The findings challenge the commonly hypothesized strong link between phytoplankton and seawater nutrient ratios.
This study evaluates eggplant wild relatives and their advanced backcrosses under low nitrogen conditions, identifying valuable traits for sustainable agriculture. Notable disparities emerge between nitrogen treatments, revealing significant relationships among the AB sets.
A new study by the University of Eastern Finland found that preheating a vehicle has minimal effects on both fuel economy and emissions under cold winter conditions. While preheating showed some benefits in terms of engine comfort and wear reduction, its impact on overall fuel consumption was only slightly lower than after a cold start.
Researchers have developed a standardized synthetic molasses with a fully known composition that can be used as a culture medium for yeast fermentation. This breakthrough enables scientists to study the influence of specific components and develop bioprocesses worldwide, facilitating comparative research and industrial applications.
Engineering associations between plants and nitrogen-fixing microbes using genetic engineering could lessen dependence on synthetic fertilizer. This approach involves bi-directional signaling to release fixed nitrogen, promoting efficient communication between engineered plants and microbes.
Researchers developed a new catalyst using bismuth selenide, a topological insulator, to synthesize organoureas at room temperature with almost 100% yield. The catalyst's unique properties allow for stable surface states and recyclability.
The study reveals that NO forms a new compound, NO-ferroheme, which significantly expands blood vessels and directly activates guanylyl cyclase. This finding challenges the long-held hypothesis on nitric oxide signalling in blood vessels.
A study found that auxin signaling controls root hair elongation in response to nitrogen deficiency, enabling plants to explore soil resources more efficiently. This mechanism provides a new understanding of how plants adapt to low-nitrogen environments and offers potential breeding targets for improving crop nutrition.
A University of Houston study found that most of Houston's ozone exceedance is due to transported pollutants from the central and northern US, while local photochemistry contributes to elevated ozone production. The research highlights the importance of reducing emissions at the Houston Ship Channel to mitigate future ozone pollution.
Researchers have isolated a new strain of marine bacteria, Poriferisphaera hetertotrophicis, that grows faster in nutrient-rich media and multiplies via a budding mechanism. The bacterium releases a chronic virus, phage-ZRK32, which facilitates nitrogen metabolism and increases growth.
Satellite data reveals an increase in nitrogen dioxide levels in remote forest areas of California, attributed to wildfires and soil emissions. The findings suggest a growing concern for air pollution in rural areas, highlighting the need for policy interventions.
New research suggests that rising temperatures may offset the impact of increased precipitation on nitrogen runoff, which could lead to reduced aquatic pollution. The study found that warmer temperatures reduce evaporation, allowing more nitrogen to enter waterways, while also affecting microbial life in soil and sediment.
A new study by Ohio State University suggests that the toxicity of Lake Erie's harmful algal bloom varies over the summer, with an overestimation in warmer months and underestimation in cooler months. The research aims to develop a more accurate toxicology forecast for Lake Erie.
Researchers develop a highly active, precious metal-free catalyst for ammonia decomposition. The new Ni-based catalyst outperforms conventional alternatives at lower temperatures, offering a promising solution for hydrogen production from ammonia.
A new study identifies reducing ammonia emissions as a cost-effective measure to reduce fine particulate matter concentrations in Europe. Implementing effective measures in the agricultural sector could achieve significant pollution reductions, avoiding 100,000 premature deaths annually.
Bacteria can regulate nitrogen fixation through a protein called NifL, which changes shape in response to oxygen and energy levels. This discovery could lead to new ways to engineer bacteria and biofertilizers, improving crop yields in poor soils.
A study published in Environmental Chemistry found that over a third of synthetic nitrogen fertilizer use is breaking UK government emissions thresholds. Uninhibited urea fertilizers are the worst offenders, emitting up to 77% of applied nitrogen into the air.
A recent study by Florida Atlantic University reveals that sewage is the primary cause of nitrogen surges in the Indian River Lagoon, contradicting previous findings that fertilizer use was the main contributor. The study found that water quality and harmful algal blooms worsened after five years of mandatory wet season fertilizer blac...
Researchers found that acute kidney injury does not predict worsening of kidney function trajectory in patients with CKD, suggesting that pre-existing kidney disease may be a major contributor. The study recommends focusing on flattening the eGFR slope and treating proteinuria to slow CKD progression.
Researchers have isolated two previously unknown species of microbes that can grow on nitric oxide, a highly reactive and toxic molecule. These microbes, named Nitricoxidivorans perserverans and Nitricoxidireducens bremensis, convert NO to nitrogen gas, reducing greenhouse gas emissions and mitigating climate change.
The EU-funded SUPERVAL project aims to convert post-combustion gases into valuable resources, reducing pollutants while generating chemicals. The technology involves solar-driven electrochemical conversion of CO2 into an organic molecule and transformation of NOx and N2 into ammonia.
A new study suggests that while winter cover crops can reduce nitrogen pollution by up to 30%, their effectiveness will decrease under future climate scenarios. Illinois' corn yields are expected to suffer more than soybean yields, especially in southern regions, as warmer temperatures and changing rainfall patterns impact crop growth.
A deep learning-based model developed in 7,105 patients predicted 30-day all-cause mortality in patients with CAP with AUCs ranging from 0.77 to 0.80. The model showed higher specificity than the CURB-65 score at the same sensitivity.
Researchers developed a copper-based hydrogel that captures nitrate waste and transforms it into ammonia for reusable fertilizers. The system increased crop yields while reducing environmental impacts.
New research from the University of Manchester reveals that areas rich in marine life are significantly impacting our ecosystems and climate. The study found that urea, a nitrogen-rich compound, is being transported over long distances through the atmosphere to benefit nutrient-deficient environments.
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.
Research shows that corn takes up about 67% of its nitrogen naturally from soil, rather than fertilizer. However, applying different forms and timing of fertilizers can improve efficiency, with nitrate being the most efficient source. Banding placement was also found to be more efficient than broadcasting.
Research by North Carolina State University found that new species can alter ecosystem processes despite similarities to resident species, but changes occur when they are more dissimilar. This study has implications for predicting the consequences of climate change-induced species introductions.
Researchers discovered how sea anemones distribute sugar from symbionts to recycle nitrogen waste, enabling them to build massive reef ecosystems. The study reveals that sea anemones play a major role in recycling scarce nitrogen, challenging the belief that algae are the sole actors.
A team of astronomers has discovered chemical traces of supermassive stars in globular proto-clusters, born 440 million years after the Big Bang. The study suggests that these 'celestial monsters' enriched the original gas cloud with chemical elements, explaining abundance anomalies in their stars.
A new study found that air pollution from the oil and gas sector has substantial adverse impacts on air quality and human health, resulting in 7,500 excess deaths, 410,000 asthma attacks, and $77 billion in annual health costs. The pollutants nitrogen oxide, fine particulate matter, and ozone from U.S. oil and gas production were respo...