Temporal variation in precipitation caused by climate change negatively affects crop growth, leading to declining yields and increasing reactive nitrogen losses. The study found that adjusting fertilizer application amounts can reduce nitrogen losses, but may not increase crop yields.
A study by the University of Exeter and Greenpeace Research Laboratories reveals that synthetic nitrogen fertilisers contribute significantly to greenhouse gas emissions. The researchers estimate that the supply chain for these fertilisers is responsible for emitting the equivalent of 1.13 gigatonnes of CO₂ in 2018.
Researchers at Michigan State University have made significant contributions to our understanding of the nitrogen cycle, a complex process that underlies the balance of nitrogen in the environment. The team, led by Timothy Warren, has uncovered new pathways and reactions involved in the conversion of nitric oxide to nitrous oxide.
Researchers develop TiO2-δNδ nanowire arrays to enhance N2 reduction to ammonia, achieving high yields and efficiency. The study demonstrates synergistic effects of oxygen vacancies and titanium ions in improving electrocatalytic performance.
Research from North Carolina State University and the International Research Laboratory Takuvik found that wildfire smoke in Siberia amplified a phytoplankton bloom in the Arctic Ocean. The bloom was larger than normal, requiring a substantial influx of new nitrogen supply to occur.
Researchers have discovered that Mexican mangrove forests have been absorbing and storing carbon for an impressive 5,000 years. The study found that these unique ecosystems are capable of retaining large amounts of carbon due to the presence of certain microorganisms.
Crop residue and pig manure slow down nitrogen release compared to synthetic fertilizer, reducing nitrogen loss through synchronized nutrient release and crop demand. Substituting up to 40% synthetic nitrogen with organic amendments can maintain high crop yield and significantly reduce nitrogen loss from sloping cropland.
Researchers found that non-growing season nitrous oxide emissions in the Midwest can account for up to 60% of annual emissions. Environmental factors such as precipitation and temperature drive these emissions, with more intensive freezing causing increased emissions in the southeastern Midwest.
A comprehensive study reveals that nitrogen-fixers are most diverse in arid regions of the US, contrary to expectations. Plants have evolved creative ways to acquire nitrogen, and their diversity increases in these environments due to adaptations such as thicker cuticles.
Researchers at the University of California, Davis have discovered a new pathway for cereals to capture nitrogen from the air, reducing the need for expensive fertilizers. The breakthrough could save farmers billions of dollars annually and benefit the environment by decreasing nitrogen pollution.
Researchers have synthesized novel nitrogen compounds with ring- and spiral-shaped crystal structures under extremely high pressure. The new polynitrides contain planar, symmetrically constructed ring structures and a rare polynitrogenic double helix.
A new water-resistant gas sensor can detect nitrogen dioxide in breath, indicating potential pulmonary diseases. The sensor's semi-permeable membrane allows it to block moisture while permitting gas molecule permeation.
Researchers at Van Andel Institute and University of Freiburg have discovered an enzyme that can break down nitrous oxide into harmless nitrogen and water. This breakthrough could potentially combat one of the main contributors to climate change, which accounts for only 7% of greenhouse gases but has a much greater impact.
Studies found that commuting by car results in larger concentrations of pollutants for people inside the vehicle compared to walkers or cyclists. Exercise through walking or cycling has well-known health benefits and improves air quality.
Researchers found that domesticated maize recruits different microbes from soil than its wild ancestors, including those involved in nitrogen cycling. This shift may be driving the need for synthetic fertilizers, but understanding the ancestral microbiome could help breed crops more sustainably.
A team of researchers found a high ratio of nitrogen to phosphorus in Flathead Lake, limiting phytoplankton growth and affecting zooplankton populations. This imbalance sets the stage for potential methane production and has significant ecological consequences.
Rice chemists adapt flashing process to synthesize pure boron nitride and boron carbon nitride flakes with varying degrees of carbon. The flakes show promise as an effective anticorrosive coating, protecting copper surfaces up to 92% better than traditional compounds.
A study from the University of California, Davis, found that balancing protein consumption with human needs can reduce nitrogen excretion rates in US waters by 27% by 2055. Coastal cities have the largest potential to make this change, which could also improve environmental health without increasing wastewater treatment costs.
Researchers have designed a new anaerobic reactor using polyurethane foam, reducing nitrogen removal costs in Brazil. The system achieves high nitrogen removal efficiency by creating an environment that optimizes denitrification.
King Abdullah University of Science & Technology (KAUST) researchers have created a new membrane material that separates nitrogen from methane based on their shape difference. This approach reduces purification costs for natural gas by up to 73% compared to existing methods, offering an energy-efficient solution.
Megalodon and its ancestors were at the highest trophic level in prehistoric marine food webs, consuming other predators and large prey. The team measured nitrogen isotopes in shark teeth to determine their trophic levels, revealing a complex food web with multiple apex predators.
A study by Rice University finds that agricultural nitrogen emissions cause substantial damage to air quality, human health, and the climate. The researchers quantified emissions from fertilized soils over three years and found that ammonia had a much larger impact on damages than nitrogen oxides and nitrous oxide.
Researchers discovered that copper availability affects the release of nitrous oxide, a potent greenhouse gas. When copper is not available, microbes release more harmful gases instead of nitrogen, which makes up 78% of Earth's atmosphere. By adding metal to natural systems, it may mitigate nitrous oxide release.
Researchers found that wetter pre-growing seasons reduced soil nitrogen through leaching, but applying more fertilizer can mitigate this effect. The model also showed that cold pre-growing season temperatures limited early growth in ways that affected yield potential, making extra fertilizer less effective.
Researchers at Rutgers University have made a groundbreaking discovery about nitrogen-fixing bacteria in leaf cells, which can provide plants with essential nutrients. This breakthrough has the potential to transform crop cultivation methods, reducing the environmental impact of fertilizer use and preserving soil health.
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.
A new Stanford University-led study reveals that reducing nitrogen oxides emissions by half can improve crop yields by up to 25% in certain regions. The analysis used satellite images to map NOx levels and their impact on agriculture, providing valuable insights into the effects of air pollution on food production.
A new study by USC researchers found a significant link between exposure to fine particles (PM2.5) and nitrogen dioxide (NO2) and increased risk of severe COVID-19 outcomes. Long-term PM2.5 exposure was associated with a higher risk of mortality from COVID-19.
Researchers have developed a new carbon capture method using sponge-like materials that can trap CO2 without degrading over time. The materials are made from sugar and low-cost alkali metal salts, making them a potentially cost-effective solution for reducing coal-fired power plant emissions.
A new study examines the nitrogen pathway in biocrude obtained from hydrothermal liquefaction (HTL) of microalgae, revealing key findings on NOC distribution and transformation. The research highlights the importance of reaction conditions and microalgae selection in optimizing HTL processes.
Researchers developed flexible, porous nitrogen dioxide sensors that can be attached to skin and clothing for continuous monitoring. The sensors have potential applications in healthcare, environmental monitoring, and military use, offering a non-invasive alternative to traditional methods.
Researchers explored potential policies to reduce nitrogen loss while protecting farmers' bottom lines. The study found that a nitrogen leaching fee policy showed the best outcome, with estimated cost savings of $524 million per year.
Scientists have developed a novel 'green' fertilizer that uses an advanced milling technique to produce slow-release soil nutrient crystals. The method reduces nitrogen pollution and energy consumption compared to traditional fertilizers.
Researchers aim to improve stability and efficiency of catalytic materials using quantum mechanics-based calculations and computational simulations. The goal is to create more effective catalysts that reduce pollution and energy consumption.
Researchers have synthesized K2N6, an exotic compound containing nitrogen groups and packing explosive amounts of energy. The new material has a hexagonal structure with intermediate single and double bonds between nitrogen atoms.
A multi-institutional team finds that nitrogen insufficiency is a growing concern worldwide due to increased demand for nitrogen by plants and microbes. Declining nitrogen availability can slow plant growth and affect the food chain, while also constraining carbon storage and contributing to global warming.
Researchers found evidence of declining nitrogen availability in various ecosystems, including grasslands and forests, due to multiple environmental changes. The decline is linked to increased atmospheric carbon dioxide levels and reduced plant growth, with implications for the global carbon cycle.
Researchers have made a breakthrough in controlling bacterial nitrogen fixation by cereals, enabling them to produce their own ammonia fertiliser. This development has the potential to reduce reliance on industrially produced ammonia-based fertilisers and mitigate environmental pollution and greenhouse gas emissions.
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.
Researchers quantified five critical ecological processes on over 500 coral reefs worldwide, finding no reef can maximize each process simultaneously. They also identified local super heroes among species that contribute to ecosystem functioning.
The John Innes Centre researchers identified the role of the signaling protein CaM2, which regulates calcium channels and shapes calcium signals. This led to accelerated calcium frequency, earlier signaling with bacteria, and enhanced root nodule symbiosis in engineered legume roots.
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.
A recent field study examines the 2006 Abuja Declaration's effects on N fertilizer use, yield potential, and soil fertility. The study found that partial N balances exceeded optimal ranges, highlighting insufficient N input and elevated risk of soil depletion.
A novel detector technology has been developed for sensitive nitrogen dioxide detection, enabling fast and accurate measurements. The new instrument achieves precisions of 35 pptv in 1 s and 8 pptv in 30 s data acquisition time, surpassing previous methods.
Researchers found that vehicular emissions are a significant source of ammonia in urban air during winter mornings, contributing to toxic pollution. The study used nitrogen isotopes to track the origin of ammonia and attributed 40% of morning concentrations to vehicle emissions.
A new study from the University of Waterloo provides a roadmap for faster improvements in water quality by tackling nitrogen legacies. The research recommends six steps to address this critical issue, which has persisted for decades due to excess nitrogen fertilizers.
Researchers have discovered two new and unusual species of diatoms that fix nitrogen, a critical process supporting productivity in nutrient-poor open ocean waters. These diatoms harbor symbiotic cyanobacteria that convert dissolved nitrogen gas into ammonia, enabling them to thrive in nutrient-poor conditions.
A new catalyst developed by researchers extracts hydrogen from liquid organic hydrogen carriers (LOHCs) easily and efficiently. The breakthrough offers a promising solution to adopting hydrogen fuel for transportation, addressing a long-standing challenge.
A new study reveals that climate had a significant influence on diet in the Central Andes between 400 and 7,000 years ago. The researchers found that population size had little impact on dietary variation, except during the Late Horizon (~480-418 yBP), when diets became more similar due to the Inca Empire's centralized power.
Researchers found that dog faeces and urine add substantial nutrients to nature reserves, potentially detrimental to biodiversity. Studies suggest reducing fertilisation effects by encouraging owners to remove faeces and enforcing leash use could mitigate this impact.
Ammonium toxicity triggers reactive oxygen species formation in plant roots, causing inhibited root elongation. A newly identified gene, PDX1.1, plays a crucial role in vitamin B6 biosynthesis, which neutralizes oxidative stress and protects roots from ammonium-induced damage.
New study reveals tradeoff between water quality and emissions on farms, highlighting potential environmental benefits of conservation practices. Researchers found that split nitrogen applications had no impact on nitrous oxide levels, but cover crops increased emissions by spikes in summer.
Native marine macroalgae thrive in environments created by natural groundwater seeps, benefiting from enhanced nutrients despite lowered salinity levels. In contrast, tainted groundwater seeps support invasive species, threatening native algal dominance.
Researchers at the University of Malaga found that conifers are tolerant to excessive amounts of ammonium, which can cause toxicity in other plants. The study used state-of-the-art techniques to identify molecular mechanisms involved in ammonium's effects on pine roots.
Scientists have discovered a new layer of regulation in plant-microbe interactions using peanut studies. An antisense long-noncoding RNA, DONE40, was found to bind to a protein involved in epigenetic control, suggesting a conserved function across plants and animals.
Researchers from the University of Illinois developed a system using hyperspectral sensors on planes to quickly and accurately detect nitrogen status in corn crops. The technology achieved up to 85% accuracy and has potential for use in satellites, enabling farmers to make informed decisions about nitrogen side-dressing.
Researchers found that fungal communities play a key role in tree growth, with some species increasing tree growth rates up to a tree-fold. The study suggests that using specific fungal communities can help improve forestry and potentially absorb more carbon from the atmosphere.
A new study found that reducing air pollution can lower dementia risk among older women by decreasing their likelihood of developing dementia. The benefits were consistent despite differences among participants in age, geographic area, socioeconomic background, and other factors.
Researchers have discovered that certain microorganisms, such as Nitrosopumilus maritimus, can produce oxygen in the absence of sunlight, possibly deep below the ocean surface. These microbes play a crucial role in the nitrogen cycle and remove bioavailable nitrogen from the environment.
A recent study published in The Lancet Planetary Health found that approximately 2.5 billion people worldwide lived in areas exceeding the WHO guideline for annual average PM2.5 exposure, resulting in an excess of 1.8 million deaths. Additionally, nearly 2 million asthma cases among children were attributable to NO2 pollution in 2019.
SourceThe Lancet·JournalThe Lancet Planetary Health·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJan 5, 2022