Cycad plants provide an important 'ecosystem service'
A recent study by researchers at the University of Guam found that cycad plants share nitrogen and carbon through the soil, creating habitable environments for other organisms.
Nitrogen
Articles tagged with Nitrogen
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New evidence for a dynamic metallocofactor during nitrogen gas reduction
Researchers at the University of California, Irvine have discovered a key mechanism in breaking down nitrogen gas, a crucial step towards developing more efficient and sustainable methods. The breakthrough could lead to cheaper and more energy-efficient ways to produce fertilizers and alternative fuels.
Running on empty: New affordable catalyst relies on nitrogen vacancies to produce ammonia
Researchers at Tokyo Institute of Technology have developed a new strategy for producing ammonia using lanthanum and nickel as catalysts. The new catalyst relies on nitrogen vacancies to split N2 molecules into H2, which is then converted into NH3.
Four winners of the Schmidt Marine Costal Pollution Challenge are named
The Schmidt Marine Coastal Pollution Challenge selected four innovative solutions to address the urgent need to eliminate the causes and reduce the impact of coastal pollution, specifically nitrogen and phosphorous. The winning projects include a biodegradable plastic alternative and a low-cost nitrogen sensor technology.
Montana State research on plant chemistry published in Global Change Biology
A Montana State University professor's research on plant chemistry published in Global Change Biology reveals increased greening across the Northern Great Plains and Northern Rockies. The study found decreased levels of nitrogen and increased levels of carbon in recent plant samples, as well as improved water use efficiency.
A new look at deep-sea microbes
Researchers found that microbes inside hydrocarbon seeps have less efficient, fast-growing lifestyles while those outside have slower but more efficient lives. This difference in lifestyle could mirror how microbes behave higher in the water column.
Porous graphene ribbons doped with nitrogen for electronics and quantum computing
Researchers have successfully produced porous, nitrogen-containing graphene ribbons exhibiting semiconducting properties, which is essential for their potential applications in electronics. These new materials could display extraordinary magnetic properties, making them suitable for quantum computing applications.
Nitrogen saturation in US Midwest lakes
Researchers discovered that 85.8% of lake water samples were supersaturated with nitrogen gas, suggesting a lack of balance between nitrogen inputs and fixation. The findings highlight the need for terrestrial nitrogen sources to mitigate nitrogen loss in the lakes.
Nitrogen pollution policies around the world lag behind scientific knowledge
A global analysis reveals a significant gap between scientific knowledge and policy responses to nitrogen pollution. Agricultural sectors dominate policies that incentivize nitrogen use, while few aim to reduce pollution.
Traffic density, wind and air stratification influence concentrations of air pollutant NO2
Researchers used a statistical method to remove weather influences from air pollution data in Saxony, finding that traffic density is the most important factor. Adjusted for weather, NOx concentrations decreased by an average of 10 micrograms per cubic meter between 2015 and 2018.
Gas cooker exposure can lower blood pressure, study finds
A study published in Circulation Research found that exposure to nitrogen dioxide from gas cookers can lower blood pressure by 5 mm Hg. Blood levels of nitrite also increased after exposure, suggesting a possible mechanism linking air pollution to cardiovascular health. The findings suggest that cooking with gas may have a beneficial e...
Alternative to nitrogen: Oxygen plasma can improve the properties of electrode materials
Scientists discovered that oxygen plasma can enhance electrochemical performance of electrodes in supercapacitors, outperforming nitrogen. This breakthrough could contribute to the development of new generation supercapacitors with improved electrochemical characteristics.
Fish farming alters microbial communities, and reduces nitrate levels in pond ecosystems
A study by Dr. Jiangen Zhou et al. found that fish farming significantly changes microbial communities and decreases nitrogen levels, offering a potential solution to reduce nitrate pollution in ponds.
Scientists discover a long-sought-after nitrogen allotrope in black phosphorus structure
Researchers synthesized BP-structured nitrogen using diamond anvil cell apparatus and high-power laser heating. The new material exhibits colossal Raman intensity and unusual optical properties.
Nitrogen in permafrost soils may exert great feedbacks on climate change
Recent research suggests that nitrogen in permafrost soils could be a major contributor to climate change, with potentially significant consequences. Scientists are studying the decomposition of organic matter and its impact on nitrogen availability, which could lead to high N2O emissions.
Pandemics and the environment: China's COVID-19 interventions reduced nitrogen dioxide levels
Satellite measurements revealed a 48% drop in nitrogen dioxide densities over China following government announcements of the first reported COVID-19 case and lockdowns. This significant reduction is attributed to a substantial decrease in fossil fuel consumption, with an additional 21% drop compared to 2015-2019.
Freshly printed magnets
Scientists at Empa used 3D laser printing to produce materials with specific magnetic properties. By varying the size and lifetime of the melt pool, they were able to create alloy compositions with precise control over nitrogen content.
Ancient asteroid impacts created the ingredients of life on Earth and Mars
A new study found that meteorite crashes can create amino acids, the building blocks of proteins, by simulating ocean impact reactions. The discovery supports extraterrestrial delivery as a possible origin of life's essential molecules on Earth and Mars.
Using multiomics in an agricultural field, scientists discover that organic nitrogen plays a key rol
Researchers analyzed agricultural systems using multiomics approach and found that organic nitrogen fuels plant growth. They also discovered differences in bacteria in the rhizosphere, which make nitrogen available to plants.
Human waste could help combat global food insecurity
A team of researchers has discovered a way to create a nitrogen-rich fertilizer using human waste, which could increase agriculture yields in developing countries and reduce groundwater contamination. The new method involves recycling nitrogen from urine through a process involving biochar and CO2 priming.
A deep dive into better understanding nitrogen impacts
Human activity significantly disrupts the natural balance of nitrogen, posing a threat to terrestrial and aquatic life. The special issue examines the cascading consequences of rising nitrogen levels in circulation.
A potential explanation for urban smog
New research suggests nitric acid can boost particle growth in cold climates, forming particles even in highly polluted cities. This mechanism also affects the oxidation characteristics of organic compounds, potentially reducing aerosol formation and contributing to climate warming.
Researchers go cuckoo: Antarctic penguins release an extreme amount of laughing gas
A new study by researchers at the University of Copenhagen found that king penguins in Antarctica emit massive amounts of nitrous oxide via their feces, which is 300 times more polluting than CO2. The high levels of nitrous oxide are due to the combination of guano with hydrogen sulfide and other gases.
How does an increase in nitrogen application affect grasslands?
The PaNDiv experiment reveals that increased nitrogen application shifts the plant community towards fast-growing species, leading to faster litter decomposition. This change has a feedback loop effect, producing more nitrogen in the soil, which further accelerates decomposition.
COVID-19 lockdowns significantly impacting global air quality
Lockdowns led to significant reductions in nitrogen dioxide and particulate matter pollution globally, with decreases of up to 60% in some regions. However, surface ozone levels increased by a factor of 1.5-2 in northern China due to decreased nitrogen dioxide pollution.
How to boost plant biomass: Biologists uncover molecular link between nutrient availability, growth
Researchers found that a transcription factor TGA1 accelerates plant growth in response to nitrogen, leading to increased biomass. The study's findings have implications for improving nitrogen use efficiency in crops, benefiting agriculture and sustainability.
How does nitrogen dynamics affect carbon and water budgets in China?
A recent study uses the Noah LSM with multi-parameterization options to quantify the impacts of nitrogen dynamics on terrestrial carbon and water cycles in China. The results show improved simulations of gross primary productivity and leaf area index, with reduced errors and better spatial patterns.
4-billion-year-old nitrogen-containing organic molecules discovered in Martian meteorites
Scientists have detected 4-billion-year-old nitrogen-bearing organic compounds in a Martian meteorite, suggesting early Mars may have been habitable and favourable for life to start. The discovery provides strong evidence that evidence for early life can be preserved and detected today.
Diverse livelihoods helped resilient Levänluhta people survive a climate disaster
The study reveals that the Levänluhta population relied on a diverse range of livelihoods, including terrestrial, marine, and freshwater food sources. This diversity allowed them to survive a severe climate disaster in the 540s AD.
New research explores the impact of cover crop residues on weed control
Researchers found that cover-crop biomass and carbon to nitrogen ratios significantly influenced weed suppression, with certain mixtures producing more effective control. Cover crops also promoted greater crop yields when used as a sole weed control measure.
Effectiveness of ammonia emissions abatement
Researchers found that reducing ammonia emissions alone may not significantly decrease reduced forms of nitrogen deposition, which can still drop by only 60-80% despite abatement efforts. The study suggests a more comprehensive approach to mitigate nitrogen pollution is needed.
Corona and air pollution: How does nitrogen dioxide impact fatalities?
A new study found that regions with permanently high levels of nitrogen dioxide have significantly more deaths from Covid-19. This correlation suggests that persistent air pollution may have contributed to poorer health in affected populations, making them more susceptible to the virus.
Soil carbon and nitrogen mineralization after the initial flush of CO2
Soil microorganisms decompose organic nitrogen, releasing inorganic nitrogen for plant growth. The initial burst of microbial activity after CO2 flush is a key indicator of forthcoming soil nitrogen mineralization.
A new tool to predict volcanic eruptions
Researchers have developed a new tool to predict volcanic eruptions by analyzing the composition of gases in the atmosphere. The tool uses precise measurements to identify the contribution of the atmosphere and Earth's mantle to these gases, allowing for more accurate predictions of future eruptions.
New geochemical tool reveals origin of Earth's nitrogen
Researchers used a new geochemical tool to analyze volatile elements in Earth's interior, revealing that nitrogen has been present since the planet's formation. The method, which identifies air contamination, provides valuable insights into the evolution of our planet and may also be used to monitor volcanic activity.
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.
Hormone produced in starved leaves stimulates roots to take up nitrogen
Researchers at Nagoya University have discovered a hormone produced in nitrogen-starved leaves that regulates the demand and supply of nitrogen between plant shoots and roots. The hormone, CEPDL2, enhances nitrate uptake efficiency, potentially minimizing fertilizer use.
Control of anthropogenic atmospheric emissions can improve water quality in seas
A new research study led by Miss Yu Yan Yau and Dr Benoit Thibodeau from the University of Hong Kong found that reducing fossil fuel combustion can significantly decrease hypoxic zones in Chinese coastal seas, with the South China Sea being the most sensitive area to nitrogen input
Reducing reliance on nitrogen fertilizers with biological nitrogen fixation
Research by plant pathologist Gary Stacey aims to develop effective inoculation protocols for biological nitrogen fixation in non-leguminous crops. The study found that bacterial colonization leads to significant shifts in plant metabolism, with some metabolites more abundant in inoculated plants.
Ammonia has been wrongly missing in portraying air pollution impacts
Recent studies challenge traditional approaches to understanding air pollution impacts by highlighting the importance of dry deposition processes, particularly ammonia. Ammonia plays a vital role in nitrogen deposition and haze pollution, with global concentrations increasing worldwide over recent decades.
Ancient hornwort genomes could lead to crop improvement
Research on ancient hornwort genomes has identified genes that boost carbon dioxide concentration, increasing yield, and those promoting symbiosis with bacteria for nitrogen acquisition. This discovery may lead to more efficient crops requiring less fertilizer.
Hornwort genomes could lead to crop improvement
Researchers sequenced three hornwort genomes, revealing genes that could boost crop efficiency and reduce nitrogen fertilizer use. The findings shed light on the evolution of early land plants and provide insights into the unique biology of hornworts.
Ammonium salts reveal reservoir of 'missing' nitrogen in comets
Researchers identified ammonium salts as a substantial source of nitrogen in comets like 67P/Churyumov-Gerasimenko. This discovery resolves the long-standing N/C ratio discrepancy between comets and the Sun.
Bronze Age diet and farming strategy reconstructed using integrative isotope analysis
A cross-sectional study of El Algar society in the Iberian Peninsula reveals similar diets but different management of livestock among communities, with a larger share of animal protein restricted to elite members. The analysis also shows a strong reliance on cereal farming and animal manure use.
Freeze-dried soil is more suitable for studying soil reactive nitrogen gas emissions
Researchers find freeze-drying method yields more accurate results for measuring soil N reactive gas fluxes and total emissions. This approach could lead to revised understanding of global nitrogen cycle mechanisms.
Super-urinators among the mangroves: Excretory gifts from estuary's busiest fish promote ecosystem health
A new study led by University of Michigan researchers found that highly active gray and cubera snappers in a Bahamian mangrove estuary spread the highest levels of essential nutrient nitrogen through their urine, nearly doubling its presence. This fertilizer supports more plant growth and food at the base of the food web.
Looking for local levers
A study by UC Santa Barbara researchers found that high levels of nitrogen pollution lower the temperature at which coral begins to bleach and increases its severity. The team surveyed over 10,000 corals around Moorea and found that both types of branching corals showed identical responses to nutrient pollution.
Rice scientists simplify access to drug building block
The Rice University team has introduced an inexpensive organic synthesis technique that catalyzes the transfer of nitrogen atoms to olefins, making valuable pharmaceutical precursors. The process combines nitrogen and hydrogen atoms in triangular aziridine products, which are readily available to react with other agents.
Local nitrogen pollution and coral bleaching
A study found that local nitrogen pollution enhances coral bleaching severity, even at low heat stress levels. High nitrogen levels increased the severity of bleaching up to two-fold, while heat stress primarily drove colony proportions affected.
New artificial intelligence algorithm better predicts corn yield
A new AI algorithm developed by University of Illinois researchers accurately predicts corn yield using deep learning and convolutional neural networks. The approach incorporates various topographic variables, soil electroconductivity, nitrogen treatment rates, and seed application to optimize crop management decisions.
Nitrogen-fixing trees help tropical forests grow faster and store more carbon
A new study published in Nature Communications reveals that nitrogen-fixing trees can double the amount of carbon stored in a forest's first 30 years of regrowth. Forests with these trees also take up 10% more carbon at maturity. Planting fixers as part of reforestation efforts could boost forest development and carbon accumulation.
Mystery of marine recycling squad solved
Researchers have solved the mystery of marine nitrogen cycling, discovering that abundant nitrite oxidizing bacteria, Nitrospinae, are more active and efficient than previously thought. This reveals a key to their low abundance despite being crucial in the process.
A never-before described natural process in soil can convert nitrogen gases into nitrates
A new study reveals a never-before described natural process in soil that converts nitrogen gases into nitrates through the action of visible and ultraviolet radiation. This finding is crucial for understanding the nitrogen cycle in soil, which affects global sustainability, productivity, and air quality.
Flushing nitrogen from seawater-based toilets
A novel bacteria effectively removes nitrogen from salty wastewater, suggesting a potential solution for sewage treatment from seawater-based toilets. This finding could help alleviate pressure on freshwater resources as the world's population is expected to grow to 10 billion by 2050.
Historical impacts of development on coral reef loss in the South China Sea
A new study reveals that rapid urbanization and poor waste management are the primary causes of coral reef loss in the South China Sea. The research, led by HKU marine ecologists, used geochemical techniques to analyze coral skeletons and found a significant increase in nitrogen pollution coinciding with Hong Kong's rapid development.
Nitrogen fertilizers finetune composition of individual members of the tomato microbiota
Researchers discovered that nitrogen fertilizers shape the composition of individual members of the tomato microbiota, with Actinobacteria colonizing root tissues. The diet represented by different nitrogen treatments determines the plant microbiota, highlighting potential targets for optimizing plant nutrition and global food security.
The salt of the comet
Researchers have discovered traces of five different ammonium salts on comet 67P/Churyumov-Gerasimenko, shedding light on the presence of nitrogen on comets and its potential link to the emergence of life on Earth. The study found high concentrations of ammonia in the form of these salts.
Tradeoffs in ant-cultivated crops
Ants cultivate plants in full sun to obtain more floral food, but this condition also leads to increased plant damage and fewer plant numbers. In contrast, shade-cultivated plants produce less food for the ants but receive more nitrogen fertilizer input.
'Soil photosynthesis' helps to mitigate environmental pollution
A team of researchers discovered that soil can capture NOx gases from the atmosphere and transform them into nitrate through a process called
Air pollution from oil and gas production sites visible from space
Satellite data reveals significant increases in nitrogen dioxide pollution from oil and gas production sites in the US, particularly in the Permian, Bakken, and Eagle Ford basins. The study uses a new inventory to confirm trends and provides valuable insights for addressing emissions in a cost-efficient manner.