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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.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalScience Advances·DateFeb 26, 2020

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.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 24, 2020

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.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 24, 2020
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.

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.

SourceRice University·JournalNature Catalysis·DateFeb 24, 2020

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.

SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences·JournalComputers and Electronics in Agriculture·DateFeb 20, 2020

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.

SourceCary Institute of Ecosystem Studies·JournalNature Communications·DateFeb 13, 2020

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.

SourceMax Planck Institute for Marine Microbiology·JournalNature Communications·DateFeb 7, 2020
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.

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.

SourceKing Abdullah University of Science & Technology (KAUST)·JournalWater Research·DateFeb 3, 2020

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.

SourceAmerican Phytopathological Society·JournalPhytobiomes Journal·DateJan 29, 2020
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.

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.

SourceThe University of Hong Kong·JournalGlobal Change Biology·DateJan 29, 2020

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.

SourceUniversity of Bern·JournalNature Astronomy·DateJan 20, 2020

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.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 20, 2020

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.

SourceUniversity of Colorado at Boulder·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateJan 15, 2020
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Nanosatellites improve detection of early-season corn nitrogen stress

Scientists at the University of Illinois have developed nanosatellite technology that can detect nitrogen stress in corn early in the season. This allows farmers to plan in-season nitrogen fertilizer applications and alleviate nutrient stress for crops, potentially increasing yield and reducing environmental impact.

SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences·JournalIEEE Journal of Selected Topics in Applied Earth Observations and Remote Sensing·DateJan 13, 2020

Connector fungi offer new clues to fate of nitrogen in warming tundra

Researchers discovered that fungi associated with shallow-rooted tundra shrubs can access deep nitrogen stores from thawing permafrost, regardless of the plant's root system. This finding has implications for understanding the fate of nitrogen in a warming Arctic and potentially offsetting carbon losses.

SourceNorthern Arizona University·JournalNew Phytologist·DateJan 13, 2020
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.

PPPL invention could improve efficiency of engines while reducing pollutants

Researchers at PPPL have developed a novel design that could increase the efficiency of gasoline-fueled internal combustion engines while reducing toxic emissions. The patented method rapidly spins gas inside cylinders to operate at lower temperatures, resulting in lower Nitrogen Oxide emissions and improved fuel economy.

SourceDOE/Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory·DateDec 18, 2019

Mites can change their diet depending on environmental conditions

Scientists discovered that soil mites alter their diet based on the environment they inhabit, with some species switching from saprophagy to predation. The study focused on oribatid mites and found significant differences in nitrogen isotope content depending on land use systems.

SourceUniversity of Tyumen·JournalPLOS ONE·DateDec 12, 2019

Consider soil in fall-applied ammonia rates, Illinois study says

A new Illinois study found that fall-applied anhydrous ammonia may not meet corn's nitrogen needs. The study showed varying uptake efficiency depending on soil type and crop rotation, with richest soils being lower in nitrogen recovery.

SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences·JournalSoil Science Society of America Journal·DateDec 9, 2019
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.

Ocean deoxygenation and nitrogen cycle

Researchers discovered that lower dissolved oxygen levels trigger a shift in the marine nitrogen cycle, with ammonium replacing nitrate as the main fixed nitrogen component. This change indicates a significant biogeochemical vulnerability to ocean deoxygenation, potentially affecting nutrient availability.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 25, 2019

Changes in oxygen concentrations in our ocean can disrupt fundamental biological cycles

Researchers found that a decline in ocean oxygen can break down feedback mechanisms controlling the marine nitrogen cycle, which is essential for all forms of life. The team used a data-constrained earth system model to show that extreme deoxygenation can lead to a collapse of the ocean's bioavailable nitrogen inventory.

SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 25, 2019
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.

Clean air research converts toxic air pollutant into industrial chemical

A new MOF material, MFM-520, has been developed to capture and convert nitrogen dioxide into nitric acid. The material can be regenerated multiple times and is suitable for use in air pollution control, with potential applications in the production of agricultural fertilizers, rocket propellants, and textiles.

SourceUniversity of Manchester·JournalNature Chemistry·DateNov 22, 2019

New material captures and converts toxic air pollutant into industrial chemical

A metal-organic framework material has been developed that can capture nitrogen dioxide from the air and convert it into nitric acid for industrial use. The material requires only water and air to achieve this conversion, making it a promising solution for cost-effectively removing toxic pollutants from the atmosphere.

SourceDOE/Oak Ridge National Laboratory·JournalNature Chemistry·DateNov 22, 2019
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.

Nitrous oxide, a greenhouse gas, is on the rise

A new study found that nitrous oxide emissions have risen steadily since the mid-20th century, linked to increased nitrogen substrates released into the environment. The global rate of increase has been underestimated by current methods, and a global effort is needed to solve this problem.

SourceUniversity of Maryland Center for Environmental Science·JournalNature Climate Change·DateNov 18, 2019

Moss: a bio-monitor of atmospheric nitrogen deposition in the Yangtze River Delta

Researchers used moss (Haplocladium microphyllum) to monitor N deposition rates and sources in the Yangtze River Delta. They found a significant linear relationship between moss N content and wet N deposition rate, with decreasing trends from urban to rural areas.

SourceInstitute of Atmospheric Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalAtmospheric and Oceanic Science Letters·DateNov 18, 2019

Nitrous oxide levels are on the rise

A new study reveals that nitrous oxide emissions have increased significantly over the past two decades, with a faster rate of increase in the last decade. The authors estimate that global N2O emissions have increased by 1.6 TgN y-1 between 2000-2005 and 2010-2015.

SourceInternational Institute for Applied Systems Analysis·JournalNature Climate Change·DateNov 18, 2019

Typhoons and marine eutrophication are probably the missing source of organic nitrogen in ecosystems

Researchers found that typhoons and eutrophic surface sea waters may be significant sources of dissolved organic nitrogen (ON) in wet deposition. Approximately one-third of total ON wet deposition was attributed to the co-occurrence of intense events like typhoons and strong rainfall.

SourceInstitute of Atmospheric Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalAtmospheric and Oceanic Science Letters·DateNov 14, 2019
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.

Explosion in Tianjin Port enhanced atmospheric nitrogen deposition over the Bohai Sea

A recent study found that the Tianjin Port explosion significantly increased atmospheric nitrogen deposition in the Bohai Sea, with a 308.49 micromole N increase per square meter per day. The study suggests that the impact area of the explosion on the Bohai Sea is approximately 1/5 of its total area.

SourceInstitute of Atmospheric Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalAtmospheric and Oceanic Science Letters·DateNov 13, 2019

Researchers find nature's backup plan for converting nitrogen into plant nutrients

Scientists at Princeton University found that vanadium can facilitate nitrogen fixation when molybdenum is scarce, suggesting the process may be more resilient than previously thought. This discovery has significant implications for understanding nutrient budgets and biodiversity in ecosystems.

SourcePrinceton University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 11, 2019

Cooking up a new theory for better accelerators

Ari Deibert Palczewski, a staff scientist at Jefferson Lab, has been awarded a DOE Early Career Research Program grant to develop a theoretical model of accelerator preparation. He aims to build on previous discoveries about doping niobium with nitrogen and create a mathematical model of the process.

SourceDOE/Thomas Jefferson National Accelerator Facility·DateOct 24, 2019

Atomic images reveal unusually many neighbors for some oxygen atoms

A study published in Nature Communications reveals new bonding configurations for nitrogen and oxygen atoms in graphene. Researchers found that oxygen atoms can form three bonds with carbon neighbors, contradicting the traditional understanding of their bonding behavior.

SourceUniversity of Vienna·JournalNature Communications·DateOct 21, 2019
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.

Land management practices to reduce nitrogen load may be affected by climate changes

A new study from University of Illinois researchers used computer modeling to estimate how land management practices may be affected by climate changes. The study found that redistribution of land uses and certain management practices can help reduce nitrogen loss without changing fertilizer application rates.

SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences·JournalJournal of Environmental Management·DateOct 18, 2019

Study offers solution to Ice Age ocean chemistry puzzle

A new study reveals that phytoplankton in the tropics absorbed high levels of CO2 during Ice Ages due to iron-rich dust. This discovery explains almost all of the additional CO2 transported into oceans via the biological pump, improving climate models and understanding ocean processes.

SourceUniversity of Tasmania·JournalNature Communications·DateOct 10, 2019

Climate warming and soil nutrient balances

Under climate warming up to 1.7 °C, sedge plants prioritize root growth over shoot growth due to nitrogen supply limitations; however, as warming intensifies, shoots become more prominent, indicating nitrogen supply now outpaces plant demand.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 7, 2019

High carbon dioxide can create 'shrinking stems' in marshes

Marsh plants produce more stems that are noticeably smaller under high carbon dioxide, but adding nitrogen reverses this effect. This adaptation may help marshes absorb energy from storms and build soil, providing a defensive power against sea level rise.

SourceSmithsonian·JournalNature Climate Change·DateSep 25, 2019
DJI Air 3 (RC-N2)

DJI Air 3 (RC-N2) captures 4K mapping passes and environmental surveys with dual cameras, long flight time, and omnidirectional obstacle sensing.

Building on UD, Nobel legacy

Researchers have discovered a new reaction that enables the production of indoline scaffolds, which are crucial for developing new medicines. By using nitrogen as a catalyst, the reaction can create complex assemblies more easily and efficiently.

SourceUniversity of Delaware·JournalAngewandte Chemie·DateSep 23, 2019

Bones of Roman Britons provide new clues to dietary deprivation

Researchers at the University of Bradford have found a link between the diet of Roman Britons and their mortality rates using stable isotope data from bone collagen. Higher nitrogen isotope ratios were associated with a higher risk of mortality, while higher carbon isotope ratios were linked to a lower risk. The study provides new insi...

SourceUniversity of Bradford·JournalAnnals of Human Biology·DateSep 10, 2019
Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm)

Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm) tracks health metrics and safety alerts during long observing sessions, fieldwork, and remote expeditions.

Study offers new insights on impacts of crop trading in China

Scientists analyzed China's crop production and trade over 1986-2015, finding that imports can relieve nitrogen pollution but also expose China to market risks. The study proposes 'alternative' nitrogen and land concepts to mitigate environmental damage.

SourceUniversity of Maryland Center for Environmental Science·JournalEnvironmental Research Letters·DateSep 5, 2019

Kilauea eruption fosters algae bloom in North Pacific Ocean

A 2018 Kilauea eruption led to an unusual algae super bloom that stretched for miles, fueled by the perfect cocktail of nutrients from the ocean, including nitrate, silicic acid, iron, and phosphate. The bloom, which was hundreds of miles wide, was an unexpected outcome of the volcanic event.

SourceUniversity of Southern California·JournalScience·DateSep 5, 2019

Corals take control of nitrogen recycling

Researchers at King Abdullah University of Science & Technology found that corals use organic carbon to recycle waste ammonium, revealing new insights into coral-algae symbiosis. This process allows corals to control algal growth by regulating nitrogen flow.

SourceKing Abdullah University of Science & Technology (KAUST)·JournalPLOS Genetics·DateSep 3, 2019

A new way to make valuable chemicals

Researchers developed a new process to form high-value chemicals called amides by coupling carbon and nitrogen bonds in an electrochemical reaction. This breakthrough enables the production of useful substances in various industries, including pharmaceuticals.

SourceUniversity of Delaware·JournalNature Chemistry·DateAug 26, 2019

Detention basins could catch more than stormwater

Researchers found that wet basins are more effective at removing nitrate from the water by converting it to gaseous nitrogen. Designing basins to hold water from the beginning could decrease production of nitrous oxides and mitigate eutrophication in bodies of water.

SourcePenn State·DateAug 12, 2019
AmScope B120C-5M Compound Microscope

AmScope B120C-5M Compound Microscope supports teaching labs and QA checks with LED illumination, mechanical stage, and included 5MP camera.

Rice chemists show it's hip to be square

Rice University chemists have developed a fast and inexpensive synthetic route to azetidines, a class of molecules that can be used as building blocks in drug design. The new method allows for the creation of NH-azetidines, which contain unprotected nitrogen atoms, making them more accessible for further reactions.

SourceRice University·JournalAngewandte Chemie·DateAug 9, 2019

New synthesis method opens up possibilities for organic electronics

Researchers at Tokyo Institute of Technology have developed a new synthesis method for producing high-performance n-type semiconducting polymers using the DArP method. The resulting polymers, P1 and P2, exhibit significant improvements in electron mobility and stability compared to existing materials.

SourceTokyo Institute of Technology·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateAug 7, 2019

Fertilizer feast and famine

A UC Davis study highlights the need for a coordinated international policy to address the global nitrogen problem. The research suggests that applying fertilizers more precisely, removing pollution from the environment, and empowering consumers to think about sustainable food options can help alleviate the issue.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·DateAug 5, 2019
Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2 Weather Station

Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2 Weather Station offers research-grade local weather data for networked stations, campuses, and community observatories.

Thirty years of unique data reveal what's really killing coral reefs

A 30-year study reveals that coral bleaching is not just caused by climate change, but also by reactive nitrogen from human activities. Nitrogen levels from sewage and fertilizers are causing phosphorus starvation in corals, leading to reduced temperature thresholds for 'bleaching'.

SourceFlorida Atlantic University·JournalMarine Biology·DateJul 15, 2019

Study finds association between air pollution, coronary atherosclerosis

A new study from the University at Buffalo found a significant association between long-term exposure to air pollution and the severity of coronary artery calcium, or plaque buildup in artery walls. The study suggests that China may need to revise its standard for nitrogen dioxide limits to reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease.

SourceUniversity at Buffalo·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateJul 12, 2019

Nitrogen from biosolids can help urban soils and plant growth

Researchers found that biosolids with low organic matter content yield more bioavailable nitrogen when applied to urban soils, making them a valuable resource for restoring degraded soils. The study highlights the importance of adjusting biosolid application rates based on soil degradation levels.

SourceAmerican Society of Agronomy·JournalSoil Science Society of America Journal·DateJul 10, 2019

Old at heart: Solution to red giants' age paradox

Researchers discover that some red giants contain less iron and more elements like magnesium and calcium, suggesting an ancient age. The study reveals that these stars may have merged with others during their transformation into red giants, explaining the apparent paradox.

SourceMax Planck Institute for Solar System Research·JournalMonthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society·DateJun 27, 2019
Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach

Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach provides rugged GNSS navigation, satellite messaging, and SOS for backcountry geology and climate field teams.

Significant UK air quality improvements over past 40 years cut death rates

Significant reductions in pollution and mortality rates have been achieved in the UK over the past 40 years due to effective policies. Emissions of PM2.5, nitrogen oxides, sulphur dioxide, and non-methane volatile organic compounds all reduced substantially between 1970 and 2010.

SourceUK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology·JournalEnvironmental Research Letters·DateJun 26, 2019