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Diverse tropical forests grow fast despite widespread phosphorus limitation

Researchers found that individual tree species are limited by phosphorus but entire forest communities are not. Forests with low phosphorus soils actually show faster growth rates compared to those with high phosphorus levels. This discovery has significant implications for understanding forest growth and change in tropical regions.

SourceSmithsonian Tropical Research Institute·JournalNature·DateMar 7, 2018

Root discovery may lead to crops that need less fertilizer

Researchers have discovered a way for plants to acquire phosphorus more efficiently by suppressing secondary root growth in favor of primary root growth. This trait allows plants to explore a greater volume of soil and acquire more phosphorus, making it beneficial for farmers growing in nutrient-poor soils.

SourcePenn State·JournalPLANT PHYSIOLOGY·DateJan 18, 2018

An efficient approach of conjugated tetraenes from butadiene and alkynes

Researchers at Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology have developed a one-pot approach to synthesizing conjugated tetraenes from inexpensive reagents, eliminating waste production and simplifying the process. The new method has potential applications in electronic materials, natural products, and pharmaceutical molecules.

SourceTokyo University of Agriculture and Technology·JournalOrganometallics·DateJan 15, 2018
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

How fungi helped create life as we know it

University of Leeds scientists find fungi essential for establishing breathable atmosphere by transferring phosphorus to plants. The amount of phosphorus transferred could have dramatically altered the ancient atmosphere, influencing the timing of oxygen generation.

SourceUniversity of Leeds·JournalPhilosophical Transactions of the Royal Society of London (B )·DateDec 18, 2017

Study: Too many nutrients make microbes less responsive

A new study by University of Minnesota researchers found that bacteria in lakes with high levels of nitrogen and phosphorus are less able to absorb additional nutrients, which can lead to water quality issues and climate implications. This means that excess nutrients in lakes can have a catastrophic effect on ecosystems.

SourceUniversity of Minnesota·JournalThe ISME Journal·DateDec 11, 2017

Cranberry growers tart on phosphorus

Researchers developed a method to trap phosphorus in holding ponds, reducing its release into waterways. Aluminum sulfate was found to be an effective and cost-friendly solution, with a 78-93% reduction in phosphorus levels.

SourceAmerican Society of Agronomy·JournalJournal of Environmental Quality·DateNov 29, 2017

Reducing phosphorus runoff

A recent study published in the Journal of Soil and Water Conservation found that farmers prefer cash payments with insurance or tax credits over certifications, but may require more money for these incentives. Researchers met with 49 farmers in northwest Ohio to test different incentives and gather insights on best management practices.

SourceUniversity of Delaware·JournalJournal of Soil and Water Conservation·DateNov 22, 2017
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.

RUDN chemists have discovered a new formation mechanism of anti-cancer substances

RUDN University scientists have discovered a new formation mechanism for anti-cancer substances, which can be used to synthesize organophosphorus compounds with specified properties. The researchers found that the reaction does not proceed according to the previously thought Michaelis-Arbuzov reaction mechanism, but rather another way.

SourceRUDN University·JournalJournal of Organometallic Chemistry·DateNov 3, 2017

Digging in the dirt

University of Delaware researchers have developed new methods to evaluate the risk of subsurface phosphorus losses in US croplands, particularly in flat and artificially drained areas. The study uses soil data to improve existing phosphorus index models and provides a more accurate assessment of subsurface phosphorus risks.

SourceUniversity of Delaware·JournalJournal of Environmental Quality·DateAug 17, 2017

Biochar shows benefits as manure lagoon cover

Researchers found that biochar can absorb nutrients from manure, reducing nutrient runoff and water pollution. Biochar also demonstrated significant reductions in ammonia emissions, a primary contributor to manure odors.

SourceAmerican Society of Agronomy·JournalJournal of Environmental Quality·DateAug 9, 2017
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SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB transfers large imagery and model outputs quickly between field laptops, lab workstations, and secure archives.

New system could remove two water pollutants from ag fields

Researchers at the University of Illinois have developed a new system that can remove both nitrate and phosphorus from agricultural runoff, potentially improving water quality. The system uses woodchip bioreactors and P-filters to trap pollutants, with one type of filter showing significantly higher effectiveness in removing phosphorus.

SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences·JournalWater Research·DateJul 31, 2017

Adjusting fertilizers vital in claypan ag soils

Research from the University of Missouri found that claypan farmers need to apply less potassium and more phosphorus than generally recommended due to the soil's unique characteristics. This can help reduce nutrient losses and improve crop growth.

SourceAmerican Society of Agronomy·JournalAgronomy Journal·DateJul 26, 2017

Phosphorus rubber

Scientists have introduced a new, phosphorus-containing rubber analogue with similar properties to natural rubber. The polymerization of this compound offers prospects for further derivatization and crosslinking, enabling unique architectures and properties in commercial rubbers.

SourceWiley·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateJul 10, 2017
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GoPro HERO13 Black records stabilized 5.3K video for instrument deployments, field notes, and outreach, even in harsh weather and underwater conditions.

Zinc's negative effects on mineral digestibility can be mitigated, study shows

A study by University of Illinois researchers found that pharmacological levels of zinc oxide in pig diets reduce calcium and phosphorus digestibility. However, adding microbial phytase can improve digestibility and mitigate the negative effects of zinc on mineral absorption.

SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences·JournalJournal of Animal Science·DateJun 1, 2017

Iron deficiency restrains marine microbes

Marine microorganisms rely on iron to recycle dead matter and release nutrients such as phosphorus. This process is crucial in the tropical North Atlantic, where nitrogen limitation may be replaced by phosphorus limitation, influenced by human activities.

SourceHelmholtz Centre for Ocean Research Kiel (GEOMAR)·JournalNature Communications·DateMay 19, 2017

How satellite data led to a breakthrough for Lake Erie toxic algal blooms

Researchers used satellite data to estimate historical algal blooms in Lake Erie, doubling the available years of data. Decadal-scale cumulative phosphorus loading helps predict bloom size, suggesting a possible decade-long benefit from recent nutrient reductions.

SourceCarnegie Institution for Science·JournalJournal of Great Lakes Research·DateMay 15, 2017

A better way to manage phosphorus?

A new phosphorus index aims to reduce agricultural runoff pollution by focusing on field characteristics and best management practices. The updated approach addresses limitations of previous indices, providing a more practical tool for farmers and policymakers.

SourceAmerican Society of Agronomy·JournalJournal of Environmental Quality·DateApr 19, 2017

Nitrogen, phosphorus from fertilizers and pet waste polluting urban water

A new study by the University of Minnesota reveals that lawn fertilizers and pet waste are major sources of nitrogen and phosphorus pollutants in urban watersheds. The research highlights the need to reduce excessive fertilizer use and properly manage pet waste to mitigate pollution and eutrophication.

SourceUniversity of Minnesota·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 5, 2017
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.

Unique wheat passes the test

Scientists developed a unique type of wheat that can increase the digestibility of phosphorus and other minerals, improving health for undernourished populations. The new wheat, HIGHPHY, was tested in broilers and demonstrated improved digestion coefficients for calcium and phosphorus.

SourceAarhus University·Journalanimal·DateMar 27, 2017

Scientists discover new 'boat' form of promising semiconductor GeSe

Researchers at Princeton University have discovered a new form of the compound GeSe with a ring type structure like graphene. The beta-GeSe compound has a unique 'boat' conformation that could provide valuable properties for electronic devices.

SourcePrinceton University·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateMar 21, 2017

Study quantifies effect of 'legacy phosphorus' in reduced water quality

A new study from the University of Wisconsin-Madison reveals that abundant soil phosphorus in the Yahara watershed has a direct and long-lasting impact on water quality. Eliminating overabundance of phosphorus could improve lake and river quality by reducing summertime phosphorus concentrations.

SourceUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison·JournalEcosystems·DateMar 14, 2017
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Adaptive management of soil conservation is essential to improving water quality

A new study found that increased levels of soluble phosphorus in rivers entering Lake Erie may be linked to conservation measures, despite their success in reducing soil erosion and nutrient losses. The research highlights the need for adaptive management approaches to tackle both soluble and particulate phosphorus losses from farmland.

SourceUK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology·JournalJournal of Environmental Quality·DateJan 13, 2017

A fertilizer dearth foiled animal evolution for eons?

A 3.5-billion-year-old phosphorus surplus coincided with the emergence of complex life on Earth, suggesting a key role in animal evolution. The discovery was made by analyzing sedimentary rock records from ancient coastal zones.

SourceGeorgia Institute of Technology·JournalNature·DateDec 21, 2016
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.

Public willing to pay to reduce toxic algae -- but maybe not enough

Researchers found three key agricultural management plans to curb toxic algae blooms and discovered that Ohio residents are willing to help pay for these practices. However, the funding gap for implementing these plans is significant, with farmers already adopting only 20% of necessary practices.

SourceOhio State University·DateDec 12, 2016

Scientists shed light on the climate-changing desert dust fertilizing our oceans

Researchers have quantified how phosphate fertiliser is released from dust depending on atmospheric acid levels, allowing models to predict its impact on marine ecosystems. The study found that increased plant growth can inadvertently reduce greenhouse gases while increasing fish populations.

SourceUniversity of Leeds·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 5, 2016

Going against the grain -- nitrogen turns out to be hypersociable!

Researchers at Warsaw's Institute of Physical Chemistry discovered nitrogen capable of forming six chemical bonds, breaking the octet rule. The discovery suggests new possibilities for compounds and potentially interesting applications.

SourceInstitute of Physical Chemistry of the Polish Academy of Sciences·JournalScientific Reports·DateNov 30, 2016
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.

Wastewater research may help protect aquatic life

Researchers developed guidelines for fluidized bed reactors to tailor filter design to local conditions, preventing phosphorus deposits and algal blooms. The study's findings could lead to significant cost savings and environmental benefits.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia Okanagan campus·JournalComputers & Fluids·DateNov 21, 2016

New model reveals adaptations of world's most abundant ocean microbe

Researchers developed a computer model to understand the metabolic capabilities of Prochlorococcus, revealing extensive alterations to its metabolism to reduce dependence on phosphorus. The study found that this adaptation provides a growth advantage for the microbe in phosphorus-limited regions of the ocean.

SourceUniversity of Hawaii at Manoa·JournalmSystems·DateNov 15, 2016

How your diet can influence your environmental impact

A study published in Frontiers in Nutrition found that adopting a plant-based diet can significantly decrease the environmental impact and phosphorus footprint, with a potential reduction of 72% in phosphorus fertilizer requirements. This change has a moderate effect on reducing phosphorus excreted by the environment.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Nutrition·DateNov 3, 2016

Fertilizer, plastic mulch treatments benefit tomato yield

Researchers found that transplanting fertilizers with phosphorus and using non-reflective plastic mulches can significantly boost tomato yields in clay loam soils. The study's results support the use of these practices for local gardeners and commercial growers in Minnesota, particularly during short growing seasons.

SourceAmerican Society for Horticultural Science·JournalHortTechnology·DateOct 10, 2016
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.

Sewage sludge could make great sustainable fertilizer

Thermally conditioned sewage sludge serves as an excellent fertilizer improving soil properties and reducing phosphorus waste. The nutrient-rich sludge stimulates microbial activity, inducing competition between microorganisms and plant roots for phosphorus uptake.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Nutrition·DateAug 15, 2016

Cleaning up decades of phosphorus pollution in lakes

A series of studies published in Water Research assesses the ecological and chemical responses to geo-engineering in lakes. While some case studies report dramatic improvements, others show little effect or short-lived responses. The approach is promising when used correctly, but its potential side effects are not well understood.

SourceElsevier·JournalWater Research·DateJun 6, 2016

Nanoparticles present sustainable way to grow food crops

Researchers at Washington University in St. Louis have found a way to improve the growth of protein-rich bean crops by using zinc oxide nanoparticles, reducing the need for rock phosphorus fertilizer. The nanoparticles increase nutrient uptake and enzyme activity, leading to a lesser need for external phosphorus application.

SourceWashington University in St. Louis·JournalJournal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry·DateApr 29, 2016
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.

Phosphorus 'tax' could be huge if tropical farming intensifies

Intensifying tropical agriculture may sequester up to 1-4 million metric tons of phosphorus fertilizer annually, forcing farmers to pay a recurring 'P-tax'. Recycling phosphorus-rich livestock manure and rethinking high-meat diets could mitigate this issue.

SourceBrown University·JournalNature Plants·DateApr 18, 2016

The P tax cometh

A new study warns that intensive farming in tropical regions may require vast amounts of phosphorus fertilizer, which is a limited natural resource. The researchers estimate that if global demand for food continues to rise, the phosphorus tax imposed by these soils could double by 2050.

SourceUniversity of Vermont·JournalNature Plants·DateApr 18, 2016

Fertilizer's legacy: Taking a toll on land and water

Research estimates massive phosphorus buildup in landscapes, affecting aquatic ecosystems for decades. The study suggests strategies to recycle phosphorus and reduce its long-term impact on food and water security.

SourceArizona State University·JournalNature Geoscience·DateApr 11, 2016
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.

Lake Erie phosphorus-reduction targets challenging but achievable

A new University of Michigan-led study concludes that meeting the goal of reducing levels of algae-promoting phosphorus in Lake Erie by 40 percent will require widespread use of strong fertilizer-management practices, significant conversion of cropland to grassland and targeted conservation efforts.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·DateMar 22, 2016

Greenland ice sheet releasing 'Mississippi River' worth of phosphorus

Researchers found that the Greenland ice sheet is releasing a significant amount of phosphorus into the Arctic Ocean, with annual input equal to some of the world's largest rivers. The nutrient could stimulate growth of plankton at the base of the ocean food web, impacting birds, fish, and marine mammals higher up the chain.

SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalGlobal Biogeochemical Cycles·DateFeb 3, 2016

Greenland ice sheet releasing 'Mississippi River' worth of phosphorus

New research reveals Greenland's ice sheet is releasing 400,000 metric tons of phosphorus annually, enriching Arctic Ocean waters and potentially stimulating growth of marine food chain. The nutrient could impact birds, fish, and marine mammals higher up the food chain.

SourceAmerican Geophysical Union·JournalGlobal Biogeochemical Cycles·DateFeb 2, 2016

Preventing food waste better strategy than turning it into biogas

A Norwegian University of Science and Technology study reveals that preventing food waste is more effective than recycling it into biogas in cutting energy impacts. The research also highlights the importance of phosphorus conservation as a key benefit of reducing food waste.

SourceNorwegian University of Science and Technology·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology·DateJan 12, 2016
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.

Fish farming gobbles up phosphorus

A Norwegian study reveals that fish farming consumes a significant amount of phosphorus, with the industry generating 9,000 tonnes of emissions annually. The researchers propose reusing this waste phosphorus to create new products and reduce pollution, offering potential solutions for Norway's aquaculture industry.

SourceNorwegian University of Science and Technology·JournalJournal of Industrial Ecology·DateOct 22, 2015
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.

This could replace your silicon computer chips

Researchers created a high-performance transistor using black phosphorus, which can operate as both n-type and p-type materials without extrinsic doping. This could lead to thinner, more efficient alternative to silicon chips in electrical devices.

SourceInstitute for Basic Science·JournalNature Communications·DateJul 30, 2015

Graphene gets competition

Researchers have developed black arsenic phosphorus as an alternative to graphene for electronic devices. The new material exhibits an extremely small band gap and can be precisely controlled by adjusting the arsenic concentration, making it suitable for sensors and other applications.

SourceTechnical University of Munich (TUM)·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateJul 9, 2015
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.

Could black phosphorus be the next silicon?

Researchers at McGill University and Université de Montréal report that black phosphorus can help overcome the challenge of designing energy-efficient transistors. The material's two-dimensional properties allow electrons to move in only two dimensions, making it a promising candidate for future electronics.

SourceMcGill University·JournalNature Communications·DateJul 7, 2015

Revealing the ocean's hidden fertilizer

A new study reveals a complex marine phosphorus cycle with a hidden role for microbial communities. Microbes transform phosphorus into phosphonates at varying rates depending on depth, shedding light on the ocean's ability to absorb atmospheric carbon dioxide.

SourceU.S. National Science Foundation·JournalScience·DateMay 15, 2015

Revealing the ocean's hidden fertilizer

A study by Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution and Columbia University reveals a more complex marine phosphorus cycle than previously thought, with microbes playing a key role in using and breaking down forms of the essential element. In the process, about five percent of phosphate is converted to phosphonates in shallow water samples.

SourceWoods Hole Oceanographic Institution·JournalScience·DateMay 14, 2015
Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4)

Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4) runs demanding GIS, imaging, and annotation workflows on the go for surveys, briefings, and lab notebooks.