Articles tagged with Soils
Comprehensive exploration of living organisms, biological systems, and life processes across all scales from molecules to ecosystems. Encompasses cutting-edge research in biology, genetics, molecular biology, ecology, biochemistry, microbiology, botany, zoology, evolutionary biology, genomics, and biotechnology. Investigates cellular mechanisms, organism development, genetic inheritance, biodiversity conservation, metabolic processes, protein synthesis, DNA sequencing, CRISPR gene editing, stem cell research, and the fundamental principles governing all forms of life on Earth.
Comprehensive medical research, clinical studies, and healthcare sciences focused on disease prevention, diagnosis, and treatment. Encompasses clinical medicine, public health, pharmacology, epidemiology, medical specialties, disease mechanisms, therapeutic interventions, healthcare innovation, precision medicine, telemedicine, medical devices, drug development, clinical trials, patient care, mental health, nutrition science, health policy, and the application of medical science to improve human health, wellbeing, and quality of life across diverse populations.
Comprehensive investigation of human society, behavior, relationships, and social structures through systematic research and analysis. Encompasses psychology, sociology, anthropology, economics, political science, linguistics, education, demography, communications, and social research methodologies. Examines human cognition, social interactions, cultural phenomena, economic systems, political institutions, language and communication, educational processes, population dynamics, and the complex social, cultural, economic, and political forces shaping human societies, communities, and civilizations throughout history and across the contemporary world.
Fundamental study of the non-living natural world, matter, energy, and physical phenomena governing the universe. Encompasses physics, chemistry, earth sciences, atmospheric sciences, oceanography, materials science, and the investigation of physical laws, chemical reactions, geological processes, climate systems, and planetary dynamics. Explores everything from subatomic particles and quantum mechanics to planetary systems and cosmic phenomena, including energy transformations, molecular interactions, elemental properties, weather patterns, tectonic activity, and the fundamental forces and principles underlying the physical nature of reality.
Practical application of scientific knowledge and engineering principles to solve real-world problems and develop innovative technologies. Encompasses all engineering disciplines, technology development, computer science, artificial intelligence, environmental sciences, agriculture, materials applications, energy systems, and industrial innovation. Bridges theoretical research with tangible solutions for infrastructure, manufacturing, computing, communications, transportation, construction, sustainable development, and emerging technologies that advance human capabilities, improve quality of life, and address societal challenges through scientific innovation and technological progress.
Study of the practice, culture, infrastructure, and social dimensions of science itself. Addresses how science is conducted, organized, communicated, and integrated into society. Encompasses research funding mechanisms, scientific publishing systems, peer review processes, academic ethics, science policy, research institutions, scientific collaboration networks, science education, career development, research programs, scientific methods, science communication, and the sociology of scientific discovery. Examines the human, institutional, and cultural aspects of scientific enterprise, knowledge production, and the translation of research into societal benefit.
Comprehensive study of the universe beyond Earth, encompassing celestial objects, cosmic phenomena, and space exploration. Includes astronomy, astrophysics, planetary science, cosmology, space physics, astrobiology, and space technology. Investigates stars, galaxies, planets, moons, asteroids, comets, black holes, nebulae, exoplanets, dark matter, dark energy, cosmic microwave background, stellar evolution, planetary formation, space weather, solar system dynamics, the search for extraterrestrial life, and humanity's efforts to explore, understand, and unlock the mysteries of the cosmos through observation, theory, and space missions.
Comprehensive examination of tools, techniques, methodologies, and approaches used across scientific disciplines to conduct research, collect data, and analyze results. Encompasses experimental procedures, analytical methods, measurement techniques, instrumentation, imaging technologies, spectroscopic methods, laboratory protocols, observational studies, statistical analysis, computational methods, data visualization, quality control, and methodological innovations. Addresses the practical techniques and theoretical frameworks enabling scientists to investigate phenomena, test hypotheses, gather evidence, ensure reproducibility, and generate reliable knowledge through systematic, rigorous investigation across all areas of scientific inquiry.
Study of abstract structures, patterns, quantities, relationships, and logical reasoning through pure and applied mathematical disciplines. Encompasses algebra, calculus, geometry, topology, number theory, analysis, discrete mathematics, mathematical logic, set theory, probability, statistics, and computational mathematics. Investigates mathematical structures, theorems, proofs, algorithms, functions, equations, and the rigorous logical frameworks underlying quantitative reasoning. Provides the foundational language and tools for all scientific fields, enabling precise description of natural phenomena, modeling of complex systems, and the development of technologies across physics, engineering, computer science, economics, and all quantitative sciences.
A Colorado State University project, funded by a $1.8 million grant, aims to catalogue and analyze below-ground organisms and their interactions with surface ecosystems. The study seeks to understand how human activities above ground influence biodiversity below ground and its consequences.
Researchers found that Loblolly pine trees in North Carolina experienced a 12% growth rate increase when exposed to future carbon dioxide levels. However, the growth rate is likely unsustainable as trees adapt to higher CO2 concentrations and soil nutrient limitations.
Scientists have discovered teeming microbe colonies beneath Antarctic ice that use sunlight to sustain life when the South Pole tilts towards the sun. The researchers found diverse microorganisms, including blue-green algae and bacteria, supported by photosynthesis and atmospheric nitrogen fixation.
A study by University of Idaho researchers reveals that trace elements in produce can determine its geographic origin through chemical analysis. The accuracy of this classification has been excellent with a model based on nearly l,000 potatoes, helping to combat mislabeling practices that harm consumers and growers.
A NASA experiment has yielded new insights into the internal fabric of soil and powders under very low confining pressures. The Mechanics of Granular Materials (MGM) experiment showed unusual density patterns and unique shear band formations, which could lead to improved engineering standards and disaster preparedness.
A European Union policy overhaul aims to reduce pollution and maintain biodiversity, but scientists struggle to design management strategies for a successful transition. Researchers are exploring the use of diverse plant and soil mixtures to facilitate re-colonization and re-establish natural communities.
Researchers employ phytoremediation approach using poplar trees to remediate contaminated sites, drawing polluted groundwater to their roots where contaminants are rendered harmless. The method's effectiveness and limitations remain areas of study, with ongoing research aiming to improve its applications for environmental cleanup.
A laboratory study by Berkeley Lab's researchers reveals that green rust can chemically react with toxic selenium, converting it to a safer elemental form. This finding offers a possible new approach to addressing selenium contamination in soils and sediments.
Sandia Labs is working on chemical sensing technology to quickly detect and classify explosive molecules, which can identify land mines. The project aims to provide a more accurate and efficient method for demining, reducing the risk of casualties and environmental damage.
The Mechanics of Granular Materials (MGM) experiment aims to expand investigations into soil mechanics started on STS-79 in 1996. The new flight will run twice as many tests under various experimental conditions, providing insights into the behavior of soils under low-confining pressures.
A new study published in Nature has provided the first evidence of reduced sediment amplification in Southern California during large earthquakes, shifting the debate towards the engineering view. The research suggests that seismic hazard posed by local sediments may be underestimated in current engineering practices.
The APXS instrument provides new insights into Martian soil and rocks, revealing a more Earth-like composition than previously assumed. The study suggests that Mars has complex geological provinces with varied compositions, indicating a more evolved planet.
Historic farm plots show that over-fertilizing can actually decrease crop yields and make production unstable. Long rotations and sustainable farming practices are more effective in increasing organic matter and nutrients to the soil.
Researchers from USGS, UC Berkeley, LLNL, and PG&E are studying the northern segment of the Hayward fault by excavating 10-foot-deep trenches. They will analyze soil layers, pollen, and carbon-14 to establish past earthquake dates and recurrence intervals. The project aims to inform the updated Bay Area Earthquake Probability Report.
Researchers found immense microbial diversity in Amazonian forests and soils, with new bacteria discovered. Deforestation alters soil properties, leading to differences in microbial populations.
Microbes in soil have been found to degrade certain toxic chemicals, including pentachlorophenol and benzoate. Researchers are developing procedures for using these hungry bugs in environmental cleanup efforts, which could be more effective and cost-efficient than traditional methods.
Research by Penn State scientists has shown that humus can bind up to 40-50% of applied chemicals, including pesticides and other pollutants, rendering them unavailable to plants or groundwater. This natural process is beneficial as bound chemicals are stable and do not leach into the environment.
Researchers at Purdue University have been working on phytoremediation, a process that uses plants to collect heavy metals and radioactive waste from polluted sites. By understanding how plants take up and store toxic metals, they aim to develop metal-mining plants that can clean up contaminated soil and water.
Researchers found that seed corn growers in Illinois using irrigated sandy soils can increase profits by cutting back on nitrogen fertilizer use. Excessive nitrogen application leads to organic nitrogen accumulation in soil microorganisms, hindering crop growth.
Researchers at Penn State found that laboratory experiments on soil mineral weathering do not match natural processes, with molecules dissolving in groundwater forming coatings or wearing away. The team is monitoring conditions in the field to better understand the mechanisms underway in the soil and develop more accurate models.