Articles tagged with Biomass
Research in Ethiopian sacred church forests reveals that human disturbances, such as buildings and clearings, significantly reduce forest density and species richness. Culturally sensitive conservation strategies are recommended to protect these forests, including restorative planting and protection of large trees.
Researchers at the University of Utah have developed a rapid and efficient method to extract lipids from algae, making it a more viable alternative fuel source. The new process uses a specially-designed jet mixer that extracts the lipids with much less energy than current methods.
Researchers at the University of Illinois have identified two new Miscanthus cultivars, 'Nagara' and '10UI-032.004', with improved winter hardiness, making them suitable for northern growers. These hybrids showed better survival rates and biomass yields compared to other cultivars in cold winters.
A UMass Lowell team is working on developing renewable fuel additives from sawdust to increase energy efficiency and reduce emissions. The project aims to create a sustainable alternative to traditional fossil fuels in internal combustion engines.
A study on Carolina chickadees in Washington, D.C. reveals that non-native plant biomass can reduce arthropod populations, forcing birds to switch diets or reproduce less. The findings suggest a link between non-native plants and the decline of insectivorous bird populations.
Climate-driven crash in arthropod populations has significant implications for rainforest ecosystems and biodiversity. The study found that insect biomass declined by up to 60-fold between 1976 and 2013, leading to a major bottom-up trophic cascade.
A study evaluating human pressures on coral reefs found that high human pressure decreases effectiveness of conservation strategies, while low pressure preserves fish biomass and top predator populations. Conservation gains were highest in areas with moderate human pressure, highlighting the need for targeted management approaches.
Researchers at the University of Illinois are working on a $1 million grant to develop new, regionally adapted Miscanthus x giganteus ('Illinois') cultivars that can thrive in various climates. The team aims to create faster breeding cycles and better-adapted biomass crops using genomic selection tools.
Researchers discovered a set of enzymes from fungi capable of breaking down xylans, a major component of wood. These enzymes may unlock sustainable conversion of wood into valuable commodities like biofuels.
Researchers found evidence of extensive biomass burning at the Younger Dryas Boundary, coinciding with a cometary cloud impact that triggered an 'impact winter', causing widespread extinctions. The study suggests that this event may have contributed to the collapse of the Clovis people and the extinction of megafauna.
Current regional nitrogen deposition in the Congo Basin significantly exceeds previously simulated low deposition rates. Annual savannah biomass burning is likely responsible for elevated deposition rates, according to a recent study.
The EU's Horizon 2020 program funds a €6 million project to transform problematic jellyfish into valuable resources. Researchers will analyze jellyfish life cycles and explore their use in producing microplastic filters, fertilizers, and fish feed. They also aim to develop biofilters to combat microplastic pollution.
A recent study published in PLOS ONE found that fish biomass is up to five times greater in protected zones compared to unprotected areas at northernmost reefs of the Great Barrier Reef. The researchers analyzed data from 31 reefs and found that even in lightly exploited areas, protected zones showed significant benefits for fish popul...
Research reveals a staggering 76% decline in insect biomass in German nature reserves, with average summer decline reaching 82%. The exact causes are unclear, but experts warn of potential ecological traps and call for increased monitoring and conservation efforts.
A study published in PLOS ONE found that the total flying insect biomass decreased by more than 75 percent over 27 years in protected areas. Insects play a crucial role in ecosystem functioning, pollinating 80 percent of wild plants and providing a food source for 60 percent of birds.
A new WCS study found that coral reef fish diversity depends on maintaining fish biomass above a critical level. The researchers analyzed data from 152 reefs and found that about 65% of the reefs had biomass levels above this threshold.
A recent study published in PLOS ONE found that tropical tree roots account for almost 30% of the total biomass of young trees. The research also revealed diverse root architectures among species, with some sending large tap roots and others extending laterally just below the soil surface.
Researchers propose switchgrass as a solution to China's poor air quality by reducing particulate emissions from soil erosion. The crop's ability to hold soil and produce biomass makes it an attractive alternative to coal, with potential for widespread adoption in the Loess Plateau region.
Experts at Rutgers University-New Brunswick and Michigan State University have designed a way to reduce enzyme use in biofuels production. The new approach enables the recycling of enzymes, lowering production costs and making biofuels more affordable.
Researchers at Nagoya University have developed a new approach to metal catalysis that selectively converts biomass into high-value chemical products under mild conditions. The method uses high-valent transition metals, which offers better control over reactivity and reduces side reactions.
Researchers deployed planes to measure chemicals and particles in real-time, discovering a significant increase in fine particle levels. The study's findings highlight the importance of prescribed burns as a potentially effective strategy for reducing wildfire pollution.
Researchers found that fish biomass is 62% higher in Sudanese reefs compared to Saudi Arabian reefs, highlighting the effect of fishing on local ecosystems. The study suggests that careful management and protection could restore Saudi's reefs to their former state, making them suitable for eco-tourism
A study by Oregon State University economists found that using residual forest biomass for rural development faces significant economic challenges. The researchers estimated costs of collecting, transporting, and processing biomass, concluding that targeted subsidies or support are needed to make facilities viable in remote communities.
A decade-long study in southern UK reveals an annual mean of 3.37 trillion insects migrating above the region, comprising 3200 tons of biomass. The majority of migration occurs during daytime, with intensity greatest on warm days.
Marine scientists studied the response of giant kelp forests to a record-breaking marine heat wave, finding that their biomass remained within normal ranges despite high temperatures. The lack of dramatic response suggests that more research is needed to understand how these ecosystems will respond to future climate warming.
Researchers at ICIQ and ETH have developed a new process to produce polyalcohols from biomass using two consecutive metallic catalysts featuring molybdenum and ruthenium. This method is more sustainable, cheaper, and efficient than traditional biochemical processes that require controlled temperatures, concentrations, and pH.
Researchers have developed a cheap and quick method to measure root biomass in soil-grown woody plants using electrical capacitance. This technique allows for rapid selection of individuals with optimal traits for breeding, enabling more efficient production of the important biofuel crop shrub willow.
The study analyzed the macrobenthic assemblages of Southern Bohai Sea over a 60-year period, revealing a shift from K strategy species to R strategy species. The succession process was influenced by environmental changes, including increased seawater salinity and temperature, and human activities such as over-fishing.
Scientists found that fungi can break down biomass to release heat without emitting fine particles or VOCs. To achieve sustained use, optimal conditions must be determined for nutrient, moisture, and temperature.
A low-dose application of nonionic surfactant applied directly to seed as a component of a seed treatment significantly increases seed germination rate and synchrony. Under deficit irrigation conditions, this coating promotes seedling emergence and plant growth, offering potential for water conservation in urban landscapes.
Researchers found specific hemp cultivars, such as Ferimon, Anka, and Jutta, consistently produced high yields of biomass and seeds in eastern Canada. The study provides valuable information on adapting industrial hemp to the region's wetter conditions.
A study published in Nature Climate Change found that Amazon forests with greater plant diversity can better adapt to climate change, enabling substantial regrowth in vast areas after a few hundred years. However, high biodiversity is crucial for long-term survival and resilience, particularly under moderate climate change scenarios.
Researchers at Rice University have created a method for producing extremely pure levoglucosan, an organic compound with potential applications in pharmaceuticals and synthetic chemistry. The team's process is more economical and operationally simpler than existing methods, offering new possibilities for the production of LGA.
A population-based study of nearly 6,000 people aged 60 and over found that Indian women who cook with biomass fuels were nearly 50% more likely to have visually impairing nuclear cataracts compared to those using clean fuels. The association was stronger for women cooking with longer duration of biomass fuels.
Researchers at UMass Medical School have developed a computational network model called iCEL1273, which enables the analysis of nutrient interactions in C. elegans. The study provides new insights into how different macro- and micronutrients contribute to energy generation and biomass production.
A new study confirms that preserving marine biodiversity can benefit people as much as it benefits the oceans. Communities with more species are more productive and resilient to rising temperatures, while those with fewer species suffer significantly under fluctuating temperatures.
Researchers will identify and overcome barriers to using biomass from fuels-reduction and forest-restoration treatments. The goal is to sustainably use forest-based feedstocks to offset fossil fuels, improving environmental sustainability and human health while minimizing costs.
The northern Galapagos Islands of Darwin and Wolf are home to the largest shark biomass reported to date, indicating a healthy marine ecosystem. However, excessive fishing has reduced reef fish abundance, highlighting the need for strong enforcement of the new marine sanctuary.
The study found that fisheries management types, distance to fish markets, and water temperatures are crucial in predicting fish biomass levels. It also suggests a recovery time of 8.1 years for individual reef systems to reach a critical level of 1,150 kilograms of fish biomass per hectare.
A research group has developed a method to measure fish DNA in seawater, revealing the distribution of marine species. The study found that environmental DNA (eDNA) concentration reflects the biomass within 10-150 meters of the location.
Researchers have identified blueberry cultivars with genetic resistance to Phytophthora cinnamomi, a soilborne pathogen causing root rot. The most resistant cultivars include 'Aurora', 'Legacy', and 'Reka', while susceptible ones are 'Bluetta' and 'Bluecrop'.
A new study suggests that biomass burning from African and Asian fires may play a larger role in climate change than previously thought. Researchers found high concentrations of ozone and chemicals associated with fires in the tropical Pacific, particularly above Guam.
A new laser-based technique, LIBS, has been developed for rapid analysis of inorganic species in biomass, showing accuracy comparable to ICP-OES methods. The technique's low cost, rapid turnaround time, and minimal sample preparation make it an attractive option for biomass analysis.
A new study found that manure applications in high-input greenhouse environments can lead to significant nitrogen accumulation and loss, potentially resulting in economic losses. The research suggests reevaluating the role of manures to balance economic benefits with environmental risks.
A recent UCLA-led study quantified the direct impact of climate on ecosystems worldwide, finding that it has a strong and immediate effect on forest productivity. The research restores scientific consensus on the topic after a controversial 2014 paper questioned the correlation between climate change and ecosystem growth.
Researchers found significant environmental and public-health benefits from co-firing oat hulls with coal, including 90% reduction in filterable particulate matter. Burning oat hulls also reduced hazardous air pollutants by 41% and heavy metals by 51%.
After 10 years of monitoring, a UCSB analysis reveals that MPAs in the Channel Islands network are enhancing ecological communities. Fish species targeted by fishermen have greater density and biomass inside MPAs, while unprotected areas show increases in fished species.
A new study by WCS found that coral reef diversity 'hotspots' in the southwestern Indian Ocean prioritize fish biomass over location for conservation. Reefs with high fish biomass (>600 kg/ha) should be prioritized for protection.
The BioLEGO web application enables single and two-step multiorganism fermentation process design, maximizing feedstock conversion rates. It also evaluates possible biomass-to-product yields and recommends media changes to increase process efficacy.
Researchers at the University of Illinois investigated threonine biomass as a lower-cost alternative to fish meal for pig diets. Threonine biomass was found to contain more crude protein and have higher protein digestibility compared to fish meal, making it a promising source of protein for pigs.
A global study found that nearly 83% of fished coral reefs have lost more than half their fish biomass, highlighting the need for effective management and conservation strategies. Marine reserves can recover fish populations in approximately 35 years, while heavily depleted reefs take around 60 years to recover.
Coral reefs can recover if a minimum target of 500 kilograms of fish biomass per hectare is maintained. The study found that most degraded reefs lack key species and require time for recovery, with estimated times ranging from 35 to 59 years.
A new measurement method using droplet digital polymerase chain reaction (ddPCR) estimates the distribution of aquatic animals in water by quantifying target DNA copies. This technique offers higher accuracy than existing methods, especially at low environmental DNA concentrations.
Scientists at the University of Tokyo have created a selective catalyst that enables the hydrogenolysis of carbon-oxygen bonds in phenols and aryl methyl ethers, key components of lignin. This breakthrough could lead to the use of plant biomass as a primary feedstock for the chemical industry.
Researchers used a new endocrine-based approach to determine the age at sexual maturity for wild stocks of western Atlantic bluefin tuna, finding they mature at a considerably younger age than currently assumed. This discovery could lead to changes in fisheries scientists' estimates of population size.
New findings suggest that microbiome studies may have prematurely proposed links to disease due to laboratory contamination. The study found that DNA extraction kits, chemical reagents, and environmental contaminants can introduce bacteria into samples, affecting results.
A study published by University of Notre Dame scientists estimates that bighead and silver carp biomass in Lake Erie could be up to 25 metric-tons/km2, potentially increasing Yellow perch biomass by 15-50% but decreasing Walleye biomass by 10-40%. The experts emphasize the importance of considering uncertainty in decision-making.
Researchers from the University of York have provided new information on how LPMOs work, enabling the degradation of hard-to-digest biomass into its constituent sugars. This breakthrough aims to improve second-generation biofuel production by fermenting cellulose into bioethanol.
Researchers at Norwich BioScience Institutes have found ways to improve the efficiency of turning straw into biofuel. By varying pre-treatment stages, they increased cellulose conversion and sugar yield.
Researchers used JeDI to map jellyfish biomass in the upper 200m of the world's oceans, revealing that jellyfish are present throughout the globe, with greatest concentrations in mid-latitudes. The study highlights the importance of understanding jellyfish distribution and potential impacts on ecosystems and biogeochemical processes.