How simulations could help get PFAS out of soil
Michigan State University chemists are discovering new information to help remediate "forever chemicals" by showing for the first time how they interact with soil at the molecular level......»»
Chemists achieve PFAS-free synthesis of fluorinated pharmaceutical and agrochemical compounds
Chemists at the University of Amsterdam have developed a method to furnish a range of molecules with a trifluoromethyl group attached to a sulfur, nitrogen or oxygen atom. Their procedure, which is published in Science, avoids the use of PFAS reagent.....»»
Nanoplastics put stress on trees and impair photosynthesis
It is well known that more and more plastic waste is ending up in soil and bodies of water. Researchers are particularly concerned about tiny micro- and nano-sized particles. It remains unclear how and to what extent they are able to enter living org.....»»
Supercomputer simulations reveal the nature of turbulence in black hole accretion disks
Researchers at Tohoku University and Utsunomiya University have made a breakthrough in understanding the complex nature of turbulence in structures called accretion disks surrounding black holes, using state-of-the-art supercomputers to conduct the h.....»»
Simulation model shows ribosome tunnel"s impact on protein structures
Researchers at University of Tsukuba have developed a new model that simulates the internal environment of a ribosome—the cellular site of protein synthesis. Using computer simulations, they have analyzed the structures of various proteins within t.....»»
Using machine learning to speed up simulations of irregularly shaped particles
Simulating particles is a relatively simple task when those particles are spherical. In the real world, however, most particles are not perfect spheres, but take on irregular and varying shapes and sizes. Simulating these particles becomes a much mor.....»»
Simulations identify how critical elements distribute in abundant mineral ores
Nickel (Ni) and cobalt (Co) are critical elements for modern technologies, with high-grade Ni and Co ores becoming increasingly scarce. Mafic and ultramafic deposits are low-grade, abundant alternatives to traditional Ni and Co ores. However, new met.....»»
Researchers identify effective materials for protecting astronauts from harmful cosmic radiation on Mars
Researchers have identified specific materials, including certain plastics, rubber, and synthetic fibers, as well as Martian soil (regolith), which would effectively protect astronauts by blocking harmful space radiation on Mars. These findings could.....»»
Breaking down the indestructible: New technologies target PFAS environmental menace
PFAS are synthetic chemicals widely used in products such as non-stick cookware and waterproof clothing due to their water and grease-resistant properties. However, their persistence in the environment has led to widespread contamination and signific.....»»
Carbon emissions from forest soil will likely grow with rising temperatures
The soils of northern forests are key reservoirs that help keep the carbon dioxide that trees inhale and use for photosynthesis from making it back into the atmosphere. But a unique experiment led by Peter Reich of the University of Michigan is showi.....»»
How human urine can disrupt soil health and water quality
Festival season is in full flow, and like any self-respecting plant-soil biogeochemist attending a local music festival, I'm curious about how these outdoor events might modify important nutrient cycles......»»
Breaking boundaries: The unexpected routes of minerals in crop growth
Imagine plants not just sipping nutrients dissolved in water, but actually munching on tiny mineral particles straight from the soil. A study sheds light on how wheat and lettuce aren't just passive feeders—they actively grab, transport, and utiliz.....»»
Nitrogen deposition also reduces biodiversity on a larger scale, research shows
It has long been known that nitrogen deposition, where nitrogen is released from the atmosphere into soil or water, can lead to biodiversity loss on a small scale. New research shows that this effect can also be seen in larger areas of several kilome.....»»
First analysis of soil near the moon"s south pole suggests its surface was once covered in molten magma
India's Chandrayaan-3 mission was launched last summer and its Vikram lander touched down on the moon's surface last August. Shortly thereafter, it released a rover called Pragyan. Since that time, the rover has been meandering around the surface of.....»»
Study finds Lausanne toxic soil did not worsen health
Soil pollution from an old incinerator in the Swiss city of Lausanne has not resulted in increased health risks to the local population, a study concluded Wednesday......»»
Pore structure characteristics found to influence carbon mineralization under conservation tillage
Soil aggregates are the basic units of soil structure and serve as a reservoir for soil carbon, playing a crucial role in the carbon cycle of ecosystems. The pore characteristics of soil aggregates influence the mineralization of soil organic carbon......»»
Supercomputer simulations offer explanation for X-ray radiation from black holes
Researchers at the University of Helsinki have succeeded in something that has been pursued since the 1970s: explaining the X-ray radiation from black hole surroundings. The radiation originates from the combined effect of the chaotic movements of ma.....»»
Neutrons illuminate environmental and biological mysteries
Neutron techniques have long been valued in various scientific fields for their ability to penetrate materials without altering their structure. However, their use in environmental and biological sciences has been limited. Complex systems like soil-w.....»»
New simulations shed light on stellar destruction by supermassive black holes
Monash University astronomers have contributed to a breakthrough in understanding the dramatic fate of stars that wander too close to supermassive black holes at the centers of galaxies......»»
Morphable materials: Researchers coax nanoparticles to reconfigure themselves
A view into how nanoscale building blocks can rearrange into different organized structures on command is now possible with an approach that combines an electron microscope, a small sample holder with microscopic channels, and computer simulations, a.....»»
Crackles, clicks and pops—now we can monitor the "heartbeat" of soil
Healthy soil is teeming with life. An astonishing 59% of Earth's species live in soil. They play crucial roles in maintaining soil health and, by extension, the health of our planet......»»