In the treetops: Ecologist studies canopy soil abundance, chemistry
When we think of soil, most of us think of dirt on the ground. But a surprising amount of the planet's soil thrives in the treetops of old-growth forests, high above terra firma......»»
Integrating active and passive microwave satellite data yields more precise global soil moisture mapping
Researchers from the Aerospace Information Research Institute of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, in partnership with international colleagues, made strides in mapping surface soil moisture across the globe. They combined data from two advanced satel.....»»
Researchers develop high-sensitivity technique to detect mercury in soil
Environmental pollution by heavy metals is a major social problem. Among these metals, mercury (Hg) is strictly controlled due to its high toxicity. Focusing on soil, which is closely related to our daily lives, the environmental standard for mercury.....»»
US farmers want to adapt to climate change, but crop insurance won"t let them
In Kansas, where a prolonged drought has killed crops and eroded the soil, Gail Fuller's farm is like an oasis. Sheep, cows and chickens graze freely on crops and vegetation in a paradisiacal mess......»»
Experiments reveal that image memorability can sharpen our sense of time
Research by George Mason professor Martin Wiener recently demonstrated that the more memorable an image is, the longer and more accurately its viewers can perceive the passage of time. In a series of experimental studies, participants were more likel.....»»
It’s not just us: Other animals change their social habits in old age
Long-term studies reveal what elderly deer, sheep, and macaques are up to in their later years. Enlarge / As female macaques age, the size of their social network shrinks. (credit: Jon G. Fuller/VW Pics/Universal Images Group via.....»»
Inspired by cicada wings, researchers study the insects" antimicrobial properties to develop antibacterial surfaces
Trillions of periodical cicadas—several species of the genus Magicicada that emerge every 13 or 17 years—broke soil across the Eastern U.S. this summer. News outlets likened the event to Armageddon, an apocalypse or an invasion. But what about us.....»»
A chemist explains the chemistry behind decaf coffee
Three methods strive to retain the bean's flavor while removing its caffeine. Enlarge (credit: matusgajdos17 / 500px via Getty Images) For many people, the aroma of freshly brewed coffee is the start of a great day. But.....»»
AMD delays Ryzen 9000 launch to August “out of an abundance of caution”
More rigorous testing and screening have reportedly corrected the problem. Enlarge (credit: AMD) AMD had planned to launch its first round of Ryzen 9000-series desktop processors by the end of July, but those plans have.....»»
Cheesemaking is a complex science—a food chemist explains the process from milk to mozzarella
Cheese is a relatively simple food. It's made with milk, enzymes—these are proteins that can chop up other proteins—bacterial cultures and salt. Lots of complex chemistry goes into the cheesemaking process, which can determine whether the cheese.....»»
New study supports stable mantle chemistry dating back to Earth"s early geologic history
A new analysis of rocks thought to be at least 2.5 billion years old by researchers at the Smithsonian's National Museum of Natural History helps clarify the chemical history of Earth's mantle—the geologic layer beneath the planet's crust......»»
Are chemicals still spreading near Placer County missile site in Northern California? New probe data show the latest
The most recent data collected by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers at the Titan-1 missile silo site in Placer County found that despite longstanding concerns, new soil vapor monitoring probes closest to homes in the Sun City Lincoln Hills development.....»»
Electrothermal mineralization process offers more environmentally friendly, cost-effective method for soil remediation
Rice University chemist James Tour has led a research team to develop a rapid electrothermal mineralization (REM) process, which in seconds can remediate the accumulation of synthetic chemicals that can contaminate soil and the environment. The study.....»»
Retaining flavor while removing caffeine—a chemist explains the chemistry behind decaf coffee
For many people, the aroma of freshly brewed coffee is the start of a great day. But caffeine can cause headaches and jitters in others. That's why many people reach for a decaffeinated cup instead......»»
Science, social studies classes can help young English-learning students learn to read and write in English
A new study finds that science and social studies classes may also help young students learn English, even when those classes include difficult and technical vocabulary. The paper is published in the Journal of Educational Psychology......»»
Team develops a technique to detect nutrients in soil faster and more affordably
Every year, Missouri farmers lose millions of dollars in valuable nutrients that wash away into rivers and lakes. These nutrients—nitrates and phosphates found in fertilizers—are crucial for plant growth, but they wreak havoc on aquatic life when.....»»
Chemists develop a stable reagent for carbon-atom transfer
Professor Max Martin Hansmann from the Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology and his team have developed a new reagent for selectively adding carbon atoms to molecules. This promising development for basic research in organic chemistry has bee.....»»
Rhythmic gene expression in plants is crucial for symbiosis with nutrient-providing bacteria, study finds
Legumes thrive in low-nitrogen environments by partnering with rhizobia, soil bacteria that convert atmospheric nitrogen into ammonium, a usable form for the plants. These beneficial bacteria are housed in root nodules formed on legume roots......»»
Studies find China-based emissions of three potent climate-warming greenhouse gases have spiked in past decade
When it comes to heating up the planet, not all greenhouse gases are created equal. They vary widely in their global warming potential (GWP), a measure of how much infrared thermal radiation a greenhouse gas would absorb over a given time frame once.....»»
NASA sounding rocket launches, studies heating of sun"s active regions
Investigators at NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville, Alabama, will use observations from a recently-launched sounding rocket mission to provide a clearer image of how and why the sun's corona grows so much hotter than the visible surfa.....»»
Study reveals key gene protecting plants from harmful metals in soil
The negative impact of human activity on Earth doesn't just affect our planet's atmosphere—it goes much deeper, into its soils. For instance, excessive application of manure or sewage sludge can increase heavy metal concentrations in agricultural l.....»»