Scientists document self-propelling oxygen decline in the oceans
Five hundred million years ago, the so-called Cambrian "SPICE" event made oxygen levels in the oceans drop dramatically.
Five hundred million years ago, the so-called Cambrian "SPICE" event made oxygen levels in the oceans drop dramatically.
Earth Sciences
Jun 21, 2024
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14
Tropical forests store a third of the world's carbon in their wood and soils. However, their future as a carbon sink has been uncertain. Scientists have long wondered whether nutrient-poor tropical soils would limit the ability ...
Ecology
Jun 6, 2024
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108
As humanity continues to burn fossil fuels, the delicate balance of life on Earth is changing. That's true of trees, many of which are growing faster as a result of increased carbon dioxide (CO₂) concentrations in our atmosphere.
Ecology
Jun 6, 2024
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32
The atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO2) concentration has been continuously increasing since the industrial revolution, and the increase in CO2 concentration will have an important impact on the physiological function and growth ...
Ecology
May 10, 2024
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13
Astronomers have proposed a new theory to explain the origin of phosphorus, one of the elements important for life on Earth. The theory suggests a type of stellar explosion known as "ONe novae" as a major source of phosphorus.
Astronomy
May 10, 2024
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1365
In recent years, the exceptional structure and fascinating electrical and optical properties of two-dimensional (2D) layered crystals have attracted widespread attention. Examples of such crystals include graphene, black ...
Nanomaterials
May 8, 2024
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2
Valuable supplies of phosphorus could be recovered from sewage sludge ash, which remains after the sludge has been burned for electric power generation. The method has been developed by chemical engineers Yuuki Mochizuki ...
Analytical Chemistry
Apr 26, 2024
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2
Young almond orchards face numerous biotic stressors during their early growth stages, particularly when replanted in areas where old stone fruit orchards once stood. Among these challenges is the almond/stone fruit replant ...
Plants & Animals
Apr 4, 2024
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13
More efficient use of phosphorus could see limited stocks of the important fertilizer last more than 500 years and boost global food production to feed growing populations.
Agriculture
Mar 25, 2024
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1
Glacier-fed streams are undergoing a process of profound change, according to EPFL and Charles University scientists in a paper appearing in Nature Geoscience today. This conclusion is based on the expeditions to the world's ...
Earth Sciences
Mar 1, 2024
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100
Phosphorus (pronounced /ˈfɒsfərəs/) is the chemical element that has the symbol P and atomic number 15. A multivalent nonmetal of the nitrogen group, phosphorus is commonly found in inorganic phosphate rocks. Elemental phosphorus exists in two major forms - white phosphorus and red phosphorus. Although the term "phosphorescence", meaning glow after illumination, derives from phosphorus, glow of phosphorus originates from oxidation of the white (but not red) phosphorus and should be called chemiluminescence.
Due to its high reactivity, phosphorus is never found as a free element in nature on Earth. The first form of phosphorus to be discovered (white phosphorus, discovered in 1669) emits a faint glow upon exposure to oxygen — hence its name given from Greek mythology, Φωσφόρος meaning "light-bearer" (Latin Lucifer), referring to the "Morning Star", the planet Venus.
Phosphorus is a component of DNA, RNA, ATP, and also the phospholipids which form all cell membranes. It is thus an essential element for all living cells. The most important commercial use of phosphorus-based chemicals is the production of fertilizers.
Phosphorus compounds are also widely used in explosives, nerve agents, friction matches, fireworks, pesticides, toothpaste and detergents.
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