A research team at DGIST has identified TWIK-1 as a key regulator of touch sensation and chronic pain, providing a new understanding of the mechanisms underlying neuropathic pain. The study suggests new therapeutic possibilities for selectively regulating pain persistence, offering hope for improved treatment options.
Researchers discovered a maximum amount of electrical resistance that can occur due to electron collisions, offering insights into what causes resistivity at the microscopic level. The study found that when interactions between atoms become too strong, the resistivity caused by collisions eventually stops rising and saturates.
Researchers identified an ion channel that opens and closes in response to extracellular potassium ions in fruit flies, and found similar functionality in humans. This discovery reveals a novel sensor for extracellular K+ levels, potentially linking to diseases like epilepsy.
Researchers at Kumamoto University have successfully grown a bulk inorganic crystal from water that emits circularly polarized light. This breakthrough material has the potential to revolutionize security printing, advanced displays, and photonic technologies with simple inorganic chemistry.
A team of researchers at Kyoto University used X-ray spectroscopy to measure the amount of chlorine and potassium inside a supernova remnant, revealing that these elements were created in intense environments deep inside stars. The study suggests that strong mixing inside massive stars can enhance the production of these elements.
A study warns that Ukraine's soils are losing vital crop nutrients due to reduced fertilizer access and inefficient farming practices. To mitigate this, the authors recommend better farm management, efficient use of fertilizers, and introducing legumes into crop rotations.
Researchers have discovered a new shape for energy storage using cone and disc carbon structures, which can store large ions like sodium and potassium efficiently. The discovery could lead to more affordable and sustainable battery technologies, reducing reliance on lithium.
Increasing dietary potassium and reducing sodium can effectively regulate blood pressure, according to a new mathematical model developed by the University of Waterloo. The study suggests that a higher ratio of potassium to sodium intake may be more effective for lowering blood pressure than simply reducing sodium intake.
The Institute of Physical Chemistry of the Polish Academy of Sciences has developed a novel system for determining potassium levels in liquid food samples using fast and non-destructive techniques. The low-cost, ion-selective syringe electrodes offer excellent selectivity and linear range, making them suitable for point-of-care devices.
A Washington State University-led study found a strong link between dehydration and exercise-induced muscle cramps in IRONMAN triathletes. Severe dehydration was associated with an increased risk of muscle cramps, which were more common in athletes who finished the race faster.
A new study led by UCL researchers found that older adults who are socially isolated are more likely to have an insufficient intake of key micronutrients such as vitamin C and vitamin B6. This is important as inadequate intake of these micronutrients puts people at greater risk of health problems as they get older.
Researchers at the University of Würzburg discovered that plants use an energy-saving mechanism to adapt their potassium uptake based on soil conditions. By building a pH gradient across cell membranes, plants can transport potassium into cells without expending energy.
Researchers have developed a novel gene therapy approach that targets and breaks down faulty ribonucleic acids in the KCNA2 gene, which is associated with recurring seizures. The therapy has shown promise in reducing excessive neuron activity linked to epilepsy.
Researchers create a novel approach to constructing a KF/Zn-rich hybrid interface layer on potassium metal, resulting in an anode with enhanced electrochemical performance and prolonged stability. The study demonstrates the potential of dendrite-free potassium metal batteries for large-scale energy storage systems.
Researchers found that supplementing potassium only when levels fell below 3.6 mEq/L was noninferior to the current practice of maintaining higher levels, with no increase in adverse outcomes. Lower thresholds did not worsen clinical outcomes or dysrhythmias.
Research shows that pulses are associated with significant health-related outcomes in American children, including improved shortfall nutrient intakes and diet quality. Children consuming 2 servings of pulses daily have significantly higher dietary fiber, potassium, and choline intake.
International research team finds that increasing key nutrients like potassium and phosphorus can sustain tropical forest productivity under drought conditions. This study, published in Nature Geoscience, aims to address the potential impact of climate change on these critical ecosystems.
Researchers developed a displacement-type ferroelectric material with high dielectric constant by incorporating rubidium ions into perovskite compounds. The material exhibits unique distortions and phase transitions across a broad temperature range.
Researchers from NTU Singapore and the University of Toulouse discovered a link between ionophores, cellular ion balance, and inflammation. The study found that cells trigger an immune response when potassium ions fall below a certain level, releasing pro-inflammatory molecules.
Researchers at Flinders University have discovered a bedtime nasal spray that can reduce the severity of sleep apnea in people and lower their blood pressure. The study found that the spray, which blocks potassium channels, improved oxygen levels and reduced markers of OSA severity in 7 out of 10 participants.
A new study found that potassium deficiency is a significant threat to global food security, affecting 20% of agricultural soils worldwide. The researchers recommend six policies and practices to mitigate the issue, including better management of soil potassium and intergovernmental coordination.
Researchers in Italy cultivate four species of microgreens with bespoke nutritional profiles, providing a blueprint for soilless cultivation of nutritionally enriched plants. The study successfully produces microgreens with up to 14 times higher iodine content and 45% reduced potassium levels, catering to specific dietary requirements.
A team of neuroscientists has discovered that oligodendrocytes, myelin-forming cells, accelerate glucose consumption to deliver energy-rich molecules to rapidly firing axons. This communication is mediated by potassium signals and maintains axonal health.
A global collaboration of researchers recommends the use of potassium-enriched salt substitutes in hypertension treatment guidelines due to their health benefits and long-term patient compliance. The shift could help address spiraling rates of uncontrolled high blood pressure and reduce preventable deaths.
Researchers at UW-Madison have developed a new electrochemical method to extract ammonia and potassium from livestock manure, reducing pollution and producing valuable fertilizers. The technique shows promise in scaling up beyond proof-of-concept stage.
A laboratory test shows that silicon application stimulates olive plant growth and increases nutrient absorption, particularly potassium. Plants treated with silicon grew longer stems and more branches than those without the element.
A new study published in Nutrients demonstrates that incorporating pulses into the American diet can significantly improve its nutritional profile. By replacing small amounts of protein sources with pulses, individuals can increase their fiber intake by more than 10% and decrease their cholesterol levels.
Scientists at NTU Singapore have developed a flexible, human cornea-thin battery that can store electricity from saline solution. The battery could power smart contact lenses with displays and augmented reality capabilities.
Researchers at Worcester Polytechnic Institute discovered a new redox chemistry empowered by chloride ions for the development of seawater green batteries. This technology leverages abundant elements such as iron oxides and hydroxides, potentially repurposing iron rust waste materials for modern energy storage.
Luis Cuello, a professor at TTUHSC, has developed a method to express human potassium channels in bacteria, allowing for large-scale biophysical studies. This technology will be used to target several channels relevant to diseases such as epilepsy, arrhythmia, and diabetes.
Researchers have developed an electrolyte to improve the efficiency of CO2 conversion into useful hydrocarbons. The study found that controlling the concentration of the electrolyte is crucial in regulating product formation, with too much potassium leading to clogage and reduced selectivity.
A new mathematical model simulates how the body regulates potassium levels, shedding light on the relationship between kidneys and muscles. The study suggests that muscle-kidney cross-talk signal hypothesis is essential in maintaining healthy potassium homeostasis.
Researchers have discovered that primitive meteorites contain a different mix of potassium isotopes than those found in other, more-chemically processed meteorites. This suggests that the Solar System was formed from a 'poorly mixed cake batter' of materials, with some planets receiving a unique blend of elements from distant sources.
A recent study found that adding just one ounce of walnuts to the typical American diet improves diet quality and increases intakes of under-consumed nutrients. Researchers analyzed data from nearly 8,000 Americans without a history of nut consumption, showing significant benefits for all life stages.
Researchers have discovered that nutrient elements such as potassium, calcium, magnesium, and sodium can activate immune responses in tomato plants, leading to disease resistance. The study found that different defense signaling pathways are required for induction of immunity in response to different elements.
Researchers at the University of Ottawa have discovered that patients with electrolyte abnormalities are twice as likely to be diagnosed with an eating disorder. This study analyzed Ontario health data between 2008 and 2020, identifying a potential preventative treatment for approximately 1 million Canadians.
Researchers used live fluorescence imaging experiments to uncover the mechanism behind cell volume regulation, revealing that WNK kinases activate the 'switch' through phase separation. This discovery has implications for human health, particularly in relation to kidney function and salt-sensitive hypertension.
A research team at UFSCar developed a biodegradable slow-release fertilizer using modified nanocellulose, which releases nutrients slowly and in a controlled manner. The material is designed to reduce the release of non-biodegradable chemicals into the ecosystem.
A recent study led by Dr. Luis Cuello and Alain J. Labro found that a known Shaker channel mutation differs structurally from its human counterparts, with implications for drug development and ion transport mechanisms. The research reveals a unique conformation of the W434F mutant that is distinct from wild-type channels.
Researchers discovered that dormant bacterial spores can evaluate their environment without waking up, using stored electrochemical energy to determine favorable conditions. They found that spores release their energy to perform a computation about their surroundings, similar to how neurons operate in the brain.
A new analysis of nutrient omission trial data reveals that balanced fertilizer application can significantly improve maize and rice yields in sub-Saharan Africa. The study found that doubling current yields through balanced fertilization with nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium can lead to more consistent results across regions.
A recent study by Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center researchers has shed light on the mechanisms of salt transport across membrane barriers. The findings have significant implications for treating cystic fibrosis, a disease caused by mutations in three types of sodium-potassium pumps.
Researchers have solved the crystal structure of the cytoplasmic-facing portion of voltage-dependent potassium channels, controlling potassium flow out of cells. The findings shed light on the attachment mechanism of a key protein subunit to the channel's complex structure.
Researchers identified how ozone 'chokes up' plants by directly affecting guard cells, inhibiting stomatal opening and reducing photosynthesis. This knowledge may lead to breeding or genetically engineering less ozone-sensitive plant varieties to improve productivity in regions with high ozone exposure.
Researchers used mathematical analysis to determine how potassium ions move through cell membranes. They found that a pool of approximately 50 water molecules and four protein spirals create an environment similar to the inside or outside of the cell, allowing for quick potassium flow.
A new study found that cardiac surgery patients with serum potassium levels below 3.5 mmol/L are twice as likely to experience arrhythmias and a doubled need for cardiopulmonary resuscitation. Investigators recommend screening and replenishing potassium on a case-by-case basis.
A new study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition suggests that lifelong dietary intakes of potassium, magnesium and fruit and vegetables are determinants of bone mineral density in elderly men and women. Eating fruits and vegetables can help prevent osteoporosis by neutralizing acidity and maintaining bone health.
Researchers found that potassium ions play a critical role in triggering programmed cell death or apoptosis in nerve cells. By blocking potassium channels, they may be able to prevent nerve cell death and reduce brain damage in patients with stroke, spinal cord injuries, or neurodegenerative disorders.
A recent study found that potassium supplements decreased blood pressure by significant amounts, particularly in those with hypertension or high salt intake. The researchers combined data from over 30 studies and enrolled more than 2500 persons, concluding that potassium can reduce blood pressure.
A recent University of Illinois study found that using starter fertilizer on no-till corn fields can increase yields by up to 14 bushels per acre. This technique provides early nutrient availability, which is particularly beneficial for no-till farming due to cool and wet soils during the initial growing season.