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Granular activated carbon-sorbed PFAS can be used to extract lithium from brine

Researchers developed a method to use PFAS to extract lithium from high-salinity brine pools, reducing environmental damage and costs. The process, which uses electrothermal heating, recovers 82% of lithium fluoride at 99% purity, outperforming traditional methods in terms of energy efficiency and water usage.

SourceRice University·JournalNature Water·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 10, 2026
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

Apple iPhone 17 Pro delivers top performance and advanced cameras for field documentation, data collection, and secure research communications.

Road salt creates more harm to freshwater life than expected, study finds

Research by University of Missouri scientists found that road salt is deadly to freshwater snails when paired with the presence of predators, causing nearly 60% higher mortality rates. The study suggests practical solutions to reduce salt pollution in waterways, such as cutting road salt use by up to 50%.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalOikos·DateFeb 12, 2026

New molten salt method gives old lithium batteries a second life

Researchers have developed a new molten salt technique that restores the structure and performance of used high-nickel cathode materials, allowing for more efficient battery recycling. The approach, published in Energy & Environment Nexus, regenerates the material itself so it can be reused in new batteries.

SourceBiochar Editorial Office, Shenyang Agricultural University·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 30, 2025

USC technology may reduce shipping emissions by half

A USC-developed shipboard system using limestone and seawater can remove up to half of carbon dioxide emitted from shipping vessels, cutting maritime CO2 emissions by 50%. The process mimics a natural chemical reaction in the ocean, where CO2 is absorbed into water pumped onboard and then neutralized through a bed of limestone.

SourceUniversity of Southern California·JournalScience Advances·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJun 26, 2025

Understanding cultural differences in salt usage may help lower consumption

A new study published in the Journal of the American Heart Association found that consuming too much sodium increases the risk of high blood pressure and cardiovascular disease. The study highlights cultural differences in salt usage, suggesting that tailored advice on sodium intake may be effective in reducing consumption.

SourceAmerican Heart Association·JournalJournal of the American Heart Association·DateMay 28, 2025

Rice engineers tackle sunlight intermittency in solar desalination

Researchers at Rice University have created a scalable, low-maintenance desalination system that harnesses sunlight and recycles heat for a steady supply of fresh drinking water. The new technology, STREED, can handle high-salinity brines without significant decreases in water production or quality.

SourceRice University·JournalNature Water·DateMay 14, 2025
GQ GMC-500Plus Geiger Counter

GQ GMC-500Plus Geiger Counter logs beta, gamma, and X-ray levels for environmental monitoring, training labs, and safety demonstrations.

Añana Saltern microorganisms help to clarify the groundwater flow pattern

Researchers from the University of the Basque Country's MikroIker group explored microorganism diversity in Añana Salt Valley springs using molecular techniques. They found that archaea predominate in salty waters and bacteria in brackish waters, with similar microbiological profiles between similarly salinated waters.

SourceUniversity of the Basque Country·JournalMicrobial Ecology·TypeNews article·DateApr 11, 2025

Study tracks chromium chemistry in irradiated molten salts

Scientists used radiation-induced reactions to convert corrosive Cr³⁺ to less-corrosive Cr²⁺, potentially mitigating metal alloy corrosion in molten salt nuclear reactors. The findings could improve the long-term reliability of these new reactors.

SourceDOE/Brookhaven National Laboratory·JournalPhysical Chemistry Chemical Physics·DateApr 2, 2025

Miso made in space tastes nuttier, researchers find

Scientists successfully fermented miso on the International Space Station, discovering differences in bacterial communities and flavor profiles compared to Earth-made miso. The study's findings suggest that food fermentation can thrive in space, opening up new possibilities for astronaut well-being and performance.

SourceCell Press·JournaliScience·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 2, 2025

Reduced sodium legislation saves lives

A study published in JAMA Cardiology found that legislation to reduce sodium in processed food in South Africa is linked to significant declines in blood pressure levels. The reduction in sodium intake has been associated with lower rates of cardiovascular disease mortality and stroke, potentially saving millions of lives globally.

SourceUniversity of the Witwatersrand·JournalJAMA Cardiology·DateMar 29, 2025
Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach

Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach provides rugged GNSS navigation, satellite messaging, and SOS for backcountry geology and climate field teams.

Food and non-alcoholic drink products in Mexico were substantially reformulated to be healthier following the 2020 introduction of warning labels identifying products with excessive content of calories, fat, salt, sugar, sweetener and caffeine

Following the introduction of warning labels in 2020, Mexico substantially reformed food and non-alcoholic drink products to be healthier. The reformulation resulted in a significant reduction of excessive calories, fats, salts, sugars, sweeteners, and caffeine content in these products.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·TypeObservational study·DateMar 18, 2025

Salt influx from land and sea spells ‘double trouble’ for drinking water

A new study led by University of Maryland geologist Sujay Kaushal finds that multiple threats are making fresh water saltier, including land-based pollution and saltwater intrusion. The researchers offer a framework for predicting and preventing the issue, which affects ecosystems, agriculture, and drinking water supplies.

SourceUniversity of Maryland·JournalBiogeochemistry·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 10, 2025

Salts as building blocks for organocatalysis

Researchers from Ruhr-University Bochum developed a novel approach to create salts that catalyze specific reactions. The cation and anion components of the salt play crucial roles in ensuring the correct handedness of the resultant molecule.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 6, 2025

UH researchers making clean water more accessible

Researchers at the University of Houston have developed a new membrane that allows water to flow eight times faster while maintaining high salt rejection rates. This breakthrough could lead to more efficient and cost-effective desalination systems, lowering costs and increasing access to clean water.

SourceUniversity of Houston·JournalACS Applied Materials & Interfaces·DateFeb 26, 2025
Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro)

Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro) powers local ML workloads, large datasets, and multi-display analysis for field and lab teams.

Want some salt with that?

Researchers found evidence of sodium carbonate, halite, and sodium sulfates on Ryugu, indicating liquid saline water once existed within its parent body. This discovery provides insights into the chemical history of Ryugu and sheds light on the loss of liquid water in the outer Solar System.

SourceKyoto University·JournalNature Astronomy·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 14, 2025
DJI Air 3 (RC-N2)

DJI Air 3 (RC-N2) captures 4K mapping passes and environmental surveys with dual cameras, long flight time, and omnidirectional obstacle sensing.

Salt substitution and recurrent stroke and death

A cluster trial found salt substitution to be safe, with significant reductions in stroke recurrence and death rates among patients. The study supports large-scale implementation of this low-cost intervention as a major public health gain.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Cardiology·DateFeb 5, 2025

Age and sex differences in efficacy of treatments for type 2 diabetes

A systematic review and network meta-analysis of 601 trials revealed that SGLT2 inhibitors were more cardioprotective in older adults, while GLP-1 receptor agonists offered greater benefits to younger patients. These findings suggest personalized treatment approaches for type 2 diabetes based on age and sex.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA·DateFeb 3, 2025
SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB

SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB transfers large imagery and model outputs quickly between field laptops, lab workstations, and secure archives.

Pristine asteroid samples reveal secrets of the ancient solar system

Researchers gained insight into the early history of the solar system through well-preserved asteroid samples. The analysis revealed a variety of salts, including sodium carbonates, phosphates, sulphates, and chlorides, which formed from evaporation of brines. These findings may provide clues about the presence of life on distant icy b...

SourceCurtin University·JournalNature·TypeContent analysis·DateJan 29, 2025

Salt deposit ring inside your pasta pan?

Scientists from the University of Twente and INRAE discovered that releasing small particles of salt into a tank of water creates a circular pattern due to gravity-induced wake drag. The experiment reveals that the optimal amount of water and particle size affect the shape and size of the salt ring.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalPhysics of Fluids·DateJan 21, 2025

Researcher studies the power of native plants to combat road salt pollution

A study published in Science of the Total Environment found that stormwater detention basins in Northern Virginia face significant salt stress due to road salts. Native plant species, such as cattails, showed promise in tolerating high salt concentrations, but their impact on overall salt removal was limited.

SourceVirginia Tech·JournalScience of The Total Environment·DateJan 17, 2025
GoPro HERO13 Black

GoPro HERO13 Black records stabilized 5.3K video for instrument deployments, field notes, and outreach, even in harsh weather and underwater conditions.

How cryogenic microscopy could help strengthen food security

Scientists used CryoNanoSIMS to visualize how plants protect themselves against sodium overload, revealing a change in strategy under high salt stress. This breakthrough could help develop new strategies to strengthen food security.

SourceEcole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne·JournalNature·TypeImaging analysis·DateJan 15, 2025

Method can detect harmful salts forming in nuclear waste melters

Researchers at Washington State University developed a new technique to identify harmful salts forming in nuclear waste melters, which could help improve clean-up technology at the Hanford Site. The method uses optical and electrical components to detect changes in thermal emissions, allowing for real-time monitoring of salt formation.

SourceWashington State University·JournalMeasurement·DateJan 7, 2025
CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock

CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock simplifies serious desks with 18 ports for high-speed storage, monitors, and instruments across Mac and PC setups.

How 70% of the Mediterranean Sea was lost 5.5 million years ago

Scientists analyzed chlorine isotopes in salt extracted from the Mediterranean seabed to identify two phases of the Messinian Salinity Crisis. The event resulted in a massive loss of up to 70% of the sea's water volume over a short period, triggering volcanic eruptions and global climatic effects.

SourceCNRS·JournalNature Communications·DateNov 18, 2024

Impact of iron on aging in enchytraeus crypticus

Research found that iron oxide nanoparticles reduce the lifespan, longevity, and reproductive ability of Enchytraeus crypticus in a 202-day study. Population density may influence nanoparticle toxicity, with lower-density groups experiencing greater harm.

SourceImpact Journals LLC·JournalAging-US·TypeNews article·DateNov 6, 2024

Building the materials for the next generation of nuclear reactor

Three Ph.D. students and a postdoctoral researcher from Texas A&M are working on RTE projects to create new materials for future nuclear reactors. They are using the Texas A&M Accelerator Laboratory and Idaho National Laboratory to irradiate material, creating voids that can help understand swelling in nuclear reactors.

SourceTexas A&M University·DateNov 4, 2024

Dehydration linked to muscle cramps in IRONMAN triathletes

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.

SourceWashington State University·JournalClinical Journal of Sport Medicine·DateOct 23, 2024

Hypersaline brine produced by fracking has left us in a pickle. A new process developed by Lehigh University researchers could help dry it up.

A new process developed by Lehigh University researchers uses evaporative ion exchange (EIX) to concentrate hypersaline brine at room temperature, avoiding scaling and fouling. The process has shown promising results in concentrating salts from hypersaline water, with the potential for widespread use.

SourceLehigh University·JournalNature Water·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 10, 2024
Anker Laptop Power Bank 25,000mAh (Triple 100W USB-C)

Anker Laptop Power Bank 25,000mAh (Triple 100W USB-C) keeps Macs, tablets, and meters powered during extended observing runs and remote surveys.

Solar-powered desalination system requires no extra batteries

The system removes salt from water at a pace that closely follows changes in solar energy, maximizing the utility of solar power. It produces large quantities of clean water despite variations in sunlight throughout the day, making it an attractive solution for communities with limited access to seawater and grid power.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalNature Water·DateOct 8, 2024

Human urine could be used as eco-friendly crop fertilizer - study

Researchers found that stored human urine had little impact on soil bacterial communities, increasing nitrifying and denitrifying groups compared to synthetic fertilizers. The study suggests that recycled urine could enhance agricultural sustainability, reduce wastewater pollution, and decrease reliance on synthetic fertilizers.

SourceUniversity of Birmingham·JournalApplied Soil Ecology·DateSep 23, 2024

Assorted, distinctive behavior of molten uranium salt revealed by neutrons

Researchers at Oak Ridge National Laboratory have documented the chemistry dynamics and structure of high-temperature liquid uranium trichloride (UCl3) salt, a potential nuclear fuel source for next-generation reactors. The study used neutron scattering techniques to reveal details about the nature of materials, including the bonding d...

SourceDOE/Oak Ridge National Laboratory·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateSep 3, 2024
Creality K1 Max 3D Printer

Creality K1 Max 3D Printer rapidly prototypes brackets, adapters, and fixtures for instruments and classroom demonstrations at large build volume.

Green gold: poplar's genetic makeover for saline soils

A team of researchers has discovered a novel microRNA, miR319a, that significantly enhances poplar trees' ability to withstand salt stress. This breakthrough sheds light on how trees maintain essential ion balance under salty conditions and presents new avenues for improving salt tolerance in woody plants.

SourceNanjing Agricultural University The Academy of Science·JournalHorticulture Research·DateSep 2, 2024

Common salt activates anti-tumor cells

Researchers have discovered that sodium chloride can increase the efficiency of antitumoral T cells, leading to improved metabolic fitness and enhanced tumor killing capabilities. This finding has significant implications for adoptive T-cell therapy in cancer treatment.

SourceLeibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology - Hans Knöll Institute -·JournalNature Immunology·DateAug 28, 2024

What’s the best method for extracting edible protein from insects?

New research compares four methods for extracting edible insect protein, finding that alkali extraction boosts protein content while enzyme treatment improves nutritional value. Additionally, salt-assisted extraction reveals anti-inflammatory effects and anti-diabetic properties.

SourceWiley·JournalJournal of Food Science·DateAug 21, 2024
Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2 Weather Station

Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2 Weather Station offers research-grade local weather data for networked stations, campuses, and community observatories.

Unlocking the secrets of salt stress tolerance in wild tomatoes

A study on wild tomato species reveals that a plant's vigor plays a significant role in its salt tolerance. The researchers found correlations between traits like transpiration rate, shoot mass, and ion accumulation with plant performance under salt stress.

SourceBoyce Thompson Institute·JournalThe Plant Journal·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 8, 2024

Plucking water from the air

Researchers developed a system that passively alternates between capturing and generating water, eliminating manual labor requirements. The system uses mass transport bridges to optimize efficiency and effectiveness, producing 2-3 liters of water per square meter daily.

SourceKing Abdullah University of Science & Technology (KAUST)·JournalNature Communications·DateJul 30, 2024
Aranet4 Home CO2 Monitor

Aranet4 Home CO2 Monitor tracks ventilation quality in labs, classrooms, and conference rooms with long battery life and clear e-ink readouts.

Salt stress induces SFT expression, promotes early flowering, and inhibits floral organ development by disturbing cell cycle in tomato

Salt stress induces early flowering in tomatoes by upregulating the SINGLE-FLOWER TRUSS (SFT) gene, which promotes accelerated flowering and inhibits floral organ development. Additionally, salt stress disrupts cell cycle progression in floral organs, leading to reduced organ size and altered morphology.

SourceMaximum Academic Press·JournalVegetable Research·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 29, 2024

A reduction in Iberian pork preservatives is achieved thanks to a yeast

A team from the University of Córdoba has successfully used a yeast strain to reduce nitrites and salt in Iberian pork loin while maintaining its flavor and enhancing food safety. The study, published in Food Control, demonstrates the potential of Debaryomyces hansenii LRC2 as an alternative preservative.

SourceUniversity of Córdoba·JournalFood Control·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 9, 2024

Salt-stress survival: AI-powered study decodes the resilience of Spartina alterniflora

A collaborative research team used machine learning to investigate the transcriptomic responses of Spartina alterniflora to various salt concentrations. The study revealed significant transcriptional changes and identified a key gene family member that shows potential for genetic engineering to improve crop resilience.

SourceNanjing Agricultural University The Academy of Science·JournalHorticulture Research·DateJul 1, 2024

To regenerate the kidney, please don’t pass the salt

Researchers at USC Keck School of Medicine discovered that a low-salt diet can stimulate kidney regeneration and repair in mice by targeting the macula densa region. This finding holds promise for developing a new therapeutic approach to treat chronic kidney disease, which affects millions worldwide.

SourceKeck School of Medicine of USC·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 28, 2024
Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 Binoculars

Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 Binoculars deliver bright, sharp views for wildlife surveys, eclipse chases, and quick star-field scans at dark sites.

Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only)

Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only) delivers reliable low-light performance and rugged build for astrophotography, lab documentation, and field expeditions.

Frozen? Let it melt with efficient new deicer friendly to the environment

Researchers at Osaka Metropolitan University developed a machine learning-based deicer that offers higher performance while minimizing environmental harm. The new mixture of propylene glycol and sodium formate solution shows improved ice penetration capacity, reducing the need for substance use.

SourceOsaka Metropolitan University·JournalScientific Reports·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJun 7, 2024

Why do 1 in 10 Americans get eczema? Is it too much salt?

Researchers found that eating more than one gram of sodium per day increases the likelihood of eczema flares by 22%, making it easier for patients to manage their symptoms. Eczema affects over 31 million people in the US and can be difficult to cope with when unpredictable.

SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·JournalJAMA Dermatology·DateJun 5, 2024

Unlocking salt resistance: sea lavender's genetic secret revealed

Researchers have identified 187 bHLH transcription factors in sea lavender, a recretohalophyte with unique salt glands. These findings highlight the critical role of specific bHLH genes in enhancing salt tolerance, paving the way for future applications in crop improvement and saline soil management.

SourceNanjing Agricultural University The Academy of Science·JournalHorticulture Research·DateJun 5, 2024
Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition

Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition is a durable star atlas for planning sessions, identifying targets, and teaching celestial navigation.

Study maps human uptake of microplastics across 109 countries

The study found that Indonesians eat about 15 grams of microplastics per month, a 59-fold increase from 1990 to 2018. China and Mongolia top the list for airborne microplastic concentration, with U.S. residents inhaling about 300,000 particles per month.

SourceCornell University·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology·DateMay 23, 2024

Frequent salting of food increases the risk of stomach cancer

A study of over 470,000 adults found that those who frequently add salt to their food are 39-40% more likely to develop stomach cancer. The research highlights the connection between high salt consumption and stomach cancer in Western countries, raising awareness of the negative effects of extremely high salt consumption.

SourceMedical University of Vienna·JournalGastric Cancer·DateMay 8, 2024