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Blame it on your brain: Salt and hypertension

A study by McGill University scientists found that high salt intake affects brain circuits, preventing the inhibition of neurons that release vasopressin and leading to increased blood pressure. The research suggests that limiting dietary salt may help mitigate hypertension.

SourceMcGill University·JournalNeuron·DateJan 22, 2015

Research finds salt tolerance gene in soybean

A collaborative research project has identified a specific gene in soybean that improves its tolerance to soil salinity. The researchers found that this gene can be used to breed soybeans that can thrive in areas with high salt levels, which is essential for improving global food security.

SourceUniversity of Adelaide·JournalThe Plant Journal·DateJan 9, 2015

Cost of cloud brightening for cooler planet revealed

A new study has found that the 'Rayleigh Jet' technique can increase cloud reflectance by 5% with minimal energy consumption, using 30 megawatts of power, about equivalent to two large ships. This method is a reversible geoengineering approach proposed to mitigate rising global temperatures.

SourceUniversity of Manchester·JournalPhilosophical Transactions of the Royal Society of London (A )·DateDec 16, 2014

Storing hydrogen underground could boost transportation, energy security

Large-scale underground storage of low-pressure gaseous hydrogen offers several advantages over above-ground storage, including cost savings and increased volume capacity. Geologic storage solutions can service key hydrogen markets by storing large quantities of hydrogen fuel for transportation and grid-scale energy applications.

SourceDOE/Sandia National Laboratories·JournalInternational Journal of Hydrogen Energy·DateDec 9, 2014

Cooling with molecules

Researchers at Bielefeld University and colleagues successfully cooled to minus 272.15 degrees Celsius using magnetic molecules, surpassing absolute zero. The discovery could provide an alternative to helium-based refrigerants and has implications for various applications such as transparent magnets and nano data memoires.

SourceBielefeld University·JournalNature Communications·DateOct 22, 2014

Taking infestation with a grain of salt

A study by SDSU biologist Jeremy Long found that scale insects have a complex effect on cordgrass growth, with salinity being a key factor. In fresh water, infested plants grew taller, but in salt water, the effect was reversed. The research suggests that plants can overcompensate for grazing when not stressed by salinity.

SourceSan Diego State University·JournalPLOS ONE·DateOct 13, 2014

How salt causes buildings to crumble

Researchers at ETH Zurich conduct experiment to test salt's effect on building materials. They find supersaturation of salt solution is key factor in damage, with temperature playing a role. The study's findings could help conservators and restorers predict and mitigate salt damage.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalNature Communications·DateSep 11, 2014

High dietary salt may worsen multiple sclerosis symptoms

A study of 70 people with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis found that high dietary salt intake was associated with more episodes of worsening symptoms and a higher likelihood of radiological signs of disease progression. Vitamin D levels also played a role, with low levels linked to the disease.

Social inequalities in salt consumption remain

A study published in BMJ Open found that social inequalities in salt intake have hardly changed in Britain over the last decade, despite a national average salt reduction. The research suggests that poorer households still consume more salt than higher socio-economic groups, highlighting the need to address these disparities to achieve...

SourceUniversity of Warwick·JournalBMJ Open·DateAug 26, 2014

Where have all the craters gone?

Researchers predict that only a few craters from asteroid impacts could persist on Earth due to tectonic processes and weathering. However, layers of molten rock blasted out during the impact process may serve as better records of impacts, providing insights into Earth's bombardment history.

SourceGeological Society of America·JournalGeology·DateMay 27, 2014

An experiment recreates the crust of the moon Europa

Researchers at CAB successfully recreated Europa's crust in a laboratory experiment, revealing that high-pressure fluids could be responsible for the moon's reddish materials. The study suggests that certain characteristics of Europa's surface may be explained by a saline aqueous medium, with significant implications for life on Earth.

SourceSpanish Foundation for Science and Technology·JournalGeochimica et Cosmochimica Acta·DateMar 14, 2014

Technique to create holes in graphene could improve water filters, desalination

Researchers at MIT developed a new method to create controlled-size holes in graphene sheets, enabling the production of highly selective filters for improved desalination. The graphene filters can sustain higher water flow rates than conventional membranes, making them suitable for efficient desalination and nanofiltration applications.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalNano Letters·DateFeb 25, 2014

'Legal highs,' PMMA and zombie panic

A recent study published in Drug Science Policy and Law finds a significant rise in PMA/PMMA contamination in ecstasy pills from 2001 to 2007, resulting in deaths in both countries. The authors advocate for harm reduction strategies and education over criminalisation of new drugs.

SourceSAGE·JournalDrug Science Policy and Law·DateFeb 18, 2014