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Quantum bar magnets in a transparent salt

Researchers from UCL and EPFL have successfully created a material that mimics the behavior of traditional bar magnets, but at the quantum level. By manipulating the spins of tiny atoms in a transparent salt, they achieved an antiferromagnetic configuration, similar to large bar magnets, without the usual complications.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalScience·DateJun 15, 2012

Measuring CO2 to fight global warming

Scientists from University of Utah and Harvard develop method to detect changes in CO2 emissions of 15% or more using three monitoring stations. The method is a proof-of-concept step towards verifying compliance with future greenhouse gas treaties.

SourceUniversity of Utah·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 14, 2012

Unique salt allows energy production to move inland

Researchers at Penn State developed a new technology combining microbial fuel cells and reverse electrodialysis to produce electricity from wastewater. The system uses an ammonium bicarbonate salt solution, allowing for energy production anywhere, not just coastal areas.

SourcePenn State·JournalScience·DateMar 1, 2012

Reducing salt in crisps without affecting the taste

Researchers at the University of Nottingham have discovered a way to accelerate salt delivery to the tongue, allowing for significant salt reduction in snack foods while maintaining flavor. This breakthrough has the potential to tackle high salt intake, linked to health issues like high blood pressure and cardiovascular disease.

SourceUniversity of Nottingham·JournalFood & Function·DateFeb 17, 2012

Boston University School of Medicine researchers clarify link between salt and hypertension

Researchers at Boston University School of Medicine debunked the concept that excess salt causes high blood pressure by stimulating the sympathetic nervous system to produce adrenalin, causing artery constriction. The study suggests that diuretics may not be enough to treat hypertension cases associated with renal failure and recommend...

SourceBoston University School of Medicine·JournalJournal of Hypertension·DateJan 11, 2012

Salt water alone unlikely to halt Burmese python invasion

Research suggests that Burmese pythons from the Florida Everglades can survive in marine and estuarine environments for several months, raising concerns about their potential spread to nearby islands. The study found that hatchling pythons could live up to five months with only salt water to drink.

SourceU.S. Geological Survey·JournalJournal of Experimental Marine Biology and Ecology·DateJan 4, 2012

Storm chasers of Utah

University of Utah researchers are using the Doppler on Wheels radar truck to study eight to 10 snow and rain storms during its time in Utah. The truck's radar system provides detailed information on the size and shape of snowflakes, lake-effect snow patterns, and other storm characteristics.

Detecting 'bath salts' designer drug

Researchers at Sam Houston State University are developing new methods to detect designer drugs like 'bath salts', which can produce powerful and unpredictable effects. The study uses solid phase extraction, chromatography, and spectroscopy to identify beta-keto amphetamines in biological samples.

70 percent of 8-month-olds consume too much salt

A recent study published in the European Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that 70% of 8-month-old babies have a high salt intake, exceeding the recommended UK maximum level. High salt consumption can damage developing kidneys and establish poor eating practices that continue into adulthood.

SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalEuropean Journal of Clinical Nutrition·DateJul 31, 2011

Cutting down on salt doesn't reduce your chance of dying

A systematic review found that moderate salt reductions don't lower the likelihood of dying from cardiovascular disease. While reducing salt intake does lower blood pressure, it didn't significantly reduce the risk of heart disease or mortality. Experts call for more research to find effective ways to reduce salt intake.

SourceWiley·JournalCochrane Database of Systematic Reviews·DateJul 5, 2011

Of moose and men

Researchers found that removing all road-side salt pools can reduce moose-vehicle collisions by as much as 79 percent. Moose are attracted to the high sodium concentration in salt pools, posing a significant risk to human and vehicle safety.

SourceConcordia University·JournalEcological Modelling·DateMay 17, 2011

World's leading scientists join forces to set priority interventions to save 36 million lives from non-communicable diseases

The Lancet NCD Action Group and the NCD Alliance recommend five priority interventions: reducing tobacco use, lowering salt intake, improving diets, reducing hazardous alcohol intake, and increasing access to essential drugs. These actions aim to reduce NCD death rates by 2% per year, avoiding an estimated 36 million deaths over 10 years.

SourceThe Lancet_DELETED·JournalThe Lancet·DateApr 5, 2011

Large-scale assessment of the Arctic Ocean

The Arctic Ocean's freshwater content has risen significantly, with a 20% increase since the 1990s. This change affects global ocean circulation and heat exchange between the ocean and atmosphere. Researchers analyzed over 5,000 salt concentration profiles to determine this increase.

SourceHelmholtz Association·JournalDeep Sea Research·DateMar 25, 2011

Field study of smoggy inversions to end

A field study has been conducted to investigate the causes of winter inversions in urban areas like Salt Lake City, which can trap pollutants and lead to poor air quality. The researchers used a range of methods, including weather balloons, cars, and gliders, to collect data on temperature, wind, and moisture.

The LouseBuster returns

A new study by the University of Utah found that the LouseBuster is highly effective in killing head lice and nits, with 94.8% mortality rate. The device uses warm air to dry out lice and nits, making it a safe and easy treatment option.

SourceUniversity of Utah·JournalJournal of Medical Entomology·DateDec 5, 2010

Breaking the ice before it begins

Researchers at Harvard University have designed nanostructured materials that prevent ice formation by repelling water droplets. The breakthrough could lead to efficient and sustainable solutions for keeping surfaces ice-free during harsh winter weather.

SourceHarvard University·JournalACS Nano·DateNov 12, 2010