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Road salt affects mitigation wetlands

Researchers monitoring two PennDOT-installed data loggers measure high salt levels in runoff wetland, reaching half the salinity of seawater. The effects on species and soil quality are still unknown but may include decreased midge populations and increased algae growth.

Purdue study finds races react differently to dietary salt, calcium

Researchers at Purdue University found that African-American and Caucasian adolescent girls handle sodium and calcium differently, leading to varying rates of hypertension and osteoporosis. The study concluded that excessive salt intake reduces bone density in both races, with Caucasian girls losing more calcium through their urine.

SourcePurdue University·JournalThe Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism·DateMay 10, 2005

Road salt routine may alter with warming

A warmer climate could lead to increased road salt use due to more precipitation falling as sleet and freezing rain, but this might also reduce ski traffic and winter economy. The study aims to model climate change impacts on salt and sand usage in the Adirondack Park.

PNAS highlights for the week of April 4 - 8

Archaeological findings reveal extensive ancient Maya salt workshops beyond royal control, while researchers investigate the role of Toll-like receptor 4 in inducing neuropathic pain. Atmospheric pollution is linked to wheat disease prevalence, and microarray technology helps diagnose skin cancer stages. Serotonin levels may regulate e...

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 5, 2005

Defenseless plants arm themselves with metals

Researchers at Purdue University discovered that a group of plants called metal hyperaccumulators can store high levels of metal in their tissues, making them resistant to pathogens. This trait allows these plants to thrive in soils naturally enriched in metals without succumbing to diseases like powdery mildew.

SourcePurdue University·JournalPLANT PHYSIOLOGY·DateMar 11, 2005

Scientists develop plant that produces potential anti-carcinogen

Purdue University researchers have engineered plants to produce a non-toxic form of selenium called methylselenocysteine, which has shown promise in reducing cancer risk in animal models. The plants can also accumulate high levels of selenium, potentially providing a natural source for nutritional supplements and environmental cleanup.

SourcePurdue University·JournalBMC Plant Biology·DateFeb 3, 2004

Purdue research plots new field in plant genomics

Purdue University researchers have developed a new field called 'ionomics,' which studies how genes regulate all the ions in a cell. This research holds promise for creating mineral-efficient plants that need little fertilizer, crops with better nutritional value, and plants that can remove contamination from the soil.

SourcePurdue University·JournalNature Biotechnology·DateAug 31, 2003

U. Iowa study adds to understanding of salt-taste

Researchers at U. Iowa identified two ion channel genes that detect low salt concentrations in fruit flies, a model organism for studying human salt-sensing mechanisms. Disrupting these genes impaired the ability of young flies to detect low salt, highlighting their role in the detection of salt.

SourceUniversity of Iowa·JournalNeuron·DateJul 2, 2003

Antarctic ice seals life's fate

Researchers find liquid lake beneath 62 feet of ice, containing seven times the saltiness of normal seawater. The isolated brine is believed to harbor life due to its chemical composition, with microbes returning to life after gradual melting.

SourceUniversity of Illinois Chicago·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 16, 2002

U.S. Navy answers olympian call

The U.S. Navy has deployed a mobile communications center to Salt Lake City for the Winter Olympics, offering reliable satellite links and connectivity. The system, developed by the Office of Naval Research, can provide telephone and data connectivity anywhere and even handle streaming video.

Genetic secrets of metal-eating plants uncovered

Researchers identify genes from a rare Austrian plant that allow it to accumulate large amounts of nickel, enabling the potential to engineer crops to clean up polluted sites. This discovery could also lead to functional foods with micronutrients and improved crop nutrition.

SourcePurdue University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 13, 2001