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A crystal – but not as we know it

The study reveals hydrated salts can lose their facets and become soft when slowly dissolved in humid air, exhibiting liquid-like molecular mobility at their surfaces. This finding challenges the conventional understanding of crystal formation and behavior.

SourceUniversiteit van Amsterdam·JournalNature Communications·DateMar 15, 2023

How patterns emerge in salt deserts

Researchers have discovered that convection of saline water beneath the surface is responsible for the formation of hexagonal honeycomb patterns in salt deserts. The consistent size and shape of these patterns can be attributed to the unique combination of temperature, salinity, and groundwater flow.

SourceGraz University of Technology·JournalPhysical Review X·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMar 1, 2023

Scientists identify new mechanism of corrosion

Researchers identify a new mechanism of corrosion morphology using electron tomography and theoretical calculations, finding a one-dimensional wormhole structure in metal alloys. The study could lead to the development of more advanced materials with improved resistance to localized corrosion.

SourcePenn State·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 23, 2023

Newly discovered form of salty ice could exist on surface of extraterrestrial moons

Scientists have discovered a new type of solid crystal that forms when water and table salt combine in cold and high-pressure conditions, potentially existing on the surface of Jupiter's moons. This finding has significant implications for planetary science and the search for extraterrestrial life, as it could explain the mysterious ch...

SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 20, 2023

It takes two: cooperating catalysts provide new route for utilizing formate salts

Researchers at Hokkaido University have developed a new method using cooperating catalysts to perform challenging dearomative carboxylation reactions. This process enables the production of α-amino acids, which are potentially useful for drug development, and offers greater freedom in designing and synthesizing molecules with carboxyl ...

SourceHokkaido University·JournalACS Catalysis·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 6, 2023

New study explains mechanisms of salt transport and could help treat cystic fibrosis

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.

SourceTexas Tech University Health Sciences Center·JournalNature Communications·TypeObservational study·DateSep 21, 2022

Plants can measure the intensity of salt stress

Researchers at the University of Münster have identified a specific group of cells in plant roots that react to salt stress, forming a 'sodium-sensing niche' and triggering a calcium signal. This signal is controlled by a calcium-binding protein (CBL8) that helps pump out salt from the plant under severe stress conditions.

SourceUniversity of Münster·JournalDevelopmental Cell·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 25, 2022

NUS scientists engineer probiotic to prevent infection of large intestine

Researchers from NUS Medicine developed a probiotic that detects antibiotic-induced microbiome imbalance and regulates bile salt metabolism to prevent Clostridioides difficile infection. The probiotic significantly reduced CDI in laboratory models, demonstrating a 100% survival rate and improved clinical outcomes.

SourceNational University of Singapore, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 3, 2022

SWEET RESEARCH: CHEMISTS UNLOCK SECRETS OF MOLTEN SALTS

Researchers have developed a novel simulation method to calculate free energy using deep learning artificial intelligence, providing accurate models of molten salts' thermodynamic properties. The study could help examine corrosion in metal containers and improve the design of next-generation nuclear reactors.

SourceUniversity of Cincinnati·JournalChemical Science·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 22, 2022

Zapping our tastebuds can help reduce our salt intake

A Japanese research team has developed a chopstick-shaped device that uses weak electrical charges to stimulate the tongue's saltiness. The study found that individuals following a low-sodium diet can reduce their salt intake by 30% through electric taste stimulation, enhancing the full flavor of salty foods.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Virtual Reality·DateJul 5, 2022

How flies lay off the extra salty snacks

Researchers at the University of British Columbia identified a new high-salt receptor, IR7c, in fruit flies that governs their ability to detect dangerously high concentrations of salt. This discovery provides insights into how animals sense and avoid excessive salt, which is essential for survival but can be toxic in high amounts.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia·JournalCurrent Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 29, 2022

Dissolving the problem: Organic vapor induces dissolution of molecular salts

Researchers from Japan have found that organic vapors can trigger the dissolution of molecular salts in a way similar to water vapor. This phenomenon, known as organic deliquescence, has potential applications for cleaning up indoor pollutants and can be used to remove volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from indoor environments.

Soy sauce’s salt-enhancing peptides

Scientists identified proline-modified dipeptides and larger proteins that enhance umami and salty flavors in soy sauce. This discovery could help producers optimize fermentation conditions to boost desirable compounds and tailor the taste of soy sauce.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalJournal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry·DateJun 16, 2022

Salt may be the key to life on Earth and beyond

Researchers at Purdue University found that the presence of salt in seawater can impact a planet's habitability, with saltier oceans tending to result in warmer climates. This discovery may allow life beyond our solar system to exist further from its host star than previously thought.

SourcePurdue University·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateJun 6, 2022

Metal mayhem: New research finds toxic metals absorbed by Great Salt Lake plants and insects

Great Salt Lake wetland plants can accumulate hazardous metal pollution, which can be passed up the food chain to herbivorous insects. This study found high concentrations of lead, mercury, and other metals in plant tissues, threatening terrestrial ecosystems.

SourceS.J. & Jessie E. Quinney College of Natural Resources, Utah State University·JournalEcotoxicology·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 1, 2022

Study explores what food sector needs to know about how to reduce sodium

A comprehensive review of scientific literature on sodium reduction strategies in food production identifies five main approaches: salt reduction, salt replacers, flavor modification, physical modification, and functional modification. These methods can help food companies reduce sodium content while maintaining palatability.

SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences·JournalComprehensive Reviews in Food Science and Food Safety·TypeSystematic review·DateApr 18, 2022

Rice lab improves recipe for valuable chemical

The Rice University lab has improved the recipe for synthesizing molybdenum disulfide (MoS2), a highly sought-after material for its semiconducting properties. By using iodized salt, the team was able to speed up the synthesis process while reducing growth temperatures.

SourceRice University·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateApr 18, 2022

Cutting salt intake shows some benefits for people with heart failure

The SODIUM-HF trial found that reducing sodium intake for one year improved quality of life and slowed heart failure progression in patients. However, it did not significantly reduce major adverse events or hospitalizations. The study suggests that individualized recommendations may be beneficial for certain patients.

SourceAmerican College of Cardiology·JournalThe Lancet·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateApr 2, 2022

Hold the salt: Study reveals how reducing sodium intake can help patients with heart failure

A study of 806 patients with heart failure found that reducing sodium intake improved symptoms such as swelling, fatigue, and coughing. However, it had no effect on rates of death, hospitalization, or emergency department visits. The researchers recommend a lower sodium intake limit for heart failure patients.

SourceUniversity of Alberta·JournalThe Lancet·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateApr 2, 2022

Can supermarkets coax people into buying healthier food?

Researchers found that increasing availability of healthier options, such as low-fat chips and lower-calorie biscuits, led to significant changes in purchasing behaviors. Removing seasonal chocolates from prominent locations also attenuated the usual increase in confectionery sales.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 24, 2022