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New clues about how a high-salt diet contributes to cardiometabolic diseases found deep in the brain

A new study suggests that a high-salt diet can lead to the hyperactivity of brain cells, resulting in increased constriction of blood vessels and worsening of cardiometabolic diseases. The research also found that excessive salt consumption can trigger an unusual response in which neurons become more active despite reduced blood flow.

Salt in soluble paracetamol linked to increase risk of cardiovascular disease and death

A large study found a significant link between salt-containing paracetamol and an increased risk of heart attacks, stroke, and death. Patients with high blood pressure who took sodium-containing paracetamol had a higher risk of cardiovascular disease and death compared to those taking non-sodium-containing paracetamol.

SourceEuropean Society of Cardiology·JournalEuropean Heart Journal·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 23, 2022

More spice could help seniors avoid salt

Researchers found that adding chipotle seasoning to white sauce formulations made it difficult for older adults to differentiate between low and high levels of salt. Conversely, herbs like basil leaves and garlic powder were not as effective at masking salty flavors.

SourceWashington State University·JournalFood Quality and Preference·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 2, 2022

Finding the tipping point for coastal wetlands

A recent study by Duke University researchers identified a critical salinity threshold of 265 parts per million sodium for understory plants in coastal wetlands. Above this level, the marsh floor undergoes significant changes, with rushes and reeds dominating over salt-tolerant plants.

SourceDuke University·JournalPlant Ecology·TypeObservational study·DateJan 25, 2022

Adding herbs and spices to meals may help lower blood pressure

A study found that consuming high amounts of herbs and spices daily can lead to significant reductions in systolic and diastolic blood pressure. The researchers discovered that adding just 1.3 teaspoons of herbs and spices a day to an average American diet resulted in lower blood pressure after four weeks.

SourcePenn State·JournalAmerican Journal of Clinical Nutrition·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateNov 8, 2021

Unlined waste disposal pits endanger groundwater in San Joaquin Valley

A new study by PSE Healthy Energy reveals that over 16 billion barrels of oil and gas wastewater were disposed of in unlined pits, contaminating regional aquifers with salts and toxins. The Tulare Basin, home to four million people, is at risk due to a lack of regulatory protections for groundwater near these disposal sites.

SourcePSE Healthy Energy·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateOct 15, 2021

Pass the salt: machine learning accelerates molten salt simulations for nuclear power applications

A team of researchers from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign used advanced machine learning to model the physico-chemical properties of a molten salt compound called FLiNaK, enabling accurate atomic-scale reproduction and prediction of behavior under specific reactor conditions. This computational framework can help character...

SourceBeckman Institute for Advanced Science and Technology·JournalThe Journal of Physical Chemistry B·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateOct 11, 2021

EMS ketamine use on agitated patients on cocaine increases intubation 5.75-fold

A new study published in Prehospital and Disaster Medicine found that prehospital ketamine administration for excited delirium with concomitant cocaine intoxication significantly increases the risk of subsequent emergency department intubation. The study's findings suggest that cocaine may deplete excitatory neurotransmitters, leading ...

SourceFlorida Atlantic University·JournalPrehospital and Disaster Medicine·TypeObservational study·DateSep 29, 2021

Researchers propose a method of magnetizing a material without applying an external magnetic field

Scientists at São Paulo State University discovered that compressing paramagnetic salts adiabatically can produce magnetization. The process aligns the particles' spins, resulting in a constant total entropy and magnetized system. This method has potential applications in investigating other interacting systems.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalScientific Reports·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 29, 2021

Salt substitution -- an effective way to reduce blood pressure in rural India

A new study by The George Institute for Global Health found that replacing regular salt with a reduced-sodium, added-potassium salt substitute significantly lowered systolic blood pressure in rural Indian hypertensive patients. The intervention was shown to be an effective and low-cost way to control blood pressure in these communities.

SourceGeorge Institute for Global Health·JournalAmerican Journal of Clinical Nutrition·DateMar 30, 2021

Worth one's salt

Researchers at LSU discovered a vast network of ancient Maya salt kitchen buildings, indicating the salt was produced on a large scale. Salt cakes were standardized units, potentially used as currency, and played a crucial role in the economy.

SourceLouisiana State University·JournalJournal of Anthropological Archaeology·DateMar 22, 2021

With a pinch of salt: How reliable are existing studies on microplastics in table salt?

A systematic review of published papers on microplastics in table salt found significant variability in reported data due to differences in measurement and identification methods. The study highlights the need for standardized protocols to ensure reliable health-relevant results and accurately quantify human exposure to microplastics.

SourceIncheon National University·JournalJournal of Hazardous Materials·DateFeb 24, 2021

Ions in molten salts can go 'against the flow'

Researchers at Uppsala University used computer simulations to study ions in molten salts and found that they can interact and move in unexpected ways. The study's findings suggest that lighter anions like fluoride and chloride can be attracted to both lithium ions and the positive anode, leading to slower movement towards the cathode.

SourceUppsala University·JournalCommunications Chemistry·DateJan 27, 2021

Crystal close up

Researchers use novel techniques to observe salt crystal formation at the atomic level for the first time. The study confirms theoretical predictions about crystal formation and provides insight into polymorphism in crystal growth.

SourceUniversity of Tokyo·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateJan 21, 2021