Articles tagged with Salts
A global study reveals that freshwater lake ecosystems are being damaged by salt concentrations below government-protective thresholds. The loss of zooplankton triggers a cascade effect causing an increase in algae, potentially altering nutrient cycling and water quality.
Researchers at Washington State University developed a nanomaterials-engineered penetrating sealer that improved concrete's water and salt resistance by 75% and 44%, respectively. The sealer is environmentally friendly and designed to also serve as a curing aid for fresh concrete.
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.
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.
The excessive use of road salts in winter is contaminating drinking water sources and mobilizing harmful chemicals, according to a new UToledo study. The research suggests that reducing salt application can help mitigate negative environmental impacts, while also protecting human health.
Recent study uses advanced spectroscopy techniques to observe water molecules in superconcentrated salt solutions and identifies heterogeneity in solvation structure. This finding explains the unexpected fast lithium-ion transport in highly viscous electrolytes.
Researchers developed a method to identify multiple coordination states adopted by nickel in molten salts, providing elusive information about their structure and dynamics. The study also revealed that changes in salt composition can significantly impact chloride exchange dynamics around nickel ions.
Researchers from Louisiana State University uncover salt workers' residences and outdoor areas where fish were salted and dried. The discovery sheds light on the organization of the salt industry and its importance to inland cities during the Classic Maya civilization.
Researchers found that bacteria living inside plant roots trigger sulfur metabolism to produce antioxidants that detoxify the plant from salt-induced damage. This discovery could lead to breakthrough technologies for saline agriculture and improve food production in arid lands.
A study led by Georgia State University researchers found that increased salt intake can lead to a decrease in blood flow to the hypothalamus, a key region for regulating body functions. This 'inverse neurovascular coupling' mechanism may play a role in hypertension and could have implications for developing new treatments.
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.
Researchers examine how heat affects salt and brine in underground tests to refine computer models and inform policymakers about spent nuclear fuel disposal. The understanding gained will help assess the viability of salt beds as a safe storage option for radioactive waste.
Researchers found fatty acid compounds, GDGTs, and archaeol compounds in salt sediments of Qaidam Basin, a promising analog site for Mars exploration. The distribution of lipids provides important references for understanding Martian habitability.
Researchers from South Ural State University discovered the reasons for the stability of salts, attributing it to the properties of electron density distribution. The study reveals the importance of chemical bonding in multi-centre character, paving the way for predicting material properties.
Researchers found that females rely more heavily on aldosterone to regulate blood pressure, whereas males primarily use angiotensin II. This discovery could lead to targeted treatments for female hypertensive patients, improving treatment outcomes and reducing the risk of heart disease and stroke.
A 5-country study found that the US has high salt levels in processed meat and fish products, ranking second globally. China leads with the highest salt content, while the UK ranks last. The study highlights significant variations in salt content among countries and brands.
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.
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...
Salt stress alters legume responses to symbiotic rhizobacteria by modulating gene expression. Several genes with well-characterized functions in nodulation are highly induced under salt stress, making the plant hypersensitive to bacterial signals.
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 ...
A team of researchers has developed a low-cost and low-waste device that uses Tootsie Roll candy as an electrode to monitor ovulation status or kidney health. The sensor works by detecting changes in salt levels in saliva, with preliminary tests showing promising results.
A simple cooling system utilizing passive solar energy and a specially designed salt can effectively cool food and living spaces without electricity. The system's two-step process involves dissolving salts in water to absorb energy, which is then regenerated using solar energy to evaporate the water.
Researchers identify commercialized Membrane Distillation as a green solution for clean, drinkable water. The technique overcomes Reverse Osmosis limitations and provides safe drinking water while managing brines, keeping the environment safe.
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.
Researchers at Sandia National Laboratories have designed a new class of molten sodium batteries that operate at lower temperatures and use low-cost materials. The new battery design has the potential to significantly reduce costs and increase efficiency in grid-scale energy storage.
Researchers have developed a new method to capture and recycle lead from perovskite solar cells, addressing the environmental and health hazards associated with their use. The transparent phosphate salt solution prevents lead ions from leaching into the soil, rendering perovskite devices safer for large-scale commercialization.
A new Penn State study found that doubling the amount of corn and broccoli served at a meal increased children's veggie consumption by 68%, or an additional 21 grams. The daily recommended amount for kids is about 1.5 cups, and serving larger portions may help meet this target.
Two studies find that a plant-based diet protects rats from hypertension and preeclampsia, even when exposed to high-salt diets. The researchers believe that dietary alterations can shift the gut microbiota, reducing disease incidence.
Research suggests that earthquakes magnitude 5.0 and larger could cause ground displacement and liquefaction in Salt Lake City, increasing the risk of earthquake-related building damage. The study identified a complex zone of folding and faulting beneath downtown Salt Lake City, which may deform the ground during a large earthquake.
A study of two surveys involving 8,285 US participants found that people who were overconfident in their news judgments on legitimate versus false news were more likely to visit untrustworthy websites and share false content. This overconfidence may contribute to the spread of false information via social media.
Researchers used a 'robot microscope' to track chemical signals in worms, revealing the role of interneurons in food-seeking behavior. The study found that glutamate signaling between sensory and interneurons plays a key role in experience-dependent plasticity.
An international team of researchers has developed a way to replicate a natural process that moves water between cells, mimicking the functions of aquaporins in our bodies. The new channels can carry water faster than current membranes while excluding protons and unwanted molecules.
A study has found that climate change may be causing the degradation of ancient rock paintings in Indonesia, dating back up to 45,000 years. The researchers analyzed flakes of rock and found high levels of salts, which can cause rocks to break apart, suggesting a widespread process in Maros-Pangkep.
Researchers at UniSA identified an enzyme, NEDD4-2, that regulates sodium reabsorption in kidneys. Low levels of the protein are linked to chronic kidney disease progression, even without high blood pressure.
Research found that high salt concentrations suppress the activation and function of immune cells called monocytes, which can lead to reduced efficiency in fighting infections. The effects are reversible, but continuous exposure to high salt intake may pose a risk, particularly when combined with other factors.
A recent study found that obesity and a high-salt diet are bigger risks for females, who are more sensitive to salt and have naturally higher levels of hormones like leptin and aldosterone. This can lead to increased blood pressure and cardiovascular disease in young women.
A new study finds that the Red Sea's seafloor spreading began 13 million years ago, with most of the basin composed of ancient oceanic crust. This discovery challenges existing geological models and sheds light on the region's formation history.
Researchers at MIT developed a method to reduce fouling on heat exchanger surfaces by making salts self-eject, using hydrophobic surfaces and heat. The process involves the formation of 'crystal critters' that grow legs and eventually tip over, allowing the salts to be removed easily.
Scientists from US and Iran are collaborating on restoring Lake Urmia, which has lost 95% of its volume over two decades. The team's findings show that setting a target water level may not solve the lake's problems, highlighting the need for ecosystem-based restoration efforts.
Rising freshwater salt pollution poses a significant threat to ecosystem health and human water security, with predicted increases over 50% in US streams by 2100. Researchers have identified opportunities to reduce salt pollution through watershed management, industrial regulation, and household product adoption.
A new study by UMD-led researchers reveals that road salts and human sources are threatening the world's freshwater supplies, releasing toxic chemical cocktails that can poison drinking water and harm human health. The study calls for coordinated management and regulation to address this growing global threat.
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.
Scientists have created a new type of salt that acts as an electrical conductor, exhibiting unique magnetic coordination at low temperatures. The discovery was made using tetrathiafulvalene as a skeleton for the new substance, which has infinite chain structure and stabilizes atomic arrangements.
A new protein purification process, known as precipitation, could significantly reduce the cost of producing antibodies for chronic diseases and COVID-19 treatment. The method eliminates the need for costly chromatography processes, making it a promising solution to drive down production costs.
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.
A new modification strategy regulates pore size distribution and electronegativity in polyamide NF membranes, improving rejection rates for monosaccharides and monovalent salts. This results in better separation efficiency with only minor permeability loss.
The US Intermountain West region experienced four significant earthquake sequences in 2020, with research characterizing the tectonics of the area and gaining insights into fault systems. The focus section papers discuss the Magna, Stanley, Monte Cristo, and Lone Pine earthquakes, providing new knowledge on seismic activity.
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.
Researchers found that shorter brining times for Parmigiano Reggiano resulted in cheeses with 9% lower salt content and higher free fatty acids. The study suggests a reduced brining time could make the cheese more appealing to salt-conscious consumers.
England's salt reduction programme achieved a 15% decline in average population-level salt intake from 2000 to 2011. The programme is projected to have prevented nearly 200,000 premature cardiovascular disease cases and £1.64 billion in healthcare cost savings by 2050.
A team of researchers developed a three-dimensional crystallizer to treat waste brine using solar power, offering an eco-friendly solution for seawater desalination. The device achieves efficient evaporation rates even in the presence of salt crystals, paving the way for zero liquid discharge and sustainable agriculture.
Researchers developed a new approach to modifying coal combustion behavior, reducing unburnt carbon in ash residue and CO content in gaseous products. The method uses copper salts to intensify combustion and reduce emissions, improving fuel efficiency and minimizing energy use.
Researchers propose that underground salts and melting ice are responsible for Martian landslides, including the seasonal Recurring Slope Lineae features. Lab experiments suggest that thin layers of liquid-like water form near -50 °C, followed by gradual melting, which could lead to surface changes and dust storms.
Researchers at the University of Nottingham have designed a new type of rechargeable battery that combines the performance merits of solid-oxide fuel cells and metal-air batteries. The salt battery can significantly extend the range of electric vehicles while being fully recyclable, environmentally-friendly, low-cost, and safe.
Researchers found that gut bacteria use enzymes to modify and detoxify bile salts, which can be toxic to bacteria. This interaction affects bacterial fitness and competition in the gut ecosystem.
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.
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.
The Gulf of Mexico holds vast untapped offshore oil deposits, thanks to a remarkable geologic past that began 200 million years ago. A unique combination of fine- and coarse-grained sediments, salt layers, and seals has made the basin a formidable petroleum resource.
Researchers from Iowa State University and Penn State University developed a method to measure and model desalination membranes, leading to improved water flow and salt removal. By creating uniform membrane density at the nanoscale, they found that membranes with fewer hot spots perform better.
A recent NSF grant aims to address salt pollution in freshwaters, a growing environmental threat. The project seeks to develop new infrastructure designs and everyday choices that reduce salt use.