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Road salt pollutes lake in one of the largest US protected areas, new study shows

A new study by the Ausable River Association and Adirondack Watershed Institute reveals that road salt runoff into Mirror Lake prevents natural water turnover, posing a risk to its ecology. The researchers found that high levels of surface-water chloride have created anoxic conditions, limiting habitat availability for native lake trout.

SourceTaylor & Francis Group·JournalLake and Reservoir Management·DateDec 9, 2019

Salt helps proteins move on down the road

Rice University scientists have developed a strategy to make polymer membrane-based separation of proteins more efficient using salt. The researchers identified competing forces at the nylon surface that could be tuned by salt concentration, allowing for improved separation efficiencies.

SourceRice University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 28, 2019

Eating cheese may offset blood vessel damage from salt

A recent study published in the Journal of Nutrition found that consuming four servings of cheese per day alongside a high sodium diet may protect blood vessels from damage. The researchers discovered that antioxidants in cheese may play a role in preserving vascular health, providing an alternative strategy to reduce cardiovascular risk.

SourcePenn State·JournalJournal of Nutrition·DateSep 16, 2019

Building water-efficient cities

A study led by the University of Arizona found that city design factors such as housing density, lot size, and vegetated land cover significantly impact residential water use. Researchers estimated models for annual and summer water use in four cities, including Austin, Phoenix, Portland, and Salt Lake City.

SourceUniversity of Arizona·JournalJournal of the American Planning Association·DateSep 5, 2019

Marathoners, take your marks...and fluid and salt!

A new study suggests that marathon runners are at risk of acute kidney injury (AKI) due to fluid and salt losses, rather than core body temperature. Researchers found that managing fluid volume and salt losses with a personalized regimen during training may help reduce the incidence of AKI.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalClinical Journal of the American Society of Nephrology·DateAug 29, 2019

Water solutions without a grain of salt

A solar steam generation system has been developed to produce clean water from salty ocean water with almost 100 per cent salt removal, providing a solution to water shortages in regional areas. The technology uses photothermal materials and the power of the sun, achieving efficient and continuous clean water production.

SourceMonash University·JournalEnergy & Environmental Science·DateJul 23, 2019

Voluntary pact with food industry to curb salt content in England linked to thousands of extra heart disease and stroke cases

Researchers found a slowdown in dietary salt intake in England since the voluntary pact was introduced in 2011, leading to an estimated 9900 extra cases of heart disease/stroke and 1500 additional stomach cancer cases by 2018. If current trends continue, this may lead to 26,000 extra cases and £1 billion in healthcare costs by 2025.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalJournal of Epidemiology and Community Health·DateJul 18, 2019

Table salt compound spotted on Europa

Researchers spot sodium chloride on the icy moon Europa, potentially indicating a hydrothermally active ocean floor and making it a geologically interesting planetary body. The discovery was made using visible light spectral analysis, which revealed distinct absorption patterns in the visible spectrum.

SourceCalifornia Institute of Technology·JournalScience Advances·DateJun 12, 2019

Slime mold absorbs substances to memorize them

Researchers found that slime molds can store knowledge of salty environments through absorption, allowing for up to a month of retention. The study suggests that the substance itself supports the slime mold's memory, rather than just the environment.

SourceCNRS·JournalPhilosophical Transactions of the Royal Society of London (B )·DateApr 22, 2019

Solar evaporator offers a fresh route to fresh water

Researchers at the University of Maryland have developed a self-cleaning solar evaporator made of wood that can efficiently produce clean drinking water from salty water. The device uses interfacial evaporation technology and minimizes maintenance needs, making it suitable for off-grid water generation in low-income countries.

SourceUniversity of Maryland·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateApr 16, 2019

Keeping the taste, reducing the salt

Researchers created salt blends using calcium and potassium chloride to reduce sodium chloride content without compromising flavor. The optimal blend achieved a balance of 96.4% sodium chloride and 3.6% replacement salts, increasing the possibility of gradual reductions in salt consumption.

SourceWashington State University·JournalJournal of Food Science·DateApr 11, 2019