A new study from Brigham Young University found that 90% of urban dust in Utah comes from dry lakebeds, posing a significant threat to air quality and human health. The research suggests that preserving lakes could help lower the amount of dust blown into urban areas.
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.
A team of WSU researchers created a more sustainable solution for winter road maintenance by using grape extract as a natural deicer. The solution melts ice faster and causes less damage to concrete and asphalt than traditional deicers.
Researchers at KAUST used advanced quantile regression techniques to analyze barley plant traits affecting yields in saline and nonsaline conditions. Two key traits help gain high yield under saline conditions: early flowering time and a specific ear number per plant.
Imperial College London scientists have developed a new type of membrane that can improve water purification and battery energy storage efforts. The new approach uses low-cost plastic membranes with many tiny hydrophilic pores, making them more selective and efficient than current technology.
Using waste heat helps reduce the cost of producing hydrogen, a key step towards cleaner energy. Researchers developed an approach that uses low-grade waste heat to produce hydrogen, with potential for lower production costs and increased efficiency.
The 2019 AAAS Kavli Science Journalism Awards honored reporters from around the world for their coverage of topics such as killer whales, air quality, and nuclear research facilities. Reporters from The Seattle Times won multiple awards for their in-depth series on Puget Sound's dying orcas.
A 40-year study of Lake George's deep waters reveals significant increases in salt and nutrients, but at concentrations still too low to cause harm. The findings serve as an early warning for potential impacts on streams, wetlands, and shallow waters, suggesting a shift in research focus.
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.
A high-salt diet may negatively affect cognitive function by causing a deficiency of nitric oxide, which is vital for maintaining vascular health in the brain. This can lead to the accumulation of tau deposits, contributing to dementia and cognitive impairment.
Researchers discovered a structural change in brain cells controlling salt-resistance, which can be mimicked to combat high blood pressure. This finding has implications for the development of targeted therapies for salt-resistant individuals.
A study of popular UK restaurant chains found that establishments with voluntary menu labeling served items with 45% less fat and 60% less salt than those without. This suggests that mandatory labeling could encourage restaurants to improve the nutritional quality of their menus.
A study found that UK restaurants with in-store menu labelling offer healthier food options, with an average of 45% less fat and 60% less salt. This could encourage restaurants to improve their nutritional quality and benefit public health.
Drexel Food Lab developed a new whole grain-rich, lower-sodium hoagie roll that passed sensory tests, reducing sodium by 70mg. The partnership with Amoroso's Baking Company resulted in the production of 1.68 million rolls per year, saving schools over 1,294 pounds of salt annually.
Experts recommend requiring salt shakers to carry front-of-pack health warnings to raise consumer awareness about excess salt consumption. The World Health Organization aims to reduce sodium intake by 30% by 2025, and warning labels could help people make healthier choices.
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.
Researchers at MIT developed a material that is 10 times blacker than anything reported previously, using vertically aligned carbon nanotubes. The new coating absorbs greater than 99.995% of incoming light from any angle, making it the blackest material on record.
Researchers investigated the impact of dicamba-based spray mixtures on pH levels. The study found that BAPMA formulations increased pH, while potassium salt of glyphosate decreased it. Understanding pH effects is crucial for sustainable and environmentally responsible use of dicamba products.
A new salt-based propellant has been proven compatible with both combustion and electric propulsion systems in dual-mode rocket engines. The propellant, a mixture of hydroxylammonium nitrate and emim ethylsulfate, shows promising results in electrospray thrusters.
Researchers at MIT and elsewhere discovered a unique ancient technology for making parchment, which used a mixture of salts found in evaporites. This process helped preserve the Temple Scroll's bright white surface and contributed to its state of preservation.
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.
University of Illinois researcher Kyle Smith has made significant progress in water desalination with a new publication and research project. His work involves deionization devices that can reversibly store and release cations using intercalation materials, resulting in a nearly 10-fold increase in salt removal rates.
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.
Researchers developed a method to track the activity of phosphatidic acid spatially and temporally using a fluorescence resonance energy transfer-based biosensor. The study found that phosphatidic acid plays a key role in plant stress tolerance, particularly under salt stress conditions.
Researchers have isolated over 40 different bacteria isolates that can tolerate ocean-level salt content, including Halomonas and Bacillus, which stimulate plant growth in high-saline conditions.
An international team detected a very hot, dense outflowing wind close to a black hole at least 25,000 light-years from Earth. The gas was emitted in bursts that repeated every 8 minutes, revealing unprecedented behavior around a black hole.
Researchers at UT Health San Antonio found that higher doses of spironolactone can prevent dialysis in selected heart failure patients who are not responding to conventional diuretics. The study showed significant improvement in urine output and breathing, suggesting potential for avoiding dialysis
A new study highlights the benefits of a US salt reduction strategy for the food industry, finding that meeting FDA targets could produce significant health gains and cost savings. The researchers modelled the impact on food companies and workers, finding that the value of CVD-related health gains and cost savings exceed government costs.
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.
Researchers at KAUST have developed a computational method to model large accumulations of subsurface salt, a challenging material to derive accurately from seismic imaging data. This technique allows for the efficient extraction of oil and gas by pinpointing fossil fuel reservoirs with greater accuracy.
Researchers discovered fossil clams in Sarasota County that contained dozens of tiny glass beads, likely originating from an ancient meteorite impact. The beads were found to be microtektites, particles formed by the explosive impact of extraterrestrial debris cooling and recrystallizing before falling back to Earth.
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.
A relaxation of UK salt regulations has been linked to 9,900 additional cases of cardiovascular disease and 1,500 stomach cancer cases. This policy change resulted in a slowdown of salt intake reductions, which are now estimated to cost the UK economy £160million.
Four sparrow species adapt differently to control water and salt balance, with Savannah Sparrows using channel-forming genes, Swamp Sparrows evolving gene changes, Song Sparrows reinforcing cell walls, and Nelson's Sparrows curbing thirst. The adaptations are rapid and accompanied by shared traits like larger bills and darker plumage.
The study uses a novel neutral phosphonium salt catalyst to synthesize optically active oxazolidinones from glycidols and isocyanates, achieving high yields and selectivities. This breakthrough catalyst overcomes the challenges of conventional catalysis methods, paving the way for new drugs against drug-resistant infections.
Salt intake in China has been consistently high over the past four decades, with adults consuming on average above 10g of salt a day. Potassium intake is also low, contradicting efforts to reduce salt consumption. Urgent action is needed to speed up salt reduction and increase potassium intake.
A WVU study found that only folic acid and omega-3 supplements showed promise in reducing cardiovascular risk. Eating less salt was also beneficial for overall survival and cardiovascular mortality rates. However, the quality of evidence supporting other supplements and diets was considered low due to methodological issues.
A new study explains why salt crystals are piling up on the Dead Sea's floor by proposing a 'salt fingering' process where tiny disturbances create channels for salt to flow down. This finding helps understand the formation of massive salt deposits found in Earth's crust, including those beneath the Mediterranean Sea.
A study published in the American Journal of Gastroenterology found that high sodium intake increases bloating among individuals, particularly those on high-fiber diets. Reducing sodium intake may be an effective way to reduce bloating and maintain a healthy, high-fiber diet.
Experiments with salt-tolerant bacteria in brine have shown that microbes can survive and grow in conditions similar to those on Mars. The research has significant implications for the search for life beyond Earth, as well as the risk of contaminating other planetary bodies.
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.
A high salt diet has been shown to inhibit tumor growth in mice by altering the function of certain immune cells called myeloid-derived suppressor cells. This effect could be beneficial for improving anti-cancer immunotherapies, but further research is needed to fully understand its therapeutic potential.
A new device for collecting and purifying water, developed at the University of Texas at Austin, uses a rose-inspired design to improve upon current methods. The device can produce more than half a gallon of water per hour per square meter and removes contamination from heavy metals and bacteria.
Using light to optimize osmosis for electricity generation at estuaries has shown promise. The system produces twice as much power in the dark as it does with light, offering a potential solution to weather-dependent renewable energy sources.
Researchers at Indiana University created a powerful new molecule for extracting salt from liquid, with potential to increase drinkable water on Earth. The molecule is designed to capture chloride using carbon-hydrogen bonds, providing greater efficacy and versatility than previous designs.
Researchers at Tokyo University of Science developed a novel rock salt for use in rechargeable magnesium batteries, offering promising results as a cathode material. The synthesized rock salt shows excellent potential for use as the positive electrode material.
Researchers have uncovered a high-quality jadeite tool with an intact rosewood handle at an ancient salt processing site in Belize. The discovery highlights the significance of salt and Maya salt workers in the Classic Maya marketplace economy over 1,000 years ago.
Researchers at KAUST found that eddy-induced transport is more active in the central and northern Red Sea, influencing surface heat flux and salt dispersion. This mechanism balances fluctuations in both heat and salt, highlighting its role in the Red Sea's circulation.
Researchers analyzed ancient fire remains to uncover Neanderthal mobility habits and settlement patterns. The study found stratified hearths built on multiple topsoils over different periods, indicating at least four successive short-term Neanderthal occupations.
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
Researchers at A??kl? Höyük found high concentrations of sodium, chlorine, and nitrate salts in midden soil layers, indicating early animal management. The discovery provides a new approach to studying animal domestication at dry sites without other evidence.
A new study published in Science Advances uses urine salts to reconstruct the history of animal domestication at an ancient site in Turkey. The research suggests that the transition from hunting to herding occurred around 10,000 years ago, with a rapid increase in human and animal density.
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.
A financial model developed by Stevens Institute of Technology assistant professor Hamed Ghoddusi explores the effects of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act on homebuying. The SALT deduction cap has a predictable impact on property tax collections, particularly in high-income states.
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.
A team of scientists has identified the Epsom salt receptor TAS2R7, which plays a crucial role in detecting bitter salts and affecting physiological responses. The discovery may lead to the development of new therapeutics for heart disease and other conditions.
Researchers found that magnesium chloride deicers can cause significant degradation of concrete strength and micro-hardness, even without visible signs of damage. The study's findings have important implications for transportation officials and the use of magnesium chloride as a winter road treatment.
Scientists from Forschungszentrum Jülich simplify production of MAX phases, a desirable material class. The new method uses a salt crust to protect raw material from oxidation at high temperatures, making industrial-scale production possible.
A study from the European Society of Cardiology reveals that nighttime trips to the bathroom may be a sign of high blood pressure or excess fluid in the body. The researchers suggest that individuals experiencing nocturia should consult their doctor about their blood pressure and salt intake to address potential hypertension.
Scientists discovered the gut has a built-in salt sensor that reports to the brain, regulating thirst. The gastrointestinal tract measures salt concentration and relays this info directly to the brain, enabling precise measurement of fluid osmolarity.