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Better water testing, safer produce

Researchers compared two water testing methods to ensure safe irrigation water for leafy greens, finding excellent results when samples were clean. However, discrepancies arose when environmental factors like sediments and salts were introduced, highlighting the need for a user-friendly guide to ensure consistent accuracy.

Dust threatens Utah's 'greatest snow on earth'

A University of Utah study found that a single dust storm in 2017 accelerated snowmelt in the Wasatch Mountains by 25 percent. Dust deposition was linked to declining water levels in the Great Salt Lake, which may lead to more frequent and severe snowmelt events.

SourceUniversity of Utah·JournalEnvironmental Research Letters·DateDec 21, 2018

How plants cope with stress

Researchers found that a specific mark on RNA molecules protects them from degradation under stressful conditions, enabling plants to more effectively respond to drought and salt stress. This mechanism could be manipulated to develop more resilient crop varieties.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania·JournalCell Reports·DateOct 30, 2018

Salted fish in Maya economy

The study found that a majority of ancient Maya chert stone tools showed wear patterns consistent with fish preparation, indicating preserved fish was an important component of their trade economy. The researchers estimated that each salt kitchen could provide dietary salt for up to 3,444 people per day if used for fish preservation.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 8, 2018

How some algae may survive climate change

A Rutgers-led study reveals how green algae adapted to tolerate hostile conditions by stealing genes from bacteria, providing clues for engineering more resilient algae. The findings suggest that these hardy species can survive climate change and offer potential solutions for biofuel production and other applications.

SourceRutgers University·JournalMolecular Biology and Evolution·DateSep 28, 2018

'Pinning down' how salty droplets dry

Scientists at Tokyo Metropolitan University have developed a method to pin the edge of drying droplets, creating various geometric patterns. By adding microscopic latex particles to salt solution droplets, they can achieve controlled re-crystallization and form beautiful snowflake-like patterns.

SourceTokyo Metropolitan University·JournalScientific Reports·DateSep 22, 2018

A one-way street for salt

Researchers have discovered the molecular mechanism behind quinoa's ability to store salt in its bladder cells, allowing it to thrive in saline soils. This unique adaptation enables quinoa to transfer excess salt to final storage sites without harming the plant.

SourceUniversity of Würzburg·JournalCurrent Biology·DateSep 20, 2018

Story tips from the Department of Energy's Oak Ridge National Laboratory, September 2018

Oak Ridge National Laboratory researchers developed modified atmosphere insulation, a viable solution to improve building energy efficiency. Additionally, scientists created an open source software platform allowing quantum programs to run on multiple quantum computers, revolutionizing modern computing. The lab also made breakthroughs ...

SourceDOE/Oak Ridge National Laboratory·JournalApplied Energy·DateSep 4, 2018

A single genetic change in gut bacteria alters host metabolism

A study published in eLife found that deleting a single gene from a particular strain of gut bacteria causes changes in metabolism and reduced weight gain in mice. The researchers discovered that this genetic change altered the levels of certain bile acids, leading to a preference for metabolizing fats rather than carbohydrates.

SourceeLife·DateJul 17, 2018

Children can learn ways to significantly reduce salt usage

A new study published in the Journal of Nutrition Education and Behavior found that a web-based salt education program improved salt-related knowledge, self-efficacy, and behaviors among children ages 7-10 years. The program reduced salt usage by 19% and improved children's ability to change their behaviors.

SourceElsevier·JournalJournal of Nutrition Education and Behavior·DateJun 7, 2018

Oil and gas wastewater as dust suppressant less than ideal

A multidisciplinary team of researchers found that oil and gas wastewater can be effective at suppressing dust, but it also carries high salt, organic, and radioactivity concentrations. The team recommends using alternative materials or treatment to remove contaminants before using the wastewater.

SourcePenn State·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology·DateMay 30, 2018

Porous salts for fuel cells

Researchers have created a new class of crystalline porous organic salts with exceptional proton conductivity, potentially revolutionizing fuel cell technology. The salts' unique structure and strong ionic bonds enable stable pore systems, making them highly efficient electrolytes for fuel cells.

SourceWiley·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateApr 19, 2018

Salt boosts creation of 2-D materials

Rice University scientists discovered that salt reduces the temperature at which elements interact in a chemical vapor deposition furnace, making it easier to form atom-thin layers. This process allows for the creation of novel materials with customized properties.

SourceRice University·JournalNature·DateApr 18, 2018