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Simple blood tests lead to improved hypertension treatment in African countries

Researchers at Western University developed a simple blood test to identify physiological changes causing resistant hypertension, leading to improved treatment outcomes. The study found that patients treated with the test had 50% controlled blood pressure after one year, compared to 11.1% in those receiving usual treatment.

SourceUniversity of Western Ontario·JournalAmerican Journal of Hypertension·DateMay 2, 2017

Mystery of the missing mercury at the Great Salt Lake

Researchers found that the closure of Union Pacific railway culverts led to a 88% decrease in methylmercury levels in the lake's deep brine layer and sediments. However, waterfowl carcasses showed no significant change in mercury levels, indicating that the source of methylmercury in wetlands remains unknown.

SourceUniversity of Utah·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology·DateApr 24, 2017

New research on rape kit processing sees improvements

A new study by BYU nursing professor Julie Valentine found that sexual assault kit submission rates in Utah improved significantly from 38 percent in 2010-2013 to 75 percent in 2014. The study analyzed 2,317 kits and showed notable improvements in various jurisdictions, with Washington County seeing the most significant increase.

SourceBrigham Young University·JournalJournal of Interpersonal Violence·DateFeb 23, 2017

Low-cost salt-reduction policy would save millions of lives worldwide

A government-backed policy to reduce salt intake by 10% over 10 years is projected to avert approximately 5.8 million disability-adjusted life years per year globally. The estimated average cost effectiveness ratio of the 10-year intervention is around $204 per DALY saved, comparable to many drugs used to prevent cardiovascular disease.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalThe BMJ·DateJan 10, 2017

Protein and salt drive post-meal sleepiness

Scientists have found that protein and salt in food can drive post-meal sleepiness in fruit flies, leading to longer naps. The study used a system to measure feeding and sleeping behaviors of individual flies, revealing that larger meals result in longer sleep periods.

SourceeLife·DateNov 22, 2016

Environment-friendly hydrophobic coating made with salt particles

Researchers at Pohang University of Science and Technology have developed an environmentally friendly method to apply a superhydrophobic layer using commercially available salt particles, polydimethylsiloxane, and water. This coating exhibits ultrahydrophobic characteristics similar to the 'lotus effect', allowing for applications in a...

SourcePohang University of Science & Technology (POSTECH)·JournalApplied Surface Science·DateNov 9, 2016

Lithium ion extraction

Chinese scientists have designed a solid composite membrane that mimics biological ion channels with molecular sieve technology to effectively separate lithium ions from contaminants in brines. The approach allows for fast lithium ion flux and selectivity over other ions, making it a promising method for improved lithium extraction.

SourceWiley·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateNov 2, 2016

Scientists find a salty way to kill MRSA

Researchers at Imperial College London have found a way to kill MRSA bacteria by disrupting its salt regulation mechanism. By understanding how the bacteria cope with salt stress, scientists hope to develop a treatment that prevents food poisoning and works alongside conventional antibiotics.

SourceImperial College London·JournalScience Signaling·DateAug 16, 2016

Watch a tiny space rocket work

Researchers at Michigan Technological University and University of Maryland operated a tiny electrospray thruster under a microscope to study its behavior. The thruster, which creates a force less than the weight of a human hair, was found to form needle-like spikes that disrupt its function.

SourceMichigan Technological University·JournalNanotechnology·DateAug 8, 2016

Adding some salt to the recipe for energy storage materials

A team of researchers from Drexel University and two Chinese universities discovered a way to grow thin sheets of conductive metal oxides using salt crystals as a template. This method produces larger and more chemically pure materials, which are better suited for storing energy in devices like batteries and capacitors.

SourceDrexel University·JournalNature Communications·DateApr 22, 2016

Cost-effective production of hydrogen from natural resources

Researchers at Ulsan National Institute of Science and Technology (UNIST) have developed a cost-effective method for producing high-purity silicon nanosheets, which are essential for the mass production of hydrogen. The new technique uses natural clay and salt to synthesize these nanosheets, significantly reducing production costs.