Tag Archives: Easy

These Two Easy Numbers Can Gauge Your Heart Disease Risk

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Life encompasses more than mere figures, yet it often seems otherwise in today’s world. We exist in a time dominated by wearable tech, health tracking, and extreme optimization.

With just a few unobtrusive devices, driven individuals can transform themselves into intelligent data compilers.

We can keep an eye on blood oxygen levels, breathing rates, blood sugar, REM sleep, skin temperature, heart rate variability, body composition, and an array of other biomarkers regularly.

If desired, you can document your meals, mood, menstrual cycles, and even bowel habits.

The goal is to have access to all this information so we can enhance and extend our lives. But how do we extract significance from it?

How can we gain genuine health insights without dedicating hours to computations and organization? Because aside from a few bored billionaires, most of us don’t view our living spreadsheets as truly valuable.

Fortunately, researchers at Northwestern University in the US have some exciting news. In 2025, they discovered a method to: Combine two commonly measured health indicators to provide us with deeper insights into daily fitness and long-term health risks.

The daily heart rate per step (DHRPS) is a straightforward measure. Simply divide your average daily heart rate by your average step count.

Yes, you’ll need to constantly track both metrics using a health monitor, such as an Apple Watch or Fitbit (the latter being utilized in the research), but the calculations are done automatically.

In just 2 seconds, you can uncover critical information about your cardiovascular health.

“We discovered that [DHRPS measurement] has a stronger correlation with type 2 diabetes, heart failure, myocardial infarction, and heart attacks,” said Flynn Chen, the lead author of the paper. “It’s significantly more informative than merely tracking heart rate or steps.”

Improving Your Score

Here’s the breakdown: Suppose your average heart rate for the month is 80 beats per minute, and you walk an average of 6,000 steps daily. Your DHRPS score would then be 0.01333.

Now, if you boost your step count to an average of 10,000 steps per day over the following month, your DHRPS should drop to 0.008. In this case, a lower score is preferable.

In their study, Chen and colleagues monitored over 7,000 Fitbit users across five years, during which they recorded more than 50 billion steps.

Taking more steps can effectively benefit your overall health – Photo credit: Getty

The researchers categorized participants into three groups based on their DHRPS scores: low (below 0.0081), moderate (above 0.0081 and below 0.0147), and high (above 0.0147).

The simplest way to alter your score is by increasing your step count, Chen suggests.

“Numerous established studies indicate that daily step count is an independent risk factor for cardiovascular disease and overall mortality,” he adds.

“Our ongoing research reveals that heart rate in relation to step count may be an even stronger independent risk factor for cardiovascular disease than step count alone.

“By increasing your step count, you not only pursue the 10,000 steps daily goal, but also improve both metrics simultaneously.”

Chen advises that you need at least a week’s worth of consistent data from your smartwatch or tracker for a meaningful DHRPS score.

The Future of Heart Rate per Step

Since the release of this study, the health tracking community has started utilizing these insights, potentially leading to further advancements as more data becomes available.

“A crucial aspect is that our metrics correlate with VO.2 max scores,” Chen mentions.

This is significant because V.O.2 maximum measures the highest rate of oxygen consumption during exercise, providing valuable insights regarding your aerobic capacity and metabolic health.

The challenge lies in accurately measuring VO.2 max, as it typically requires a treadmill stress test, with limited availability of such tests.

If DHRPS proves to be a reliable indicator of VO.2 max, it could serve as another method to simplify health data access for everyone—no spreadsheets needed.

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Source: www.sciencefocus.com

Make This Easy Diet Change to Shed Pounds Effortlessly.

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Shedding pounds might be as straightforward as swapping out some sausages, beef, and bacon in your meals for legumes. Recent research highlights this find.

Researchers from the University of Helsinki directed 51 Finnish men, aged 20-65, to cut back on their red and processed meat intake by just 200g (7oz) a week.

Simultaneously, these men incorporated more legumes, particularly peas and fava beans, into their diets, constituting 20% of their protein sources, while still consuming chicken, fish, eggs, and other proteins.

Apart from this substitution, participants were not advised to eat less or restrict calories. Remarkably, just six weeks later, they experienced an average weight loss of 1 kilo (2.2 pounds).

“This was astonishing because we didn’t set out to encourage weight loss,” said Professor Anne Maria Pajari, a molecular dietitian and senior author of the study, as reported by BBC Science Focus. “We encouraged volunteers to maintain their daily eating habits while monitoring their red and processed meat and legume consumption.”

Pajari noted that while legumes are associated with healthy weight, the degree of change observed in just six weeks was unexpected. This was just the beginning.

By the study’s conclusion, participants consuming legumes had lower total and LDL (“bad”) cholesterol levels, indicating that this dietary switch could lower heart disease risk.

Moreover, the men’s iron levels improved, an outcome surprising since lean meat is typically regarded as a primary source of dietary iron.

According to Pajari, the food exchange was well-received by participants; only one volunteer chose to leave the study.

“I’m very satisfied with the results,” Pajari remarked. “This is something everyone can do. By cutting back on red and processed meat and incorporating more plant-based foods, individuals can make a meaningful impact on their health.”

“Even small adjustments can lead to significant benefits for both personal health and the environment,” she added.

The focus on men specifically was intentional, as they generally consume more meat compared to women.

Pajari observed that in Finland, the average man consumes double the amount of meat than the average woman, making men a “more vulnerable group” in terms of red and processed meat intake.

Lean meats include beef, pork, and lamb, while processed meats consist of cold cuts, sausages, and bacon – Credit: via Guido Mieth

The study also involved control groups, with another 51 men consuming 760g (27oz) of red and processed meats weekly—making up a quarter of their total protein intake, without any legumes.

This group showed no notable improvement in their blood cholesterol or iron levels and lost only 300g (0.6 pounds) on average. Pajari suggested this was merely a byproduct of participating in dietary trials.

“Participation in a diet trial often raises awareness about one’s eating habits,” she explained. “It’s quite sensitive, leading individuals to make healthier choices even when not instructed to.”

Overall, Pajari hopes that men will consider substituting some red and processed meats in their diets with peas, beans, and lentils for the sake of their health and the planet.

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Source: www.sciencefocus.com

Discover Your Heart’s True Age with This Easy Tool

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A recent study conducted by researchers at Northwestern Medicine reveals that the cognitive aging of many American adults is occurring at a pace exceeding their chronological age, sometimes by more than a decade.

This study, published in the journal Jama Cardiology, utilized a cutting-edge calculator to estimate the “heart age” of over 14,000 U.S. adults devoid of prior cardiovascular diseases.

Available for free, these tools can be accessed online. By translating risk percentages into age, individuals can more easily reassess their risk scores and comprehend how their lifestyle and health choices influence their long-term heart health.

“Traditional percentage-based estimates can often feel abstract and hard to interpret,” noted senior author Professor Sadiya Khan in an interview with BBC Science Focus.

“We believe that presenting the risk of heart disease in terms of age serves as a valuable supplementary tool that is more intuitive. It’s simpler for individuals to grasp whether their heart age is ‘older’ or ‘younger’ than their actual age.”

The calculator leverages basic health metrics, such as blood pressure, cholesterol levels, smoking status, diabetes, and more to compute a person’s heart age, based on equations formulated by the American Heart Association.

In this study, women exhibited an average heart age that was 4.1 years older than their chronological age, while men showed an average gap of seven years.

However, the discrepancies were more pronounced among marginalized communities. For instance, Black men had a heart age that was 8.5 years older than their chronological age, compared to 6.4 years for white men.

Improving diet and incorporating exercise can help align your heart age with your actual age. – Credit: Getty

Hispanic and Black women exhibited heart ages significantly older than their white and Asian counterparts, and individuals with lower income and educational backgrounds were similarly impacted.

“These disparities are expected given the heightened risk of cardiac diseases in minority groups or those facing social disadvantages. However, they emphasize the urgent need for action,” Khan stated.

“Recognizing individuals with an ‘older’ heart age can prompt them to take immediate steps to prioritize preventive measures.”

Khan envisions that this tool will be integrated into primary care, facilitating discussions about health risks and encouraging healthier lifestyle choices. “The exciting aspect of this tool is the multitude of actions individuals can take,” she mentioned.

“We aim for this to empower people to optimize their heart health, promoting healthier aging and extended health spans.”

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About our experts

Sadiya S Khan is a professor of cardiovascular epidemiology at Northwestern University’s School of Preventive Medicine. She is board-certified in internal medicine and cardiovascular diseases and holds an active medical license in Illinois.

Source: www.sciencefocus.com

This Easy Walking Trick Could Help You Live Longer, According to Research

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Recent findings reveal that walking briskly for just 15 minutes daily can significantly lower the risk of premature death, particularly among low-income and Black populations. A study published in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine supports this claim.

Researchers analyzed data from nearly 80,000 participants, discovering that active walking was linked to a 20% decrease in overall mortality rates.

This reduction is especially pronounced for deaths related to cardiovascular issues, demonstrating the distinct advantages of maintaining an active pace, independent of other physical activities.

“While the health benefits of daily walking are well-documented, there has been limited research on how variables like walking speed influence mortality, particularly in low-income and Black/African-American communities,” noted Chief Investigator Dr. Wei Zheng from Vanderbilt University Medical Center.

“Our study indicates that a brisk 15-minute walk correlates with nearly a 20% reduction in total mortality.”

In comparison, slower walking for over three hours a day is associated with only a modest 4% decline in mortality, indicating that intensity matters.

The participants, primarily low-income and Black individuals across 12 states in the southeastern U.S., reported their average daily “slow” and “fast” walking. Their health outcomes were monitored over a median follow-up period of 16.7 years.

This study suggests that walking enhances cardiovascular efficiency and mitigates risk factors like weight. – Credit: Getty

The advantages of brisk walking persisted even after controlling for other lifestyle factors such as diet, smoking, and alcohol consumption.

Fast walking confers numerous cardiovascular benefits, including improved cardiac function and a reduction in risk factors like obesity, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol.

The researchers emphasized that this activity is low-cost and low-impact, making it accessible to individuals at all fitness levels and an effective intervention in communities with limited healthcare and recreational resources.

To raise awareness, Dr. Lili Liu from the Public Health Campaign and Community Programme stated, “We highlighted the significance and accessibility of brisk walking to enhance health outcomes, and the need to provide resources and support that facilitate easier and faster walking.”

“Individuals should aim to incorporate more intense physical activities into their daily routines,” he added.

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Source: www.sciencefocus.com

Framework Laptop 12 Review: Fun, Versatile, and Easy to Repair

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The newest addition to the modular and repairable PC lineup from Framework ventures into the challenging realm of 2-in-1 devices with an engaging 12-inch laptop featuring a touchscreen and a 360-degree hinge.

This latest model supports the company’s innovative expansion cards that allow for various port configurations on the sides, aligning with the Framework 13 and 16 offerings. Additionally, it can be easily opened to access and replace memory, storage, and internal components using just a few screws.

The Framework 12 is available in a DIY configuration starting at £499 (€569/$549/$909). It slots in below the £799-and-up laptop 13 and the £1,399 laptop 16, making it the most compact and affordable option from the company.

Compact notebooks come in a variety of two-tone color options, not limited to just grey and black. Photo: Samuel Gibbs/The Guardian

While the laptop 13 exudes a premium look, the laptop 12 stands out with its robust build, featuring extra plastic components for enhanced impact resistance. It is designed to comply with the MIL-STD-810 standard, typical for rugged electronics. Rather than appearing as a flimsy DIY assembly, it presents a sturdy impression.

The glossy 12.2-inch display is bright and relatively sharp, though it is quite reflective, framed by a sizable black bezel that limits color range compared to more vibrant displays. It’s adequate for productivity tasks, but not the best choice for photo editing. The touchscreen can pivot back, converting the laptop into a tablet, tent mode, or managed parallel to the keyboard. It supports a wide variety of first and third-party styluses for drawing and note-taking, which is a great asset in educational settings.

The DIY version offers a vibrant selection of colors, enhancing its appeal for students. The 1080p webcam positioned at the top is decent but doesn’t compare to higher-end models, alongside a physical privacy switch among the microphones. The stereo speakers deliver a loud and clear sound, although they lack deep bass.

The keyboard is well-spaced, relatively quiet, and quite comfortable for typing, though it lacks backlighting. Photo: Samuel Gibbs/The Guardian

Weighing in at 1.3kg, the laptop 12 is not ultra-light, but its compact design allows it to fit easily into bags and snug spaces. The ample mechanical trackpad is responsive and functions well. However, the laptop lacks fingerprint or facial recognition, requiring a PIN or password entry each time it opens or when accessing secure applications like password managers.

Specifications

  • Screen: 12.2in LCD 1920×1200 (60Hz; 186ppi)

  • Processor: Intel Core i3 or i5 (U Series, 13th Gen)

  • RAM: 8 or 16GB (up to 48GB)

  • Storage: 512GB (up to 2TB)

  • Operating System: Windows 11 or Linux

  • Camera: 1080p front

  • Connectivity: Wi-Fi 6e, Bluetooth 5.3, Headphone jack + 4 port selection: USB-C, USB-A, HDMI, DisplayPort, Ethernet, MicroSD, SD

  • Size: 287 x 213.9 x 18.5mm

  • Weight: 1.3kg

Modular Ports and Performance

The expansion module can be swapped at any time by sliding it into the socket beneath the laptop. Photo: Samuel Gibbs/The Guardian

The Laptop 12 offers two options for Intel 13th Generation U-Series processors, featuring a power-efficient chip from previous years. In testing with the mid-range i5-1334U, it may not have set raw performance records, but it handled tasks beyond basic computing without issues. For everyday tasks, it feels responsive, but struggles with more demanding applications like video conversion.

Due to the older chip, battery life tends to be on the lower end of 2025 standards, lasting around 7-8 hours with light office applications such as browsers, word processors, note-taking apps, and emails. Using more intensive applications can reduce that time significantly. The battery can be fully charged in about 100 minutes using a USB-C power adapter rated at 60W or more.

You can install four expansion cards simultaneously, and swap them in and out without needing to power off the laptop. Photo: Samuel Gibbs/The Guardian

Port selection is highly customizable, featuring a fixed headphone jack and four expansion card slots. Available options include USB-A and USB-C, HDMI, DisplayPort, as well as MicroSD and SD card readers. Other cards can add storage of up to 1TB, with USB-C cards available in various vibrant or semi-transparent colors to enhance the appearance. This is a fantastic system, but it’s important to note that the laptop 12 is limited to USB 3.2 Gen 2; the more advanced USB4/Thunderbolt connectivity found in newer devices is not present here.

Sustainability

The high-quality plastic body, designed with over-molded sides, is durable and well-constructed. Photo: Samuel Gibbs/The Guardian

The framework claims the battery will retain at least 80% of its original capacity for a minimum of 1,000 full charge cycles. It can be easily replaced, along with other components including RAM and SSD.

Framework sells replacement parts and upgrades through their marketplace, while also supporting third-party components. Many laptop components include recycled plastic materials.

Price

The DIY version of the Framework 12 starts at £499 (€569/$549/$909). A pre-built model begins at £749 (€849/$799/$1,369) running Windows 11.

For context, the DIY Framework 13 is priced at £799 while the DIY Framework 16 is £1,399. Similarly, comparable 2-in-1 Windows devices begin at around £500.

Verdict

Just like previous Framework devices, the laptop 12 illustrates the possibility of having a repairable, upgradeable, and adaptable computer that functions well, appealing to both tech enthusiasts and casual users. It brings fun to the process in ways that many mid-range PCs do not.

The keyboard is solid, the trackpad performs admirably, and the speakers deliver clear, crisp sound. Modular ports are a standout feature that every PC manufacturer should consider adopting, as the ability to easily repair or upgrade is still quite rare. The absence of biometric authentication is a drawback, while the touchscreen, though bright, lacks brilliance; fitting older processors may result in reduced performance for demanding tasks, and battery life could be better by modern standards.

The main disadvantage is its price, as it is approximately £150 to £200 higher than similar spec-based closed models. Unless you already have spare components like storage or RAM, the cost reflects the benefits of a modular and open system.

Pros: Swappable ports, repairable and upgradeable, engaging and durable design, compact size, a variety of color options, strong keyboard and trackpad, solid performance for daily tasks.

Cons: Below-average battery life, a bright but slightly dull screen, absence of biometric authentication. Pricier than competitors, utilizes older processors, waits for purchase fulfillment.

Ports can be mixed and matched for creative combinations. Photo: Samuel Gibbs/The Guardian

Source: www.theguardian.com

Research Reveals How This Easy Snack Habit Can Lower Your Cholesterol

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Consuming 50g of almonds (approximately 45 nuts) each day can boost your cholesterol levels and provides numerous metabolic advantages.

This information comes from a recent study conducted by Oregon State University (OSU). The findings were published in Nutritional research.

Researchers engaged 77 adults aged 35-60 in a 12-week clinical trial, where participants snacked daily on either 320 calories of almonds or crackers.

All subjects had metabolic syndrome, characterized by various risk factors for chronic illnesses such as heart disease and type 2 diabetes. This includes conditions like excess abdominal fat, elevated blood pressure, high blood sugar levels, low “good” cholesterol, and high triglyceride levels.

Professor Emily Ho, a co-author of the study and director of the Linus Pauling Institute at OSU, noted in BBC Science Focus that almond consumption reduces cholesterol levels, particularly LDL cholesterol (“bad” cholesterol), enhances gut health, decreases inflammation, and improves gut microbiota.

“The control group that consumed crackers didn’t show the same positive outcomes,” she stated. “Eating almonds did not lead to weight gain; in fact, there was a minor reduction in waist circumference and an improvement in vitamin E levels among participants, which is vital for the population.”

Vitamin E is an essential nutrient crucial for the proper functioning of various organs, nerves, and muscles, as well as for reducing blood clotting; however, many individuals in the UK and the US fail to consume sufficient amounts of vitamin E in their diets.

Participants who consumed almonds daily experienced numerous benefits for their metabolic health – Credit: Limpido via Getty

“Almonds are packed with various bioactive compounds, including essential vitamins and minerals like vitamin E and magnesium, along with fiber and numerous polyphenols that possess antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. They are truly nutritious snacks.”

She emphasized that substituting your usual snack with a handful of almonds can yield substantial health benefits, especially when included in a balanced and varied diet.

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About our experts

Emily Ho is a prominent professor at Oregon State University and director of the Linus Pauling Institute. Her research focuses on antioxidants, gene expression, and dietary chemoprevention strategies, particularly investigating the role of antioxidant nutrients such as zinc in maintaining DNA integrity and the development of cancer.

Source: www.sciencefocus.com

New study shows how this easy snack habit can boost your cholesterol levels

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Exciting news for pecan enthusiasts: these tasty nuts may be even more beneficial for your health than previously thought. Swapping out your usual snacks for pecans could be a smart move for your overall well-being.

A recent study revealed that incorporating pecans into your daily snack routine can lead to improvements in cholesterol levels and enhance the quality of your diet. The research, as featured in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, focused on adults dealing with or at risk for metabolic syndrome—a condition that raises the likelihood of developing type 2 diabetes or heart-related issues.

Participants in a 12-week study were split into two groups: one replaced their usual snacks with 57g of pecans daily, while the other maintained their regular diet. The outcome? Those snacking on pecans experienced a reduction in total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol (commonly known as “bad” cholesterol), and non-HDL cholesterol.

Lowering LDL levels and improving the HDL to total cholesterol ratio are crucial steps in reducing the risk of heart disease. Dr. Christina Petersen, an associate professor of nutrition science from Pennsylvania, highlighted the benefits of substituting typical snacks with pecans for heart health.

Participants who replaced regular snacks with 57g of pecans per day saw improvements in their cholesterol levels and overall diet quality. – Getty

The study involved 138 adults aged 25 to 70, all meeting criteria for metabolic syndrome, such as obesity, low HDL, and hypertension. Results showed enhanced adherence to the Dietary Guidelines for Americans and a higher consumption of plant protein and seafood among those who opted for pecans as snacks.

While weight gain was observed in the pecan group compared to the non-pecan group, the cholesterol-lowering benefits of pecans remained unaffected. According to the researchers, additional guidance on calorie intake could help achieve a balance between energy consumption and pecan nutrition.

In conclusion, making the switch to pecans from less nutritious snacks can have a positive impact on heart health and overall dietary patterns. It’s important to be mindful of calorie intake while enjoying the benefits of these nutritious nuts.

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Source: www.sciencefocus.com

Jeff Koons explains his decision to reject AI in the art world: “I refuse to take the easy way out”

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HJeff Koons, the world’s most expensive artist, has faced criticism in the past for creating his famous balloon dogs and stainless steel rabbits without physically using his own hands. I have drawn a line. Work – I am contemplating using AI to enhance my work.

The art world is currently abuzz with discussions about the possibilities and risks of artificial intelligence. Deep learning models are now capable of replicating styles and generating unique compositions upon request.

Speaking to the Guardian at the launch of Reflections, a joint exhibition featuring his work alongside Pablo Picasso’s at Granada’s Alhambra Palace, Koons welcomed this divine development. His reliance on a team of craftsmen and cutting-edge technology to create his artwork led Collector magazine to question last year, “Is Jeff Koons a true artist?”




A work juxtaposed with Jeff Koons’ Ball of Gazes (David’s intervention with a Sabine woman) in Granada and Picasso’s Helmeted Head.

Koons has embraced technological advancements in his work. A highly mirror-polished stainless steel Rabbit he created five years ago, designed to mimic the look and materials of a balloon through intensive machining, fetched a record $91 million (£72.5 million). His previous bestseller, a 10-foot-tall steel balloon dog, sold for $58 million in 2013. Additionally, in February, 125 of his miniature lunar sculptures were sent to the moon via a SpaceX rocket, becoming the first authorized art pieces on the moon.

His Gazing ball series has been recreated, with a large blue glass bauble added to the shelf and selecting 35 out of 350 balls before finalizing the artwork. Koons is also exploring innovative avenues. He shared, “I have a few projects in mind. We have had insightful discussions with individuals at the forefront of AI development.”

Source: www.theguardian.com

Psychologist reveals quick and easy technique for reframing rejection response

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Feeling rejected, whether by a relative, significant other, date, friend, or employer, can be tough. It’s crucial to remember that you value the relationship more than they do, indicating a mismatch in values.

The asymmetry of such situations can be hurtful, especially when it occurs repeatedly. Research shows that people often consider the loss of relationships as one of the most painful experiences in their lives.

Brain imaging research also suggests that feelings of rejection activate parts of the brain associated with physical pain, explaining the visceral nature of mental suffering in such situations.

If you face rejection frequently, you may develop “rejection sensitivity,” causing you to avoid interactions to prevent further pain. Therapists can assist in developing a sense of belonging elsewhere and managing difficult emotions.

Credit: Adam Gale

Therapists can also help you view rejection in a more rational and self-compassionate manner. Instead of internalizing rejection as a flaw in yourself, consider alternate perspectives.

For instance, a job rejection could be due to being overqualified, or a missed call from a potential date may be from nervousness. Sometimes, rejection may not be about you at all, such as a friend avoiding you due to their own reasons.

Approaching new relationships as learning opportunities and staying open-minded can help you overcome fear of rejection. Reflect on what you could do differently in the future and seek connections in different ways.

This article addresses overcoming the fear of rejection, inspired by a question from Birmingham resident Louisa Rollins.

If you have any queries, contact us at: questions@sciencefocus.com or reach out to us on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram (don’t forget to include your name and location).

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Source: www.sciencefocus.com

Neglecting easy methods to promote physical activity in our kids

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As you prepare to settle in to watch the latest generation of Olympians and Paralympians display their incredible athletic abilities, the irony is unlikely to escape many, especially if you're watching with your kids.

In May, the World Health Organisation reaffirmed that the majority of young people around the world do not get enough exercise, with children in England and Wales being the most physically inactive in the world. As with so many other issues, screens are often the ones to blame here, but as some of our special issue on physical activity highlights (see 'How much exercise do kids really need, and what kind?'), the reality is more complex.

It's true that time spent in front of TVs, iPads, and other devices competes with opportunities for physical activity, and we know that spending time outdoors, in nature, and interacting with others has many benefits that kids who are glued to their screens miss out on. But there are plenty of other reasons why kids are inactive, and often these are easy problems to fix.

Earlier this year we reported that school uniforms may be contributing to the problem by being too restrictive, but this could be easily fixed by simply changing uniform policies. Meanwhile, the emphasis on competitive and elite sport in schools takes the fun out of physical activity and causes many children to lose interest.

This is especially true for girls, whose gender gap in physical activity emerges early in life and widens dramatically in the later grades. The fun gap These include issues with periods, embarrassment about performing in front of boys, etc. Providing separate sports sessions for boys and girls, with an emphasis on activity and play rather than competition, can be a big help.

So while events like the Olympics and Paralympics are inspiring, our conversation should focus less on competitive sport and exercise and more on fun, accessible activities that are easy to incorporate into everyday life for everyone.

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Source: www.newscientist.com

Researchers find easy method to drastically enhance your coffee at home

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There are all sorts of fancy tools and expensive equipment that can dramatically improve the taste of your coffee, but now scientists have discovered a new trick that requires just a few drops of water.

When you grind coffee, the process creates friction, which causes some cracks in the beans. This generates electricity that causes the coffee particles to clump and stick to the grinder.

Publish the survey results in a magazine Casea team of researchers reported that coffee beans with higher internal moisture levels generate less static electricity.. This meant less coffee was wasted and a stronger espresso was obtained.

This moisture level is achieved by simply adding a small amount of water to the beans. in front Polishing them.

“Moisture determines the amount of charge formed during grinding, whether it’s residual moisture inside the roasted coffee or external moisture added during grinding,” says the senior author. Dr Christopher Hendona computational materials chemist at Orjon University.

“Water not only reduces static electricity and reduces mess during grinding, but it can also have a significant impact on the strength of the beverage and potentially its ability to obtain a higher concentration of desirable flavor.”

Coffee experts weren’t the only people involved in this study. In a strange turn of events, a volcanologist was brought in to better understand what happens when static electricity is generated when grinding coffee.

“During an eruption, magma breaks up into many small particles that come out of the volcano in a large plume. Throughout the process, those particles rub against each other and become electrically charged until lightning occurs.” he says.volcanologist joshua mendez harperauthor of the paper at Portland State University.

“Simplistically speaking, it’s like grinding coffee, grinding the beans into a fine powder.”

During the course of the study, the research team measured the amount of static electricity generated by grinding a variety of commercially and home-roasted coffee beans. These vary depending on factors such as country of origin, roast color, and moisture content.

Although there was no association between static electricity and the coffee’s country of origin or processing method (natural, washed, decaffeinated), the researchers found a link between static electricity and coffee content, roast color, and particle size. found that there is a correlation between

Less power was produced when the coffee had a higher internal moisture content and when the coffee was ground at a coarser setting. The research team also discovered differences in the static electricity generated between light and dark roasts.

When we compared espresso made with the same coffee beans ground with and without water, we found that grinding with water produced a stronger and longer extraction. Similarly, milling with water improves shot-to-shot consistency, overcoming a hurdle for baristas who want consistent results all day long.

“The main material benefit of adding water during grinding is that there is less agglomeration and the bed can be packed more densely,” says Hendon.

“Espresso is the worst culprit for this problem, but there are also benefits seen in brewing methods where you pour water over the coffee, like on the stovetop. Where you don’t see a benefit are methods like a French press, where you steep the coffee in water. .”

Although the research findings primarily focus on coffee, they have implications for other areas as well.

“It’s kind of the beginning of a joke: a volcanologist and a coffee expert walk into a bar and come out with a paper,” Harper says.

“But I think there are many more opportunities for this kind of collaboration. These investigations could help solve parallel problems in geophysics, such as landslides, volcanic eruptions, and how water infiltrates soil. .”

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Source: www.sciencefocus.com

Breathing Easy: The World Can Now Relax.

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Washington University in St. Louis published a new study on December 17, 2023, examining the health risks of PM2.5 and global reduction efforts. The study found that global PM2.5 exposure has decreased since 2011, mainly due to China’s efforts. The researchers emphasize the health benefits of exposure reduction and emphasize the need for continued monitoring and mitigation efforts, especially in densely populated areas.

The study, conducted by researchers at Washington University, quantified changes in air pollution from 1998 to 2019 and concluded that further mitigation efforts are still needed.

PM2.5, which is 2.5 micrometers or smaller, poses a significant global environmental health risk. It can lead to respiratory diseases such as asthma and bronchitis, cardiovascular diseases such as heart attacks and high blood pressure, and permanent developmental problems in children. Exposure to PM2.5 is also associated with an increased risk of premature death.

To address these negative effects, several countries, including China, have reduced their exposure to PM2.5. Yet, the study raises questions about the effectiveness of these efforts and which regions are making the most progress in driving PM2.5 reductions.

The research, led by Randall Martin, examined PM2.5 data from 1998 to 2019 and found that China’s strict air quality controls were the biggest cause of the global reversal in PM2.5 exposure. This reduced exposure resulted in 1.1 million fewer premature deaths in China between 2011 and 2019, as well as improved health outcomes more generally.

Overall, the study underscores the need for continued reductions in PM2.5 exposure globally and emphasizes the importance of sustained monitoring, especially in poorly monitored but highly populated regions such as South Asia and the Middle East. The success in PM2.5 reduction demonstrates the benefits of mitigation efforts and provides motivation for further progress.

Source: scitechdaily.com