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Why Olive Oil is the Ultimate Choice for Boosting Brain Health

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Olive Oil: A Key Ingredient in a Brain-Boosting Diet

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Understanding the health benefits of olive oil is essential, as it not only lowers “bad cholesterol” but also combats inflammation and safeguards against chronic diseases, including various cancers. Recent studies indicate that its advantages may extend to brain health.

What does this mean for cognitive function? Is extra virgin olive oil really necessary, and how much should one consume for optimal benefits? The answers may be more encouraging than you think, as other oils may also support brain health.

It’s important to remember that nutrition research is complex and often unreliable. For instance, participants may struggle to accurately track their food intake, leading to unreliable data. However, some patterns emerge from observational studies, especially when experimental research reinforces these findings.

Olive oil is a fundamental component of the widely acclaimed Mediterranean diet, renowned for promoting health. This diet encourages the consumption of tomatoes, whole grains, fresh fish, and generous amounts of olive oil, occasionally paired with red wine. Numerous studies link this lifestyle to reduced rates of heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and even dementia.

The Mediterranean diet is particularly high in fats, primarily from olive oil, prompting scientists to investigate its specific role. According to nutrition specialist Richard Hoffman from the University of Hertfordshire, England, “The Mediterranean diet is significantly more effective when enhanced by extra virgin olive oil.”

A landmark study in Spain involved over 7,000 participants aged 55 to 80. One group ingested 1 liter of extra virgin olive oil weekly while adhering to a Mediterranean diet. Others either supplemented their meals with nuts or were advised to reduce fat intake.

After five years, participants in the olive oil group exhibited markedly lower instances of heart disease and stroke. Daily consumption of just 10 grams of olive oil correlated with a 10% reduction in cardiovascular disease risk and a 7% decrease in mortality.

Current consensus among scientists suggests that olive oil can mitigate inflammation and enhance cardiovascular health. But how does it affect the brain?

A large-scale study published in 2024 examined over 92,000 adults, evaluating their olive oil consumption every four years for around 30 years. Findings revealed that higher olive oil intake was linked to a lower risk of dementia-related mortality.

Even after accounting for variables like BMI, physical activity, smoking, socio-economic status, and overall diet, a connection remained between olive oil consumption and reduced dementia risk.

Further analysis showed benefits from substituting other fats with olive oil. According to Marta Guasch-Ferré from Harvard University, “Replacing butter or other animal fats with olive oil resulted in an 8-14% decrease in dementia-related mortality risk.”

The Mediterranean Diet: Lowering Disease Risks with Olive Oil

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Olive oil’s protective properties for the brain are attributed to polyphenols, which are abundant in this oil. These bioactive compounds shield plants from stress and pests and may do the same for humans by scavenging free radicals, reducing inflammation, and preventing harmful oxidation of fats that can lead to strokes.

Additionally, polyphenols nourish gut microbes, interacting with the immune system to minimize inflammation. Chronic inflammation is a major contributor to significant health issues, including heart disease and dementia, with growing evidence linking Alzheimer’s disease to inflammation in various organs.

According to Guash-Ferré, “Evidence is accumulating to support that olive oil may alleviate Alzheimer’s and other neurodegenerative conditions.”

Which Olive Oil is the Best for You?

It’s essential to differentiate among olive oils. Extra virgin olive oil is the least processed, retaining the most polyphenols. In contrast, virgin olive oil is subjected to more processing, while standard variety is processed extensively, losing many health benefits.

Is the type of olive oil significant? Guasch-Ferré indicates that any olive oil consumption correlates with a lower risk of mortality. The mix of healthy unsaturated fats and beneficial bioactive compounds positions olive oil as a premier plant-based oil.

A recent study explored how different olive oils impacted the microbiome and cognitive health of seniors. It evaluated 656 individuals, revealing that those consuming virgin olive oil showed cognitive improvements. In contrast, participants using standard olive oil experienced cognitive decline. Interestingly, this was linked to changes in the gut microbiome, with specific bacteria mediating some effects.

While this research is preliminary and involved a short follow-up period, it emphasizes the connection between diet, gut health, and brain function.

So what should you take away? While standard olive oil offers some cardiovascular benefits due to its favorable fat profile, extra virgin olive oil provides additional protective compounds. The great news is that other vegetable oils, such as canola and safflower, also contain beneficial fats and moderate polyphenol levels. In substitution models, Guasch-Ferré’s team found no cognitive health drawbacks from these oils compared to animal fats.

“Other vegetable oils can also provide health benefits, especially as they are typically more affordable than olive oil,” she notes. However, further research is warranted for conclusive guidance.

Ultimately, select the highest quality extra virgin olive oil that fits your budget. Although if that’s not feasible, replacing animal fats with other vegetable oils is a beneficial step toward brain health. If you aim for premium quality, pay attention to storage; light reduces polyphenol levels over time, so choosing a dark bottle is advisable for optimum health advantages.

I’m willing to invest a little more in high-quality extra virgin olive oil, not only for its rich flavor but also for its profound brain-health benefits.

Topics:

  • Neuroscience /
  • Nutrition

Source: www.newscientist.com

The Best Olive Oil for Brain Health: Which Type Should You Choose?

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Olive oil - a brain-boosting diet

Is Extra Virgin Olive Oil the Best Choice for Brain Health?

Alexander Prokopenko/Shutterstock

Olive oil is renowned for its health benefits, including lowering “bad cholesterol,” combating inflammation, and protecting against chronic diseases such as cancer. New evidence also suggests olive oil positively impacts brain health.

I explored how olive oil could enhance cognitive function. Is extra virgin olive oil really essential? How much do we actually need?

Surprisingly, olive oil may not be the only oil with brain health benefits.

All nutrition research has its challenges, often relying on food diaries that participants may inaccurately report. Therefore, definitive studies can be rare.

However, observable patterns can still emerge from observational studies complemented by biological experiments, helping us understand the health impacts of various foods.

Olive oil’s popularity skyrockets largely due to its pivotal role in the Mediterranean diet, widely regarded as one of the healthiest dietary patterns. This diet encourages the consumption of fresh vegetables, fish, and olive oil, along with occasional red wine, correlating with reduced rates of heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and dementia.

While the Mediterranean diet is high in fat, most of it comes from olive oil. As nutritionist Richard Hoffman points out, “The Mediterranean diet’s effectiveness is amplified when extra virgin olive oil is included,” highlighting its significant role.

A pivotal study involving over 7,000 Spanish participants aged 55 to 80 examined the effects of olive oil on heart health. One group received 1 liter of extra virgin olive oil weekly and was encouraged to consume 4 to 5 tablespoons daily. In contrast, other groups replaced olive oil with nuts or reduced their overall fat intake.

Over five years, those who consumed olive oil showed lower rates of heart disease and stroke, achieving a 10% reduction in cardiovascular disease risk for every 10 grams consumed daily.

While olive oil’s anti-inflammatory and cardiovascular benefits are clear, what does it mean for the brain?

The upcoming large-scale study set for 2024 analyzed data from over 92,000 adults regarding olive oil consumption tracked across nearly 30 years. Results indicated a lower risk of dementia-related mortality among regular olive oil consumers.

While healthier lifestyles typically correlate with higher olive oil intake, controlling for variables such as BMI, activity level, and overall diet still showed a strong association with reduced dementia risk.

Moreover, replacing other fats with olive oil provided additional benefits; researchers found an 8 to 14 percent reduction in dementia risk when substituting a teaspoon of margarine or mayonnaise with olive oil, according to Marta Guasch-Ferré from Harvard University.

Olive Oil: A Vital Component of the Mediterranean Diet

Imaging Ltd./NurPhoto (via Getty Images)

Olive oil exhibits protective effects on the brain, primarily due to its rich content of polyphenols, the highest among edible oils. These compounds protect plants and humans from various stressors, reduce inflammation, and prevent harmful fat oxidation leading to plaque formation.

Polyphenols also nourish gut microbes, supporting a healthy immune system and mitigating inflammation. Chronic inflammation is linked to major health issues, including heart disease and dementia, suggesting that Alzheimer’s could stem from inflammation in distant organ systems.

“Growing mechanistic evidence indicates that olive oil may alleviate the underlying pathology of Alzheimer’s and similar neurodegenerative diseases,” says Guash-Ferré.

Choosing the Right Olive Oil

All olive oils are not equal. Extra virgin olive oil is the least processed variety, preserving polyphenols. Virgin olive oil is slightly more refined, while standard olive oil undergoes further processing, stripping it of many beneficial properties.

Is there a significant difference in health benefits among these types? “Consumption of any type of olive oil correlates with a lower mortality risk,” Guash-Ferré states. The blend of healthy fats and bioactive compounds makes olive oil a top choice among plant-based oils.

However, recent research from January revealed intriguing insights comparing various olive oils’ effects on the microbiome and cognitive function in older adults. The study involving 656 overweight participants with metabolic syndrome demonstrated that those consuming more virgin olive oil exhibited cognitive improvements, while standard olive oil users faced accelerated cognitive decline.

The beneficial impacts are associated with shifts in microbial diversity; those drinking virgin olive oil saw increased diversity, whereas standard olive oil led to reduced diversity, with a specific bacterial group, adlerkreuzia, mediating about 20% of virgin olive oil’s cognitive effects.

Although this preliminary study is small and short-term, it hints at a captivating relationship between diet, gut bacteria, and brain health.

What does this mean for us? While standard olive oil provides health benefits, especially for heart health, extra virgin olive oil offers an added dimension through its polyphenols that may safeguard brain function.

The good news for your wallet is that the health benefits aren’t exclusive to olive oil. Other plant-based oils like canola and corn also contain healthy fats and moderate polyphenol levels. Guash-Ferré’s team found no additional brain health benefits when replacing olive oil with these oils; instead, they emphasized that while olive oil is beneficial, other vegetable oils are also acceptable alternatives.

“Incorporating other vegetable oils can be a healthy substitute for animal fats and are generally more affordable,” she cautions, yet further studies are necessary to bolster these findings.

The simplest advice? Opt for the highest quality extra virgin olive oil you can afford. If that’s not feasible, replacing animal fats with other vegetable oils still promotes brain health. It’s also wise to consider packaging; light can diminish polyphenol levels, so choose dark bottles when possible to preserve health benefits.

I confidently invest in high-quality extra virgin olive oil, not just for its exquisite flavor but also for its potential cognitive advantages.

Topics:

  • neuroscience /
  • Eating and drinking

Source: www.newscientist.com

How Virgin Olive Oil Promotes Cognitive Health by Altering Gut Microbiota

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A large prospective cohort study has revealed that older adults consuming more virgin olive oil, a vital element of the Mediterranean diet, experience slower cognitive decline and enhanced gut microbiota diversity over two years. Conversely, higher consumption of common refined olive oil correlates with decreased microbial diversity and accelerated cognitive decline.

Extra virgin olive oil, a cornerstone of the Mediterranean diet, protects against cognitive decline. Image credit: Steve Buissinne.

Virgin olive oil is a key ingredient of the Mediterranean diet, packed with phenolic compounds known for their anti-inflammatory and antioxidant benefits.

While prior laboratory and animal research hinted at neuroprotective effects, human studies linking olive oil, gut microbiota, and cognitive function remain sparse.

This groundbreaking finding stems from participants in the PREvención con DIeta MEDiterránea-Plus (PREDIMED-Plus) study, an extensive ongoing trial designed to explore how dietary and lifestyle changes influence cardiovascular and metabolic health.

“This is the first prospective human study analyzing the role of olive oil in the relationship between gut microbiota and cognitive function,” stated Dr. Giaki Ni, a researcher from Rovira i Virgili University.

Researchers monitored over 650 adults aged 55 to 75, who were overweight or obese and at high risk for cognitive decline, yet cognitively healthy at the study’s onset.

During a two-year period, they assessed participants’ olive oil intake, gut microbiome profiles, and performance on a comprehensive range of cognitive tests.

Increased consumption of virgin olive oil was linked to improved or sustained overall cognition, executive function, and language proficiency.

In stark contrast, high consumption of common refined olive oil appeared to diminish gut microbial diversity and accelerate cognitive decline.

“As cases of cognitive decline and dementia rise, our findings underscore the necessity of enhancing diet quality. Prioritizing extra virgin olive oil over refined options emerges as a simple yet effective strategy to safeguard brain health,” emphasized researchers Nancy Babio and Stéphanie Nisi from Rovira i Virgili University.

To uncover why virgin olive oil may positively impact cognitive function, scientists analyzed baseline stool samples.

Those who consumed higher amounts of virgin olive oil exhibited greater gut microbiota diversity and a more cohesive microbial community structure compared to those who consumed less.

Further analysis indicated that specific gut bacteria may elucidate the cognitive advantages. Changes in the prevalence of particular microbial species, such as adlerkreuzia, appeared to mediate the relationship between virgin olive oil intake and enhanced cognitive performance, reinforcing the concept that diet influences brain health via the gut-brain axis.

“This study highlights that the quality of fats we consume matters as much as their quantity,” remarked Dr. Jordi Salas Salvado, also from Rovira y Virgili University.

“Extra virgin olive oil not only benefits heart health but also plays a vital role in protecting brain function as we age.”

“The discovery that microbial profiles contribute to these benefits opens avenues for new nutrition-based prevention strategies to maintain cognitive function.”

Find out more in the study published in the journal Microbiome.

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J.nee et al. 2026. Changes in total and different types of olive oil intake, gut microbiota, and cognitive function in older adults. Microbiome 14, 68; doi: 10.1186/s40168-025-02306-4

Source: www.sci.news

Top 250 Oil and Gas Companies Hold Just 1.5% of Global Renewable Electricity Ownership

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Oil corporations are making minimal investments in wind energy.

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Significant oil and gas firms hold under 1.5 percent of the global renewable electricity capacity, raising concerns about their dedication to green energy transition, despite their public assertions.

Marcel Llabero Pasquina and Antonio Bontempi, researchers from the Autonomous University of Barcelona, analyzed ownership data of over 53,000 renewable energy projects—including wind, solar, hydroelectric, and geothermal—tracked by the NGO Global Energy Monitor. They compiled this information to determine the proportion of these projects owned by the 250 largest oil and gas companies, which together dominate 88% of global hydrocarbon production.

As the world shifts away from fossil fuels, many chief energy companies have committed to investing in renewables, yet findings indicated that these top firms own merely 1.42% of operational renewable energy capacity worldwide. Notably, more than half (around 54%) of this capacity was acquired rather than developed by these companies. Their analysis of total energy output showed that just 0.13% of energy produced by these companies comes from renewable electricity.

“The findings were astonishing even to me,” remarks Llabero-Pasquina. “We understood they played a limited role in the energy transition. We thought it was merely for appearances. Yet, the numbers are even lower than we anticipated.”

Llavero Pasquina and Bontempi are associated with Environmental Justice, a collective dedicated to researching and advancing the global environmental justice movement. Llabero-Pasquina believes that the campaign’s stance bolsters his research. “It is crucial for us to maintain high rigor in our work so that we can effectively persuade others and demonstrate the truth.”

It is not surprising that major energy corporations, renowned for their oil and gas ventures, do not hold substantial stakes in renewable energy, says Thierry Bros from the Institute of Sciences in Paris. “Ultimately, [the energy transition] must be disruptive and not play into the hands of these companies.”

However, Bros argues that big energy firms are misleadingly portraying their efforts towards energy transition. “They represent themselves as incorporating methods like carbon capture for emissions from fossil fuels. Yet, I believe their actual engagement leans more towards carbon capture and sequestration, which may extend beyond their genuine expertise,” he states.

Offshore Energies UK, representing the UK’s offshore energy sector, including oil, gas, wind, carbon capture, and hydrogen, refrained from commenting directly on these findings. Nevertheless, it highlighted a previous statement from CEO David Whitehouse: “Rather than being in conflict, oil and gas, wind, and emerging low-carbon technologies form a unified system. The expertise of our workforce, the same individuals who developed the North Sea, is instrumental for achieving this transition,” he remarked.

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Source: www.newscientist.com

Archaeologists Discover Fragrant Oil Residues in Ancient Phoenician Vessels

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Archaeologists have performed the inaugural systematic, interdisciplinary examination of the structure, methods, and contents of 51 “Phoenician Oil Bottles” discovered on Motia Island, located off the western coast of Sicily, Italy. Their findings imply that these bottles were likely produced and filled in aromatic Phoenicia during the 8th to 6th centuries BCE and distributed throughout the Western Mediterranean.

A selection of ‘Phoenician Oil Bottles’ (750/740-550/530 BC) from Motia, Italy. Image credit: A. Orsingher.

The Phoenicians utilized aromatic substances in diverse manners. Often burned alongside ceramic, metal, or stone supports, these substances enhanced both indoor and outdoor environments, indicating the performance of various ritual practices.

Commonly depicted in Phoenician iconography are stereotypical images of smoke rising from fragrant burners before sacred figures and symbols.

Moreover, the ornamental or floral designs of the incense indicate a clear connection between scent and the function of the vessel.

Among the Phoenician ceramics linked to fragrant substances, a category of small, simple vessels known as “Phoenician oil bottles” is particularly noteworthy.

While not part of standard production, these jugs, dating from the 8th to 6th centuries BCE, typically feature narrow openings with thick, outwardly-rolled rims, a short, bulging neck that tapers, a single vertical handle, and spherical to oval bodies with either rounded or pointed bases.

Excluding notably large examples from the Teatrocomico of Cadiz, Phoenician oil bottles usually have a height of 11.5-14 cm with a maximum diameter of 8.5-10 cm until the mid-8th century BCE.

After this period, the height decreased to around 9.5 cm, the body shrank to approximately 6.5 cm, and handle sizes diminished, making them difficult to grasp.

These simple, slow-fired jugs have been unearthed from various settings across the Atlantic and Mediterranean regions, including graves, households, sanctified areas, pottery workshops, and shipwrecks, indicating their widespread use.

The small island in western Sicily, Italy, currently produces the highest quantity of these vessels.

“Their extensive distribution throughout the Mediterranean implies that these containers served multiple purposes,” states Dr. Adriano Orsinger, a researcher at CompCances University in Madrid and the Institute of Biblical Archaeology.

In a recent study, Dr. Orsingher and his team analyzed ceramic compositions to trace the origins of the “Phoenician oil bottles.”

Subsequent evaluations of organic residues within the vessels provided insights into their original contents and purposes.

The findings indicate that these bottles were produced in southern Phoenicia, specifically between present-day Beirut and the Carmel region.

Organic residues were found in eight of the 51 vessels, showing traces of plant-based lipids and pine and mastic resins, strong indicators of light oil formulations.

“Our research confirms that these ceramic vessels were employed to transport aromatic oils,” asserts Dr. Sylvia Amikorn, a researcher at the University of Tübingen.

“These oils were not mere commodities. They acted as cultural connectors and embodiments of identity during the Phoenician migration in the Mediterranean,” Dr. Orsingher remarked.

“By carrying familiar scents, they served as tools for memory, enhancing shared practices and olfactory experiences among dispersed communities.”

The Iron Age Mediterranean was characterized by intense mobility, trade, and cultural interconnections.

Phoenicians, celebrated as seafarers, traders, artisans, and settlers, played a pivotal role in this connectivity, establishing communities far from their Levantine homelands.

Central to Phoenician cultural practices was the production and utilization of aromatic substances, for both local consumption and export.

This study urges a reevaluation of historical transitions, trade, and cultural attributions experienced in the ancient world.

“Ancient mobility should be reconsidered not only as the movement of people and goods but as a cycle of sensory, olfactory, and memory traditions,” Dr. Orsingher emphasized.

“The significance of fragrance is intertwined with identity, making its role in migration, reconciliation, and cultural exchange often underestimated, yet crucial.”

“Our findings highlight the potential of interdisciplinary science to uncover the intangible aspects of antiquity,” Dr. Amikorn remarked.

“Investigating the contents and uses of these vessels offers a unique perspective on how scents connected life, landscapes, and identity in the ancient Mediterranean,” Dr. Ouger added.

“Innovative research methodologies continue to yield unexpected insights into the past,” proclaimed Carla Paulman, a professor at the University of Tübingen.

“This study demonstrates that even elusive evidence like ancient scents can be accessed through interdisciplinary approaches, opening new avenues into the ancient sensory and cultural realm.”

Survey results were published in Journal of Archaeological Method and Theory.

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A. Orsingher et al. 2025. Home scent: Motia’s Phoenician oil bottle. J Archaeol Method Theory 32, 59; doi:10.1007/s10816-025-09719-3

Source: www.sci.news

This Innovative Breakthrough Could Signal the End of Palm Oil

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Researchers have crafted an environmentally friendly substitute for palm oil, potentially available by the end of 2025.

Palm oil, alongside other tropical oils like shea, coconut oil, cocoa butter, and soybeans, presents significant environmental challenges.

These oils encroach upon rainforests, contributing to deforestation, biodiversity decline, greenhouse gas emissions, as well as air and water pollution in regions such as Southeast Asia, South America, and Africa.

However, palm oil is prevalent in our foods and cosmetics. It is estimated that nearly half of all packaged goods in supermarkets contain palm oil, disguised under various ingredient names including glycerin and stearic acid.

This dilemma prompted a team of scientists at Bath University, led by chemical engineer Professor Chris Chuck, to seek alternatives for over a decade. Their research has led to a promising solution: a yeast called Metschnikowia pulcherrima.

“It thrives on grapes,” Chuck mentioned in BBC Science Focus. “It’s already applied in the organic wine sector. When you enjoy the blackcurrant notes in red wines from South Africa, that’s thanks to Metschnikowia.”

This yeast naturally comprises about 20% fat; however, Chuck’s team employed a method termed “directional evolution,” which promotes a rise in fat proportions, akin to selective breeding, by utilizing environmental pressures.

“Currently, about half of it is pure fat,” Chuck explained. “We didn’t just increase the yeast’s mass; it’s impressively fatty. Plus, we managed to accelerate its growth.”

The cultivation of this oil requires minimal space and uncomplicated equipment—just a large vat. The yeast feeds on food waste, such as discarded bread and potato byproducts, which are converted into sugar.

Once the yeast becomes densely populated, the cells burst and release oil, which is processed similarly to traditional cooking oils.

After this process, half of the non-oil yeast can be repurposed into other food ingredients, such as natural emulsifiers and beta-glucans, a heart-healthy fiber also found in oats.

By adjusting temperature, acidity, and sugar, yeast can produce a range of fats. The oil on the right is engineered to resemble more saturated, semi-solid palm oil, while the oil on the left is a less saturated liquid – Credit: Clean Food Group

Adjusting the yeast’s growing environment allows scientists to modify its flavor, texture, and nutritional properties, balancing saturation levels to mimic various fats.

“If executed correctly, we can prevent the destruction of tropical forests,” Chuck stated. “Currently, we’re using land equivalent to Argentina to cultivate cooking oil, making it one of the largest agricultural footprints globally.”

Demand for palm oil continues to rise. The current palm oil market is valued at $50.6 billion and is projected to increase to $65.5 billion (£48.3 billion) by 2027.

“We need forests to act as the planet’s lungs,” Chuck explained. “We cannot afford to clear everything.”

Moreover, substituting some tropical oils with yeast-based alternatives can lead to reduced greenhouse gas emissions.

“These tropical crops emit more CO2 than oil they produce,” Chuck added, noting that yeast-derived oils emit 95% less carbon dioxide and can be cultivated in nearly any location.

“These cutting-edge fermentation techniques enable us to establish local production,” he elucidated. “We’ve implemented this model on the outskirts of Birmingham, utilizing waste from our nearby factory to create oil and reintegrate it into our local ecosystem.”

This yeast-based oil is on the horizon; Chuck indicated it could debut in cosmetics by late 2025 or early 2026, with food applications to follow shortly thereafter.

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About our experts

Professor Chris Chuck is a chemical engineer at the University of Bath, UK, and co-founder of the food technology startup Clean Food Group. He also contributes to the Reaction and Catalytic Engineering Research Unit (Racial), Center for Sustainable Chemical Technology (CSCT), Center for Water Innovation Research (WIRC), Center for Bioengineering and Biomedical Technology (CBIO), and the Institute for Sustainability and Climate Change.

Source: www.sciencefocus.com

Innovative Aerogels Provide Eco-Friendly Solutions for Oil Spill Cleanup

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When thick oil from tanker or pipeline accidents infiltrates the ocean, the clean-up process often generates more waste than oil removed. Traditional synthetic tools, such as polypropylene pads and oil dispersants, consist of toxic chemicals that decompose slowly. To offer a more eco-friendly solution, scientists are looking to natural materials like coconut shells, which can absorb oil without causing additional contamination. This Bio-based material is safe and decomposes naturally without harming the environment.

One category of bio-based materials under investigation for oil spill clean-up consists of long chains known as repeating molecules polymers. Researchers have combined various bio-based polymers to create what are called hybrid materials Composite Materials. These composites include a unique type of highly porous solids primarily made of air—Air Gel. Depending on the material composition, iPhone-sized aerogels can weigh less than small paper clips and are highly porous, allowing them to absorb significant amounts of oil, functioning like an overactive sponge!

Previously, scientists utilized chitosan (CS) derived from crustacean shells to construct bio-based aerogels with sodium alginate (SA) from brown seaweed. However, both CS and SA are water-attracting compounds, Hydrophilicity, causing them to dissolve in water. This makes it challenging to apply them for oil spill clean-ups in bodies of water, as they dissolve before capturing much oil. Additionally, CS-SA aerogels tend to be relatively weak and flexible, raising concerns about their reusability.

To address these issues, researchers at the National University of Singapore developed a new CS-SA aerogel. This enhanced aerogel not only repels water but is also lightweight, durable, and reusable through multiple oil absorption cycles.

To create the aerogels, researchers initially dissolved CS and SA in a solution and sent sound waves through it. The sound waves intertwine polymer chains, releasing and reassembling them into smaller chains of Nanofiber. To counteract the hydrophilic nature of CS and SA, researchers introduced water-repelling agents—Hydrophobicity chemicals such as Methyltrimethoxysilane or MTMS.

The mixture was then poured into a mold and placed in liquid nitrogen. This facilitated the formation of ice crystals within the solution, pushing the nanofibers towards the edges where they bonded to create honeycomb-like microstructures. The researchers then froze the mixture and directly sublimated it into steam to eliminate the water.

After producing the aerogels, researchers assessed their porosity and strength. They employed a high-powered microscope to examine the internal structure of the aerogels and determine how the nanofibers influenced porosity. They discovered that aerogels containing nanofibers are more porous than those without. An increase in nanofiber concentration from 0.5% to 2% resulted in aerogels that are up to 9.5 times stronger, albeit with lower porosity, increasing density by 2.5 times. The team settled on a 1% nanofiber concentration as the optimal formula to balance strength and porosity.

The researchers also evaluated the strength of each aerogel by stretching them and measuring how much deformation they could withstand without losing their shape—a concept referred to as Top yield strength and the force they could handle before failure—Ultimate strength. With increasing amounts of MTM, the aerogels became stronger, boosting yield strength by up to 300% and ultimate strength by 200%. They also tested the recovery of the aerogels after compression, showing that they could regain up to 96% of their original shape and exhibited 32% resilience to compression, with minimal bending or structural deformation.

Finally, researchers examined how effectively the aerogels repelled water and absorbed oils. When placed on the aerogel’s surface, water droplets retained a nearly spherical shape instead of spreading out. The droplets were observed moving across the surface and rolling off without leaving any residue, confirming the hydrophobic nature of the aerogel. To test oil absorption, researchers submerged the aerogels in an oil-water mixture, where the aerogels absorbed more than 90% of the oil volume and weighed 30-90 times their initial mass.

Researchers concluded that their new aerogels could be a powerful and sustainable alternative to synthetic materials for oil spill clean-up. They emphasized that designing materials at multiple scales—ranging from molecules to small fibers—can enhance their strength and performance. They proposed that further advancements could allow these aerogels to support reusable and eco-friendly solutions for oil spill remediation, particularly in sensitive coastal areas.


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Source: sciworthy.com

The strange TikTok cooking oil trend demonstrates the pitfalls of misinformation spread through social media

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On TikTok, people claim that pouring castor oil on their belly buttons can cure endometriosis, aid in weight loss, improve complexion, and promote healthy hair. However, it’s important to question the scientific basis behind this viral trend. Castor oil is known for its stimulant and laxative effects, which can be beneficial for treating constipation and inducing labor, although there are more commonly used medications for these purposes.

In addition to its medicinal uses, castor oil is also utilized in cosmetics like lip balms and moisturizers due to its moisturizing and antibacterial properties. Nevertheless, there is a lack of research supporting or refuting the health benefits of applying castor oil to the belly button.

This practice may not make sense from a physiological standpoint, as the belly button served as a connection to the placenta during fetal development, providing oxygen and removing waste products. However, this connection is severed at birth, and oil does not enter the body through the belly button.

While massaging castor oil into the skin may offer temporary relief for certain conditions, such as menstrual cramps, it is not proven to be effective for weight loss or pain relief when taken orally or applied topically. Essential oils have shown to be more effective for aromatherapy purposes compared to unscented oils like castor oil.

Overall, while abdominal massage with castor oil may provide some relief for symptoms like constipation, it is not a substitute for proper medical treatment. It’s important to approach health trends with caution and rely on scientifically proven methods for healthcare.

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Source: www.sciencefocus.com

Ultra-smooth method achieves 99.9% pure separation of oil and water

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Difficult to separate oil and water without leaving behind impurities

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A mixture of oil and water can be efficiently separated by pumping it through narrow channels between semipermeable membranes, paving the way for a cheaper and cleaner way to treat industrial waste. Experimental prototypes successfully recovered both oil and water with purity greater than 99.9 percent.

Various methods already exist for dividing such mixtures into their constituent parts, including spinning the mixture in a centrifuge, mechanically removing oil from the surface, and allowing some substances to pass through but These include dividing mixtures using chemicals, electrical charges, or semipermeable membranes that do not allow other substances to pass through. Membranes are the simplest method, but are currently incomplete and leave behind a stubborn mixture of oily water or watery oil.

now, Yang Haochen researchers from China's Zhejiang University have developed a more efficient method that uses two membranes – a hydrophobic layer to allow oil to pass through and a hydrophilic layer to allow water to pass through – to cleanly separate both. .

Yang said the idea has been tried before, but with less than impressive results. This is because when oil and water are removed from the mixture, the concentration of the components changes and the efficiency of the membrane decreases.

To overcome this, the research team injected the mixture into a narrow channel between the two layers. In this confined space, oil droplets are more likely to collide and accumulate. This means that oil droplets can be removed more efficiently by the hydrophobic membrane. This increases the proportion of water in the mixture, creating a beneficial feedback loop that ensures both clean oil and water are continuously removed.

“When you apply a membrane, [close] When you put them together, they influence each other and the process continues,” says Yang. “There is feedback between the two processes.”

In their tests, researchers found that as the channel width narrowed from 125 millimeters to 4 millimeters, total oil recovery increased from just 5% to 97%, and water recovery increased from 19% to 75%. I discovered it. The purity of the recovered oil and water is more than 99.9%, and only a small amount of waste remains, Yang said.

The team is in talks with industry, and Yang believes the process is so simple that it could be easily scaled up to a suitable level within a few years.

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Source: www.newscientist.com

Review of Still Wakes the Deep – The Terrifying Entity on a 1970s Scottish Oil Rig | Video Games

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TThe film’s premise is a classic of the genre: one day, workers on the oil rig Beira D hit something with their drill, and soon a nameless monster descends on the vessel, killing the crew one by one. At the same time, Glaswegian electrician Cameron “Caz” McCreary is already on the verge of leaving the rig, having been fired from his remote workplace where he took refuge from the police after a huge bar fight. It is in his work boots that we step on as he desperately searches for a way out.

The team behind Still Wakes the Deep is hardly the same as The Chinese Room, the developer behind previous hits Amnesia: A Machine for Pigs and Everybody’s Gone to the Rapture, both of which share the same trademark high visual fidelity, realistic soundwork, and emotive acting. Still Wakes the Deep is set on perhaps the most realistic oil rig ever seen in media, down to the hundreds of tiny hissing valves and labyrinthine metal staircases that groan dangerously. This wouldn’t be the place for health and safety talk, even without the terror looming from the deep, and the rig is by far the game’s most prominent character.

Still Wakes the Deep is also probably the most Scottish game you’ll ever play, and there’s a surprising amount of it. Each snippet of dialogue is a great example of how natural conversation should be, whether Kaz is talking to his few remaining colleagues or reflecting on the events that led him to Beira D. But at around six hours, the game is short, and there isn’t enough time for character development beyond a perfunctory introduction, which makes it hard to empathize with the characters, and isn’t helped by the clumsy device of having several characters call you in succession only to die over the phone.




The most realistic oil rig ever made in media…and yet it awakens the deep sea. Photo: Incognito mode

This is one of The Chinese Room’s most interactive games, doing more than just walking around and looking at things. But its gameplay design has one big problem: me, the savvy player. All of Still Wakes’ gameplay devices are used in so many games that I couldn’t help but groan the first time I saw yellow paint splattered on a ledge to grab onto. After that, yellow is everywhere: yellow tarps showing you where to climb, yellow edges on targets you can jump through, etc. Beira D goes from an interesting maze to a smooth parkour course.

When enemies appear, Caz can’t fight them; instead, he must sneak through them. Areas are littered with crouching spaces and items you can throw as distractions, and they’re often in rooms that you’ll need to cross multiple times before you can take cover. Ideally, this should be a source of tension, but as with navigation, the game makes it very clear what’s coming (and what’s going: at one point a rig worker literally shouts across a loud, echoing room that a monster is actually leaving), so there’s little you can do as the player other than follow the path.




Still awaken the abyss. Photo: Incognito mode

I was frustrated when I found the light from my headlamp didn’t bother the monsters, making it incredibly easy to sneak around. Or I’d fail a jump for purely camera-related reasons and have to listen to McCreary swear as he falls to his death multiple times, and I felt the tension melt away. The ever-present desire to help the player contrasts with horror games’ need to leave us in the dark sometimes. Every time the illusion crumbled, I left the game to put up with just to see what would happen to a character I wasn’t particularly attached to.

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Still Wakes the Deep manages to create an atmospheric portrait of an ordinary person with no special skills simply trying to survive in the harshest environment imaginable, but there aren’t enough real scares or compelling moments to make it memorable beyond that.

Source: www.theguardian.com

The Rise of Norway as an Electric Car Leader: Exploring Oil Money, Civil Disobedience, and a-ha’s Molten

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Kneeling in the snow outside the King’s house with a man named Harald and an electric car, imitating a heartthrob from the 1980s is quite an unconventional situation that definitely needs some explanation.

The King of Norway is also named Harald, but the man with me outside the monarch’s mansion in Stavanger is not a king. I’m here to explore Norway’s prominence in adopting electric cars as a solution to combat CO2 emissions from transportation. Norway has emerged as a global leader in this field with a significant percentage of electric cars being sold in recent years.

On the other hand, the UK has extended its ban on new petrol and diesel cars, while the situation in the EU regarding electric car sales remains below par. Stavanger, Norway’s third-largest city, stands out as an oil hub that has made significant strides towards zero-emission transport through initiatives like electric buses and vehicles.

The man accompanying me, Harald Nils Rostvik, an architect and urban planning professor, has been a driving force behind Norway’s electric vehicle revolution for decades. His pioneering efforts date back to the introduction of one of Norway’s first electric cars in 1989, marking the beginning of a journey towards sustainable transportation.

IIn 1983, former Norwegian Prime Minister Gro Harlem Brundtland spearheaded the Brundtland Commission, which laid the foundation for sustainable development and environmental awareness. Rostvik’s advocacy for electric vehicles and civil disobedience campaigns with environmental activists like Morten Halkett and Mags Furholmen, members of the iconic pop group a-ha, reshaped the narrative around electric cars in Norway.

Their efforts, including importing one of the country’s first electric cars, paved the way for a shift towards greener transportation methods. Despite facing challenges and fines for their activism, their perseverance and innovative spirit contributed to Norway’s evolving landscape of electric mobility.

(from left) Morten Halkett, Harald Nils Rostvik, Frederik Hauge, Mags Furholmen.

The legacy of their early advocacy continues to shape Norway’s EV landscape, with ambitious goals of achieving 100% electric car sales by next year. The collaborative efforts of individuals like Rostvik and prominent figures like Halkett have been instrumental in driving Norway towards a sustainable future of zero-emission transport.

Source: www.theguardian.com

Google to reveal oil and gas methane leak detected from space

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Google and the Environmental Defense Fund on Wednesday announced a partnership to uncover the sources of climate-warming emissions from oil and gas operations that will be detected from space by a new satellite.

MethaneSAT is scheduled to launch next month and is one of several satellites being deployed to monitor methane emissions around the world to identify the main sources of the invisible but powerful greenhouse gas. There is one. The partnership is led by EDF, the New Zealand Space Agency, Harvard University and others.

Data from the satellite will be available later this year, and Google Cloud will provide the computing power to process the information.

Google also announced that it will use artificial intelligence to map oil and gas infrastructure by identifying components such as oil tanks. MethaneSAT emissions data is overlaid with Google Maps to help you understand which types of oil and gas equipment are most likely to leak.

This information will be made available through Google Earth Engine, a geospatial analytics platform, later this year. Earth Engine is free to researchers, nonprofit organizations, and news organizations.

The satellite image above shows a map of points, correctly identified as oil well pads. Google used satellite and aerial imagery to apply AI to detect infrastructure components. Well pads are shown in yellow, oil pump jacks in red, and storage tanks in blue.
Google

“For energy companies, researchers, and the public sector, it's generally helpful to predict methane emissions in the most sensitive components,” Yael Maguire, Google's vice president of geographic sustainability, said on a call with reporters. “We believe this information is extremely valuable for mitigation efforts.”

The launch comes as governments crack down on short-lived sources of greenhouse gases and more than 50 major state-owned and independent oil and gas operators, from ExxonMobil to Saudi Aramco, pledge to reduce methane leakage to near zero at the COP28 climate change summit. This was done amid a promise to reduce the number of By the end of this decade.

The United States is one of the largest emitters of methane and has proposed enforcement measures to stop leaks from oil and gas operations. A new rule by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency will allow the public to report large methane leaks to federal regulators if they have access to methane detection technology.

Source: www.nbcnews.com

China to Begin Ultra-Deep Hole Drilling in 2023 for Oil Exploration

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May 2023, Shendi Take 1 drilling site in Xinjiang, China

Xinhua/Shutterstock

This year, China National Petroleum Corporation began drilling what will be China’s deepest hole and one of the deepest in the world in the northwestern province of Xinjiang.

Ann announcement In May, China’s state news agency Xinhua said the project would drill more than 11,000 meters into billion-year-old geological formations in the remote Taklamakan Desert, calling it an “unprecedented opportunity to study regions deep beneath the earth’s surface.” It was reported.

The continuation of the project…

Source: www.newscientist.com