Replacing regular salt with potassium-enriched alternatives could prevent nearly three million deaths annually, according to modelling across 193 countries. The study examines the potential benefits of changes in household kitchens, food manufacturing and restaurants.

Bacteria navigating microscopic channels could offer a new way to tackle complex calculations. A McGill-led team has developed a biocomputer that explores possible solutions in parallel, with potential applications in molecular biology, encryption and artificial intelligence.

Green credentials alone may not persuade shoppers to pay more. Three studies suggest that sustainable products command greater willingness to pay when they also offer enjoyable experiences, while concerns about price and practicality can weaken that appeal.

Adjusting display focus to match virtual-object depth could make augmented reality interactions faster. Tests with a varifocal prototype improved 3D pointing performance without significantly changing error rates, although the benefits varied between users.

Separating benzene from cyclohexane is a costly and energy-intensive step in chemical manufacturing. Researchers in the US and China have developed a reusable, molecularly woven material that absorbed nearly 98% of benzene from a test mixture. The new approach could offer a more energy-efficient alternative to conventional distillation in the production of nylon, paints and other industrial materials.

Building permanent settlements on the Moon could become easier by using locally available materials. Researchers at the University of Arkansas have developed a 3D-printing process that turns simulated lunar dust into interlocking construction blocks without additional binders. Although the resulting bricks still have limited mechanical strength, the approach could reduce the need to transport building materials from Earth.

Cannabis seeds and molecular traces of psychoactive cannabis compounds were discovered in human hair in a princely tomb in Siberia. This proves that cannabis was used as an intoxicant as early as 2,800 years ago.

Green credentials alone may not persuade shoppers to pay more. Three studies suggest that sustainable products command greater willingness to pay when they also offer enjoyable experiences, while concerns about price and practicality can weaken that appeal.

Gerstel, Agroscope, and CTC Analytics have launched Vacuum In-Tube Extraction, an innovative, fully automated technique for the extraction and enrichment of volatile organic compounds for gas chromatography–mass spectrometry.

Amsbio has expanded its range of high-performance magnetic beads for use as detection labels in magnetic immunoassays or as a solid support phase in immunoassays.

Eppendorf’s new Centrifuge 5811 R is designed to support a wide range of laboratory workflows. The solution builds on the firm’s earlier Centrifuge 5810 R and has received a significant update to its cooling technology.

Ibidi has updated its µ-Plate 96 Well series for high-throughput imaging by including both square and round wells. The µ-Plates are available in 24, 96, or 384 well formats and cater to diverse life science applications.

Researchers investigated why early warnings in Africa do not always reach people in time or prompt them to take protective action. They also highlight six priorities to strengthen early warning systems and help ensure warnings reach everyone.

Some fungi living inside plant roots may have an outsized influence on forest microbial communities. Combining DNA data with computer modelling, Kyoto University researchers have identified potential keystone organisms and developed a framework for finding them in other complex microbiomes.

A new study has the potential to help millions of people living in earthquake-prone countries make better-informed decisions about seismic risk, especially during ongoing periods of increased earthquake activity.

Seven of 16 climate indicators have reached record extremes, according to an international report led by Oregon State University scientists. Despite growth in renewable energy, the authors say record fossil fuel use and rising emissions demand faster action, alongside adaptation and ecosystem protection.

More than 95% of processed and 98% of ultra-processed foods sold in the UK are classified as unhealthy when assessed against government dietary recommendations. Yet existing food labelling and regulatory systems identify far fewer products as unhealthy, according to a new study published in BMJ Medicine. The findings raise concerns about inconsistent nutritional assessments and their impact on consumer choices.

Replacing regular salt with potassium-enriched alternatives could prevent nearly three million deaths annually, according to modelling across 193 countries. The study examines the potential benefits of changes in household kitchens, food manufacturing and restaurants.

Researchers have created rice plants that have the potential to resist the devastating disease – bacterial blight. This disease is claimed to threaten one of the world’s most important food crops.

Americans’ coffee consumption remained broadly stable between 2003 and 2018, but average daily calories from coffee and its additions rose from 43 to 60. A study of 30,000 adults identifies growing use of non-dairy creamer as the main driver.

Why do people become more sensitive to cold as they age? Researchers at City of Hope have identified a biological mechanism that slows the body's ability to generate heat through specialised fat cells. Experiments in mice suggest that this age-related decline may be partly reversible, potentially opening new avenues for research into obesity, type 2 diabetes and other metabolic disorders.

Going to bed and waking up at different times each day may be linked to poorer mental health. A large study involving around 23,000 participants found that irregular sleep schedules were associated with more severe symptoms of depression, anxiety and loneliness. The findings suggest that sleep consistency deserves greater attention alongside sleep duration and quality.

A joint statement led by the Australian Council on Smoking and Health warns that reducing tobacco excise will have serious public health consequences especially among the younger generations.

A new study has revealed that children who visit parks and playgrounds at least once a week tend to have better mental health and social development as they grow up.