A new study published in the journal Physics of Fluids brings some actual science into debates over how to brew the perfect pot of coffee. Researchers used transparent silica gel particles to capture high-speed footage showing exactly how water flows through a pour-over setup under different conditions.
The team found that maximizing contact time between water and coffee grounds, while allowing for plenty of mixing, is key to brewing a strong cup of coffee. Pouring slowly from a greater height increases water velocity, and using a gooseneck kettle can help optimize the process. The researchers recommend experimenting with reduced quantities of grounds to achieve a stronger cup.
In other news, federal funding for research has been cut, including around $4 million in grants for climate change-related projects at Princeton University. The Department of Commerce announced that the projects were no longer aligned with their priorities.
A study published in Communications Earth & Environment found that less than 10% of the plastic made worldwide in 2022 contained recycled materials. The world produced over 400 million tons of plastic last year, and estimates suggest it will double by 2050.
In cosmic news, a new study suggests that the Small Magellanic Cloud is being pulled apart by the gravitational pull of nearby galaxies. Researchers tracked the motion of 7,000 stars and found that they were moving in different directions on the galaxy’s respective sides.
Additionally, a study published in Nature Astronomy estimated Uranus’ rotation rate with unprecedented accuracy, adding 28 seconds to its previously estimated rotational period. And, new research argues that dinosaurs were doing just fine before their mass extinction event, contradicting earlier theories.
Science Quickly is produced by Rachel Feltman and others, and this episode was edited by Alex Sugiura.
Source: https://www.scientificamerican.com/podcast/episode/length-of-a-day-on-uranus-revised-pour-height-influences-coffee-quality-and