Salt makes almost everything taste better we add it while cooking to enhance the flavor of other ingredients, sprinkle some into baking to balance out sweetness, and enjoy it in our favorite snacks, like chips, pretzels, and microwave popcorn. Besides these obvious sources, many highly processed foods foods we wouldn't ordinarily consider salty contain an unexpectedly high amount of sodium, such as canned goods, salad dressings, cold cuts, various cheeses, flavored yogurts, ketchup, and much more.While lower salt consumption has long been recommended for people with cardiovascular issues like high blood pressure, researchers from the Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare have presented new research showing a strong link between higher sodium intake and the risk of obesity. This research is set to be presented at the European Congress of Obesity in May 2025.Why We Crave SaltDietary salt, typically in the form of sodium chloride (NaCl), is necessary for essential bodily functions, such as regulating fluid balance and supporting nerve impulses and muscle contractions. When sodium levels drop, the "salt-thermostat" in our brain activates, triggering a craving for more salt.Long ago, when our ancestors lived in oceans, the cells of those early lifeforms evolved to thrive in a solution as salty as seawater. As our predecessors became terrestrial and moved to dry, hot environments, salt became scarcer, and the craving for sodium likely developed as a survival mechanism to ensure adequate intake.Today, that early evolutionary make-up, coupled with the easy access to salt that modern life provides, leads to plenty of opportunities for overconsumption. Studies have shown that when animals are deprived of salt, they often "overshoot," consuming far more sodium than necessary to restore balance, suggesting that salt homeostasis tends to go in only one direction.Read More: Why Is the Ocean Salty?Connecting High Salt with ObesityA study led by Annika Santalahti and her team explored the growing body of evidence linking salt intake with obesity. They analyzed data from the National FinHealth 2017 Study, estimating sodium intake through food frequency questionnaires and urine samples.Statistical analysis revealed that the median salt intake was above recommended levels, with men consuming over 12 grams and women over 9 grams daily. The World Health Organization recommends no more than 5 grams per day, while the American Heart Association suggests only 2.3 grams, about 1 teaspoon.Additionally, the researchers found that participants with higher sodium intake or high urine sodium levels were more likely to suffer from general or abdominal obesity, with the latter increasing the risk of cardiovascular disease.These results strengthen the evidence of an association between sodium intake and obesity, with similar findings observed for both dietary sodium and urine sodium concentration. It is important to gain more understanding about the biological mechanism of the relationship, said the study authors in a press release.Processed Foods Are the CulpritWhile the study emphasizes that the link between salt and obesity isn't fully understood, the authors note that, over time, high salt intake might affect satiety hormones (which control hunger and signal when we're full) or could simply serve as a marker for the overall quality of the foods we eat.Further research is needed on the overall nutrition and nutrition quality of those with high sodium diets, but also research on the biological mechanisms of high sodium intake, for example on satiety, the gut microbiome and body composition, explained the authors in the news release.They also point out that the food industry plays a significant role in the population's salt intake, as most of the sodium we consume comes from processed foods rather than unprocessed natural products. In addition, broader changes in the food environment, such as whether meals are home-cooked or consumed from restaurants or takeout, also influence how much salt we consume.Article SourcesOur writers at Discovermagazine.com use peer-reviewed studies and high-quality sources for our articles, and our editors review for scientific accuracy and editorial standards. Review the sources used below for this article:American Heart Association: Shaking the Salt Habit to Lower High Blood PressureEuropean Association for the Study of Obesity: 32nd European Congress on ObesityPhysiology and Behavior: Salt craving: The psychobiology of pathogenic sodium intakeHaving worked as a biomedical research assistant in labs across three countries, Jenny excels at translating complex scientific concepts ranging from medical breakthroughs and pharmacological discoveries to the latest in nutrition into engaging, accessible content. Her interests extend to topics such as human evolution, psychology, and quirky animal stories. When shes not immersed in a popular science book, youll find her catching waves or cruising around Vancouver Island on her longboard.

Generative AI (Gen AI) tools like ChatGPT have become an ever-present part of many peoples personal and working lives. And whether they are causing more harm than good to our cognitive skills or problem solving is a growing concern. Experts are worried that dependence on Gen AI is making users who lean heavily on these tools dumber, according to research findings.In a recent paper, a team from Microsoft and Carnegie Mellon University found that higher confidence in Gen AI is associated with less critical thinking, while higher self-confidence is associated with more critical thinking amongst a group of 319 knowledge workers from a wide range of fields.Their findings showed that while Gen AI tools can improve efficiency at work, they may also inhibit critical engagement with work and can potentially lead to long-term overreliance on the tool and diminished skill for independent problem-solving.Decline in Critical Thinking SkillsThis declining analytical engagement translates to less fact-checking, and more time reading through AI-generated text rather than creating content, amongst more.For Anjali Singh, a postdoctoral fellow at the University of Texas, Austin who wasnt involved in the study, this moving away from creative tasks, and offloading them on to Gen AI instead, is one of the major concerns emanating from this paper. If you practice less of those kind of skills, your critical thinking is likely to get negatively impacted, says Singh. Unfortunately, though, the answer to this question is far more complex. Singh believes that the impact of AI on cognition really depends on how we use it and on who is using it.She also points out that the Microsoft study focused on professionals and experts in their field. Her own research concerns novices, a group that can include students or people who are new to a profession or field. It's for them that Gen AI tools can be especially harmful, she says, as they may rely on them to carry out more tasks, or thinking on their behalf than experts in their field. As a result, it can, in the long-term, lead to a decrease in what kind of cognitive skills they use in a given context, and how they use them.Read More: AI and the Human Brain: How Similar Are They?Artificial Intelligence in EducationAnother paper published in 2024, for example, found university students facing high levels of academic workload and time pressure resorted to using ChatGPT more frequently, ultimately increasing levels of procrastination, affecting their memory, and harming grades amongst some participants in the research. On the flip side, others are enthusiastic about the potential of Gen AI to help build cognitive skills, or make us smarter, with other studies underlining a positive influence in some cases.A study published last year, for example, found that incorporating ChatGPT in classwork resulted in significant improvements in some students critical, creative, and reflective thinking scores compared to those who didnt use it.As technology in education continues to grow, we suggest that ChatGPT can be a valuable mechanism for academics in higher education to consider, the researchers wrote.They are not alone in backing ChatGPT and similar tools in educational settings. Rossella Suriano, a researcher in the department of Cognitive, Psychological and Pedagogical Sciences and Cultural Studies at University of Messina, led a study that found a positive influence of ChatGPT on critical thinking skills.The study highlighted that interaction with ChatGPT can indeed promote the development of complex critical thinking skills, Suriano says. But, in her view, thats also contingent on how these tools are used.This research suggests that using it actively and consciously, ChatGPT can become a valuable tool for developing advanced cognitive skills in an educational setting, she says.How to Function with AI ToolsFor Suriano that means understanding how they function and, importantly, recognizing their limitations. Just as we would, or shouldnt necessarily, believe everything we read online, or a person tells us.The prompt we provide and the attitude with which we engage profoundly influences the response, she adds. Instead of diminishing cognitive capacity, when used correctly, these tools could actually enhance our ability to think and reflect independently. There is still more to learn as much of the research investigating Gen AIs influence whether helpful or harmful on our cognitive abilities is short-term in nature; thats a problem that needs to be resolved, says Singh, particularly when it comes to younger people.Even for experts, it is yet to be seen what the impact that Gen AI is having in the long term, says Singh. There hasn't really been enough time to see the kind of impact these tools will have on our cognition.Unfortunately, that means any answer to the question of whether ChatGPT and other Gen AI is making us dumber is somewhat vague; it could, but it also might make us smarter, if used in the right way.Read More: The Pros and Cons of Artificial IntelligenceArticle SourcesOur writers at Discovermagazine.com use peer-reviewed studies and high-quality sources for our articles, and our editors review for scientific accuracy and editorial standards. Review the sources used below for this article:Microsoft and Carnegie Mellon University. The Impact of Generative AI on Critical Thinking: Self-Reported Reductions in Cognitive Effort and Confidence Effects From a Survey of Knowledge WorkersInternational Journal of Educational Technology in Higher Education. Is it harmful or helpful? Examining the causes and consequences of generative AI usage among university studentsComputers and Education: Artificial Intelligence. ChatGPT effects on cognitive skills of undergraduate students: Receiving instant responses from AI-based conversational large language models (LLMs)Learning and Instruction. Student interaction with ChatGPT can promote complex critical thinking skillsSean Mowbray is a freelance writer based in Scotland. He covers the environment, archaeology, and general science topics. His work has also appeared in outlets such as Mongabay, New Scientist, Hakai Magazine, Ancient History Magazine, and others.

Commercial Fishing Disrupts an ocean carbon sink driven by the seafloor.Image: Johner Images/Getty Images The ocean is a vast natural sponge for carbon dioxide, taking in about 30 percent of the worlds annual carbon emissions. But certain human activities are rendering that sponge less absorbent, as described in new research. Bottom trawling for fish like sole and crustaceans and dredging to maintain harbors disrupts the seafloor, causing a cascade of chemical changes that reduce the oceans ability to sop up climate-warming carbon from the atmosphere, according to a study published March 28 in the journal Science Advances.Together the impacts of dredging and trawling release between 2 and 8 teragrams (2-8 million metric tons) of carbon dioxide each yearequivalent to the annual energy emissions from up to 1 million U.S. homes, per the new analysis. Compared with all of the carbon emissions that result from burning fossil fuels globally (or even a single industrialized nations annual emissions), the amount of CO2 is, admittedly, small.First and foremost, we need to reduce our emissions. Theres no way around that, Sebastiaan van de Velde, lead study author and a marine geochemist at the University of Otago in New Zealand, tells Popular Science. Yet when governments and corporate investors are pouring huge amounts of money and resources into moonshot carbon capture projects, the seafloor findings are significant, van de Velde says.The Northern Lights Carbon Capture and Storage facilities in Bergen, Norway. Image: Leon Neal/Getty Images Leon NealShifting how and where trawling is done could cut hundreds of times more greenhouse gas emissions than all of the currently operational direct air carbon capture plants on Earth, he notes. Reducing trawling and dredging in a climate-conscious way could have carbon benefits on par with major mangrove and wetland restoration projects, at a fraction of the cost, he explains. Thats not to say we should stop restoring coastal ecosystems, which provide many benefits, like minimizing erosion and boosting storm resilience. But perhaps it means we should also consider changing how we fish.Previous studies have found that trawling, and other seafloor disruptions, release greenhouse gases. However, this prior research has focused on the organic carbon: basically the decaying muck at the bottom of the ocean that keeps some sliver of carbon trapped in limbo. Trawling brings that muck back to the surface, where the stored carbon can be cycled through the microbe food web and re-released into the air as CO2.The new study examines the other side of the coin: inorganic carbon and ocean acidity. Key chemical reactions involving dissolved rock particles and minerals unfold on the seafloor. These reactions help to turn the marine environment more alkaline (i.e. basic). Generating alkalinity is a central feature of ocean carbon cycles. Its why the ocean can absorb carbon dioxide from the air in the first placebecause CO2 dissolved in water becomes carbonic acid. If things get too acidic, and the seas get saturated, its unable to absorb any more. The alkaline seafloor processes counter acidification and prime the ocean to take in additional carbon dioxide.Pulling a heavy set of nets and chains across the seafloor to catch fish or scooping up sediments through dredging throws those standard chemical cycles out of whack. Both activities introduce more oxygen to the ocean bottom than would normally be present. Oxygen reverses the reactions that produce alkaline molecules, instead creating more acidity and impeding seawaters ability to absorb CO2 from the atmosphere.Fisherman emptying net full of fish into hold on trawler. Image: Getty Images Monty RakusenTo estimate the full impacts of dredging and trawling worldwide, van de Velde and his colleagues relied on real-world data cataloging seafloor carbon flux, oxygen levels, and pH. They built a global mathematical model of seafloor alkalinity, and then used separate stats on dredging and trawling to infer how much these activities disrupt the acid-base chemistry. They determined that muddy reaches of the coastal shelf are the most important type of seafloor surface for producing alkalinity, and thus the most impacted by the dredging and trawling.The final value they came to (again, 2-8 teragrams of carbon dioxide produced per year) includes some uncertainty because data on dredging and trawling is limited, the ocean floor isnt uniform, and the amount of sediment kicked up by each fishing boat or dredger depends on the type of equipment used and the location.Theyre the best numbers we could get, but theyre not necessarily the [100 percent] correct numbers, Van de Velde tells Popular Science. Theres a lot of things were doing that we dont really know the impacts of. And in the ocean, theres a lot of unknown unknownsthings we dont even know that we dont know. He hopes that his study represents the start of a better understanding, and leads to more exact future analyses.In the meantime, he also hopes this first attempt at quantifying the inorganic carbon effects of trawling and dredging will spur marine industries and regulatory bodies to adjust. Advances in equipment can make trawling less harmful and fuel efficient, without imperiling the seafood supply. And in some regions, trawling could be restricted to 40 percent of the current fishing grounds or even lesssetting aside 60 percent for conservation, and yields would only fall by 10 percent, according to a 2021 report from the International Council for the Exploration of Sea.To me, it seems like a no-brainer, van de Velde says. Its theoretically possible to have your fish and eat it too (with far fewer climate impacts)but industry has to be willing to be swept up in the tides of change.

We may earn revenue from the products available on this page and participate in affiliate programs. Learn more Tony WareMost people probably look for a gas generator as the easiest way to get backup power in a pinch, but a dual-fuel generatorwhich can run on gas or propaneprovides a more flexible alternative. With two ways to power your generator, you have more options when fuel is in short supply (in conditions like a hurricane). Dual-fuel generators also give you more control over secondary factors like noise and emissions: Gas is easy to get at any station, but propane burns cleaner and quieter. The best dual-fuel generators not only offer the best of both worlds but also come equipped with slew of slick features to make your user experience easy and safe.Best overall: DuroMax XP12000EHBest portable: Westinghouse iGen4500DFBest electric start: Wen DF1100XBest budget: DuroMax Duro Star DS5500EHAlso worth considering: Champion Power Equipment 7,500-watt dual fuel generatorHow we chose the best dual-fuel generatorsAs a tech enthusiast and camping addict, Ive looked at a wide range of portable power stations and related accessoriessuch as the Goal Zero Yeti 1000 Core portable generator and the best home wind turbinesfor the likes of Popular Science, Scientific American, The Daily Beast, and more. (And if youre looking for things to do with all that power, consider charging one of the best ebikes Ive written about.) Ive researched each of these dual-fuel generators extensively via a combination of first-hand trials, input from experts, and reviews from real-world consumers.The best dual-fuel generators: Reviews & RecommendationsOur favorite dual-fuel inverter generators span a range of purposes. Some are designed as reliable backup power sources for an entire home. Others are small and portable, giving you just enough juice for a camping trip or short blackout. Our list features generators of all shapes and sizes, so you can find something that suits your needs and budget.Best overall: DuroMax XP12000EHBest overallPlenty of JuiceThe DuroMax XP12000EH delivers plenty of power for any purpose.ProsSolid outputOutstanding build qualityPower Boost for bigger appliances and RVsWheel kit includedConsVery heavyExpensiveSome owners report limited customer service supportSpecsRated output:9,500WPeak output:12,000WGas tank capacity:8.3 gallonsWeight:238 lbsVolume:74 dBStarter:Electric and pullBuy it used or refurbished: eBayWhy it made the cut: With its high output and heavy-duty build quality, the DuroMax XP12000EH will keep the lights on and more.The DuroMax XP12000EH is a true workhorse of a dual-fuel generator. With a steady output of 9,500W, its more than powerful enough to provide electricity to an entire home, and its 12,000W peak output allows it to provide extra power if theres suddenly a much larger need. It also has a large 8.3-gallon gas tank so that it can run for a long time on petrol alone.Whats more, XP12000EH has a reputation for providing outstanding reliability. It was built for rugged uses, like on a work site, and its all-metal construction ensures that it can handle a bit of roughhousing. All that metal and gas capacity means its very heavy, though. At 238 pounds, you wont be moving this around a lot, and forget about taking it camping. But it comes with a wheel kit, which may help ease the load over short distances.truction quality is clearly solid. Again, the gas tank is pretty small, but thats actually an advantage in this case.Best portable: Westinghouse iGen4500DFBest portablePower You Can Carry With YouThe Westinghouse iGen4500DF packs more power into a relatively portable package.ProsHighly portablePlenty of power outputQuietSolid constructionConsExpensiveHeavy for a portable generatorSpecsRated output:3,700WPeak output:4,500WGas tank capacity:3.4 gallonsWeight:104.7 lbsVolume:52 dBStarter:ElectricBuy it used or refurbished: eBayWhy it made the cut: If you need to take plenty of power camping or to the job site, the Westinghouse iGen4500DF is a great choice.If you need lots of power and the ability to move your generator around, the Westinghouse iGen4500DF is the best semi-portable option we know of. Its slightly larger than our best small pick and almost twice as heavy. Still, its significantly more compact and portable than most dual-fuel generators, with a similar 3,700-4,500W output. Thats plenty of power for a large camping expedition, an RV, or a work site.Best electric start: Wen DF1100XBest electric startElectric Start and StopThe Wen DF1100X is smart and safe.ProsPlenty of power outputCO2 shutdown safety sensorRelatively quietConsExpensiveHeavySpecsRated output:8,300WPeak output:11,000WGas tank capacity:6.6 gallonsWeight:213.8 lbsVolume:72 dBStarter:ElectricWhy it made the cut: For an easy startup and lots of safety features, check out the Wen DF1100X.It isnt all that uncommon for a dual-fuel generator to have an electric start switchall of the recommendations on this list have them, either solely or alongside a pull cord. The Wen DF1100X sets itself apart with an automatic stop mechanism that can cut power in an emergency.The Wen DF1100X comes in several packages. However, we specifically recommend the model with a built-in CO2 shutdown sensor, which is important if you run the generator in a garage or otherwise poorly ventilated space.With a hefty 8,300-11,000W output, above-average gas capacity, and a relatively low operating volume, the Wen DF1100X is a generator powerhouse. Its both expensive and heavy, but if youre looking for an easy-on, safety-off option, its a solid investment.Best budget: DuroMax Duro Star DS5500EHBest budgetSolid Power, Lower PriceThe DuroMax Duro Star DS5500EH offers plenty of power at a lower price.ProsSolid output for priceOutstanding build qualityRelatively portableConsNot powerful enough for an entire homeSome owners report limited customer service supportSpecsRated output:4,500WPeak output:5,500WGas tank capacity:3.9 gallonsWeight:124 lbsVolume:69 dBStarter:Electric and pullWhy it made the cut: With its relatively high output, relatively low price, and solid construction, the Duro Star DS5500EH is a solid budget-conscious pick.The DuroMax Duro Star DS5500EH is effectively a smaller, more affordable version of our best overall pick. At just under half the price of the DuroMax XP12000EH, the Duro Star DS5500EH delivers about half the power. A 4,500W generator gives you plenty of power if youre charging up an RV, topping off power tools at a work site, or keeping key appliances on during a power outage.At just over 100 pounds, its not exactly light, but its also not so heavy that you cant get it around. It wouldnt take too much wrangling to bring it camping, especially thanks to the inclusion of wheels.Champion Power Equipment 7,500-watt dual fuel generatorProsPlenty of power for big jobs or long run timesUp to 10 hours runtime on gas or 5.5 on propaneLots of connectivity: 120V 30A RV Locking Outlet (L5-30R), 120/240V 30A RV Locking Outlet (L14-30R), (2) Two GFCI 120V 20A Household OutletsSturdy wheelsConsBig and heavyLoudSpecsRated output:7,500WPeak output:9,375WGas tank capacity:7.7 gallonsWeight:205 lbsVolume:74 dBStarter:Electric and pullWhy it made the cut: You can often find this powerful dual-fuel generator at a deep discountits regularly sub-$1,000 but sometimes dips far below that mark.When it comes to pure power-to-price ratio, this Champion offering makes a solid showing. It weighs just over 200 pounds and contains a 439cc 4-stroke engine. When running on gasoline, it produces 9,375 starting watts and 7,500 running watts. On propane, it churns 8,400 starting watts and 6,750 running watts. Thats plenty of power for even large jobs or whole-home backup in an emergency. Despite its size and weight, its relatively easy to move around thanks to sturdy integrated wheels. It starts easily with an electric system, but it also has a recoil option for use in a pinch. What to consider when buying a dual-fuel generatorWhile there are plenty of dual-fuel generators on the market, they arent cheap, and many of them simply arent worth the investment. Some are poorly made and dont last long. Others dont deliver reliable performance, so they may not work when the lights go out. To make a wise purchase, you should keep a few things in mind to judge whether a generator is worth the cost. When it comes to connectivity, it offers ample ports. They include a 120V 30A RV Locking Outlet (L5-30R), 120/240V 30A RV Locking Outlet (L14-30R), and a pair of Two GFCI 120V 20A household outlets. Power outputSimply put, if a generator cant give you enough power to meet your needs, it isnt worth buying. Manufacturers usually provide two numbers, both measured in watts (W), which will help you understand how much power a generator produces. First, a generators Rated output tells you how much power it produces at any given moment. Second, many generators also have a peak output spec, which refers to the maximum amount of power that a particular unit can handle blasting out in a short burst. This comes in handy if you plan to turn appliances on and off, which can cause sudden surges of electrical draw.Ideally, you want a generator with a rated output equal to your typical power needs. If youre simply looking to power and recharge a handful of devices alongside a simple appliance or two, 1,500W-2,000W might be all you need. If you are turning a lot of random power tools on and off, or powering an RV, look for something around 4,000W. However, if youre looking to power a house, youll likely need at least 8,000W or more.Fuel capacityWith petrol and propane, dual-fuel generators can keep the power going longer than most single-fuel power solutions. Of course, that depends on how much fuel you have in your tanks. Most dual-fuel generator gas tanks run between 2 and 10 gallons, which is pretty typical of single-fuel generators that run solely on gas. Propane is almost always stored in separate pressurized gas canisters that are attached via a hose, exactly like you would a propane grill. So the propane capacity depends on the size of your canister rather than the generator itself.In both cases, though, you should keep in mind that more storage means more weight. If youre looking for a portable generator, youll want to balance those two factors. If youre buying a generator to back up your homes power and plan to leave the generator in one place, weigh it down as much as you like.Starting typeDual-fuel generators use one of two starting mechanisms: either a recoil cord or an electric starter. With a cord, you pull the handle hard and fast to produce the rotation necessary to fire the generator. It requires more physical effort but tends to be more reliable. An electric starter is a push-button solutionno exertion is required, but it only works when its internal battery is charged.Operating noiseGenerators are pretty loud, which can be a nuisance if you keep one (or more) in or near your home. Generators tend to get louder as they generate more power. (There are exceptions, though.) If youre going to keep your generator around your house or run it while camping in a quiet spot, you will want to keep the noise to a minimum.Typically speaking (but not always), higher-quality generators manage to turn the volume down thanks to the use of thick shielding and other design elements. If your priority is pure power, though, you may simply have to put up with the noise or find another way to minimize it.Dual-fuel generators give you the advantage of running propane, which generators process more quietly than gas. Most dual-fuel generators produce between 50 dB (roughly the same as a refrigerator) and 90 dB (about the same as a small-engine motorcycle).Size, weight, and featuresThere may be other logistical considerations youll want to keep in mind based on your specific needs and setup, such as the specific dimensions of the generator and how much it weighs. If your generator sits at home for backup power, size, and weight might not be much of an issue. For mobile uses like camping or worksites, however, you will want something you can move without too much strain.There are also several physical features for transportation that are common but not universal, like wheels or a lift hook bar to hook onto a crane. You may also find special safety features, such as CO2 safety shutoffs, over-speed shutoffs, or high-temperature alarms. For better or worse, none of these features are ubiquitous enough to be must-have features across the board, but you should absolutely look for generators with specific features that feel important to you.FAQsQ: Are dual-fuel generators worth it? While dual-fuel generators tend to be slightly more expensive than traditional ones, they are more fuel-efficient, lowering costs in the long run. Theyre also significantly quieter when running on propane rather than gas, which is great if you plan to keep it within earshot. Dual-fuel generators are also extremely valuable when fuel isnt readily available. If youre preparing for a natural disaster like a hurricane, for example, its better to be capable of using whatever fuel you can get your hands on. Q: What is the most powerful dual-fuel generator? Theoretically, the skys the limit in terms of power. In reality, though, the most powerful consumer-grade dual-fuel generators top out at around 12,000W. Q: Is it better to run a dual-fuel generator on gas or propane? Gas produces more power, but the generator runs more quietly while using propane, and its less damaging to the environment. Having a dual-fuel generator means you can choose or at least have access to both options. Q: How long will a dual-fuel generator run on propane? That depends entirely on the size of your propane tank, the generators engine, and the amount of power its generating. For example, our best overall pick can run for about seven hours at 25 percent power output capacity using a typical 20-pound propane tank. Q: What is the difference between an inverter and a generator? A generator produces the electricity, while a power inverter stores and reconfigures the energy. Virtually all consumer-grade generators have inverters integrated into them. Q: Who makes the quietest dual-fuel generator? The quietest dual-fuel generator youre going to find produces around 50 dB. At 52 dB, our best portable pick, the Westinghouse iGen4500DF, is about as quiet as they come. Final thoughts on the best dual-fuel generatorsBest overall: DuroMax XP12000EHBest portable: Westinghouse iGen4500DFBest electric start: Wen DF1100XBest budget: DuroMax Duro Star DS5500EHWorth considering: Champion Power Equipment 7,500-watt dual fuel generatorA dual-fuel generator can really be an asset when youre camping or when prepping for an emergency. That said, it is a major investment, so make sure youre buying the right size generator for whatever youre doing. To power a whole house, bigger is obviously better. But you might be better off with something more portable for powering an RV or a casual blackout backup. Also, consider the possibility that a more environmentally friendly power solution, like a solar generator, might be able to give you the power you need with a smaller carbon footprint.

Nature, Published online: 28 March 2025; doi:10.1038/d41586-025-00879-6Study of more than 100,000 people supports your parents advice: eat your veggies.

Nature, Published online: 26 March 2025; doi:10.1038/s41586-025-08740-6The ability to physically partition the human brain at a spatial resolution comparable to neuroimaging methods enabled the development of a brain-wide atlas of mitochondrial content, specialization and enzymatic oxidation and phosphorylation activities.

Fossils of 444 million-year-old creatures whose bodies were preserved "inside-out" have been discovered in South Africa.

The Alaskan Volcano Observatory has shared new images of plumes of gas streaming out of Mount Spurr, which scientists suspect will erupt in the coming weeks or months.

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