PARIS (AFP) – Playing a monotonous sound stimulates the activity of a fungus that promotes plant growth, a study suggested, raising the potential that playing music could be good for crops and gardens.

Whether or not blasting Mozart could help plants grow has long been a matter of scientific debate. The United States TV show MythBusters even tested it out, finding that plants exposed to death metal and classical music grew a little better than those left in silence, but deeming the results inconclusive.

However, with the plant world facing a raft of human-driven challenges – including erosion, deforestation, pollution and a burgeoning extinction crisis – the future of the world’s biodiversity and crops are increasingly feared to be under threat.

According to the new study in the journal Biology Letters, “the role of acoustic stimulation in fostering ecosystem recovery and sustainable food systems remains under-explored”.

Based on previous work that exposed E coli bacteria to sound waves, the team of Australian researchers set out to assess the effect sound has on the growth rate and spore production of the fungus Trichoderma harzianum.

This fungus is often used in organic farming for its ability to protect plants from pathogens, improve nutrients in the soil and promote growth.

The researchers built little sound booths to house petri dishes full of fungi.

Instead of pop bangers, they were played Tinnitus Flosser Masker at 8 kHz. This was the audio from one of many white noise videos on YouTube which are intended to relieve tinnitus or help babies fall asleep.

“Think of the sound of an old-school radio in between channels,” lead study author Jake Robinson of Flinders University told AFP.

“We chose this monotone for controlled, experimental reasons, but it might be that a more diverse or natural soundscape is better,” he said.

“This needs further research.”

The petri dishes were played this sound at a level of 80 decibels for half an hour a day.

After five days, the growth and spore production were higher in the fungi that were played the sound, compared to those that sat in silence.

While far from definitive, the researchers suggested some potential reasons this could
happen.

The acoustic wave could be converted into a fungi-stimulating electrical charge under what is known as the piezo-electric effect.

Another theory involves tiny receptors on the membranes of the fungi called mechanoreceptors.

These are comparable to the thousands of mechanoreceptors on human skin that play a role in our sense of touch – which involves reacting to pressure or vibration.

“It might be that sound waves stimulate these mechanoreceptors in the fungi, which then trigger a cascade of biochemical events that lead to genes being switched on or off – for instance, the kind of genes responsible for growth,” Robinson said.

“Our preliminary research suggests the fungi respond to the sound, but we don’t know yet if this benefits the plants. So, this is the next step,” he added.

“Can we influence soil or plant microbial communities as a whole? Can we speed up the soil restoration process by stimulating the earth with natural soundscapes? What impact might this have on the soil fauna?” he asked.

“There are many important questions to keep us busy.”

BERNAMA/DPA – Around eight million mattresses are discarded annually in Germany, with 95 per cent ending up incinerated and only five per cent being recycled, conservationists report. It’s not just the waste that’s concerning – constantly replacing mattresses can also strain your wallet, as a quality one doesn’t come cheap.

However, by properly maintaining your mattress, you can extend its lifespan, reduce the need for frequent replacements, and do your part to help the environment.

“At the end of the day, the best waste is waste not produced in the first place,” reminded Germany’s Association of Local Utilities.

SIX MATTRESS CARE TIPS THAT ARE EASY TO IMPLEMENT:

Turn regularly

Turn and flip your mattress at least every three months to keep it maximally comfortable for as long as possible.

Remove discolouration

Depending on the model, you can wash the mattress cover to get rid of unsightly discolouration and stains. Be sure to check the textile care label on the cover beforehand to find out at what temperature it can be washed – and whether the cover can go in the tumble dryer or needs to be air-dried.

Germany’s Industrial Association for Body Care and Detergents (IKW) recommended pulling the fabric apart once while it is damp before hanging it up so that it retains its original size.

Vacuuming

The cover can also be cleaned regularly with a vacuum cleaner when changing the fitted sheet.

Use a mattress topper

This five-to-10 centimetres thick layer of memory foam, latex, wool, or feather material is added on top of your bed, beneath the fitted sheet, to provide support and protect your mattress from stains and sagging.

Toppers are usually used with box spring beds. There are also waterproof or water-repellent variants that are suitable for babies and small children, or people living with incontinence. A mattress pad is similar to a topper but thinner – up to five centimetres thick – and provides light support, and won’t change the feel of the bed or alter the temperature.

Use an under pad or protector

These additional pads go between the slatted frame and the mattress to prevent it from slipping and getting scuff marks if it rubs against the frame during movement.

Ventilate properly

According to the IKW, a room climate with low humidity and temperatures between 17 degree Celsius (°C) and 19°C prevents mould.

To sleep well on your new mattress for as long as possible, try to test it in the shop and lie on it thoroughly before you buy. This will help you avoid returns.

BERNAMA-DPA – No matter the season, celebrations often involve plenty of cooking, which can raise the risk of fat catching fire.

Hot oils and fats can pose a fire hazard, so it’s important to stay attentive while cooking and use a timer to keep track.

“Many home cooks underestimate the dangers of stovetops and ovens.

“They crank up the heat too high, get distracted during cooking, or don’t know how to respond if a fire starts,” warned fire and explosion protection specialist Hermann Dinkler.

He offered a list of tips to help prevent fat fires in the kitchen.

CAUSES OF GREASE FIRES

Grease fires occur when fats or oils are heated above their smoke point and ignite.

“Fats and oils can self-ignite when heated to high temperatures. So don’t heat oil or fat to such an extent that it starts smoking,” said Dinkler.

WATCH FOR FAT EXPLOSIONS

Never extinguish burning fat with water as the water suddenly evaporates with an explosion. Burning fat droplets fly into the air and can cause severe burns.

PREVENTING GREASE FIRES

To prevent grease fires, observe the following tips:

– Keep your kitchen clean and dry as oil and water residues can help cause a grease fire.

– Do not overheat oil or fat, and pay attention to the smoke point of the oil or fat you are using.

– Do not leave the pot or pan unattended. If you have to leave the kitchen, switch off the hob.

– Do not leave children unattended in the kitchen when cooking with hot oil or fat.

Bear in mind also that if you don’t store your oils and fats properly, they can oxidise more easily and therefore catch fire, said specialists.

So there is a greater risk of a grease fire if you are using older oil from a bottle that has already been opened.

BERNAMA/DPA – Aluminium foil and foil pans are a staple at most barbecues, making it incredibly convenient to grill foods like salmon, marinated meat, or feta without the hassle of cleaning up afterwards – just toss the foil away.

While some use them without a second thought, others feel a twinge of concern, aware that aluminium’s use can sometimes be viewed as problematic. But what exactly is the issue?

Contact with acidic or salty ingredients can cause aluminium ions to leach from the foil, first entering the food and then your body, said nutrition expert for the consumer advice centre in Bavaria, Germany Daniele Kreh. And high levels of aluminium in your body are harmful to health, she warned.

Grilling trays made of stainless steel or enamel, as well as cast-iron pans and woks, are safer and more sustainable alternatives, Krehl said. Although it takes longer to grill food in them than in aluminium foil, they’re a better choice from a health perspective, and they can also be reused and thereby protect the environment.

Grilling aside, aluminium foil use in the kitchen should be kept to a minimum.

According to the consumer centre, it’s not suitable for covering or wrapping lemons, apple slices, tomatoes and pickles, as well as salty foods such as sausage, fish and cheese. Cling film is better in terms of health. Or you could use containers made of reusable plastic or porcelain.

“Personally, I prefer glass jars,” said Krehl. “When they’re in the refrigerator, I can immediately see what’s in them without having to open them, and they’re very easy to clean.”

ANN/THE DAILY STAR – Milk is not only a beloved beverage but also a nutritious option for people of all ages, thanks to its minimal additives and abundance of essential nutrients.

If you’re unsure about drinking milk because you find its taste unappealing, fear not.

Here are some easy ways to create your new favourite milk-based drinks at home:

CHOCOLATE MILK

Celebrated all season long, the iconic chocolate milk is a delicacy enjoyed by practically everyone and is essential to every milk drink list. Not only is it delicious, but you can now whip it up in your home.

Mix unsweetened cocoa powder with milk in a glass using a spoon or a little whisk.

After that, add confectioner’s sugar and stir until it is combined. You may enjoy it right away or chill it in the fridge for later.

CARAMEL FRAPPE

Frappes remind us of that coffee shop smell. Yet, you could make it at home. Flavoured iced coffee meets a delicious caramel in a caramel frappe.

Over ice, pour your preferred coffee mix. Proceed by whisking in a large splash of milk and finishing with caramel sauce.

Whip together the ingredients until smooth, then garnish with caramel sauce and whipped cream – two frappe essentials – and dig in.

TURMERIC LATTE

Turmeric lattes are simple to make by blending some anti-inflammatory and antioxidant items at your home together.

Among them are milk, ginger, cinnamon, ground turmeric, maple syrup, and vanilla essence.

In a saucepan, combine all the ingredients and whisk continuously over low heat, preferably using a milk frother if available. When it is hot, pour it into cups and top with more cinnamon. Then, enjoy!

APPLE PIE SHAKE

As we go from a humid climate to warm and, well, yet hot weather, an apple pie shake is a great option for dessert in the form of a drink.

All you have to do is combine milk, apple slices, yoghurt, honey, and store-bought apple pie spice in a blender.

Next, put it in a tall glass, top it with some whipped cream, and sprinkle apple pie spice.

This makes a tasty shake that tastes like apple pie!

AVOCADO AND STRAWBERRY SMOOTHIE

The ideal milk drink for health-conscious people is an avocado and strawberry smoothie, thanks to its low-calorie and creamy combination that is rich in calcium.

Everything you need is a blender, milk, strawberries, yoghurt, lime juice, and honey. Blend it with a little ice until it becomes the consistency of a thick smoothie, and then indulge in it.

So, try these five delicious milk-based drinks and you are bound to fall in love with making and drinking them.