Sharper knives reduce onion tears

Sharper knives and slower cuts can reduce onion-induced tears, new study finds.

Why it matters

  • Common kitchen problem addressed scientifically.
  • Potential implications for understanding pathogen spread.

By the numbers

  • Study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.
  • Chemical compound propanethial S-oxide identified as the cause of tears.

The big picture

  • Findings could improve culinary experiences and inform pathogen spread research.

What they're saying

  • Practical tips like using a fan or washing onions suggested.
  • Questions about potential impact on taste raised.

Caveats

  • Study focuses on onions; applicability to other vegetables not discussed.

What’s next

  • Further research on broader applications of the findings.