by Fern Shaw | Jan 30, 2024 | Water, water boiler, Water Boilers, water cooler, Water Coolers
You might be thinking that Aquaporins are a new product from AquAid. You’d be wrong – although the name is reminiscent of pouring water, so perhaps not such a stretch.
But what are they exactly?
Dumb bunny explanation:
Membranes which replicate the way nature removes salt from water, for example in the kidneys or in mangroves.
Slightly less dumb bunny explanation:
An aquaporin is a specialized protein located in the cell membrane of body cells. It forms the mechanism responsible for pumping water into and out of the cell as needed. Aquaporins are part of the large family of major intrinsic proteins, proteins that form pores or channels in the cell membrane, and work to regulate the composition of the inside of the cell.
The aquaporin was discovered by Peter Agre of Johns Hopkins University in 1992. Agre won the 2003 Nobel Prize in Chemistry for his discovery. He discovered aquaporins serendipitously during a study on the Rh blood group antigen, confirming long-held suspicions by the scientific community that a mechanism for transporting water across the cell membrane existed.
Aquaporins conduct water into and out of the cell, but prevent the movement of ions and other solutes across the cell wall. A specialized form of aquaporin, called an aquaglyceroporin, does allow the movement of some solutes into and out of the cell, but like regular aquaporins, it does not allow charged particles, or ions, to pass through. Some solutes that aquaglyceroporins allow to cross the cell membrane are ammonia, carbon dioxide, and urea. The types of solutes allowed through by aquaporins depend on the size of the protein channel.
How else could Aquaporins benefit mankind?
They could dramatically reduce the energy needed in desalination and the scope there is far reaching – think space suits.
Remember, with AquAid’s water coolers; water; boilers – you won’t need any desalination set up – as you’ll have a consistent supply of refreshing drinking water (and of course, your clever body will take care of the rest).
by Fern Shaw | Dec 3, 2023 | instant tap, water boiler, Water Boilers, water cooler, Water Coolers
December is a month chock full of occasions, annual observances and traditions.
A brief glance:
03 – 04 Dec –Tree Dressing Day
06 Dec – St. Nicholas Day
11 Dec – International Mountain Day
21 Dec – Winter Solstice
the list goes on.
This may be due to December being a pivotal period of the year as we enter the final transition from late autumn to winter and the close of yet another year. Although the dropping temperatures and increase in blustery weather may make it difficult to believe, it’s still officially autumn until 21 December.
With so many observances, traditions and events on the go this month it’s easy to understand that we may let our changing hydration needs slip by the wayside despite there being a simple and cost-effective solution. A solution as simple as switching from a chilled drinking water dispenser to a cool and piping hot drinking water dispenser.
With AquAid, you’re spoilt for choice – we supply a wide range of top-quality water coolers, water boilers and Instant Taps – all backed by our superlative services pre, during and post installation.
We invite you to visit our informative website and browse our water cooler selection, suitable for all industries and any size staff contingent, then contact our helpful team via e-mail, telephone or at the website.
by Fern Shaw | Oct 24, 2023 | aquaid, water boiler, water cooler, Water Coolers, water dispenser
There are a number of positives to installing an AquAid Hot & Cold Water Dispenser or Hot Water Boiler. The most common reasons are piping hot water constantly available for whatever hot drink you enjoy – tea, coffee, hot chocolate, hot lemon water – the list goes on.
Often though there seems to be a hot water drink (meal?) that is oft forgot but just as vital to getting you through the working or school day, albeit in a heated hydration method.
Nothing equates to a soup made from scratch, but as we go about our daily business or busy school day, there often is only a minute or two available to dispense piping hot water for a nourishing mug of soup. And instant soups hit the spot perfectly.
Instant soup has been around for decades, with firm favourites remaining popular however, tastes have broadened where we now have soup from further afield gaining popularity. Although there may be plenty people for whom a spoonful of Bovril or Marmite in hot water will suffice, there are other consommés that are just as nourishing and healthy. Think miso soup for example!
Whatever your favourite hot water brew, AquAid has a boiling hot water drink dispenser to meet your requirements.
If you’d like know more about AquAid hot & cold dispenser and water boiler products as well as our life-saving charity partnerships, please * e-mail or ☏ us on 0800 772 3003. It will be our pleasure to assist you.
by Fern Shaw | Nov 2, 2022 | water boiler, Water Coolers
The title usually denotes trouble, however, as the weather turns cooler, hot water is more a blessing than something to cause concern.
Whereas AquAid is known for our wide range of water coolers, dispensing refreshing chilled and ambient temperature water, it may not be as common knowledge that the range includes a wide selection of both hot & c old water coolers as well as piping hot water boilers.
First, we look at the AquAid range of water boilers:
- One of the main advantages of installing water boilers is the cost saving. Companies save thousands of £ in staff wages by offering boiling water on demand.
- Ideal for offices and schools, AquAid water boilers provide an unlimited supply of filtered, boiling drinking water.
Next, we look at AquAid’s range of hot & cold water coolers and their benefits:
- These water dispensers provide both hot & cold drinking water in one unit.
- Installed directly into the main water supply and for many businesses, these mainsfed dispensers are a much affordable and environmentally friendly way to access drinking water.
- There is also a charitable aspect attached to installing a plumbed in water dispenser. For each year of annual rental, there is an automatic £20 donation to the charities AquAid support.
Having this knowledge, it’s easy to understand why this blog’s title is appropriate and why landing you in hot water isn’t necessarily a negative.
by Fern Shaw | Feb 21, 2022 | Hot Water Taps, instant tap, water boiler, water cooler
You would be forgiven, what with the rain bucketing it down, if you’re viewing wet and water with a somewhat beady eye. For all the good it does and the fact it’s vital to our very lives and sustenance, it doesn’t hold sway when you’ve been rained on, constantly.
Is there a positive slant to these downpours, we ask?
We believe so.
Measuring rainfall beats trainspotting we’re sure of it. Is there anything more satisfying than comparing rainfall notes with your neighbours, workmates (read competitors): Well, our rain gauge measured 17mm, not sure where you get 10mm from? See? Promotes interest and healthy competition all round.
Rainfall replenishes the Earth’s water table. All of which means, healthy, thriving plant growth, whether that’s for oxygen creating trees through to crops and crops of your favourite veg.
Free car wash. Okay, perhaps not the best example but true nonetheless. Also encourages physical activity as you rush outside post downpour to wipe your car down so that it shines just as if it’s been freshly washed.
Rivers, lakes, dams refill. And all that goes along with that: Thriving plant, bird, animal and aquatic life.
But what of the polarity mentioned in the blog title? Well, whereas we may not appreciate water raining down on us, we can appreciate constantly available refreshing drinking water.
That would be drinking water dispensed from your mains-fed or your bottle-fed water cooler. Installed by AquAid. Backed with services and sanitisations performed by our WHA accredited service technicians. Also worth consideration is that AquAid supply hot drinking water dispensers, hot water boilers and Instant Taps. So, if our rain happy reasons haven’t convinced you, it’s good to know you can make yourself – and your neighbour and your workmates – a piping hot cuppa at a moment’s notice. What’s not to like?
by Fern Shaw | Feb 9, 2022 | water boiler, water cooler
Aside from everything else that has occurred over the last two years, possibly one of the biggest changes was the advent of working from home, which brought with it Zoom meetings, Zoom meeting attire – pyjamas on the bottom, work shirt on top. These factors however seemed to snowball into creating a rather sedentary work creature – one of living in sleepwear morning until evening and sadly with that, a serious reduction in exercise or keep fit routines.
All very understandable of course, however, although our daily routines have forever changed, heading back into the office has become the norm for many of us. As has ditching our leisure wear and making a determined effort to dress for work.
The good news is even if you were an exercise powerhouse in the privacy of your home; you are still able to maintain a decent level of fitness while at the office.
If you look online, there are more office exercises than one can extend a desk donkey kick at, but the set from the NHS seems very sensible (and achievable). In part due to their suggestion to:
‘Wear loose, comfortable clothing and keep some water handy.’
We say as much as we know how easy it is to let workplace routines fall aside when you’re not in your usual workspace. Like taking regular breaks. Stepping away from your desk. Refilling your water jug or replenishing your water bottle at the office water cooler.
Taking breaks and exercising (even during working hours) are important, however, maintaining good hydration habits, by drinking water regularly, is vital to your well-being and ability to work smarter and not necessarily harder.
If you would like to install a water dispenser, hot & cold water cooler, hot water boiler or Instant Tap in your office, contact us at AquAid. We’re nationwide for your convenience.
