A biological microcavity laser, called a smart scalpel, can quickly identify abnormal protein content in tumor cells. This allows surgeons to accurately cut away malignant growths while minimizing healthy tissue removal.
A University of Florida researcher has finally shed light on the side effects of creatine, a popular muscle enhancer. The study found that creatine increases both overall water content and the ratio between intracellular and extracellular water, leading to an imbalance that can cause dehydration, heat illness, and kidney problems.
Researchers have discovered gold grains, tin-based pewter plates, and lead shots at the Blackbeard's flagship wreck, providing insights into the treasure's composition and burial conditions. The findings are part of two studies presented at the Southeastern Section Geological Sciences Association Meeting on March 23.
Researchers at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory have successfully produced sub-picosecond pulses of synchrotron light, extending the spectral range from infrared to x-ray wavelengths. The technique enables scientists to capture atomic motion and chemical reactions on a timescale almost incomprehensibly short.
The NIH will hold a Consensus Development Conference on Osteoporosis Prevention, Diagnosis, and Therapy, bringing together experts to discuss the latest research findings. The conference aims to clarify factors associated with prevention and better diagnosis and treatment of osteoporosis.
A two-decade study found that depression and anxiety are associated with an increased risk of developing hypertension. The risk was highest among black women, who faced a substantially higher risk compared to white women and men. Controlling for other risk factors did not change the result.
Middle-aged men with low serum cholesterol levels are more likely to experience severe depression, according to a new study. The research also found that recent weight loss and lower caloric intake were associated with an increased risk of depressive symptoms.
The Howard Hughes Medical Institute has awarded nearly $1.6 million in grants to support research experiences for Maryland high school students and science teachers. The awards include funding for student internships at the National Institutes of Health and teacher training and curriculum development.
Researchers found that HIV inactivates a tumor suppressor gene, contributing to Burkitt's lymphoma development. The study suggests a new mechanism linking HIV and the disease.
Researchers create an online library of electronic books using a specialized search tool called WebBook. The tool helps organize information in a database-driven format, making it easier for users to find specific answers.
The Drosophila genome sequence completion reveals nearly two-thirds of genes known to cause human disease are present in the genome. This achievement demonstrates the value of basic research using Drosophila in combating human disease.
Researchers have observed an 'earthquake' in a slow-spinning, highly magnetic collapsed star, confirming it as a neutron star. The finding supports the magnetar hypothesis and provides strong evidence for the existence of these rare objects.
Researchers create molecular-level studies of pollutant-catalyst interactions using X-ray diffraction and neutron scattering techniques. Their findings may lead to improved pollution traps by optimizing catalyst design and surface area.
A new study links irritability and dominance to a higher risk of coronary heart disease in men. The research found that both full-blown anger expressions and subtle forms of antagonism were associated with an increased risk of CHD in women as well.
Gabor A. Somorjai's research has revolutionized surface science and its applications, enabling the development of smaller, more complex devices. His work demonstrates that surfaces are flexible and adjust to the chemistry as it occurs, leading to breakthroughs in various fields.
Researchers create a new test method that detects nanometer-scale holes, free radicals, and cross-linking in paints, allowing for early detection of damage and more efficient development of durable paints. This breakthrough could lead to cost-effective solutions for bridge coatings and other applications.
Selected studies focus on administering oral vaccines through edible transgenic plants, modifying foods to boost healthful content of fatty acids and antioxidant values, and introducing synthetic storage protein genes into sweet potatoes. Researchers also discuss a process to raise the quality and purity of plant-based herbal medicines.
George B. Kauffman, a renowned chemist from Fresno, has been honored with the American Chemical Society Award for Research at an Undergraduate Institution. He is recognized for his dedication to encouraging students to be imaginative and independent in their research projects.
Miller's work enables magnets to be made at relatively low temperatures, reducing energy requirements and costs. His development of molecule-based magnets has the potential to integrate manufacture with device production, introducing new properties and applications.
Charlottesville chemist Donald F. Hunt has developed a technique to identify fragments of proteins that stimulate the immune system to attack and kill melanoma, or skin cancer. His method uses mass spectrometry to analyze amino acid chains and could lead to the development of cancer vaccines.
A new study suggests that Americans gain about a pound during the winter holiday season, which accumulates over time and contributes to obesity later in life. The researchers found that increasing physical activity may be an effective method for preventing weight gain during this high-risk time.
Peter Jutzi, a German chemist, has received the Frederic Stanley Kipping Award in Silicon Chemistry from the American Chemical Society. He developed new materials for the electronics and optics industries by designing methods to make compounds of silicon and carbon.
Chemist F. Ann Walker received the Francis P. Garvan-John M. Olin Medal for her research on heme proteins, including nitrophorin, a molecule found in kissing bugs that releases nitric oxide to facilitate feeding. Her work provides insight into the function of heme proteins and their role in the immune system.
Researchers at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill argue that US environmental policies should focus on pollution prevention practices rather than stringent regulation. The study suggests that widespread adoption of eco-efficiency practices can lead to significant gains in environmental quality.
Chemist Peter G. Wolynes explains how glass, a disorganized crystal in a frozen state, keeps its shape and applies this insight to study protein structures. His work has numerous applications in environmental cleanup and drug design.
Alex S. Kandel, a post-doctoral chemistry student at Pennsylvania State University, has been recognized for his outstanding research on fundamental molecular behavior and reactions. He discovered that making chlorine react with methane requires energy, while the reaction of chlorine and ethane releases energy.
Martin E. Newcomb studies free radicals in biological processes, revealing radical intermediates form during fleeting steps of reactions that occur extremely quickly. He proposes new mechanisms to solve unknowns in P450 enzyme family's reaction steps using laser light 'timing'.
Shell chemists developed a new carpet and textile fiber, Corterra, with excellent elastic recovery and natural stain resistance. They achieved commercial production in just three years through innovative research and process development.
Researchers at Max-Planck Institute for Quantum Optics successfully produce novel molecule by trapping single atom between two mirrors with highly reflecting surfaces. The molecule is created when an individual atom absorbs a light quantum and forms a bound state, exhibiting periodic energy exchange with the light field.
Philip Portoghese, a medicinal chemist at the University of Minnesota, has received the Alfred Burger Award in Medicinal Chemistry from the American Chemical Society for his work on opioid receptors. His research reveals how drugs such as morphine interact with these receptors, enabling the creation of new, more effective drugs.
Valerie J. Kuck, a materials chemist at Bell Laboratories, will receive the American Chemical Society Award for Encouraging Women in Careers in the Chemical Sciences. She has mentored dozens of female interns and encouraged them to pursue careers in chemistry.
Richard J. Saykally, a physical chemist at the University of California, Berkeley, is honored by the American Chemical Society for his work on water's unique properties. He aims to model liquid water on a computer to predict its behavior and influences.
Chaitan Khosla, a Palo Alto-based researcher, has developed ways to genetically engineer microorganisms to produce complex natural compounds. His approach allows researchers to create new pathways in biologically friendly organisms, making it possible to harvest useful substances from slow-growing bacteria.
A study from the University of Washington reveals that people unaware of having genital herpes are just as likely to spread the disease, and education can help identify infected individuals. The study found 83% of asymptomatic people shed HSV-2 virus in their genital secretions.
George Samara, a chemist from Albuquerque, NM, has been honored by the American Chemical Society for his exceptional research management skills. He was awarded the Earle B. Barnes Award for Leadership in Chemical Research Management for his contributions to advancing solar cell technology and developing unique semiconducting materials.
Graduate student Alex Kandel's outstanding research on chlorine atoms interacting with methane and ethane was recognized by the American Chemical Society, with funding support from Mallinckrodt Baker Inc. for his discovery of a new laser technique called photoloc
Chemical engineer Tamotsu Imai developed more efficient catalysts to produce biodegradable detergents and increase the yield of styrene production, leading to more sustainable processes. His work has improved process safety and reduced energy consumption in the petroleum industry.
A team of UC Davis researchers has developed a novel method to quantify the rate at which minerals and water exchange oxygen molecules, which could provide a useful test for computer models. The study's findings could have practical applications in dealing with soil contaminants and predicting their movement or decomposition.
A new study found that having a passenger in a vehicle increases the risk of fatal injuries for young drivers, with three or more passengers posing the highest risk. The researchers suggest that graduated licensing systems could help reduce accidents by prohibiting teen-age drivers from transporting passengers.
Chemist Richard L. Hahn's work with solar neutrinos reveals insights into the sun's behavior and duration. His research uses giant tanks to detect neutrino collisions, which may lead to a re-evaluation of fundamental theories.
The American Chemical Society's panel discussion at the 219th national meeting will focus on the partnership between education, industry, media, and science policy. The event aims to shape the future of chemistry in the next century.
Dennis P. Curran develops new ways to make molecules used as anti-cancer drugs using free radicals, which were once considered too reactive for laboratory use. His work has led to the creation of more stable derivatives that could potentially allow lower doses of chemotherapy.
Stephen L. Buchwald receives American Chemical Society Award in Organometallic Chemistry for developing more efficient methods to create complex chemical bonds, with applications in plastics, drug discovery, and manufacturing. His work has been recognized for its breadth and unique interest, spanning multiple fields.
A study of over 3300 schoolchildren found that babies exposed to their mothers' cigarette smoke while in the womb had poorer lung function. The effects were particularly noticeable on small airways and were more pronounced than those caused by environmental tobacco smoke exposure after birth.
Researchers found that cooking enhances iron availability in 37 of 48 tested vegetables, with some seeing a nearly doubling of bioavailability after cooking. The approach could help populations in developing countries and vegetarians worldwide boost their nutritional absorption of iron.
A joint Canadian-United States study found that flavonoids from orange and tangerine juice inhibited the growth of prostate, lung, and melanoma cells. The compounds were particularly effective against human prostate cancer cells, with small amounts inhibiting cancer cell proliferation.
Researchers at the Monell Chemical Senses Center have narrowed the search for a gene responsible for sweet preference in mice to a specific area of chromosome 4. This region is thought to be a likely candidate for a 'sweet taste gene' that affects both mouse and human perception of sweetness.
A study by Ohio State University found that some energy bars give a sudden spike in blood sugar levels, unlike the moderate increase claimed for endurance athletes. The Ironman PR Bar had a steady effect due to its balanced carbohydrate and protein content.
Experts will discuss new synthetic elastomers designed to improve tire traction properties, as well as surface-modified mineral fillers that could increase fuel economy in vehicles. Researchers will also predict fatigue in fiber-reinforced rubber composite laminates in tires.
Researchers found that white tea contains higher levels of polyphenols than green tea, which may contribute to its enhanced cancer-fighting potential. White tea was shown to inhibit DNA mutations more efficiently than green tea in laboratory tests, suggesting it may have a stronger role in preventing colon cancer.
Teenage drivers face increased risks of fatal crashes when transporting more passengers, particularly those under 30 years old. Researchers recommend graduated licensing systems to mitigate this risk and reduce motor vehicle crashes among teenagers.
Chemist Slayton Evans Jr. of Chapel Hill has been honored by the American Chemical Society for opening new doors in science, especially chemistry, for minority high-school and college students. He was recognized for fostering programs and scholarships to encourage minority scholarship in his 25 years at the University of North Carolina.
Researchers have developed a new biomaterial that uses an electricity-conducting polymer in combination with a naturally occurring sugar molecule to stimulate nerve growth. The material breaks down over time, allowing the nerve to grow and reach its target weeks or months later.
A recent study found that smoking cannabis regularly may increase the risk of developing emphysema, a disease that damages lung tissue and reduces surface area. The study examined four young men who smoked heavily and found large areas of their lungs had disappeared and been replaced with cysts.
Jerry A. Bell, a leading educator in chemistry, receives the George C. Pimentel Award for his contributions to making chemistry relevant to everyday life. His new textbook, due to be published in 2001, aims to engage students with real-world applications of chemistry.
E. Philip Horwitz developed resins that selectively remove radioisotopes from complex mixtures, improving monitoring of workers' exposure and ingestion of radioisotopes. His technology processes about 350,000 samples per year worldwide, with potential applications in countries monitoring Chernobyl effects.
J. Larry Duda, a Penn State University chemist, has been honored with the E.V. Murphree Award in Industrial and Engineering Chemistry for his research on polymer behavior. His work helps improve product performance by understanding how small molecules migrate through polymers.
Patients awaiting coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) in Ontario face higher mortality risk compared to the general population. However, a new study found that those on the waitlist may actually have similar or decreased vital risk when compared to patients living with coronary artery disease.
A new study published in Thorax suggests that daily or weekly use of paracetamol may be associated with an increased risk of asthma. The research found that frequent users of paracetamol were more likely to develop severe asthma and experience rhinitis, highlighting the potential risks of this analgesic.
New research suggests that non-mutational gene defects, involving DNA methylation, contribute significantly to the development of cancer. Up to 10% of genes in some tumor types are found to be inactivated by aberrant DNA methylation, suggesting a much larger role for this process than previously thought.