A new blood test was developed using a mouse model of Alzheimer's disease, which can detect amyloid plaques and predict dementia risk. The test uses a protein called Ab40, which is not reflective of brain pathology unless an antibody is injected into the animal.
A five-year project aims to create a tool that allows researchers to compare DNA, proteins, and biological factors between cancerous and non-cancerous tissues. This database will be built on unidentifiable data from 1.6 million pathology reports and six million tissue blocks from various Indianapolis hospitals.
Researchers at the University of Delaware have developed a portable detection platform that can detect chemical and biological weapons using infrared spectroscopy. The device, about the size of a large shoebox, can identify even small amounts of agents in solid, liquid or vapor phases.
Dougherty and DeBord developed a new process for producing di-t-octylhydroquinone (DOH) using two catalysts, resulting in good quality yields over short reaction times. The process also reduces the need for solvents, which can be recovered and recycled.
Researchers at Mayo Clinic have successfully bred mice with both amyloid plaques and neurofibrillary tangles, the key pathologic hallmarks of Alzheimer's disease. The double transgenic mouse model provides a more complete representation of human AD and will enable researchers to test therapies aimed at preventing or halting progression.
Scientists use ion-trap secondary ion mass spectrometer (IT-SIMS) to detect chemical warfare agents like HD and VX at part-per-million levels. The technique offers increased specificity, speed, and minimal sample preparation, making it ideal for environmental restoration and national security applications.
Researchers have developed portable chemical sensors using shifting liquid crystals, which can detect environmental exposure to residential pesticides and monitor food spoilage. The sensors are extremely sensitive and quick, taking only seconds to complete detection and reset.
Researchers at NYU Langone Health successfully immunized mice against Alzheimer's disease using a new vaccine that reduces amyloid plaque and soluble beta levels. The vaccine, modeled on a modified peptide, appears to be non-toxic and shows great promise for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease.
The International Chemical Congress of Pacific Basin Societies (Pacifichem 2000) will bring together scientists from 20 Pacific Rim nations to share research in ten key areas of chemistry. The congress accepted a record number of papers, with over 180 symposia planned.
Rockefeller University's centennial symposium marks a historic achievement in chemistry, recognizing research in nucleic acids and proteins as a National Historic Chemical Landmark. The university has ties to 21 Nobel laureates, including Bruce Merrifield and Paul Greengard.
Researchers have discovered that naturally occurring microorganisms can reduce the severity of scab disease, a fungal disease costing US farmers over $3 billion annually. The approach, known as microbial spray, increases naturally occurring bacteria in crops close to harvesting time, reducing the need for chemical fungicides.
Researchers at Cornell University and the USDA have found that stressed St. John's wort plants produce more of the active compound hypericin, which is a key ingredient in depression remedies. The finding suggests that the plant's chemical arsenal increases when it faces stress from predators like insects.
Researchers at Cornell University have discovered that stress can increase the amount of hypericin in St. John's Wort, a popular herbal remedy for depression. The study found that plants under attack from insects produce more hypericin, which may contribute to its effectiveness.
The top 50 chemical producers saw a six percent increase in sales to nearly $400 billion, with Europe accounting for 54 percent of international sales. Capital spending decreased by 16 percent, while research and development spending rose nearly two percent.
A study by Dr. David Bennett found that many people with mild cognitive impairment exhibit Alzheimer's disease pathology, indicating a larger public health problem than previously thought. The research suggests increased funding for clinical care and research is needed to combat the disease effectively.
The trillion-dollar chemical industry showed a two percent increase in production in 1999, but sales grew faster than profits, leading to decreased profitability among leading companies. A bright spot was the pharmaceutical and biotechnology sector, which saw combined sales increase by 29 percent.
The new system can analyze many samples within seconds, nearly 5,000 times faster than other technology in screening samples of catalysts that react with liquids. It will speed up the analysis of combinatorial chemistry samples and reveal molecular mechanisms involved in gas-solid catalysis.
The Long-Range Research Initiative (LRI) aims to advance chemical industry's research, with $100 million committed over 5 years in 10 areas. Drs. James S. Bus and Carol J. Henry will discuss LRI status and future directions.
Researchers successfully differentiated human placental cells by adjusting gap size in a fibrous-bed bioreactor, mimicking the body's natural process. The breakthrough may aid organ production for transplantation and has implications for tissue engineering and cancer research.
A study of over 6,000 patients found that one in every 100 people misdiagnosed due to a single pathologist's report. This can lead to incorrect treatment, surgery, or chemotherapy, causing psychological trauma and financial burden.
The American Chemical Society's 34th Midwest Regional Meeting will feature over 200 papers on analytical chemistry for the new millennium, drawing at least 450 scientists. Colorful chemical demonstrations by Dr. Marvin Lang will also be presented.
Dr. Karen Kwitter's research focuses on the chemical composition of planetary nebulae, which can reveal information about the life cycle of stars and the evolution of our galaxy. By analyzing light spectra from these clouds, she aims to refine models of galactic chemical evolution.
Pacifichem 2000 will bring together leading researchers in the Pacific Rim countries to discuss topics such as food antioxidants, extremophiles and organic superconductors. The conference features over 179 symposia on various subjects including medical applications, nanomaterials and marine natural products.
The International Chemical Congress of Pacific Basin Societies will explore cutting-edge research in therapeutics, materials, and astrobiology. Over 179 symposia are planned to foster industrial development, improve environments, and enhance the well-being of people from Pacific Rim countries.
University of Cincinnati engineer Peter Smirniotis has received a $270,000 NATO Science for Peace grant to collaborate with Russian scientists on degrading toxic chemical weapons. The project aims to minimize environmental harm and potentially lead to a marketable product that can help Russia boost its economy.
Ralph Nader will speak on mergers and acquisitions at the American Chemical Society's national meeting. The event is scheduled for March 22 at the Anaheim Convention Center.
The American Chemical Society is honoring black chemist Percy Julian's accomplishments in pharmaceuticals and chemical synthesis. Julian made significant contributions to the development of a low-cost synthetic method for cortisone, an antiarthritis drug, and synthesized the glaucoma medication physostigime.
Researchers at the University of Maryland have developed a new method to detect chemical weapons by reacting with specific phosphate esters. The system uses molecules that selectively detect even small amounts of lethal phosphate esters, reducing false positives from benign chemicals like pesticides.
Researchers developed portable isotopic neutron spectroscopy (PINS) to analyze warhead contents, revealing most Solomon Islands warheads contained mustard gas. The system uses neutrons from californium to record gamma-ray emission, identifying chemical elements and fills.
A team of scientists from Idaho National Laboratory developed a system to evaluate what's inside projectiles without opening them. The PINS technology uses neutron spectroscopy to determine the type and amount of chemical agents, enabling safe disposal and preventing accidental destruction of incinerators.
Researchers at Washington University in St. Louis have linked specific patterns of cognitive decline to specific brain abnormalities in Alzheimer's disease patients. The study found that certain brain sectors are associated with specific cognitive problems, such as memory loss and visual-spatial skills impairment.
Industry analysts discuss studies on NAFTA's effects since its implementation, exploring trade increases and their causes. Current conditions suggest a positive impact on the chemical industry, with increased production, consumption, and investment among U.S., Canada, and Mexico.
A new technique using electricity instead of chemicals to drive chemical separation processes could greatly reduce waste byproducts at the Hanford nuclear site. The method, being tested for large-scale cleanup efforts, has shown promise in reducing radioactive waste and hazardous byproducts.
Researchers at Ohio University created a new type of chemical sensor that stores large amounts of information indefinitely, allowing workers to be alerted to potential dangers. The sensors can detect specific chemicals in the air and provide accurate readings on exposure levels.
Researchers found ultrasound can accurately diagnose disc bulges and herniations, as well as detect soft tissue abnormalities. This non-invasive technique may help document clinical problems and reduce healthcare costs compared to MRI.
The American Phytopathological Society recognizes distinguished members with the Fellows designation for their contributions to plant pathology. The Society also presents several awards, including the Excellence in Extension Award and the Ruth Allen Award, to honor outstanding research and teaching achievements in the field.
Researchers discovered a way to disrupt the aggregation of proteins that form poisonous plaque deposits in Alzheimer's patients. By synthesizing specific inhibitor molecules, they successfully blocked the toxicity of beta amyloid proteins, potentially leading to new treatments for the devastating disease.
A new screening procedure developed at Cornell University Medical College reliably identified persons with personality pathology using a self-administered true-false questionnaire. The test was then confirmed or discounted through a follow-up interview with a professional clinician.
Researchers at Penn State have discovered a new gene called KiSS-1 that suppresses the metastasis of melanoma in laboratory mice. The gene, located on chromosome 1, reduces the spread of melanoma by at least 50 percent of the time and may be the most potent gene to block or suppress metastasis in human cancer.
In a study by Cornell University, male fire-colored beetles (Neopyrochroa flabellata) entice females with a chemical offering containing cantharidin. The female ingests the chemical, which is then transferred to her eggs, protecting them from predators. This unique strategy highlights the resourcefulness of male insects in seeking mates.