Herbicide companies are shifting their research focus to address growing resistance, using AI, X-ray crystallography, and computer simulations to predict target enzymes and inhibit herbicides. This could lead to new commercial products, but experts caution farmers to moderate use and consider additional crop protection tools.
Scientists identified proline-modified dipeptides and larger proteins that enhance umami and salty flavors in soy sauce. This discovery could help producers optimize fermentation conditions to boost desirable compounds and tailor the taste of soy sauce.
Researchers have developed a novel fusion protein that enables the detection of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies using widely available glucose meters. The test was validated on various patient samples and found to be as accurate as four different ELISAs.
A pilot study found that drinking either alcoholic or non-alcoholic lager daily increased the diversity of gut microbes in healthy men, potentially reducing chronic disease risk. The researchers suggest that non-alcoholic beer may be a healthier choice due to its lower alcohol content.
Researchers developed a nanocomposite coating method using Langmuir-Blodgett technology to improve wig durability, reducing UV damage, breakage, and static electricity. The new coating provides better coverage than previous methods and can be scaled up for mass production.
Research reveals Paradise, California's water contained VOCs at levels exceeding EPA standards due to degraded plastic pipes near or above ground. To protect communities, experts recommend burying service lines deeper, using isolation valves, and monitoring temperature thresholds.
Researchers developed a bumpy carbon-based material that maintains rechargeable storage capacity down to -31 F, improving lithium-ion batteries' performance in freezing temperatures. The new material enables electric cars to drive longer and reduces the risk of battery failure in extreme cold.
Researchers have developed an electric nose using porous metal-organic framework films to distinguish between xylene isomers in mixtures. The MOF-based e-nose achieved 86% and 96% accuracy for detecting xylene at low concentrations, paving the way for improved environmental monitoring and diagnostic health testing.
Scientists construct figure-eight-shaped machines with rotary motors and polymer chains to enable measurement of mechanical work and forces. The machines twist and untwist like whirligig toys, exerting similar torque to the enzyme that produces ATP.
Recent papers in ACS Environmental Au explore the impact of aerosol acidity in the southeastern U.S. and the effects of environmental films on native ecosystems. The journal also investigates electrospun nanofibrous membranes for controlling airborne viruses.
A new study presents a self-powering smart pillow that tracks head movement during sleep using triboelectric nanogenerators. This system could improve the accuracy of sleep monitoring and have uses beyond tracking sleep, such as monitoring patients with cervical spondylosis or detecting early warning signs for falls.
Researchers investigate microplastic risks using nanotoxicology lessons, standardizing particles for reproducible studies. Scientists aim to replicate real-world situations in lab simulations to understand human gut and lung cell effects.
Scientists have developed a sustainable method to create valuable aroma compound mixtures from limonene, the main compound in orange peel oil. The process generates an amber-colored liquid with a pleasant odor and 17 different compounds with fruity, herbal, citrus, and resinous notes.
Researchers present a 'green' process for tie-dyeing cotton with renewable resources and wastes, linking science, art, and sustainability. The natural dyes used produce designs of white, brown, orange, and bluish-black colors on fabrics.
Racial gaps in NIH grant funding are attributed to the subjective review process and lack of diversity among reviewers. The NIH has proposed initiatives to address these disparities, including appointing diversity officers and allocating funding for research on health equity and health disparities.
Scientists create a bendable organic LED with a mica backing that produces soft, warm light similar to candlelight, with minimal blue wavelength emissions. This device offers a potential solution for sleep-friendly lighting alternatives.
Environmental advocates argue that chemical recycling doesn't eliminate single-use plastics, which remain a significant pollution concern. The Biden administration is seeking comment on exempting industry processes from Clean Air Act regulations, amid growing state legislation encouraging advanced recycling.
Researchers have designed a lightweight wood-based foam that reflects sunlight, emits absorbed heat, and is thermally insulating. The material could reduce buildings' cooling energy needs by an average of 35.4% depending on weather conditions, making it a promising solution for hot climates.
A recent study reveals that nearly half of SARS-CoV-2 variants contain the same three mutations, which together improve the virus's ability to infect human cells and evade the immune system. The combination of K417, E484, and N501 mutations enhances viral fitness by balancing positive and negative selection pressures.
Researchers developed a strong, water-resistant wood glue using glucose and citric acid for plywood. The adhesive meets China's standard requirement and is more energy-efficient than traditional adhesives.
A flexible sensor embedded in a diaper measures multiple components in urine, sharing results over Bluetooth for fast bedside analyses. The technology has potential to provide quick and painless urinalysis for incontinent, elderly or infant patients.
Companies are turning to biobased surfactants and renewable biomass feedstocks to make their products greener. These alternatives can have a lower carbon footprint than traditional surfactants, but may also be more expensive.
A study by American Chemical Society researchers reveals that 54 of the 93 surveyed items contained fluorine, an indicator of PFAS. The team found that 19 products had precursor compounds that can be transformed into highly stable perfluoroalkyl acids, which are linked to various health issues.
Researchers tested two valved N95 masks and found one to be substantially better at filtering out respiratory particles than the other. The study suggests that valved masks should be avoided in public health settings.
Researchers have created a wearable sensor for plant leaves that wirelessly transmits data to a smartphone app, allowing for early detection of water loss and remote monitoring of drought stress. The device has the potential to save resources and increase yields by providing reliable data on plant health.
A new cocoa processing method called moist incubation has been found to produce a fruitier and more flowery-tasting dark chocolate compared to traditional fermentation. The method involves rehydrating dried, unfermented cocoa nibs in an acidic solution and heating them for 72 hours before re-drying.
Researchers have developed a new silver-ion releasing coating that effectively prevents bacteria from adhering to implants and killing them. The coating, dubbed "SAFE", was tested on rats and showed promising results, with no signs of toxicity or wear and tear.
Researchers are developing innovative ways to reuse automotive glass, crushing it into small pieces and purifying the polyvinyl butyral (PVB) for industrial use. This approach aims to reduce waste and conserve resources as the demand for automotive glass continues to grow.
A new study found that nylon cooking bags and plastic-lined cups can release trillions of nanometer-sized particles into each liter of water they come into contact with. The levels of these particles are below regulatory limits for consumption, but still pose a potential health risk.
Researchers are developing radioconjugate drugs that combine radiation with a tumor-targeting agent to selectively kill cancer cells. Two approved drugs, Lutathera and Pluvicto, demonstrate the potential of this therapy, which could change the future of cancer treatment.
Researchers found that non-biting midge larvae accumulate pesticides from polluted water and retain them into adulthood. Adult female midges have higher pesticide concentrations than males, which are transferred to their offspring. The study suggests that midges can be a source of pesticides in terrestrial ecosystems.
Researchers at ACS Sustainable Chemistry & Engineering have identified a less toxic dye called pigment red 254 (PR254) as a greener alternative to current anthraquinone dyes used in signal smokes. PR254 forms a red-colored smoke cloud more effectively and is thermally stable, making it suitable for use in heat-generating systems.
Researchers have developed a rapid COVID-19 test that uses molecularly imprinted polymer nanoparticles to detect SARS-CoV-2. The new test is more sensitive and works under extreme conditions than existing antibody-based tests, with preliminary results indicating it can detect a 6,000-times lower amount of the virus.
Researchers characterized viral protein binding to sialic acids on animal and human coronaviruses, revealing host-specific patterns. This adaptation enables coronaviruses to quickly jump species, driving cross-species transmission.
Researchers created edible tags with fluorescent silk proteins to track medications, providing a new way for consumers to verify authenticity. The codes are readable by a smartphone app and can be ingested without causing harm.
A recent study published in ACS Omega analyzed protein levels in semen of men who recovered from COVID-19 and found significant reductions in sperm count, motility, and normally shaped sperm. The researchers also detected changes in fertility-related proteins such as semenogelin 1 and prosaposin.
Researchers have developed a new implant that reduces ghrelin levels and body weight gain by half when exposed to laser light, offering a minimally invasive treatment option for obese patients. The implant uses a laser-activated dye to kill cells producing the 'hunger hormone'.
Researchers found that earthworms prefer soils with bioplastic particles and digest them differently than petroleum-derived plastics. The worms can break down bioplastics like polylactic acid into smaller fragments, which are then excreted slowly.
Researchers discover that common herbicides can kill the Toxoplasma gondii parasite without harming human cells. The compounds work by inhibiting heme biosynthesis, a promising approach for treating toxoplasmosis.
A study found that most face masks tested contained low or negligible levels of PFAS, except for a firefighter mask with potentially hazardous levels. Researchers estimate that regular wear of surgical and N95 masks does not pose a risk, but extended use of the firefighter mask could cause health problems.
Researchers found that prior infection with common human coronaviruses does not provide immunity against SARS-CoV-2 due to limited cross-reactive antibodies. This suggests no significant adverse effects from antibody-dependent enhancement, reducing the risk of COVID-19 complications.
Researchers have created ultra-uniform nanodiamonds using a new chemical process that mimics the conditions found in natural diamond formation. The tiny crystals are crucial for drug delivery, sensors, and quantum computer processors. With this breakthrough, scientists can now control single atoms within larger structures.
Researchers have developed biobased materials derived from fungi that can produce sustainable faux leather, paper products, and cotton substitutes. These materials have properties comparable to traditional materials, with the added benefit of being 100% biobased and taking less time to produce.
A team of high school students, led by science teacher Rebecca Bushway, designed an inexpensive filter attachment that removes lead from tap water. The filter uses a biodegradable plastic cartridge with a built-in indicator that turns the water yellow when lead is present.
Scientists have developed a non-hormonal male contraceptive that effectively prevents pregnancy in mice, targeting the retinoic acid receptor alpha protein. The compound YCT529 was found to be 99% effective in preventing pregnancy without observable side effects, paving the way for human clinical trials.
A team of researchers discovered that combining food-grade plant extracts like okra and aloe can effectively remove microplastics from wastewater. The most effective combination was found to be okra paired with fenugreek in ocean water, while okra paired with tamarind worked best for freshwater samples.
Researchers have created a new type of colon tattoo ink that is more biocompatible and less prone to diffusion than existing inks. The ink uses metal-derived nanoparticles and polymers to adhere to the submucosal surface in the colon, allowing for better identification and removal of complex polyps and tumors.
Researchers report promising results from a phase 3 clinical trial of MDMA-assisted therapy for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), with two-thirds of participants no longer meeting the diagnostic criteria. The therapy showed better effect sizes than selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and was equally effective in treatm...
Researchers have developed a new type of coating that can limit the flammability of wood used in construction, potentially providing more time to escape fires and curb their spread. The environmentally friendly flame retardant could also be used for other flammable materials.
Researchers create transgenic lettuce that expresses a bone-stimulating hormone, which could help prevent osteopenia in astronauts and resource-limited areas on Earth. The lettuce would need to be consumed daily by astronauts to get a sufficient dose of the hormone.