Researchers analyzed 8 popular plant-based burgers and found that some closely mimic the odor of real beef when cooking. The Beyond Burger from Beyond Meat came closest to replicating the hamburger aroma, but still differed significantly.
Researchers discovered that human milk oligosaccharides can prevent GBS infections in cells and tissues, and in mouse models. The sugars may act as anti-adhesives and prebiotics to support good bacteria growth, making them a potential substitute for antibiotics.
A team of researchers has developed a method to produce nylon 6-6 without using the environmentally endangered element zinc. They achieved this by using alternative metals such as iron and cobalt, and harnessing the power of solar energy. The new process reduces energy consumption, saves water, and minimizes hazardous chemicals.
Researchers found substantial amounts of pharmaceutical compounds in a stream in Baltimore, despite low concentrations over the course of a year. The high loads are likely coming from leaking sewer pipes, posing a significant threat to aquatic life and ecosystems.
Researchers found that robots and vehicle automation account for a small percentage of greenhouse gas emissions, with delivery vehicle size and fuel source having larger impacts. A human-driven, battery-powered cargo van has the lowest per-package footprint among analyzed methods.
Researchers developed a protein-based COVID-19 vaccine that mimics the SARS-CoV-2 virus shape, eliciting both antibody and T cell responses. The vaccine, using polymersomes decorated with multiple copies of the receptor binding domain antigen, shows promise for longer-lasting immunity.
A new microneedle patch containing cerium nanoparticles has been designed to combat both primary causes of baldness: oxidative stress and insufficient circulation. The patch showed faster hair regrowth in a mouse model compared to a leading treatment.
Researchers have developed ArtSea Ink, a colorful seaweed-based ink for 2D and 3D art that is biodegradable and stable over time. The ink uses mica pigments in alginate to create vibrant, pearlescent colors.
Researchers have developed a flexible and wearable X-ray detector using metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) that don't contain harmful heavy metals. The device shows high-sensitivity sensing and imaging capabilities, making it suitable for various radiation monitoring and medical imaging applications.
The American Chemical Society's ACS Fall 2021 meeting will feature over 7,000 presentations on various scientific topics. Journalists and public information officers can register for the meeting and access on-demand content.
Researchers developed magnetic, biodegradable nanomaterials that reduced the likelihood of mice fathering pups for at least 30 days. The nanoparticles were non-toxic to cells and gradually eliminated from the body.
Researchers found hybrid electric vehicles have twice the vulnerability to supply chain disruptions as gas-powered models, due to volatile battery prices and scarce materials. Long-term supplier contracts and material substitution can mitigate these risks as manufacturers ramp up EV production.
Researchers have identified highly conserved sequences in viral proteins that could make them effective drug targets. The study found two promising sites: one overlapping the RNA binding site of nsp13 and another containing the catalytic site of nsp12, both involved in viral RNA replication and transcription.
A new thumb-sized device can diagnose bad breath by sniffing out hydrogen sulfide gas in exhalations, correctly identifying it 86% of the time. The device combines a metal oxide gas sensor with humidity, temperature and pressure sensors.
Researchers have created a blood test that can predict COVID-19 severity, which could aid in prioritizing patients for hospitalization. The test uses attenuated total reflectance Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR) to measure changes in blood biochemistry and has shown promise as a rapid and simple triaging tool.
Current carbon capture technologies require significant energy output, making them less than optimal. Researchers are working on developing more efficient methods using solid sorbents and membranes, which already show promise in concentrated CO2 emissions sites.
Scientists have developed a minimally invasive exosome spray that helped repair rat hearts after myocardial infarction, outperforming traditional injection methods. The spray lasted longer and healed injuries better than injected exosomes, with promising results for heart repair
Researchers have created a durable, oil- and water-repellent cotton fabric for recreational water activities. The new coating method uses a three-part solution that impregnates the fabric with nanoscale air pockets, reducing drag and increasing buoyancy.
The article highlights the significant impact of nitrous oxide on the ozone layer and climate change. Chemical companies are now developing efficient technologies to reduce N2O emissions, including catalyst-based processes that can decrease emissions by up to 90%. The industry is also exploring alternative uses for captured N2O emissions.
Small biotech firms are partnering with large pharmaceutical companies to scale up production of promising new molecules. This collaboration allows them to bring lifesaving drugs to patients more efficiently.
Researchers slow down grape ripening to increase compounds associated with floral and fruity notes, improving wine quality. The technique involves thinning vines and more intense irrigation during the later growing season.
Scientists studying fossilized dinosaur eggshells from Mexico have identified nine amino acids and evidence of ancient protein structures, providing insights into the early lives of these creatures. The analysis also sheds light on the fossilization processes and the role of minerals in preserving organic compounds.
Researchers have identified a new potential treatment for IBS pain, derived from tarantula venom. In mice experiments, the molecule Tsp1a significantly reduced symptoms associated with chronic IBS pain, without interfering with other body functions.
Researchers used high-speed videos of a person sneezing to identify optimal cloth mask designs. Masks with hydrophilic inner layers, absorbent middle layers and hydrophobic outer layers were found to be most effective.
Researchers are using satellite and ground-based tools to measure air quality, revealing significant differences in nitrogen dioxide levels between majority white and minority communities. This study aims to inform policymakers about the need to mitigate inequity in air pollution, which disproportionately affects communities of color.
Researchers found that α-casein protein in milk increased anthocyanin and metabolite concentrations in rats by 1.5-10.1 times. The protein's amino acids interacted with and encapsulated anthocyanin molecules, improving stability and transport into the bloodstream.
Researchers develop simple and efficient method to recover precious rare-earth elements from coal fly ash using an ionic liquid. The process produces a solution rich in rare-earth elements with limited impurities, offering a potential solution for recycling materials from waste coal fly ash.
A new study suggests that people who had COVID-19 need only one vaccine dose for protection and that boosters could be necessary for everyone in the future. The Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna vaccines triggered antibody levels similar to those seen after mild COVID-19 infections with one dose.
A study conducted by researchers in Paris identified the natural gas distribution network as a major source of methane emissions, accounting for 63% of total emissions. The study also found that sewage networks were another significant source of methane, with 33% of total emissions attributed to these systems.
Researchers analyzed 25 years of Antarctic data, finding that ozone levels near the ground have risen by up to 0.14 ppb per year, primarily driven by natural and human sources. This increase can have negative impacts on the region in the future due to ozone's ability to trap heat near Earth's surface.
Researchers found much higher abundances of antibiotic-resistant bacteria and genes on microplastics in urban than rural areas of the Beilun River. Polypropylene had the highest abundance of ARGs, increasing by 1,000 times from rural to urban areas.
Researchers have developed an artificial skin that senses force through ionic signals and changes color from yellow to purple when damaged, mimicking human bruising. This innovation opens up new opportunities for detecting damage in prosthetic devices and robotics.
Key findings suggest PHA's rapid biodegradability is overstated in real-world conditions, but it remains a better alternative to non-biodegradable plastics. Several companies are planning to switch their packaging to PHA-based materials soon.
Researchers found that tiny hairs on honeybee abdomens reduce friction during movements, conserving energy and reducing wear. This discovery could inspire the design of longer-lasting moving parts.
Intranasal COVID-19 vaccines aim to provide both mucosal and systemic immunity, potentially offsetting global vaccination disparities. Despite challenges in studying the mucosal immune system, scientists are working to develop nasal doses of COVID-19 vaccine.
The SARS-CoV-2 papain-like protease (PLpro) inactivates human proteins crucial for immune response, cardiovascular function and blood clotting. This link may explain COVID-19 symptoms of heart damage, blood clots and inflammation.
Researchers created self-propelled microrobots that can attach to and break down four common types of plastics. The microrobots lost 3% of the plastic's weight and altered its surface texture after interacting with it under visible light for seven days.
Researchers found five strawberry cultivars suitable for growing in hot, dry regions like Texas. These varieties have desirable berry characteristics, including sweetness and flavor intensity. The top performers were Albion, Sweet Charlie, Camarosa, Camino Real, and Chandler.
A recent study by the American Chemical Society tested five at-home rapid tests, finding they were relatively easy to use with accurate results compared to lab testing. The cost and access to these tests are concerns, but community programs can help offset costs and build trust in testing.
A team of researchers has identified over 1,100 unique large methane point sources across the Permian Basin using airborne imaging spectrometry. The study found that most sources were highly intermittent, but those that were persistent accounted for a significant portion of total emissions.
Creating an oral antiviral has the potential to fully eradicate COVID-19 by allowing early treatment, preventing hospitalizations and fatalities. However, progress in antiviral development has been slow compared to vaccine development, highlighting the need for continued research.
A new plasmofluidic chip enables fast and accurate PCR tests in under 13 minutes, offering a significant improvement over current RT-PCR methods. The device uses gold nanoislands to rapidly heat and cool samples, reducing testing time without sacrificing amplification efficiency.
Researchers found that stormwater can carry high concentrations of microplastic particles, including microscopic fibers and black rubbery fragments, into water bodies. A proof-of-concept experiment showed that a rain garden can capture up to 98% of these microparticles, suggesting a potential solution to reduce microplastic pollution i...
Researchers found that the side of a chocolate bar facing the mold has a more orderly crystalline structure than the air-side face. This difference in crystal form could lead to improved taste and texture, as well as better appearance.
Researchers have developed a novel nano-photosynthetic system using blue-green algae and nanoparticles to treat stroke patients. The approach reduces neuronal damage and improves motor function in mice with blocked cerebral arteries, showing promise for human clinical trials.
Artificial cilia powered by a rotating magnetic field move liquids around cells or propel soft robots with unprecedented efficiency. The researchers developed microscale cilia that mimic natural wave-like movements, producing faster pumping speeds and better control over flow rates.
Researchers have developed color-changing threads that turn bright pink in the presence of Candida albicans, a common cause of yeast infections. These threads can be embedded in tampons or sanitary napkins to allow women to quickly and discreetly self-diagnose vulvovaginal yeast infections.
Carbon farming is gaining traction as a method to sequester carbon emissions and replenish soil nutrients, benefiting farmers and the environment. Companies are providing incentives for sustainable practices like low-till farming and planting cover crops.
A new study found that indoor air pollution from residential coal burning in China causes a disproportionate number of premature deaths from exposure to tiny PM2.5 pollutants. Residential coal use accounted for 34% of premature deaths associated with PM2.5, despite contributing only 2.9% of total energy use.
Researchers found that earthworm guts have lower numbers and relative abundances of antibiotic-resistance genes compared to surrounding soils. The earthworms' unique gut environment may destroy ARGs or outcompete bacteria hosting them, suggesting a potential role in natural bioremediation.