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.
Racist attacks against Asian Americans have increased notably since the COVID-19 pandemic, forcing many to reevaluate their careers in the US. The Biden administration hopes to revise immigration policies and retain international scientists, but awareness and tolerance remain uncertain for the Asian community.
Researchers developed a gold leaf electrode system that sensitively detects human papillomavirus (HPV) DNA using CRISPR-based assay. The method is simple, affordable and adaptable to detect other viral infections, addressing a need for diagnostic tests in low-resource settings.
Researchers have developed a peptide that enables THC to fight pain without the cognitive side effects associated with cannabis. In mice, the optimized peptide showed improved memory and reduced immune response, making it an ideal drug candidate for reducing cognitive side effects from cannabis-based pain management.
Research has expanded hyaluronic acid's uses beyond cosmetics, exploring its potential in wound healing, nerve and muscle pain treatments, and cancer therapy. The ingredient is being combined with other proven ingredients to create optimized products with tangible results.
Researchers have developed a personalized sweat sensor that accurately estimates blood glucose levels without the need for finger pricks. The device uses a polyvinyl alcohol hydrogel and electrochemical sensors to measure glucose in sweat, providing an accurate estimate of blood sugar levels with an accuracy rate of over 95%.
Researchers developed a reversible textile that traps warmth in cold temperatures and reflects it in hot weather, generating small amounts of electricity. The textile's ability to harness temperature gradients makes it suitable for various technologies, such as wearable electronics and camouflage.
Researchers developed an uncrackable combination of invisible ink and artificial intelligence to encrypt messages securely. Using a carbon nanoparticle-based invisible ink and AI algorithms, they achieved 100% accurate decryption with UV light exposure.
Researchers have identified a SARS-CoV-2 variant that sacrifices tight binding to human cells in favor of evading the immune system, which could undermine current COVID-19 vaccines and therapies. The variant, B.1.351, has been found to reduce its binding to ACE2 receptors but decrease its binding to human antibodies.
Researchers developed a new type of LED that reduces blue light emission, resulting in a warm white light similar to natural sunlight. The new phosphor compound minimizes the intensity across blue wavelengths, improving sleep quality and reducing eye troubles.
Two compounds, (-)-geosmin and 3-methyl-1H-indole, are found to be primary contributors to the musty and moldy scents of cocoa beans. Measuring their amounts within cocoa beans could help detect off-putting scents and flavors.
Researchers have developed hybrid materials that combine hydrogels and metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) to optimize water harvesting technologies for various environments. These materials have the potential to provide a sustainable source of water in arid conditions, as well as improve energy efficiency in air conditioning systems.
Scientists studied how many bubbles form in beer when poured into a glass. They estimated between 200,000 and 2 million bubbles can be released from a half-pint of lager before it goes flat.
Researchers are developing new conditioning therapies with fewer side effects, targeting specific proteins on hematopoietic stem cells to make room for healthy ones. This could lead to more patients being able to safely undergo stem cell treatments, reducing complications and improving outcomes.
Researchers developed a fluorescent polymer that binds to blood in fingerprints without damaging DNA, creating high-contrast images on various surfaces. This technology enhances the detection of invisible bloody prints, critical for forensic evidence analysis.
New methods to detect doping compounds in urine samples using ion mobility-mass spectrometry will help regulatory agencies track existing dopants and future 'designer' compounds. Baltic amber's therapeutic effects have been pinpointed, potentially leading to new medicines for antibiotic-resistant infections. Scientists also report a wa...
A new sweat sensor can detect elevated pro-inflammatory cytokines in patients with respiratory infections, including COVID-19. The device measures tiny amounts of passive sweat to track cytokine levels, potentially reducing hospitalizations and deaths.
Scientists have discovered that snake scales adapt to different environments by changing their surface chemistry. The study found that tree snakes have ordered lipid molecules on their bellies, while sand snakes have similar layers on both sides.
Researchers developed a nanostructured fluid that slowly releases cleaning agents to remove over-paintings on street art without damaging the underlying layer. The technique, which uses low-toxicity solvents and biodegradable surfactants, has been tested successfully on laboratory mockups and real pieces of street art.
Researchers create harp-like instrument to play spider web music, revealing structural features through sound and vision. The team explores potential uses for spider-mimicking 3D printers and developing a language with spiders.
A new oral treatment, FTX-6058, has the potential to address the root cause of sickle cell disease by increasing fetal hemoglobin levels. The drug could be formulated into a daily tablet and has shown better results than current treatments in preclinical experiments.
Researchers found a molecular link between Parkinson's disease and melanoma, with amyloid proteins α-synuclein and Pmel interacting in melanoma cells. This interaction may lead to reduced pigment production, contributing to the increased risk of melanoma in Parkinson's patients.
Researchers develop efficient method to extract protein from brewer's spent grain, producing up to 83% of original protein content. The process also yields a fiber-rich product suitable for conversion into fuels.
Researchers have developed a safer, biodegradable alternative to conventional polyurethanes using fish waste. The new material, made from fish oil and amino acids, shows promising signs of breaking down in the environment.
Researchers have identified compounds in Baltic amber that show activity against gram-positive, antibiotic-resistant bacteria. These compounds, including abietic acid and dehydroabietic acid, could lead to new medicines for treating infections caused by these resistant bacteria.
Researchers have developed a new method using ion mobility-mass spectrometry to detect existing and emerging dopants in urine samples. This approach aims to characterize and identify banned substances, including steroids and glucocorticoids, and potentially predict the structure of newly created illicit steroids.
Researchers developed a comprehensive model to estimate lifetime microplastic exposure, accounting for variable levels from different sources and populations. The model predicts that adults can accrue an average of 50,100 microplastic particles by age 70.
Researchers have discovered a fungus that can improve nutrient uptake and yield in ketchup tomatoes, reducing the need for chemical fertilizers. The fungus, Ceriporia lacerata, enhances enzyme activity in soil and increases sugar-acid ratio, vitamin C content, and flavor in tomatoes.
Researchers developed a handheld MasSpec Pen to identify common types of meat and fish within 15 seconds, with 100% accuracy. The device uses molecular components to verify meat sources, eliminating the need for sample preparation steps.
Space agencies are turning their attention back to Venus, the closest planet to Earth, to learn more about its atmosphere and geology. Recent findings have generated renewed interest, and multiple missions are planned to study Venus' surface and atmospheric chemistry.
Researchers developed a tamper-proof temperature indicator to monitor mRNA vaccine storage conditions. The system can alert healthcare workers when the vaccine reaches an unsafe temperature for a certain period, ensuring effective distribution and use of the vaccine.
A new biorefinery method extracts beneficial pigments from purple corncobs, producing natural dyes, nutraceutical supplements and absorbent kitty litter, offering a sustainable solution with zero waste at the end. The process uses water as an eco-friendly agent and achieves higher pigment extraction rates compared to traditional solvents.
Researchers have developed copper foams with microscopic pores that effectively filter out submicron-sized aerosols while being durable enough to be decontaminated and reused. The foams are also antimicrobial and recyclable, making them economically competitive with current products.
The team developed a spontaneous patterning method that mimics biological processes, producing resins with regular ridges and controlled height and spacing. By adjusting the initial temperature of the solution, they created materials with patterns of color and stiffness, paving the way for creating new 'smart' materials.
Researchers explore using microbes to degrade per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), persistent environmental pollutants. A study suggests that certain microbe strains can defluorinate PFAS, but further research is needed to develop a feasible method for cleaning up the compounds.
Researchers have developed small, swimming robots that can magnetically heal themselves on-the-fly after breaking into two or three pieces. The strategy could be used to make hardier devices for environmental or industrial clean up.
Researchers have developed a highly sensitive pressure sensor cap that can help reveal whether a helmet is a perfect fit for an individual player's head. The device uses fabric-based sensors that map pressure in real-time, providing valuable information on helmet fit and potentially reducing the severity of sports-related head injuries.
Filtration with high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters is the most popular choice in hospitals and clinical settings. Other methods using ultraviolet C (UVC) light and bipolar ionization also show promise, but research on their effectiveness against COVID-19 is still evolving.
Researchers have developed a dual-functioning catalyst that breaks down common drugs in wastewater while efficiently converting water into hydrogen for fuel. The catalyst, composed of cobalt oxide and titanium dioxide with platinum nanoparticles, showed promise in degrading antibiotics and producing substantial amounts of hydrogen.
The ACS Spring 2021 meeting will feature nearly 9,000 presentations on various subjects including COVID-19 lessons learned, health and medicine, renewable energy and fuels, sustainability, and more. Keynote speakers will focus on cutting-edge developments in bio-based plastics, machine biology, and Macromolecular Chemistry.
Researchers have developed porous carbon aerogels for electrodes in ultralow-temperature supercapacitors, reducing heating needs for future space and polar missions. The new technology could enable NASA's Mars rovers to operate without heaters, improving efficiency and extending their lifespan.
Researchers applied a new method to analyze ancient dental calculus, identifying dairy proteins and bacterial fragments that shed light on ancient diseases. The single-pot solid-phase-enhanced sample preparation (SP3) approach increased the number of unique protein fragments detected.