A team of scientists developed a soft, 3D silicone surface that replicates the topography and wettability of a real human tongue. The biomimetic surface demonstrated similar frictional properties to an actual human tongue, making it suitable for studying mechanical interactions with food, liquids, and medicines.
The US EPA has listed 1,4-dioxane as a likely carcinogen due to its persistence in water. Advanced oxidation processes can remove it, but are expensive and energy-intensive. Communities using wells for public drinking water are especially prone to contamination.
Researchers discover compounds that activate GABA receptors can reduce nicotine intake in stressed rats, potentially alleviating relapse. The findings suggest novel PAMs could help prevent stress-induced smoking relapse with fewer side effects.
Researchers have developed a special type of cotton fabric that releases reactive oxygen species when exposed to daylight, killing microbes attached to its surface while being washable and reusable. The fabric showed promise in reducing the spread of diseases like COVID-19 by killing 99.9999% of bacteria and viruses within 60 minutes.
Mice fed a Western diet showed faster decline in odor detection and learning abilities compared to controls. The researchers suggest high dietary sugar content, rather than obesity or hyperglycemia, may be linked to this deterioration.
Researchers have created a bio-based, water-resistant wood film that can emit and scatter light, offering a sustainable alternative to traditional lighting materials. The luminescent panel demonstrates excellent mechanical properties and can be used as cover panels for lamps, displays, and laser devices.
The University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign implemented a campus-wide COVID-19 screening program called Shield, which processes over 10,000 saliva tests each day. The program's success led to the creation of a statewide Shield-Illinois and has inspired governments to establish similar programs.
Brown carbon tarballs have been detected in the Himalayan atmosphere, potentially contributing to glacial melt. The presence of these particles was found to increase on days with elevated pollution levels.
Researchers developed a cardiac patch with engineered blood vessels that improved recovery from myocardial infarction in rats and pigs. The patch promoted cardiac muscle and blood vessel growth, reducing scar tissue and inflammation.
Researchers found that some PFASs mimic estrogen's ability to activate transcription, while others inhibit expression, but block natural hormone activity when present. A computational model predicted that PFASs bind to distinct sites on the receptor surface, potentially blocking estrogen's action
A new article explains how chemistry can help develop materials necessary for fully autonomous vehicles, including efficient batteries and structural materials. Safety features such as sensors and nonstick coatings are also crucial to reducing maintenance and enhancing safety.
Researchers compare microstructure and composition of five Mexican dinosaur eggs to determine the unknown eggshell's species. The study finds that the unknown sample closely resembles ornithopod shells, supporting hypothesis it belongs to the hadrosaur family.
Researchers have developed a portable device that accurately measures capsaicin concentrations in chili peppers, ranging from 0.37 to 90 μM. This innovation allows for safe consumption of spicy food and has potential applications in pharmaceuticals.
Researchers created a flexible film that changes color in response to stretching, pressure, or humidity, mimicking the color-changing properties of chameleon skin. The film is made from renewable cellulose nanocrystals and has potential applications in anti-counterfeiting measures, strain sensing, and encryption.
Researchers have developed a protein delivery system that restored normal sperm development and allowed previously infertile mice to father pups. The treatment delivered a key protein called PIN1 directly to mouse testicles, repairing damaged reproductive cells and improving fertility.
Scientists are developing safer alternatives to chlorpyrifos, a widely used insecticide linked to human health problems and environmental damage. Researchers are testing biodegradable hydrogel beads, targeted soil treatments, and root-based applications to minimize exposure in agricultural workers.
Researchers developed nanoparticles that release bursts of calcium inside tumor cells, inhibiting drug pumps and reversing MDR. The treatment showed significantly smaller tumors in tumor-bearing mice with no apparent side effects.
Scientists successfully printed wearable circuits directly onto human skin using a room-temperature sintering method, enabling seamless integration with the body. The novel approach produced reliable and comparable signal quality to conventional commercial devices for health monitoring applications.
Industry is shifting towards chemical recycling as a solution to tackle the problem of plastics, breaking down them into their building blocks. The process has environmental benefits but also raises concerns about reducing plastic consumption and increasing disposable packaging production.
Scientists have created a new class of paints that can achieve the lustrous metallic look of gold or bronze without using metal flakes. The organic dyes can be dissolved in water and are stable over time, making them suitable for commercial use in ink-jet printers and potentially in electronic systems.
Researchers have created a stretchable conductive hydrogel that can help restore lost tissue in damaged nerves. The material, containing polyaniline and polyacrylamide, allows nerve cells to enter and adhere, helping to improve nerve conduction and recovery.
A global decrease in emissions led to a sudden increase in data collection opportunities for atmospheric researchers, allowing them to study pollution in real-time. This data could help address climate change and air quality problems by informing policymakers on the impact of climate-friendly legislation.
Researchers investigated urban grime samples from US cities, revealing that it absorbs sunlight, which can speed up or slow down chemical reactions affecting air and water quality. The study found differences in ion levels between North American and European cities.
A study by Haizhou Liu and colleagues reveals that corroded cast iron pipes can react with residual disinfectants to form Cr(VI), a known carcinogen. The researchers suggest using less-reactive disinfectants and replacing cast iron pipes with chromium alloy could help mitigate Cr(VI) levels in drinking water.
Researchers developed a single-use treatment for ear infections that don't require refrigeration, addressing logistical challenges for some patients. The new treatment uses hydrogels to release an antibiotic, killing bacteria at a lower dose than traditional drops.
Researchers have identified small molecules that target the RNA genome of SARS-CoV-2, interfering with viral gene expression and targeting the RNA for destruction. By attaching a molecule called RIBOTAC, which recruits an RNA-chopping cellular enzyme, these compounds can increase potency by 10-fold.
Gas-to-protein technology uses bacteria to ferment gases, producing up to 70% protein-rich biomass that can reduce greenhouse gas emissions. This process has the potential to transform agriculture and food production, making it a game-changer for sustainable food options.
Researchers identify glycans linked to the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein as key players in infection, stabilizing shape change that exposes receptor-binding domain. Mutations reducing glycanaction can reduce binding to ACE2.
Researchers have developed magnetically propelled microbots derived from tea buds that can dislodge biofilms, release an antibiotic to kill bacteria, and clean away the debris. The T-Budbots showed promise in treating bacterial biofilms involved in hospital-acquired infections.
Researchers have created a fully automated microchip electrophoresis analyzer that can detect organic molecules, including amino acids, in extraterrestrial soil. The device outperforms existing techniques by three orders of magnitude, paving the way for future missions to search for signs of life beyond Earth.
Researchers developed a polymer-nanoparticle hydrogel that allows sustained release of vaccine components, increasing potency and duration of immune responses in mice. The hydrogel boosts antibody production with a 1,000-fold higher affinity for antigens.
Researchers found that vitamin E acetate increases lung surfactant fluidity, causing the surfactant layer to collapse. This may contribute to symptoms like shortness of breath and lung inflammation in EVALI patients.
Researchers have created photopolymer resins that speed up visible-light curing, enabling faster 3D printing of stiff and soft objects. The optimized mix allows build speeds of up to 1.8 inches per hour, opening up new applications for 3D printing.
Scientists studied the Deepwater Horizon spill's environmental and public health impacts, learning about dispersant effectiveness, oil degradation and marine life harm. Dispersants' benefits include reducing coastal ecosystem damage, but their chemical effects on marine life remain a concern.
Scientists have created an ingestible capsule that captures bacteria and biological samples from the gut while passing through the gastrointestinal tract. The device, which doesn't cause inflammation or toxicity, can be triggered over a range of pH to deliver biologics, providing insight into associated GI disease progression.
HBCUs graduate more successful Black chemists than other schools due to their supportive faculty, rigorous curriculum, and diverse environment. However, HBCUs face limitations in funding and faculty burden, which can impact publication and collaboration.
Scientists analyzed six dog foods and found that certain aroma compounds, including (E)-2-hexenal, 2-furfurylthiol, and 4-methyl-5-thiazoleethanol, were correlated with increased canine intake. These findings could help dog food manufacturers create more appealing kibble.
Researchers analyzed COVID-19 patients' blood samples, revealing a unique metabolic signature associated with acute inflammation, liver dysfunction, and increased risk of cardiovascular disease. The findings may lead to the development of a metabolite-based diagnostic test and inform post-COVID-19 care.
Researchers are developing CBD-based treatments for chronic inflammatory diseases, such as lupus and multiple sclerosis. Pharmaceutical companies are also working to enhance the potency of CBD by creating more potent derivatives that can be absorbed by the body.
Researchers estimated global freshwater supply and demand in 11,000 watersheds, finding that 24% of total consumption exceeds regional capacities. Luxury use accounts for a significant portion of overconsumption, often at the expense of ecosystems.
Researchers detect indigo denim microfibers in wastewater effluent and lakes, with levels estimated at 1 billion per day. Washing jeans less frequently could reduce pollution, but effects on aquatic life are unknown.
Global warming may make viruses more resistant to disinfectants like chlorine and heating, increasing the risk of waterborne diseases. Researchers found that warm-water-adapted viruses are more resilient to inactivation than cold-water-adapted ones.
Researchers create load-bearing structure using local soil, reducing carbon footprint and waste. The new material is expected to be used in construction projects and potentially beyond Earth.
Scientists present research on negative side effects of opioids influenced by the immune system, a new type of immunotherapy extending survival in mouse models of breast cancer, detectable micro- and nanoplastics in human tissues, interactions between ocean microbes and pollution influencing climate, bio-based communication networks co...
Scientists have developed a technique that can detect and quantify viral RNA in living cells, as well as minor changes in RNA sequences. This could help identify superspreaders and understand how viruses evolve to become more infectious.
A prototype device has been developed to detect COVID-19 in exhaled breath, reducing the need for uncomfortable nasopharyngeal swabs. The sensor shows high accuracy in distinguishing COVID-19 cases from controls and lung infections, with potential applications for screening large populations.
Researchers develop a ceramic mortar called grit-assisted patch (GAP) that can be used to fill in potholes without polluting the environment. GAP is made from wastewater treatment grit and has shown comparable compressive strength to traditional asphalt, making it a potentially superior alternative.
Researchers create antioxidant-boosted milk chocolate by combining peanut skins and coffee waste with maltodextrin. The resulting confection has higher chemical antioxidant activity than most dark chocolates and is undetectable in flavor.
Researchers develop a photocatalytic system that utilizes sunlight to drive chemical reactions, producing hydrogen fuel from water. The system achieves 100% conversion of sunlight to hydrogen with a single nanoparticle producing 360,000 molecules per hour.
Scientists have created a novel way of creating a flame-retardant, insect-repellent fabric using nontoxic substances. The new fabric was found to perform at least 20% better than the untreated material in heat release capacity and total heat release tests.