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American Chemical Society


Comparing heirloom and modern wheat effects on gut health

Researchers found that a popular modern variety of wheat does not impair gastrointestinal health in mice compared to heirloom wheat. Heirloom wheat slightly reduced levels of the pro-inflammatory cytokine interleukin-17 and improved gut barrier function, suggesting that modern wheat varieties may be healthier for healthy individuals.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalJournal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry·DateDec 18, 2019

A self-healing sweat sensor (video)

Researchers have developed a self-healing sweat sensor that can withstand vigorous exercise and quickly repair itself if damaged. The device, in the form of a headband, accurately tracks electrolyte concentrations in sweat, providing valuable insights into a person's health.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalACS Applied Materials & Interfaces·DateDec 18, 2019

Australian desalination plant attracts fish

A large desalination plant in Sydney, Australia, has been found to attract certain species of fish, increasing their abundance at the discharge site. The researchers suggest that turbulence caused by high-pressure release of salty solution may be responsible for this effect.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology·DateDec 18, 2019

Brewing beer that tastes fresh longer

Researchers have engineered lager yeast to produce more molecules that protect beer against staling, resulting in improved flavor stability. The modified strains produced 26.3-47.3% less acetaldehyde and increased levels of sulfur dioxide, a natural antioxidant.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalJournal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry·DateDec 4, 2019

Atmospheric chemists move indoors

Atmospheric chemists are cataloging compounds in indoor air, which can react with others to form new molecules. Indoor emissions come from various sources, including stoves, cleaning products, and people's breath, skin, and personal care products.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalChemical & Engineering News·DateDec 4, 2019

4D imaging with liquid crystal microlenses

Researchers have developed a portable, inexpensive, and easy-to-use microlens that simultaneously acquires 3D space and polarization information. This allows for the creation of 4D images with improved depth resolution, potentially enabling applications in medical imaging, communications, displays, and remote sensing.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalACS Nano·DateNov 20, 2019

The good side of carbon monoxide

At low concentrations, carbon monoxide has a beneficial effect by interacting with signaling proteins, suppressing inflammation and protecting tissues from oxidative stress. Researchers are exploring safe and effective delivery methods to harness its therapeutic potential for diseases such as sepsis and cancer.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalChemical & Engineering News·DateNov 20, 2019

Photoinitiators detected in human breast milk

Scientists have detected 15 different photoinitiators in human breast milk, with benzophenone being the most prevalent. The researchers estimate that breastfeeding infants ingest high amounts of these compounds, but predict a low health risk due to levels below safe thresholds.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology Letters·DateNov 20, 2019

Stretchable, degradable semiconductors

Researchers have developed a new material that combines semiconducting properties with intrinsic stretchability and full degradability. The material can be stretched to twice its normal length without compromising electrical performance and degrades completely within 10 days in a weak acid.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalACS Central Science·DateNov 13, 2019

Climate impact of hydropower varies widely

A new study reveals that hydropower's climate impact is not as environmentally friendly as thought, with some facilities emitting more greenhouse gases than fossil fuels. However, in the long-term, hydropower has a smaller climate benefit compared to methane emissions.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology·DateNov 13, 2019

Ten chemistry start-ups to watch

The American Chemical Society has identified 10 emerging start-ups revolutionizing the field of chemistry, from pharmaceuticals to green chemistry processes. These companies are addressing global issues such as microcontaminant removal, sustainable materials, and climate change.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalChemical & Engineering News·DateNov 13, 2019

Electrochemistry amps up in pharma

Researchers use electrochemistry to synthesize difficult-to-make compounds and reduce waste and toxic byproducts compared to traditional chemical reagents. The ElectraSyn 2.0 module has enabled chemists to access the technology without electronics expertise, but scaling up production remains a challenge.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalChemical & Engineering News·DateNov 6, 2019

Combatting air pollution with nature

Researchers analyzed data to determine the feasibility of using nature-based solutions to combat air pollution. The study found that NBS can support native wildlife and are adaptable, cost-effective, and a truly green solution in reducing pollution and climate change.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology·DateNov 6, 2019

Will lithium-air batteries ever take flight?

Lithium-air batteries offer a maximum specific energy of 3,460 W h/kg, but scientists need to overcome obstacles such as unstable electrolytes and interference from air pollutants. The technology uses oxygen to oxidize a lithium-metal anode and could be powered by a plane's onboard air storage and filtration systems.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalChemical & Engineering News·DateOct 30, 2019

The sweet taste of innovation

A new US food-labeling policy will require packaging to display the amount of added sugars and their daily value. Food companies are developing low- or no-calorie sweeteners, such as allulose, which promises to deliver sugar properties with one-tenth the calories.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalChemical & Engineering News·DateOct 23, 2019

A rat's brain, on and off methamphetamine

Study reveals substantial changes in metabolic pathways related to energy metabolism, the nervous system, and cell membrane lipid metabolism during methamphetamine self-administration and withdrawal. Biomarkers such as depleted amino acids may help identify early warning signs of methamphetamine dependence.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalJournal of Proteome Research·DateOct 16, 2019

Engineered protein crystals make cells magnetic

Researchers have engineered protein crystals that can generate magnetic forces many times stronger than previously reported. By introducing these crystals into living cells, scientists can move the cells around with a magnet, offering potential applications in fields such as biotechnology and biomedical engineering.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalNano Letters·DateSep 25, 2019