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American Chemical Society


Flame retardants -- from plants

Researchers have identified potentially less toxic and biodegradable flame retardants from plants, which could replace hazardous organohalogen compounds. The new substances, derived from gallic acid and 3,5-dihydroxybenzoic acid, perform as well as many existing flame retardants on the market.

Chocolate muddles cannabis potency testing

Researchers found that altering sample preparation conditions in chocolate samples can significantly impact cannabis potency test results. They discovered that the matrix effect of chocolate's fat content is suppressing the signal for Δ9-THC, which could have major implications for producers and consumers of cannabis-infused edibles.

Attacking asthma in kids

Researchers are developing technology to predict when a child will have an asthma attack and provide prevention and treatment suggestions. The system tracks geographical location, physical activity, air quality, and health data using smart phones, watches, and sensors.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalChemical & Engineering News·DateAug 14, 2019

Designing a better low-fat potato chip

A new technique developed by researchers allows for the creation of tastier low-fat potato chips by analyzing physical characteristics. The method, called in vitro oral processing, measures chip properties from first bite to swallow, enabling food scientists to link physical measurements with sensory perceptions.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalJournal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry·DateAug 7, 2019

New insights into the origin of life

Researchers have demonstrated that energetic interactions between hydrogen cyanide and water can form precursors to RNA and proteins. The study provides new potential pathways for the formation of life's building blocks, without requiring high-energy photons or metal catalysts.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalACS Central Science·DateAug 7, 2019

Fighting a mighty weed

Scientists are racing to find solutions as Palmer amaranth develops resistance to multiple herbicides, outcompeting crops for resources. The weed's ability to thrive and produce new generations of resistant plants poses significant threats to crop yields.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalChemical & Engineering News·DateAug 7, 2019

'Sniff-cam' to detect disease

Scientists have developed a highly sensitive 'sniff-cam' that can detect low levels of disease biomarkers in breath, including diabetes, lung cancer, and Parkinson's disease. The device uses an ultraviolet ring light, filters, and a camera to measure volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in the breath.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalAnalytical Chemistry·DateJul 31, 2019

Chemical makers oppose new tariffs

Chemical manufacturers in the US are opposing new tariffs proposed by the Trump administration on $300 billion worth of Chinese goods. The additional taxes could hurt US companies' competitiveness and pricing advantage over foreign firms that do not have to pay tariffs.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalChemical & Engineering News·DateJul 10, 2019

Natural ingredients in supplements, nutraceuticals get a new type of barcode

A team of researchers has developed a method to authenticate botanical ingredients by assigning unique chemical barcodes, which can distinguish between different parts of the same plant and detect chemical contaminants. The new barcode system uses nuclear magnetic resonance and statistical analysis to group similar samples together.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalJournal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry·DateJun 26, 2019

Upcycling process brings new life to old jeans

Researchers have developed an efficient and low-cost method to convert waste denim into reusable cotton fibers, reducing textile waste and conserving resources. The new process uses a 1:4 mixture of ionic liquid and DMSO to dissolve cellulose building blocks, resulting in white or colored viscose-type fibers.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalACS Sustainable Chemistry & Engineering·DateJun 19, 2019