Researchers developed a new type of transparent wood that absorbs, stores and releases heat, potentially saving energy costs in eco-friendly homes. The material is biodegradable, strong and can bear heavy loads, opening the door for its eventual use in modern architecture.
Researchers present a quick and affordable solution to restore protective coatings in lead pipes, reducing toxic lead leaching into water supply. The new electrochemical approach could be applied to existing pipes with minimal disruption and cost savings.
Researchers develop a new polymer that can expand and contract in response to light, lifting a weight with minimal stimulation. The material has potential applications in biomedical fields, such as drug-delivery devices or artificial muscles.
Researchers create 'megasupramolecules' that can significantly reduce misting of fuel during high-speed impacts, reducing the risk of fire or explosion. The additives also enhance lubrication and flow through pipelines and hoses, and reduce soot formation in diesel engines.
Scientists have developed a method to manufacture spider silk and other difficult-to-make proteins using engineered bacteria. The production of these proteins could be useful during future space missions, such as producing bullet-proof fabric or surgical sutures.
Researchers have discovered new magnets based on more readily available rare earths and some promising magnets without these materials. These findings aim to ease the demand for scarce rare-earth permanent magnets by identifying alternative options.
Scientists use tiny needles and electric current to reshape cartilage without cutting or suturing. By electrolyzing water in the tissue, they reduce charge density and make the cartilage more malleable, allowing for precise shaping.
A study by Canadian researchers reveals that hands play a central role in transferring organophosphate ester (OPE) flame retardants and plasticizers through the indoor environment. The study found that most chemicals were present on all surfaces, including electronic devices, floor dust, and participant's hands.
Researchers have identified a fungal compound that may inhibit the causative bacteria of citrus greening disease, which has reduced juice orange yields by half in the last 15 years. The compound, radicinin, was isolated and purified from a fungus that inhibits the growth of the bacteria.
Scientists are developing ultra-high precision synthetic polymers with precisely controlled chain lengths and monomer sequences. These information-containing macromolecules can be deployed for data storage, anti-counterfeiting and traceability technologies.
Researchers developed smart pajamas with self-powered sensors that track vital signs while sleeping. The 'Phyjama' provides detailed information on heart rate, breathing, and sleep posture, helping users and clinicians improve sleep quality.
Researchers create first highly potent and selective FKBP51 inhibitor to relieve chronic pain, promote weight loss and improve mood, with potential applications in alcoholism and brain cancer.
Scientists have developed a non-invasive technique using portable X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy to study the layers of paint in rock art. This allows for the analysis of pictographs without causing damage to the artwork, revealing complex patterns and elemental makeup of pigments.
Researchers have identified bacteria with promising antibiotic activity against known pathogens in the protective mucus that coats young fish. The study found five bacterial extracts strongly inhibited methicillin-resistant S. aureus and three inhibited Candida albicans, a fungus pathogenic to humans.
Researchers developed liquid crystal technology that can block a wide range of laser wavelengths, including red, blue, and green. The system uses a voltage-controlled phase change to scatter light and block laser beams.
Researchers create covalent nanoparticles to deliver naloxone for 24-hour protection against morphine and fentanyl's effects. The nanoparticle system shows promise in treating fentanyl overdoses and could potentially replace short-acting naloxone as an antidote of choice.
Researchers have identified key compounds responsible for the flavor and aroma of Tennessee whiskey. By studying the effects of the Lincoln County Process, distilleries can optimize their production to achieve the desired flavor profile.
Researchers are exploring RNA editing as a way to treat diseases without permanent genetic changes. This approach uses an enzyme called ADAR to make precise edits to RNA, which can be reversible and avoid the risks of CRISPR.
Researchers developed a new method to distinguish between drug ingestion and external contamination of hair by analyzing single hairs from volunteers. The team found that splitting the hair lengthwise increased sensitivity for zolpidem detection, allowing them to separate ingestion from contamination.
Researchers have developed a nanofibrous membrane that enhances periodontal tissue regeneration and is absorbed by the body when healing is complete. The membrane, made from biocompatible polymers, promotes bone mineralization and regrows lost gum tissue in rats with periodontal defects within eight weeks.
Researchers detected Cryptosporidium parasites in 40% of surveyed wells in Minnesota's public water systems, even those not influenced by surface water. The findings suggest soil may not completely filter out the parasite, prompting consideration for monitoring and treatment measures.
Researchers developed a simple, inexpensive method to identify samples by observing how they react to environmental changes. By capturing chronoprints – images of sample changes over time and distance – the test can compare unknown samples with authentic foods and medicines.
Recent research reveals that pollutants can alter animals' immune responses and decrease their resistance to infectious diseases. Chemical exposure in the womb has also been linked to increased risk of illnesses in children.
A team of researchers discovered the chemicals responsible for the distinctive smell of Parkinson's disease using a 'super smeller'. The finding could lead to an early diagnosis and monitoring of the condition. Hippuric acid, eicosane, and octadecanal were identified as biomarkers in sebum samples from patients with Parkinson's.
Researchers created a magnetic liquid metal that can move and stretch both horizontally and vertically without being fully immersed in liquid. The material exhibits high conductivity, low melting point, and deformability, making it suitable for use in soft robotics and flexible electronics.
Researchers have developed special light harvesters that can convert ambient indoor lighting into usable energy, potentially powering wireless devices in homes and offices. The technology uses organic photovoltaics to optimize the use of artificial room lighting, which is abundant but often underutilized.
Researchers have developed a new technique to measure the binding of thousands of small molecules to mucus components, revealing a previously unknown pattern associated with mucin binding. This breakthrough could lead to better treatments for diseases characterized by excessive mucus production.
Researchers have developed tiny 'blinkers' that can image single molecules of RNA or protein inside cells simultaneously, opening up new possibilities for diagnostics and treatments. The approach uses fluorescent probes that blink with variable duration and frequency to detect dozens of biomolecules at once.
Researchers are developing methods to extract DNA and analyze chemicals from fingerprints, improving identification rates. These techniques involve analyzing molecules like DNA, amino acids, or explosives left behind in fingerprints.
Researchers found a promising lead in seriniquone, a natural product isolated from seawater bacteria, to treat melanoma. The compound targets a specific biochemical pathway in melanoma cells and has shown potent activity against the disease.
Scientists are working on modifying human breast milk cells to produce specific proteins, such as vaccines, for premature babies. These engineered cells could potentially address birth defects, provide necessary proteins, or even treat certain diseases.
Researchers created fermented milk products with bacterial films on nanofiber membranes, demonstrating improved probiotic survival and resistance to stomach digestion. The biofilms released live bacteria into the milk, allowing them to survive storage and transit.
A recent study published in ACS Chemical Neuroscience suggests that low doses of psychedelic drugs may alleviate symptoms of depression and anxiety. Researchers treated rats with microdoses of N,N-dimethyltryptamine (DMT) without negative effects, showing cautious optimism for this treatment method.
Researchers found that joint use of tobacco and alcohol increased reactive oxygen species and pro-inflammatory cytokines in the rat brain, leading to lower levels of a growth factor essential for neuron survival. The study suggests that alcoholics who smoke may be at additional risk for neural damage.
Negative-emission technologies (NETs) that capture carbon dioxide from the air could address about 30% of needed reductions in carbon-dioxide emissions. Scientists estimate that NETs face challenges on cost-effectiveness and disposal methods.
Researchers have fabricated a film using DuPont Kevlar fibers and polyethylene glycol that absorbs heat and releases it slowly, making objects invisible to thermal cameras. The composite film performs comparably to other stealth films but is simpler and cheaper to make.
Researchers have identified a new biomarker, ATOEA, that accurately detects cyanide exposure and persists in the body longer than the toxic compound. This breakthrough enables faster diagnosis and treatment of cyanide poisoning.
Scientists have designed a pacemaker that harnesses the energy of heartbeats to regulate heart rhythm. The device was successfully tested in pigs and shows promise for creating a self-powered cardiac pacemaker.
Delhi's air pollution is a complex issue, with multiple sources including burning from power plants, landfills, and individual fires. Experts cite difficulties in collecting accurate data due to erroneous official numbers and uncounted small sources.
Researchers developed a scientific approach to create deliciously melted fondue by balancing cheese, wine and starch. The study found that adding potato starch and ethanol decreased the fondue's viscosity for optimal mouthfeel and dipping coverage.
Researchers tested three types of food-grade diatomaceous earth used to filter beer and wine, finding that all contained arsenic and smaller amounts of lead and cadmium. Altering filtering conditions or washing the DE before use reduced arsenic transfer.
Excessive road salt application has led to increased chloride levels in streams and rivers, posing health risks and disrupting ecosystems. Implementing brine solutions and snow plows can reduce salt use by up to 70%.
New polymer additives have been found to increase the storage stability of asphalt rubber, making it more suitable for producing rubber asphalt. This material has shown cost-effectiveness and environmental benefits in U.S. states that currently use ground tire rubber as a component of asphalt mixes.
Scientists have developed a method to upcycle polyethylene from plastic bags into pure carbon, which can be used as anode material for lithium-ion batteries. The new approach creates a cost-effective and efficient way to convert plastic waste into useful energy-storing materials.
A new biosensor has been developed to detect fetal Down syndrome DNA in pregnant women's blood, offering a fast, sensitive, and cost-effective alternative to traditional tests. The sensor can detect DNA concentrations as low as 0.1 fM/L, making it more sensitive than other reported field-effect transistor DNA sensors.
Researchers are unsure if microplastics cause harm to people as they accumulate in the body and organs, with varying effects depending on composition and additives. Microplastics have been identified in human feces, raising concerns about potential health risks.
Researchers studied Syrian hamster brain changes during hibernation and found that phosphorylated tau, a protein implicated in AD, is rapidly reversed upon waking. Hibernating animals show high levels of long-chain ceramides, which may help protect neurons from oxidative damage.
Researchers create micromotors coated with red blood cell membranes and titanium dioxide that target the mucus layer of the intestine, stimulating a broader immune response. The oral vaccines successfully delivered in mice, producing ten times more IgA antibodies against Staphylococcal α-toxin than static particles.
Scientists have created an 'unclonable' tag that can never be replicated, using physical unclonable functions (PUFs) with microparticles forming random patterns. The system correctly identified 76% of the tags, with estimated 2.5 x 10^120 unique codes.
Researchers are exploring alternatives to conventional antivenoms, including small molecules like varespladib that inhibit venom enzymes and human monoclonal antibodies to snake venom components.