Researchers have discovered that dry-cured ham bones contain peptides with cardioprotective effects, inhibiting enzymes involved in cardiovascular disease. The use of ham bones to make broths and stews could have a positive impact on cardiovascular health.
Researchers have created bioinspired artificial compound eyes with improved visual properties, enabling better motion detection and light sensitivity. The innovative structure consists of tiny independent repeating visual receptors called ommatidia, grown on top of convex glass domes with antireflective and water-repellent nanostructures.
Researchers found that a promising eco-friendly flame retardant, polymeric flame retardant (polyFR), can break down into potentially hazardous substances when exposed to heat or ultraviolet light. The degradation process yields small, brominated compounds with the potential to cause toxic effects on organisms.
Scientists have created a 3D-printed device that can absorb excess chemotherapy drugs from a patient's bloodstream before they spread to healthy cells. The device captured about 64% of doxorubicin, a commonly used chemotherapy drug, reducing the likelihood of side effects such as hair loss and nausea.
Researchers found that sunscreen chemical octocrylene (OC) accumulates in coral as toxic fatty acid esters, interfering with metabolism. Levels of OC in the ocean may have been underestimated due to the presence of these esters.
Decade after a chemist's death, academic labs continue to improve safety protocols, including incorporating safety into education and training. Despite progress, concerns remain about the effectiveness of current measures in preventing lab accidents.
Researchers have created a genetically modified houseplant that can efficiently remove at least two toxins, formaldehyde and benzene, from the air. The plant's detoxifying potential was boosted by introducing a mammalian gene called CYP2E1 into its genome.
Researchers have developed a self-powered bandage that converts skin movements into an electric field, accelerating wound healing in rats. The e-bandage reduces healing time by up to 75% compared to traditional bandages.
Researchers successfully developed yeast to produce large quantities of stevia, a zero-calorie sweetener, cutting out the need for plant extraction. The study aims to improve the production process and create next-generation no-calorie sweeteners with better taste.
The American Chemical Society (ACS) reviewed 2018's top research stories, including machine learning and new solutions for plastic waste. Experts predict key advances in 2019, such as automated chemical synthesis and analysis, and solid-state battery technologies.
Researchers found that polysulfanes decompose during wine storage, releasing hydrogen sulfide and causing the smell of sewage or rotten eggs. The study suggests that antioxidants like sulfur dioxide can help manage the release of stinky sulfur compounds in wine.
Scientists create assay to detect protein-protein interactions with strong fluorescent signal, enabling disease therapy development and drug screening. The technique uses genetically engineered human cells producing fluorescent proteins, allowing researchers to observe interactions in living cells.
In 2018, the biotech industry saw significant investment from venture capital firms and a surge in initial public offerings. Promising developments include the approval of the first RNA interference drug, Onpattro, for treating rare genetic disorders, as well as advancements in CRISPR technology and cannabis-based therapeutics.
A new study found that uranium in mine dust can dissolve in simulated lung fluids and bloodstream, increasing the risk of disease. The researchers tested dust samples from five sites near uranium mines in New Mexico, discovering that mineral composition affects solubility.
Researchers create long-lasting rewritable paper by layering blue dye and black toner, which remain legible for more than six months. The material can be reset by cooling it down to 14 F, allowing for over 100 reuse cycles.
Researchers found that burned forest material can sequester mercury, preventing its release into waterways. Black ash from low-intensity burns contained similar amounts of mercury as unburned vegetation and white ash from high-intensity burns had higher levels in a non-reactive form.
Scientists have used metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) to set a new record for hydrogen storage capacity under normal operating conditions. The researchers found that a MOF called Ni2(m-dobdc) had the highest hydrogen-storage capacity, with 11.9 g of fuel per liter of MOF crystal.
Researchers develop NMR analysis to pinpoint hazelnut country of origin, identifying distinct metabolite profiles for specific regions. The new method achieved 96% accuracy and could be combined with existing tests for enhanced reliability.
A proposed change to the Nagoya Protocol could require users of genetic data to pay fees to donor countries, potentially hindering innovation and public health. Proponents argue it will conserve biodiversity, while opponents claim it discourages research and development.
Researchers have developed an ultrathin, stretchable electronic skin that can be used for various human-machine interactions. The new method creates a fast, simple, and inexpensive way to produce thin-film circuits with integrated microelectronics.
A new study found that US tap water contains a mixture of contaminants, including pesticides, pharmaceuticals, and lead, which can harm public health. The researchers detected high levels of lead in 23 samples, exceeding the EPA's zero-lead goal.
Researchers have identified a compound, ancistrolikokine E3, from the twigs of the Ancistrocladus likoko vine that kills pancreatic cancer cells when nutrients are scarce. The compound inhibits the Akt/mTOR pathway, which is responsible for the aggressive proliferation of these cancer cells.
Research with mice suggests exercise strengthens resolve against drug addiction by changing peptide levels in the brain. Re-exposure to drug-related cues affects exercise and sedentary mice differently.
Scientists have identified a wild tea plant in China that contains virtually no caffeine and may provide the health benefits of regular brewed teas. The newly discovered plant, known as hongyacha, was found to contain several potentially health-promoting compounds not found in regular tea.
Researchers have developed a faster and simpler technique to analyze the structures of small molecules, reducing the time needed for X-ray crystallography. This new method, microcrystal-electron diffraction (MicroED), allows scientists to study small-molecule structures at high resolution in under 30 minutes.
These start-ups are using chemistry to fight disease, control agricultural pests, and make safer lithium-ion batteries. The selected companies have ignited investor interest with their groundbreaking ideas.
Researchers have created a bionic mushroom that produces electricity through photosynthesis, generating a current of about 65 nanoAmps. The system uses cyanobacteria and graphene nanoribbons to capture electrons released during photosynthesis.
Researchers have developed a natural way to prevent enzymatic browning in pastry dough, driven by polyphenol oxidase (PPO). A combination of white wine and lemon juice inhibits PPO activity and prevents discoloration, making it an attractive alternative to synthetic additives.
Researchers deployed low-cost, solar-powered sensors to monitor air quality in Puerto Rico after Hurricane Maria. The devices detected high levels of sulfur dioxide and carbon monoxide, exceeding EPA standards on nearly 80% of days during the monitoring period.
Researchers in South India measured personal exposure to fine particulate matter using a combination of techniques, finding significant differences between men and women. Men showed higher levels of personal exposure throughout the day, while women's exposures were related to cooking and industrial activities.
Researchers analyzed 23 popular hard ciders and found that 60% of domestic brands contained added sugars from cane or corn syrup. The study's findings suggest that labels are not a reliable way to determine whether a cider has added sugar, due to discrepancies between expected and observed isotopic ratios.
Researchers have created a wearable heater by modifying woven fabric with DuPont Kevlar fiber and nanowires, providing uniform heat and thermal insulation. The material is strong, flexible, breathable, and washable, making it suitable for use in cold-weather clothing.
The clean meat industry is struggling to scale up production and gain consumer acceptance, with challenges including product naming and labeling. Despite these hurdles, start-ups aim to capture a small percentage of the $1-trillion-per-year combined meat market.
Researchers develop silver nanoparticles coated with anti-seizure drugs to kill brain-eating amoebae, increasing human cell survival rates. The drug-nanoparticle combos target protein receptors or ion channels on the amoeba's membrane, offering a potential treatment for deadly infections.
Researchers have created wood sponges that selectively absorb oil from water, then can be squeezed out and used again. The sponges absorbed 16-41 times their own weight in oil, comparable to or better than other reported absorbents.
Researchers have identified two compounds with better antiviral properties than oseltamivir, effective against both drug-resistant and sensitive strains of influenza A. These compounds target the AM2 protein with the S31N mutation, a key site of resistance in most influenza A viruses.
Scientists have found a simple way to detect air pollutants like sulfur dioxide in real time by analyzing changes in moss leaves. Moss can regenerate its chemical sensing capacity, making it a sustainable natural plant sensor for rapidly alerting authorities to potential dangers.
A new method for 3D printing lithium-ion batteries has been developed, overcoming the limitation of commercially available battery shapes. The researchers increased the battery's ionic conductivity by infusing polymers with an electrolyte solution and boosting electrical conductivity using graphene or multi-walled carbon nanotubes.
Scientists are working on technologies to collect water from the air, which could help alleviate global water shortages. Researchers have developed various approaches, including fog-harvesting systems and liquid desiccants, that can reduce costs and scale up production.
Researchers have created a nanomaterial called MXene that can capture urea from dialysis waste, paving the way for a more comfortable and effective artificial kidney. The material is lightweight, safe, and can hold onto urea even at body temperature.
Researchers have successfully created a blue rose through genetic engineering by expressing pigment-producing enzymes from bacteria in white roses, resulting in a blue color. The team's breakthrough could lead to the mass production of true-blue roses without dye or injections.
Researchers found that some substitutes for di-n-butyl phthalate and triphenyl phosphate may be harmful, raising concerns about 'regrettable substitution'. The study of 40 nail polishes revealed that manufacturers have removed DnBP but still use similar toxic substitutes without disclosure.
Researchers developed a contact lens that changes color as drugs are released into the eye, enabling real-time monitoring of treatment efficacy. The molecularly imprinted contact lenses can indicate sustained release of many ophthalmic drugs, potentially reducing side effects.
Researchers explore using nanoparticles as tiny scouts to map connectivity between wells, optimize injection schemes, and identify oil-rich spots. Nanomaterials also show promise in keeping surfactants from sticking to rocks and magnetically separating oil microdroplets.
Researchers found that short RNA molecules can form liquid crystals, encouraging growth into longer chains. The discovery suggests an 'RNA world' where liquid crystals guided the assembly of primordial biomolecules.
Scientists have discovered a compound that promotes social interaction among laboratory mice with autistic traits, offering new hope for treating autism. The finding builds on previous research showing oxytocin's potential benefits and develops a drug candidate to overcome its limitations.
Researchers have created a stable encapsulation system using cellulose and alginate to protect probiotics from stomach acid, allowing them to survive until reaching the intestine. This breakthrough may lead to more effective treatments for conditions like diarrhea and inflammatory bowel disease.
Researchers have developed a gel-based chemotherapy that can shrink melanoma skin tumors in mice by penetrating deep into the skin. The gel, called transfersome, was found to slow tumor growth when applied daily and administered intravenously every other day, with results showing a significant reduction in tumor size.
Researchers have identified the biochemical basis of unintended consequences in dry-hopping beer production, including high alcohol content and pressure issues. By understanding the effects of hops on fermentation, brewers can better control beer quality and safety.
Researchers have discovered a new use for green tea's EGCG: delivering therapeutic siRNAs into cells. This breakthrough could lead to treatments for diseases caused by gene misexpression.