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American Chemical Society


A step toward sensitive and fast gluten detection

Researchers have developed a fast gluten detector that can detect and quantify different sources of gluten than current tests, providing more accurate results. The new test is faster, taking only 45 minutes, and can sense less than 20 parts per million of gluten, meeting the FDA's limit for 'gluten-free' designation.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalACS Sensors·DateFeb 7, 2018

Artificial sweetener could someday provide cancer treatments with fewer side effects

Researchers have discovered that acesulfame potassium, an artificial sweetener widely used in foods and drinks, could lead to the development of a more selective therapy for aggressive cancers. The compound is more selective towards carbonic anhydrase IX than previously studied saccharin, potentially offering fewer side effects.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalJournal of Medicinal Chemistry·DateJan 24, 2018

A step toward ridding register receipts of BPA

A team of researchers has developed potentially safer polymers that could replace BPA in thermally printed receipts and labels, reducing environmental and health concerns. The new polymers, called BPAF-N-type, have similar properties to BPA and are suitable for various applications.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalIndustrial & Engineering Chemistry Research·DateJan 17, 2018

Gorilla Glass debuts in car windshields

Chemically toughened glass is being explored for use in car windshields, providing strength and durability while reducing weight and cost. This new material has potential applications in wearable electronic devices, hurricane-resistant windows, and pharmaceutical vials.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalChemical & Engineering News·DateJan 17, 2018

'Sniffing' out counterfeit liquors

A portable device can identify liquors and determine if they've been altered, offering a strategy for liquor quality assurance. The device uses an advanced sensor array that can detect various scotch whiskies, bourbon, rye, brandy and vodka with greater than 99 percent accuracy.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalACS Sensors·DateJan 10, 2018

The biggest chemistry-related stories from 2017

The American Chemical Society reviews the most intriguing chemistry stories of 2017, including breakthroughs in computing and molecular machines. Chemists also demonstrated their support for science through marches and rallies, while environmental groups protested the Trump administration's TSCA implementation delays.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalChemical & Engineering News·DateDec 20, 2017

Pulling iron out of waste printer toner

A team of researchers has created a process to transform residual toner powder from discarded printer cartridges into iron, offering an environmentally friendly way to reuse electronic waste. The method involves heating the toner powder to 1550 °C, resulting in a product with 98% pure iron.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalACS Sustainable Chemistry & Engineering·DateNov 15, 2017

Wine 'legs' and minibot motors (video)

Researchers Lidong Zhang and colleagues developed a new method for propelling tiny motors using the Marangoni effect, eliminating expensive catalysts. The droplets rotate rapidly on water, propelled hundreds of centimeters without pollution, with added electromagnetic generator converting kinetic energy to electrical energy.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalLangmuir·DateNov 15, 2017

Cool textiles to beat the heat

Researchers have developed a new material for clothing that can cool people down without external energy needed, using a nanocomposite thread made from boron nitride and polyvinyl alcohol. The fabric is more efficient at moving heat away from the body than pure polyvinyl alcohol or cotton fabrics.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalACS Nano·DateNov 8, 2017

A better way to wash pesticides off apples

Researchers found that a baking soda solution was the most effective at removing pesticide residues from organic Gala apples. After 12 and 15 minutes of washing, 80% of thiabendazole and 96% of phosmet were removed. The study suggests that this simple method could be an effective strategy for cleaning pesticides off produce.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalJournal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry·DateOct 25, 2017