A new study developed a better method for evaluating fabric softeners that could lead to potentially "greener" and more millennial-friendly versions. The researchers found that the concentration of surfactant affected vesicle size and arrangement, which could help manufacturers assess efficiency and speed up design.
Scientists create a more environmentally friendly way to produce vanillin by encapsulating copper-aluminum hydrotalcite in silica. The new process eliminates the need for polluting hydrochloric acid and allows for catalyst reuse.
A second executive order has prompted foreign graduate students and postdoctoral researchers to look elsewhere for educational and job opportunities in the US. The move has raised concerns about the future prospects of these students and the impact on US competitiveness in science and engineering.
Researchers have developed a new class of compounds called lysine-conjugated aliphatic norspermidine analogues (LANAs) that effectively kill certain bacteria, including MRSA. Testing on mice showed that the compounds can eliminate MRSA skin infections with no signs of acute toxicity or resistance development.
Researchers have created a paper-based method to detect Salmonella, Listeria, and E. coli in food and water samples, which can produce results within 4-12 hours. Combining this technique with electrochemical analysis could lead to a simpler yet more comprehensive way to detect bacterial contaminants.
Scientists explore ways to improve health span by clearing out senescent cells and reprogramming them. Researchers also examine re-purposing existing drugs and using computer power to fight aging.
Researchers found that rats drinking water infused with rare-sugar syrup gained less weight and had lower blood glucose and insulin levels. The study suggests that rare sugars could be a good alternative sweetener to regulate glucose levels.
Researchers have developed a brighter and more biocompatible chemiluminescent probe that can be used in water and detect various cell activities. The new probe enables the detection of several biologically relevant chemicals, enzyme activity, and imaging cells using microscopy.
Researchers created a potentially safer alternative to common hair dye ingredient PPD by mimicking melanin using polydopamine. The new dye lasts through multiple wash cycles without causing noticeable side effects.
Scientists have identified compounds in jackfruit seeds that mimic chocolate's distinct aroma and flavor, offering a potential solution to the impending cocoa bean shortage. These findings suggest that jackfruit seeds could be used as a substitute for cocoa powder or chocolate manufacturing.
Researchers use artificial sweetener acesulfame potassium to estimate urine presence in pools and detect potential health hazards, finding high concentrations in swimmers' urine, exceeding tap water levels.
The high cost of drugs has soured public sentiment towards the industry. Industry experts argue that more transparency and perspective are needed to understand the complex reasons behind price hikes.
Researchers have developed a transparent heating pad with embedded conductive silver nanowires that allows users to see through it and monitor their skin's color. The device is flexible, biocompatible, and can heat quickly when applied with a coin-cell battery, making it a potential solution to prevent burns from thermotherapy.
Researchers are discovering new, eco-friendly catalysts in unexpected places, such as earthworm powder and plants that absorb high levels of metals from soil and water. This shift could reduce traditional animal and plant sources, decrease mining waste, and create more sustainable production methods for medicines, fuels, and electronics.
Scientists have detected antimicrobial protein fragments in Komodo dragon blood that help resist deadly infections. Eight peptides from the plasma showed significant potency against bacteria Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus, offering a potential lead for new therapeutics.
People with depression experience trouble processing information and solving problems, with symptoms persisting even after other symptoms fade. Researchers identified molecular mechanisms affected by depression on a rat model, shedding light on potential new treatments addressing associated cognitive problems.
Researchers have developed plant-made virus shells that can deliver small molecules to cancer cells, using the natural binding affinity of these nanoparticles for targeted drug delivery. The findings suggest a potential new approach for treating cancer with increased precision and reduced side effects.
Sea snails, such as periwinkles, can speed up their shell-making process and produce less-dense shells in response to acidifying oceans. This adaptation may suggest that these organisms could be more resistant to future, harsher ocean conditions.
Researchers created a supercapacitor infused with green tea polyphenols, demonstrating power and energy densities suitable for powering wearable electronics. The device performed well even after being compressed over 100 times, making it a promising solution for long-lasting wearable energy.
Researchers have created a high-performance anode material for sodium-ion batteries, enabling them to operate at 83% capacity over 900 cycles. The breakthrough could lead to safer and more cost-effective large-scale energy storage solutions.
Despite breakthroughs in CRISPR technology, delivering the gene-editing tool directly into patients remains a challenge. Researchers are exploring multiple approaches to overcome the issue, and despite hurdles, the potential payoff is significant.
American Chemical Society reports on innovative methods for handling yogurt acid whey, including extracting valuable ingredients and producing methane for electricity. Companies are also developing products that incorporate acid whey back into dairy products.
Exposure to newer organophosphate flame retardants has significantly increased over the past decade, with a metabolite of tris(1,3-dichloro-2-propyl) phosphate (TDCIPP) found at levels 15 times higher in 2014-2015 samples than in 2002-2003.
A recent study published in ACS Chemical Neuroscience found that the commercial weight-loss drug lorcaserin can help reduce opioid use and cravings in rats. The researchers administered lorcaserin to rats who had been self-administering oxycodone, resulting in decreased oxycodone use and drug-seeking behaviors.
A new study found that some fast-food packaging in the US contains a variety of fluorinated compounds, including long-chain PFASs associated with developmental problems, decreased fertility, and increased cancer risk. The researchers detected fluorine in nearly half of food contact papers overall.
The number of new therapeutic drugs approved by the FDA was significantly lower in 2016 compared to previous years, with only four cancer drugs receiving approval. Delays in pharmaceutical manufacturing plants and a reduction in cancer drug approvals contributed to this trend.
Researchers analyzed galvanized iron pipes from Flint, Michigan's 'ground zero' house and found that high lead concentrations correlated with cadmium, zinc, and tin levels. The study suggests that corrosion inhibitors were necessary to prevent lead contamination, highlighting the need for long-term pipe replacement.
Researchers at Durham University create a one-step method to produce flucytosine from naturally occurring cytosine, reducing production costs and improving availability in African countries. The new process has been successfully scaled up for manufacturing and could help lower the drug's cost.
Researchers develop nonpolluting method to dye textiles with structural colors using 3D colloidal crystals, producing a range of colors that remain bright after washing.
Researchers demonstrate that artificial cells can communicate seamlessly with real cells through chemical signals, passing a basic laboratory Turing test. The artificial cells showed they could sense and respond to molecules from various bacterial species, including V. fischeri, E. coli, and P. aeruginosa.
Researchers developed an acoustofluidic chip to concentrate fluorescently labeled biomarkers using ultrasound, enabling the detection of smaller particles and boost their signal. The technique shows promise for point-of-care diagnostic applications, including the potential analysis via smartphone apps.
A recent study published in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry found that stink bugs can contaminate wine with stress compounds, affecting its quality. The researchers discovered that pressing is a key step in releasing these compounds, and that limiting stink bugs to three per grape cluster could improve wine quality.
Despite enacted policies, China's smog remains due to climate change and uncertainty over pollution sources, with nitrogen dioxide and ammonia contributing significantly. Research suggests targeting volatile organic compounds from vehicles could help clean up the air.
Researchers develop simple method for coating nanoparticles with urea molecules to slow breakdown and release nitrogen. Initial field tests show promising results in reducing fertilizer need by half.
Researchers developed a method to produce a metal nanopowder fuel with high energy content, stable in air and igniting only when ignited. The resulting material has an energy density of at least 89 kilojoules/milliliter, significantly superior to hydrocarbons.
A new skin patch has been developed to monitor blood glucose levels and release insulin automatically when necessary for people with diabetes. The patch, tested on mice, maintains consistent insulin concentrations in the blood and helps regulate blood sugar levels.
Scientists analyzed 20 durian chemical ingredients to find that two compounds can re-create the overall smell. The strongest odor compounds were fruity ethyl and oniony 1-(ethylsulfanyl)ethanethiol, which combined effectively resembled the fruit's entire set of odoriferous and fragrant compounds.
The new Republican-led Congress and Trump's presidency may lead to changes in science policies, including energy and climate issues, research budgets, and trade. Expert predictions suggest rollback of programs and alterations in existing laws like the Toxic Substances Control Act.
Researchers developed a new method to detect trace levels of cannabinoids in breast milk, which could help determine health risks for infants exposed through second-hand use.
Scientists have developed a new instrument capable of detecting life with unprecedented sensitivity, potentially uncovering signs of life on Mars and other planetary bodies. The method uses capillary electrophoresis to analyze soil or ice samples for specific amino acids that could serve as indicators of biological activity.
Synthetic microfibers from clothing shed during washing, ending up in surface waters and affecting fish and wildlife. Researchers are working on solutions to reduce microfiber pollution.
A new review of scientific literature on curcumin finds limited evidence to support its therapeutic benefits for cancer and Alzheimer's disease. The compound is unstable under physiological conditions and not readily absorbed by the body, making it a poor therapeutic candidate.
Researchers developed a portable sensor using engineered E. coli bacteria to detect environmentally relevant concentrations of endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs). The device can determine concentrations of known EDCs individually and overall mixtures in minutes, offering a cost-effective solution for detecting hormone disruptors.
A team of scientists has created a device that screens breath samples to classify and diagnose several types of diseases, including kidney cancer and Parkinson's disease. The breathalyzer uses an array of nanoscale sensors to detect unique volatile chemical components in exhaled breath.
A team of scientists from France has developed a method to visualize ice crystals in three dimensions as they grow, providing new insights into their formation process. By using confocal laser scanning microscopy and image analysis, the researchers can capture rapid images of ice crystals growing and measure their expansion rates.
Research found elevated levels of uranium-234, thorium-230, lead-210 and polonium-210 in drill cuttings from Marcellus Shale wells. The study suggests that at low pH, uranium isotopes can leach into the environment from landfills.
A study finds that lower median income within a neighborhood, lower BMI, and smoking in the household correspond to higher levels of flame retardants in children's blood. The researchers speculate that socioeconomic disparities will increase over time as wealthier families replace older products with flame retardant-free ones.
Scientists have developed a temporary tattoo ink that marks the spot for future treatment in skin cancer patients. The new ink glows under specific light conditions and can disappear after a period of time, eliminating the need for laser or surgical removal.
Scientists have combined hair-like wires with electronic skin to make a more versatile sensor for robots and prosthetics. The new device can detect air flow, pressure, and slip forces, allowing it to mimic the sensations felt by humans.
A recent study published by the American Chemical Society found that red cabbage microgreens can help lower LDL, or 'bad', cholesterol and liver triglyceride levels in mice on high-fat diets. The microgreens contained more polyphenols and glucosinolates than mature red cabbage, making them a promising source of health benefits.