Researchers discovered how capsaicin interacts with cell membranes, finding that it lodges near the surface and can cause membranes to come apart. This insight may lead to novel tools against cancer or other conditions. The study appeared in ACS' The Journal of Physical Chemistry B.
Scientists have developed a hybrid solar-energy system that harnesses the full spectrum of sunlight by pairing a photovoltaic cell with polymer films. The system produces a voltage over 20% higher than other hybrid systems and can operate an LED lamp and electrochromic display.
Foreign chemical and pharmaceutical companies face challenges in China due to economic downturn, overcapacity, and tightening regulations. Despite uncertainty, company heads remain confident in their long-term success in the country, which represents 50% of the Asian chemical market.
Scientists developed a silk-based ink that can be used to print complex tissues with versatile functions, including loading with pharmaceuticals. The novel material is biocompatible, flexible, and stable in water, avoiding harsh processing conditions that damage cells.
A new study of over 300 women suggests that phthalate exposure may be associated with miscarriage, particularly between 5-13 weeks of pregnancy. Higher levels of urinary phthalate metabolites were found to be linked to pregnancy loss, supporting an association that warrants further research.
A recent study by American Chemical Society found that wild blueberry extract has antibacterial properties against Fusobacterium nucleatum, a key bacteria associated with periodontitis. The extract successfully inhibited the growth of F. nucleatum and its ability to form biofilms, blocking a molecular pathway involved in inflammation.
Scientists have created a sustainable and safe igniting fluid from waste paper, offering a potential solution for reducing harmful emissions from charcoal grills. The new compound, gamma-valerolactone (GVL), can safely start charcoal fires and light glass lamps without producing smoke or odors.
A new self-healing material has been developed that can plug life-threatening holes in spacecraft, preventing structural penetration and catastrophic damage. The material, made by sandwiching a reactive liquid between two solid polymer layers, reacts with oxygen to form a solid plug in under a second.
Researchers are exploring clinical trials on dogs with naturally occurring cancer to develop new treatments for humans. By studying the genetic basis of canine tumors, scientists hope to gain valuable insights into human cancer treatment.
Researchers found a small molecule, amphotericin B, that can substitute for a protein and restore a key cellular function related to cystic fibrosis and similar conditions. This approach shows promise as a therapeutic strategy for addressing the root cause of the disease.
Researchers have developed a more affordable and eco-friendly white LED that can cut down the world's energy consumption. By using common earth-abundant metals and organic luminescent molecules, they created a controllable white light from LEDs, reducing costs by up to 90%.
Researchers have discovered promising new compounds that may reduce alcoholics' urge to drink by targeting the brain's pleasure centers. The compounds, known as beta-carbolines, appear to be less addictive and cause fewer side effects than current treatments.
Researchers have developed an easy-to-implement method to eliminate or reduce cross-contamination in commercial processing facilities that prepare leafy greens for the market. The new approach uses a photocatalyst to kill bacteria, particularly E. coli, which is responsible for many outbreaks.
Researchers developed a new process to improve the flavor of commercially sold tomatoes. By adding a hot water pre-treatment step, they found higher levels of flavor compounds and better taste. The approach is easy and inexpensive, and could be implemented in current commercial systems.
Researchers have developed a technology to economically convert atmospheric CO2 into highly valued carbon nanofibers, which can be used in products like strong composites and sports equipment. The process uses electrolytic syntheses and is powered by solar energy, with potential to remove large amounts of CO2 from the atmosphere.
Researchers found that powdered cranberry combats colon cancer in mice by reducing tumor size and number. The study suggests that individual components of the fruit could lead to a better understanding of its anti-cancer potential, potentially leading to more effective treatments for colon cancer.
Researchers developed a paper-based device that changes color to detect Ebola, yellow fever, or dengue viruses. The test takes minutes and doesn't require electricity, providing a potential solution for remote, low-resource areas.
Researchers found that lice populations in 25 states have high levels of gene mutations linked to resistance to pyrethroids. The most resistant populations are from California, Texas, and Florida, where lice have all three genetic mutations associated with knockdown resistance.
Researchers have created a unique antenna that collects unused blue photons from sunlight, converting them into usable energy for silicon-based solar cells. This innovation has the potential to significantly increase solar cell efficiency, making them more affordable and environmentally sustainable.
Researchers have identified phytol and coumarin as key compounds responsible for repelling mosquitoes in traditional sweetgrass. The study, presented at the American Chemical Society meeting, demonstrates a scientific basis for the folklore of using sweetgrass to deter biting insects.
Researchers have demonstrated that DNA can preserve information for at least 2,000 years, and they're now working on a filing system to make it easier to navigate. DNA offers a potential solution to data loss in the digital age, with the ability to store unprecedented amounts of data in a fraction of an ounce.
A new type of flexible electronics can monitor health, stresses on aircraft wings, and vital signs through wearables. Researchers are developing hybrid systems for military and civilian use, including biosensor patches that can transmit biometric signals in real-time.
Researchers have developed a new probe that can detect blood clots in any part of the body using positron emission tomography (PET). The probe, called FBP8, contains copper-64 and has shown promise in detecting blood clots in rats, paving the way for future human trials.
Researchers found that natural sunlight triggers release of smog-forming nitrogen oxide compounds from urban grime, leading to greater ozone creation and potentially significant contributor to air pollution in cities. The study confirms laboratory findings using field studies in Leipzig, Germany, and Toronto, Canada.
Researchers have developed a new glass paint that can reflect all sunlight and passively radiate heat, keeping metal surfaces up to 70 degrees Fahrenheit cooler than ambient temperature. This coating has potential applications on naval ships, roofs, and playground equipment, offering environmental benefits and durability.
A new method using nanotechnology-based paper pages can eliminate water-borne bacteria, making drinking water safe for millions. The Drinkable Book, developed by Dr. Theresa Dankovich, uses metal nanoparticles to purify up to 26 gallons of water per page.
A team of researchers has developed a color-changing polymer-based material that changes colors depending on the force applied to it. The goal is to detect head trauma immediately and provide an obvious indication of injury. In future studies, the team plans to develop materials that can indicate how quickly a force is applied.
Scientists have developed a technique to estimate the age of fingerprints, which could help investigators determine relevance and exclude older prints. The method uses palmitic acid migration rate to predict fingerprint age, applying to prints up to four days old, with plans to expand that window.
Researchers have identified a novel virulence factor that could be ripe for drug development, targeting the electron transport process in TB. The discovery of MenJ, a gene essential for the organism's proliferation, offers hope for rapid treatment of the disease.
Researchers have identified a bacterial enzyme called NicA2 that breaks down nicotine in blood samples within 30 minutes. The enzyme also remained stable for several days and showed no observable side effects in mice, suggesting its potential as a new approach to help smokers quit.
Scientists have developed a biodegradable nanogenerator made with DNA that can capture and convert everyday motion into electrical power. The flexible device has been successfully tested, lighting up multiple LEDs with gentle tapping, and offers a promising solution for reducing e-waste and increasing portable electronics' battery life.
Researchers use liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry screening to detect sibutramine and sildenafil in supplements. They tested over 100 products, including syrups and capsules sold in China and online.
Researchers developed an objective method to differentiate between bipolar disorder and major depressive disorder (MDD) based on urine metabolites. A panel of six biomarkers showed an 89-91% accuracy rate in predicting each condition.
Researchers found that using stainless steel containers and silverware for hot meals can decrease melamine levels in people's bodies by 41-92%. This practice could lower exposure to the industrial chemical, which has been linked to urinary stones and kidney problems.
Researchers found that American grapes have low levels of metabolites crucial to fine wine, but are high in anti-fungal compounds. The study suggests using chemical profiling to design a better grape breed for the wine industry.
Researchers have developed micelle sequestrant polymers that capture fat particles in the intestines, preventing their absorption and excretion. This breakthrough could lead to a safe and effective anti-obesity drug with long-term benefits.
Scientists created a novel sunscreen from algae's natural molecules, combined with chitosan, to protect against UV rays. The material is biocompatible, heat-stable, and absorbs both UVA and UVB radiation with high efficiency.
Researchers have discovered that metal organic frameworks (MOFs) exhibit dynamic behavior, shifting between different geometries over time. This finding could lead to the synthesis of brand-new types of materials with enhanced flexibility in applications such as antimicrobial agents, hydrogen-storage materials and solar-cell components.
Scientists have developed a new material that can capture and convert waste heat from engines into electrical energy, potentially improving fuel efficiency and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. This innovative technology could also have applications in aerospace and manufacturing sectors.
Researchers have successfully directed adult stem cells to turn specifically into muscle using a new method that mimics the body's natural approach. This breakthrough could potentially help treat patients with muscular dystrophy, as well as address spinal cord injuries and other conditions.
Researchers found that e-cig liquids contain primarily free-base nicotine, the most addictive form, and often do not match label concentrations. This suggests that e-cigarettes can be just as hazardous to health as traditional tobacco products.
Two new battery technologies, sodium-ion and lithium-sulfur, are poised to compete with lithium-ion batteries in the electric car market. Faradion's sodium-ion version and Oxis Energy's lithium-sulfur technology aim to match lithium-ion performance, safety, and costs within the next two to four years.
Researchers have recreated firefly bioluminescence in the lab using a chemical reaction between luciferin and oxygen. The discovery could lead to new applications in medicine, such as more efficient light therapy for patients with certain diseases.
Researchers found that changes in reflectance depend on the thickness of crystal spacing, enabling copepods to disappear briefly. The study could inform the design of artificial photonic crystal structures with various applications in reflective coatings and optical displays.
A portable 'paper machine' uses DNA analysis and detection to diagnose infectious diseases, genetic conditions, and cancer in resource-limited areas. The device costs less than $2 total and can detect as few as five cells of E. coli using ultraviolet light and a smartphone camera.
Research teams have developed new materials to improve water splitting and oxygen reduction reactions, crucial steps in hydrogen fuel cells. These advancements could lead to more efficient and cost-effective production of hydrogen-powered cars.
The American Chemical Society is featuring 'The Talented 12' - a group of young researchers using chemistry to address global issues like climate change and disease. These innovators are developing more environmentally friendly methods for synthesizing molecules and investigating biochemical underpinnings of diseases.
Researchers found that sunlight can degrade neonicotinoids in water, but not always quickly enough to protect aquatic life and bees. In shallow depths of just 3 inches, certain insecticides persisted, increasing exposure risks for wildlife.
Researchers create film using zeolites and cellulose to trap sulfur-containing compounds responsible for bad food smells. The material reduces odors to levels undetectable by humans, potentially solving issues with transporting and storing stinky edibles.
New antimicrobial material could be used as a topical antibacterial treatment and disinfectant, effectively killing biofilms and promoting healing in chronic wounds.