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American Chemical Society


Finding out what's in 'fracking' wastewater

A recent spill of 3 million gallons of fracking wastewater in North Dakota has raised concerns about the potential harm it could cause to human health and the environment. Scientists are using advanced analytical techniques to study the composition of fracking fluids and wastewater, which may break down differently in the environment.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalChemical & Engineering News·DateMar 18, 2015

An end to the medicine dropper for eye injuries?

Researchers have developed a novel, drug-releasing wafer that patients can apply directly to their affected eyes once daily, showing twice the effectiveness of traditional eye drops in mice without causing inflammation. This innovative treatment could help patients recover faster and reduce side effects associated with current therapies.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalACS Nano·DateFeb 4, 2015

Gut bacteria from a worm can degrade plastic

Researchers have identified two strains of waxworm gut microbes that can break down polyethylene without pretreatment, pointing towards a direct way to biodegrade plastic. The finding has significant implications for the global plastics industry, which produces over 140 million tons of polyethylene annually.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology·DateDec 3, 2014