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American Chemical Society


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

Electronic 'tongue' to ensure food quality

A low-cost electronic tongue has been developed to detect various substances in samples, including food, water, and blood, enabling accurate quality checks and monitoring for pollutants. The device's precision and affordability make it suitable for applications in medical diagnostics, pharmaceutical testing, and environmental monitoring.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalACS Applied Materials & Interfaces·DateNov 12, 2014

Why plants don't get sunburn

Researchers found that plants produce special molecules called sinapate esters to protect themselves from harsh ultraviolet-B radiation. These molecules appear to block UVB radiation from penetrating deeper into leaves, hindering plant growth. The study provides insight into the mechanics of how these natural plant sunscreens work.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateOct 29, 2014

How to prevent organic food fraud

Researchers from the Bavarian Health and Food Safety Authority and Wuerzburg University devised a new way to authenticate organic produce. Their report uses nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy to differentiate between conventional and organic tomatoes.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalJournal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry·DateAug 27, 2014