Certain sunblock ingredients, like titanium dioxide and zinc oxide nanoparticles, can become toxic when washed off skin into ocean water. This toxicity affects phytoplankton, the microscopic algae that feed small fish and other marine animals.
X-ray crystallography has revolutionized our understanding of molecular structures and their influence on various scientific fields. The technique's future holds intriguing possibilities, including potential transformations beyond its current form.
Scientists developed a new compound that targets the 'receptor' responsible for pain caused by chili peppers. The compound, tested in clinical trials, has shown promise in treating various types of pain.
A team of researchers has developed a 'self-fitting' material that can precisely fill bone defects in the head, face, and jaw, providing a potential solution for reconstructing facial features after injuries or surgery. The material, made from a shape-memory polymer, expands with warm salt water to conform to irregular defect shapes.
A new study reveals that fracking fluids contain eight substances toxic to mammals and raise concerns about their potential health impacts. The research highlights the need to characterize compounds used in hydraulic fracturing to evaluate environmental and human health effects.
Scientists have discovered that the exact chemical make-up of dusty air, including microbes found in it, is crucial to predicting rain events and understanding regional climate. The research could lead to more accurate weather forecasting and improved cloud-seeding technology.
A new technique can quickly screen products for mercury content, helping to identify those at risk of serious health problems. The method uses total reflection x-ray fluorescence and has been shown to be just as accurate as existing techniques.
Scientists create a temporary tattoo sensor that detects and responds to lactate in sweat, producing an electrical current. The device continuously monitors sweat lactate levels over time and with changes in exercise intensity, enabling the creation of sweat-powered biobatteries.
A new portable device using gas chromatography/mass spectrometry can detect the specific vapors emitted by US currency, potentially helping border guards identify and seize billions of dollars in smuggled cash. The system, called BCDS, is being developed to improve detection and has been shown to work effectively within seconds.
Scientists have created a new technique to transform methane-emitting landfill gas into hydrogen, which can be used in fuel cells to generate clean electricity. The breakthrough involves using a highly stable catalyst material that prevents carbon deposition, allowing for more efficient production of hydrogen.
Scientists have discovered a way to create hemp-derived carbon nanosheets that can store as much energy as graphene, the current gold standard for supercapacitors. These nanosheets offer a promising alternative for more affordable and sustainable energy storage.
Researchers developed a highly accurate test to detect surprise ingredients that are neither sweet nor flavorful in ground, roasted coffee. The test uses liquid chromatography and statistical tools to identify unwanted additives, such as grains or plant parts, with 95% accuracy.
Scientists have devised a method to target venom proteins specifically to malignant cells while sparing healthy ones, reducing or eliminating side effects. The approach involves using tiny nanometer-sized particles to treat breast and melanoma cancer cells in the laboratory.
Researchers have developed an adhesive patterned after glue produced by the sandcastle worm, which may solve the problem of premature births resulting from fetal surgery. The new adhesive is water-borne and non-toxic, and has been shown to be effective in repairing punctures without swelling.
Joan Brennecke's research on ionic liquids may lower energy required to capture carbon dioxide, while Ali Khademhosseini's work creates stretchy sealants for surgical applications.
Scientists are developing a method to process cashews that could make them safer for people with nut allergies. Researchers are using sodium sulfite and enzymes to disrupt the structure of cashew allergens, reducing IgE binding.
Scientists are working on seamless marriage between electronics and brain signaling to treat devastating diseases. They're developing ultraflexible circuits and injecting tiny electronics into the brain to integrate with existing biological networks.
A recent study found triclosan in all pregnant women's urine samples and in half of umbilical cord blood samples, posing developmental and reproductive problems. The exposure to these antimicrobial agents could contribute to antibiotic resistance and affect birth sizes.
Researchers have developed a new technology called 3M quantum dot enhancement film (QDEF) that efficiently makes liquid crystal display (LCD) screens more richly colored. The QDs produce specific colors of light based on their size, allowing for improved color gamut and reduced energy consumption compared to traditional LCDs.
A new material, a microporous organic polymer, has been developed that can adsorb carbon dioxide extremely well. It's stable, cheap, and has the potential to play a role in reducing CO2 emissions by 30% by 2030, according to President Obama's plan.
Researchers found that grape region significantly impacts wine taste and aroma, with Argentinean Malbecs having more ripe fruit characteristics and sweetness. Additionally, wine stored in a dark room aged approximately four times faster than bottles stored in a professional cellar.
The American Chemical Society has concluded that a lack of supply is due to increasing demand for materials such as indium, platinum and copper. The white paper suggests focusing on finding alternative materials and new approaches to technology development to prevent these elements from disappearing.
Researchers developed novel, ultrathin coatings called nanosheets that can cling to body's most difficult-to-protect contours and keep bacteria at bay. The nanosheets protected burns from infection for three continuous days and up to six days with an additional coating.
Researchers create colored plastics by designing surface structures at the nanoscopic level, manipulating light to produce a wide spectrum of colors. This new approach reduces the need for dyes and pigments, decreasing plastic waste and improving recyclability.
Scientists are developing 3D printing technology to create working tissues and organs on-demand, addressing the organ shortage. They discovered that adding more cells in bioinks reduces droplet size and dispensing rate, advancing the technology.
Scientists have developed a rapid, at-home test to detect low levels of caffeine in most beverages and breast milk. The enzyme-based test can pick up on caffeine concentrations as low as 1-5 parts per million, helping to prevent serious health problems.
The FDA is considering significant changes to the Nutrition Facts label, including listing added sugars, vitamin D, and potassium on every label. Industry groups are opposing these changes, arguing that they are unnecessary and could be confusing for consumers.
Lab tests reveal that oregano and rosemary, commonly used herbs, have potent compounds against type-2 diabetes. Greenhouse-grown herbs contained more polyphenols but required less to inhibit a key enzyme.
Scientists have identified a potential oral therapy for Alzheimer's disease using compounds initially developed for cancer treatment. The study found that these molecules can stabilize microtubules in the brain, which are critical for transporting nutrients and other essential molecules.
Researchers create textured glass surface that scatters light, repels water, and improves display visibility in bright light conditions. The method is inexpensive and can be scaled up for industry use.
Several companies are racing to develop new battery technologies for electric vehicles, including sodium-ion and lithium-metal options. These alternatives could potentially improve range and reduce costs, making them more viable for mass production.
Researchers propose reusing bubble wrap as a sheet of small, test tube-like containers for storing biological samples or chemicals. This could provide numerous benefits in resource-limited regions due to its availability, flexibility, and ease of disposal.
Researchers have created synthetic versions of stink bug pheromones to track and control invasive brown marmorated stink bug populations. The substances were effective in attracting adult and juvenile bugs, enabling easier population monitoring.
Researchers use new technique to analyze amber's molecular structure, discovering succinic acid plays a crucial role in its stability and longevity. This finding sheds light on the gemstone's extreme durability, which has puzzled scientists for decades.
Research casts doubt on methane's climate-friendliness, despite its potential for burning cleaner than coal. Methane emissions from oil and gas operations are estimated to be significant, with varying levels of release into the atmosphere.
Researchers created nanopyramids made of DNA that can flag and kill bacteria, with a success rate of 65% for Staphylococcus aureus and 48% for Escherichia coli compared to traditional medicine. The innovation offers a new approach to delivering drugs directly into bacterial cells.
Researchers developed olive oil 'bulking agents' to replace pork fat in hot dogs, maintaining texture and reducing calories. The substitutes contain 55% olive oil, which contains more healthful unsaturated fats, making them suitable for summer BBQs.
Researchers have identified proteins in squid sucker ring teeth that can form strong, malleable materials for various applications. These materials may be used as artificial ligaments, scaffolds to grow bone, and sustainable packaging alternatives to traditional fossil fuel-based products.
A study published in Environmental Science & Technology found that green building standards can significantly improve indoor air quality, leading to reduced symptoms of respiratory problems like asthma. Residents in green homes reported 47% fewer 'sick building syndrome' symptoms, including headaches and eye irritation.
Scientists discovered that liquids containing nanoparticles, known as nanofluids, have the potential to effectively cool devices. The study analyzed three types of nanofluids, finding one mixture of copper oxide and water to be the most effective coolant.
A new material has been developed to improve wound healing and prevent bacterial infections, leading to faster recovery times compared to existing commercial dressings. The material was tested on mice and showed complete wound healing within two weeks.
Researchers have created a compact, backpack-sized device that can analyze cocaine and its metabolite in urine samples in under 15 minutes. The device uses microfluidic technology and small mass spectrometer to provide highly accurate and sensitive results comparable to laboratory tests.
Scientists found that fracking fluids can dislodge tiny particles in soil, attracting heavy metals and other chemicals that could harm people and animals. The study's findings suggest that flowback fluids from fracking operations could contaminate groundwater with a third of the colloids present.
The article investigates the effects of triclosan, a common antimicrobial ingredient, on human health and the environment. Studies have found that triclosan can disrupt hormones and cause problems for vulnerable populations, such as fetuses and breastfeeding babies.
Researchers developed a new, non-destructive method to identify many types of inks on various papers and surfaces. The tip-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (TERS) technique can analyze organic colorants with high sensitivity and spatial resolution, making it suitable for preserving valuable cultural heritage treasures.
Researchers tested the effects of commercial drinks containing nanoparticles on human intestinal cells, finding that they can interfere with digestion and potentially lead to poor digestion or diarrhea. The study suggests that nanomaterials from these products may be making their way into surface water, where they could harm aquatic life.
A study published in ACS' Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry found that white bread promotes the growth of Lactobacillus, a group of beneficial gut bacteria. The researchers also discovered that considering the whole diet, not just individual ingredients, is critical for maintaining a good balance of gut microbes.
Scientists have developed a new method to analyze sewage and track levels of illicit drug use in local communities in real time. This study found cocaine and byproducts from opioids and hallucinogenic drugs in 93% of untreated wastewater samples.
Scientists have developed a new glucose-sensing protein to help prevent complications associated with dropping or spiking blood-sugar levels in diabetes. The protein, engineered to be stable and detect glucose levels within the range present in people with diabetes, could enable continuous monitoring.
Scientists developed an edible film containing clove and oregano essential oils to preserve bread freshness. The films outperformed a commercial antimicrobial agent in maintaining bread's quality over 10 days.