Researchers have designed a highly sensitive nanosensor using graphene oxide to detect extremely low levels of uranium and plutonium in nuclear waste water. The discovery has significant implications for identifying potential leaks and ensuring environmental and human health safety.
Researchers have developed a squishy gel that releases an anti-inflammatory drug when compressed, like a painful knee joint. The new material could deliver medications on-demand to alleviate osteoarthritis symptoms.
Scientists have developed a tearless onion that shows promise in reducing platelet clumping and inflammation, potentially leading to improved heart health. Preliminary tests also suggest it may aid in weight control.
Researchers found that biomass pellets released lower levels of mercury when burned, reducing environmental concerns. The study suggests that switching to biomass pellets could be an effective way to decrease mercury emissions in China.
A historic 9-month fire fueled a surge in tire recycling, reducing toxic waste and producing eco-friendly mulch, fill material, and power sources. Advances in fire monitoring enabled faster blaze prediction and response.
A new recycling process can extract valuable materials from wastewater containing rare earth elements (REEs), which are crucial in modern technologies. The process uses a nanomaterial to capture more than 85% of the REEs, providing a promising solution to address supply shortages and environmental concerns.
Researchers found mixed effects on blueberry polyphenols after baking, cooking, and proofing. While anthocyanin levels decreased and phenolic acids increased, the use of yeast during baking might help retain these beneficial compounds.
Scientists have created a lab-made high-density lipoprotein (HDL) mimic that can be easily produced in large amounts, offering a potential new treatment for cardiovascular disease. The material is also being explored as a carrier for drug delivery and medical imaging applications.
Researchers have developed a new Trojan-horse approach using stealth nanoparticles to sneak into tumor cells, lower their defenses and attack them with drugs. The nanoparticles showed significantly enhanced therapeutic effects and shrunk tumors by 8-fold in mice, offering a potential strategy to treat aggressive breast cancer.
A new, inexpensive paper-based device has been developed to detect disease markers in patients' blood, offering a potential solution for medical testing in remote regions. The device uses simple materials and no electronics, allowing it to be easily operated by users with limited resources.
Large areas of vinyl flooring in daycares and schools are found to contain phthalates, which have been linked to reproductive and developmental problems. The study uses X-ray fluorescence analysis to verify the presence of these chemicals and highlights the need for further research on their indoor exposure.
Researchers have developed a simple and reliable urine test to detect blood clots, which can cause life-threatening conditions. The test uses synthetic biomarkers that can sense vascular diseases remotely from the urine.
A recent study on gasoline direct injection (GDI) technology found that it can reduce particulate matter emissions to meet new California and EPA standards. GDI vehicles tested over a lifetime of 150,000 miles hovered near or below the limit set by the new regulations.
The American Chemical Society is researching everyday household products' safety, but significant progress is needed. The EPA relies on multiple sources to assess chemical risks, including computer programs, buying trends data, and laboratory tests.
Researchers have found that spraying broccoli with a plant hormone called methyl jasmonate boosts the levels of an enzyme that helps rid the body of carcinogens. Sulforaphane, a byproduct of glucosinolate breakdown, is a major contributor to this effect.
The increasing availability of 3D printers has sparked concerns about the design and production of custom plastic firearms. While the printed guns are currently unreliable, they can become more effective with advancements in technology. The American Chemical Society reports on this growing issue.
A new method developed by researchers could help diagnose and treat thousands of young adults and teens who end up in emergency rooms after taking synthetic marijuana. The study found significant differences in how individuals' bodies process the drugs, which could explain why some people experience more severe effects.
Researchers have engineered E. coli to seek out and kill disease-causing pathogens, including those responsible for difficult-to-treat infections like pneumonia and urinary tract infections. The new bacterial strain uses an antimicrobial peptide and enzyme to break down biofilms, offering a potential new treatment option.
The American Chemical Society's annual survey shows that salaries and employment for chemists are improving, with full-time jobs reaching a five-year high and median salaries increasing. However, disparities persist, including lower earnings for women and regional differences in job opportunities.
Scientists have developed a portable imaging system that harnesses smartphones to detect individual viruses and determine viral load. This breakthrough enables remote diagnosis and treatment monitoring in resource-limited locations.
Researchers found that a less reactive form of titanium dioxide, rutile, is easier to wash off and causes less skin damage than the more common anatase form. This discovery aims to produce safer cosmetic and pharmaceutical products.
The American Chemical Society's National Meeting features groundbreaking research on targeting cancer stem cells and advancing anti-cancer drugs. Additionally, scientists discuss the chemistry behind high-speed racing and strategies to increase diversity in STEM fields.
Recent research from the Cassini-Huygens mission provides insights into the evolution of life on Earth from Titan, Saturn's moon. The findings shed light on the origin of life and the potential for life beyond Earth, with organic chemicals present on Titan's surface being influenced by sunlight and energy sources.
Researchers found that cilantro effectively removes lead and other harmful metals from contaminated water. The study suggests that cilantro could be used as a low-cost, sustainable filter for developing countries.
Scientists have identified several natural ingredients with potential health benefits, including curcumin, which inhibits cancer cell growth and induces apoptosis. Other compounds found in ginger, cranberries, and olive oil also show promise in reducing the risk of heart disease and cancer.
A new method for producing nootkatone, extracted from grapefruit, could lead to the development of more effective and affordable insect repellents. The ingredient has been shown to repel mosquitoes, ticks, and other insects with a broad-spectrum effect.
Researchers investigate toxicology of alternate fuels, finding emissions from biodiesel vehicles are less mutagenic than petroleum-based diesel. The symposium also discusses human health effects of biofuels and engine changes with changing fuels.
Researchers have explored using terahertz radiation to detect early signs of melanoma, which starts in pigment-producing cells beneath the skin. T-rays can penetrate a few millimeters through cloth and skin, allowing for biochemical signatures of cancer to be detected, potentially leading to earlier diagnosis and treatment.
A study presents findings that obesity and cigarette smoke exposure can have a triple health threat, impacting key mechanisms of metabolism in the lung and liver. The combination may alter the body's ability to metabolize prescription drugs, increasing the risk of developing lung cancer.
A new study by the American Chemical Society found that state e-waste recycling bans have been largely ineffective in reducing electronic waste disposal. However, providing more information to women and older people could increase the effectiveness of these bans and recycling programs.
Honeybee decline poses significant threat to US fruit and vegetable production, with estimated annual losses of $15 billion. The cause of colony collapse disorder (CCD) remains unknown, but factors such as pesticides, parasites, and diseases are being investigated.
The food industry is embracing sustainable packaging, but challenges remain in developing materials that are recyclable, compostable, renewable energy-produced or edible. Despite progress, structural integrity and water/oxygen barriers pose significant hurdles for edible packaging.
Scientists have identified over 40 microbes in giant panda feces that can break down lignocellulose, a key step in producing ethanol and biodiesel from non-food plant material. This discovery could help shift production away from food crops and toward sustainable biofuels.
Researchers have developed edible films to keep produce fresh for longer periods, improving food safety and convenience. The technology uses invisible, colorless, odorless coatings made from natural materials like carnauba wax and vitamin C to prevent spoilage and discoloration.
The American Chemical Society's symposium on innovation and entrepreneurship emphasizes the shift from large companies to smaller entrepreneurs and startups in transforming ideas into goods and services. The ACS Entrepreneurial Initiative provides training, resources, and support for budding entrepreneurs in the chemical sciences to fo...
The American Chemical Society has issued guidelines to enhance the safety of research laboratories, emphasizing the importance of hazard identification, evaluation, and mitigation. The report provides five methods for scientists and students to implement immediately, including Chemical Safety Levels and Job Hazards Analysis.
Researchers present electronic sutures that monitor surgical incisions, heart-monitoring films, and skin-applied hydration sensors. The symposium explores nanoscale materials for revolutionary healthcare innovations.
A recent study under realistic field conditions found reassuringly low levels of pharmaceuticals and personal care products (PPCPs) in crops grown with treated wastewater for irrigation. Leafy vegetables absorbed the highest amounts of PPCPs, including a medication for epilepsy; triclosan, an anti-bacterial ingredient; and caffeine.
The Indy 500 has switched to a fuel containing 85% ethanol, which reduces air pollutants and releases mainly carbon dioxide and water vapor. Studies have shown that using fuels composed of more than 85% ethanol reduce sulfur emissions by 80%, carbon monoxide by 40%, particulate matter by 20%, VOCs by 15%, and nitrogen oxides by 10%.
Recent advances have enabled electric vehicles (EVs) to achieve sustained speeds of over 180 miles per hour and establish world speed records above 300 mph. EVs have inherent advantages in efficiency and torque, with energy storage-to-torque being above 90 percent efficient compared to less than 35 percent for internal combustion engines.
The American Chemical Society's presidential symposium discusses various career paths for scientists, including academia, business and industry, government, societies and associations, and venture capital. The symposium aims to provide career advancement opportunities for chemists and scientists.
Researchers found that whiskey samples can contain hundreds of nonvolatile compounds, resulting in complex molecular mingling during aging. The deliberate chemistry experiment revealed a treasure trove of information useful for whiskey-makers and regulators.
Scientists have identified genes responsible for bedbug pesticide resistance, enabling them to thrive in homes and hotels. The discovery highlights the need for a multi-faceted approach to manage bedbug infestations, including integrated pest management and non-chemical measures.
Scientists aim to treat diseases by creating medicines that replace missing proteins, inspired by artificial limbs. A new platform simplifies the synthesis of small molecules, reducing production time from months or years to days.
A new nonprofit initiative aims to bridge the gap between laboratory discoveries and clinical trials, tackling the 'Valley of Death' in drug development. Emory University's DRIVE program invests in promising compounds with potential to become new drugs.
The magazine has remained committed to providing reliable news and analysis on the chemical enterprise. CEN's evolution reflects changing reader preferences for obtaining news and information about chemistry.
Scientists have developed a new filtering system to remove carbon dioxide from electric power station smokestacks, inspired by the efficient lungs of birds and the swim bladders of fish. The technology uses an array of tubes with porous membranes, which can capture up to 50% more CO2 than existing methods.
Scientists have developed a new way to analyze archived biopsy samples for exposure to carcinogenic substances, providing insights into the role of environment in cancer risk. The breakthrough enables broader use of stored tissue samples to study human exposure and DNA damage.
Scientists present innovative approaches to reduce hazardous substances in production processes, using renewable materials and minimizing waste. The symposium features topics such as banana-peel powder removal of toxic metals from water and sustainable nanoparticle production.
The symposium aims to improve science-informed hazard prediction and risk assessment for pesticides and other agrochemicals. New approaches, including high-throughput methods, are being developed to reduce the use of animal testing and increase transparency in risk assessments.