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American Chemical Society


Pearly perfection

Researchers suggest that the unique texture of developing pearls creates a ratchet-like effect, causing them to turn and accumulate nacre in a spherical build-up. This process results in the formation of perfectly spherical, highly prized pearls.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalLangmuir·DateJun 19, 2013

An environmentally friendly battery made from wood

Researchers have created a battery made from wood coated with tin that shows promise for becoming a tiny, long-lasting and efficient energy source. The device performed successfully through 400 charge-discharge cycles, making it suitable for large-scale energy storage applications such as wind farms or solar energy installations.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalNano Letters·DateJun 19, 2013

A new addition to the Hall of Fame of science venues

The Purdue University R.B. Wetherill Laboratory of Chemistry has been recognized as a National Historic Chemical Landmark by the American Chemical Society (ACS) for its 80-plus years of service as a center for education and cutting-edge research. The laboratory, which has educated generations of chemists and chemical engineers, includi...

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalChemical & Engineering News·DateMay 29, 2013

Fast new, 1-step genetic engineering technology

A streamlined approach to genetic engineering has been developed, reducing the time and effort needed to insert new genes into bacteria. This new method, called clonetegration, enables the rapid construction of synthetic biological systems and could facilitate genetic engineering with difficult-to-clone sequences.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalACS Synthetic Biology·DateMay 22, 2013

Renaissance in new drugs for rare diseases

A combination of factors is fueling a renaissance in drug development for rare diseases. Smaller pharmaceutical companies and patient advocacy groups are playing key roles in bringing new treatments to market. With over 7,000 rare conditions affecting 200,000 patients or fewer, these breakthroughs offer hope for fuller lives.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalChemical & Engineering News·DateMay 15, 2013

Reflections on chevaline

A recent horse meat detection incident in European food products led to concerns in the US. The incident involved tiny amounts of horse meat mistakenly added to beef products due to equipment issues. The American Chemical Society discusses the issue and its implications for the US market.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalChemical & Engineering News·DateMay 1, 2013