Scientists discovered a previously unrecognized degradation process in silicone-urethane plastics used in medical devices, including pacemakers and defibrillators. The plastics break down within 3-6 years under conditions simulating the human body.
A study found that 93% of new couches purchased in the last seven years contained flame retardants. The most concerning were 'Tris' chemicals, which are considered probable human carcinogens and have raised health concerns. Researchers detected untested or high-risk flame retardants in over half of the analyzed foam samples.
Researchers uncovered 41 highly odor-active compounds in durian, including previously unknown substances associated with fruity and oniony smells. The study identified four new chemical compounds that had never been found before in food, contributing to the fruit's distinctive smell.
Researchers have created synthetic fibers from protein-based raw materials, including those found in hagfish slime, to replace petroleum-based synthetics. The new fibers offer a sustainable alternative for the textile industry.
Global negotiators gather in Qatar to work on an amendment that would create a second round of emissions cuts for certain industrialized nations, starting in 2013. The effort aims to extend international momentum to act on climate change after the Kyoto agreement expires this year.
Scientists at UCLA have created a new type of solar cell that produces energy by absorbing infrared light, making it 66% transparent. The technology is lightweight, flexible, and can be produced in high volume at low cost.
Scientists have developed a method to generate steam using sunlight and nanoparticles, which can be used for purification of drinking water, sterilization of medical instruments, and sanitizing sewage. The approach produces steam with virtually no wasteful heating of the surrounding liquid, achieving an energy efficiency of 24%.
Researchers have found that treating corn stover with white rot fungus can extract up to 30% more sugar from leaves and 50% more from stalks and cobs. This breakthrough could lead to more efficient ethanol production and reduce the need for corn-based supplies.
Researchers have found a way to enhance the detection of explosives on surfaces, allowing for more accurate and effective airport security screenings. By adding functional groups to swab materials, they can collect smaller amounts of explosive residue, making it easier to detect even tiny traces.
Scientists have created a slow-release fertilizer using attapulgite, guar gum, and humic acid, reducing waste and promoting sustainable agriculture. The new fertilizer has been shown to improve soil moisture content, regulate soil acidity and alkalinity, and minimize nutrient loss via runoff and leaching.
A recent ACS study found that chrome yellow pigments, like those used by Van Gogh, darken over time when exposed to certain types of light. To prevent this darkening, art collectors and gallery owners should minimize their paintings' exposure to blue/violet/ultra-violet range.
The growth of citizen science has led to a surge in public involvement in scientific research, with over 25 NSF-funded projects now underway. Chemistry projects, such as Curating ChemSpider or monitoring water quality, allow hobbyists and enthusiasts to contribute to groundbreaking research.
Researchers identified a key gene in yeast responsible for creating beer's foamy head, which contributes to aroma and eye appeal. This discovery opens doors to new possibilities for brewing industry improvement.
Scientists have developed a new micropump capable of producing pressures up to 17,000 pounds per square inch for 'labs-on-a-chip' in handheld devices. This innovation could enable instant analysis of blood and urine at patient bedside, reducing the need for central lab waiting periods.
Researchers discovered a method to improve softwoods' performance by mimicking the black locust tree's heartwood properties, which reduces water collection and resists rot. The treated wood is harder and more resistant to changing humidity, making it a more stable building material.
Researchers found that varying the pH and filter cleaning can shift the balance of beneficial microbes in drinking water. They suggest this could help reduce harmful bacteria, making water safer for consumers.
A new study found that compounds in the arcea nut can directly cause DNA damage and increase the risk of oral cancer in betel quid users. The substances, present in amounts sufficient to cause harm, were discovered through research published in Chemical Research in Toxicology.
A new method developed by scientists can detect adulteration in premium dairy products like buffalo mozzarella. The test successfully identified fake products containing cow, goat, and sheep milks, revealing the industry's widespread problem of counterfeiting.
Researchers are developing new medications and oral immunotherapy to treat food allergies, such as egg and peanut allergies. These treatments show promise in reducing emergency room visits and healthcare costs associated with food allergies.
Slowing container ships to 14mph reduced emissions of carbon dioxide, nitrogen oxides, and soot by 60-70% compared to traditional speeds. Imposing speed limits near ports could significantly reduce pollution and protect local populations' health.
A new malaria drug has been developed that is twice as effective as existing treatments and may fight off the disease with a single dose. The new compound, combined with mefloquine, showed promising results in mice, allowing them to live almost twice as long.
Researchers have developed a new treatment for traumatic brain injury (TBI), using nanoparticles to rapidly restore blood flow to the brain. In laboratory rats, the nanoparticles acted like antioxidants, reducing free-radical buildup and killing brain cells.
Scientists have discovered that carob tree leaves possess antibacterial properties effective against Listeria monocytogenes, a bacterium responsible for serious food poisoning outbreaks. The study suggests carob extracts could be used to preserve food and control disease-causing microbes.
New water treatment firms are developing chemical treatments and evaporators to remove contaminants from fracking wastewater, which can then be reused. The cost of disposal is spurring oil and gas companies to adopt these technologies, limiting the amount of contaminated water that reaches people, plants, and animals.
A new transparent solar cell has been developed that produces energy by absorbing mainly infrared light, making the cells 66 percent transparent to the human eye. The panels could be used in smart windows or portable electronics.
Scientists have discovered a promising approach to combatting Alzheimer's disease by countering neuroinflammation. A new compound has shown efficacy comparable to an existing medicine in relieving nerve inflammation and improving learning and memory.
A 'quality-by-design' mindset could improve dietary supplement safety, as it did in the automotive industry. Manufacturers must verify plant identities and follow good manufacturing practices to ensure product accuracy.
The Maillard reaction, discovered by Louis-Camille Maillard in 1912, is a fundamental reaction in culinary chemistry that produces delicious flavors and colors. The reaction also has a dark side, producing potential carcinogens in certain foods.
A superabsorbent material can recover up to 5 gallons of crude oil per pound and is strong enough for collection and transportation. The material transforms an oil spill into a soft gel that can be converted back into refined oil, providing a cost-effective solution to reduce environmental impacts.
Researchers found that bigger turbines harness more wind without increasing mass or fuel needs, leading to cleaner power production. The study solidifies the trend towards larger windmills, expected to approach 10% of global electricity by 2020.
Scientists discover date palm juice inhibits corrosion of aluminum alloy in salt solution, forming protective film on metal's surface. The juice contains sugars that react with aluminum to form an anticorrosive film.
A new study published in ACS' Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry has identified potential methods to minimize acrylamide formation in french fries. Researchers used computer models to link changes in natural potato components with acrylamide formation, providing a rigorous approach to product development.
Despite the need for a male version of the oral contraceptive pill, pharmaceutical companies have discontinued research due to significant challenges. New research on non-hormonal male contraceptives offers hope for the development of a male birth control pill within a decade.
The biobased chemical industry is transitioning towards producing ingredients sold to companies making medicines, detergents, and plastics from basic compounds made from sugar. Six companies have already opened manufacturing plants or will soon, with plans for three more by next year.
Carbon dioxide released into oceans due to water pollution and air increases may be harming commercial fish populations. A new model predicts that nutrient runoff from fertilizer, human waste, and other pollutants could worsen ocean acidification, impacting species like clams, oysters, scallops, and mussels.
Scientists have developed a revolutionary new lens that is flat and distortion-free, allowing for the creation of ultra-thin devices such as smartphones. The lens uses metallic stripes to focus light and correct distortions, enabling sharper images without the need for complex solutions or multiple lenses.
Scientists have developed a new tantalum nanotube coating that enhances the integration of joint implants with existing bone, promoting improved biocompatibility and reducing the risk of failure. The coating also encourages bone growth and makes the implant more elastic like natural bone.
In 2011, Americans took a record 4.02 billion prescription drugs, with antidepressants and ADHD medicines showing notable increases in sales. The growth of prescriptions is attributed to the rising demand for CNS disorders medications.
A new analysis by ACS researchers suggests that up to 1.1 million annual cases of acute gastrointestinal illness may be caused by contaminated drinking water distribution systems in the US. Aging infrastructure and lack of funding pose significant health risks, particularly for small systems.
The Innocence Project has helped free nearly 300 wrongfully convicted prisoners due to improper use of forensic science. Improved sensitivity in DNA testing has highlighted issues of cross-contamination, affecting accuracy.
Scientists have identified a substance that primes the body's immune system to fight infections, including flu, in a nasal spray. The synthetic form of Pam2Cys has shown promise in activating the innate immune system without replacing a normal response.
The famous Galilean thermometer was actually invented by an early scientific society founded by Galileo
Researchers create a new explosive with a blast wave traveling 225 miles per hour faster than the current standard, HMX. The new explosive combines CL-20 and HMX, producing a more powerful but stable material with potential to replace HMX as military-grade explosives
The London 2012 Olympics anti-doping center will be converted into a national phenome center, measuring the chemistry of individuals to better understand disease causes and develop new treatment methods. This project aims to create publicly and privately funded labs combining analytical science, epidemiology, and clinical expertise.
The Canadian government's plan to discontinue the Experimental Lakes Area (ELA) has sparked widespread concern among scientists. The ELA, comprising 58 freshwater lakes in Ontario, Canada, has yielded significant insights into water pollution and climate change over nearly 40 years.
A recent study published in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry found that many popular 'microgreens' have more vitamins and healthful nutrients than their fully grown counterparts. The research analyzed 25 varieties of microgreens, revealing wide variations in nutrient levels among the plants tested.
Scientists have discovered a new antibacterial coating for sutures that is nearly 1,000 times more effective than the most widely used commercial coating. The coating, designed from naturally occurring antimicrobial peptides, kills a wide range of bacteria and has a low chance of causing resistance.
Scientists warn that the famous Swedish warship Vasa is deteriorating due to significant loss of strength in its wooden hull. The study found that the ship's wooden structure weakened by up to 80 percent, potentially threatening its preservation for future generations.
Next-generation diagnostic tests can identify specific diseases and determine if chemotherapy is working, enabling doctors to make better treatment decisions. These tests could reduce unnecessary procedures, prescriptions, and hospital stays, ultimately saving the US healthcare system billions of dollars annually.
Researchers develop smart catheter that senses infection and releases nitric oxide to stop bacterial growth, reducing healthcare-associated infections. The device has shown promising results in lab experiments, with the ability to extend NO release for up to weeks.