A new study reveals that judicious placement of greenery in urban canyons can significantly improve air quality. Green plants reduce concentrations of nitrogen dioxide (NO2) and microscopic particulate matter (PM) by up to 40% and 60%, respectively.
Royal jelly's composition can be modified to change the body size of queen bees during development, with a potential impact on human health. The study uses histone deacetylase inhibitors to create super RJ, leading to increased larva growth and potential health benefits.
A new glucose monitor made from inexpensive materials measures sugar levels in urine, helping people with diabetes monitor their blood sugar levels in rural areas of developing countries. The device was developed to address the challenges of providing affordable diabetes testing in regions where poverty limits healthcare access.
The UN Conference on Sustainable Development in Rio de Janeiro aimed to build on previous agreements, including treaties on climate change and biodiversity protection. Hundreds of individual commitments from participants hold potential for major environmental impacts.
Scientists are developing new medicines to target both human and non-human cells in the body, based on a paradigm shift in understanding the human body as a complex ecosystem. This approach, called functional metagenomics, has the potential to treat diseases with substances that affect non-human cells.
A new study has detected BPS, a BPA substitute, in thermal paper receipts and many other products. The researchers analyzed 16 types of paper from the US, Japan, Korea, and Vietnam, finding BPS in all receipt papers and 87% of currency samples.
Scientists have discovered a white rot fungus that can break down tough cellulose in corn stover, releasing sugars for ethanol fermentation. The study found that the fungus extracted up to 30% more sugar from corn leaves and 50% more from stalks and cobs.
The US government is developing medical countermeasures against nuclear threats, including acute radiation syndrome (ARS). Several companies are working on adapting existing drugs and creating new compounds to treat ARS symptoms and remove radioactive particles from the body.
Researchers have created micro- and nano-sized capsules containing DNA, biological machinery, and protein synthesis equipment for making medicines. These tiny production units can be turned on with an external signal, producing active proteins on demand.
A new analysis found that over two-thirds of recently approved pesticide active ingredients have roots in natural substances. Scientists have discovered that biological and natural products-based pesticides are a rich source of new active ingredients.
Researchers have developed a new class of antimicrobials that target bacteria virulence factors, reducing the risk of antibiotic resistance. The most potent substance prevented UTIs from developing in mice for over eight hours and reduced bacterial growth by nearly 10,000 times.
Bigger wind turbines harness more wind with increased efficiency and reduced material needs. Scientists conclude that larger turbines make greener electricity, a trend expected to grow in the coming years.
Researchers develop algorithms to identify flavor matches, leading to new dishes like almond sponge cake with poached banana and chocolate-ketchup ice cream. Skepticism surrounds the validity of flavor pairing as a scientifically grounded concept.
Scientists have created a simple procedure to remove nearly all acrolein impurities from pharmaceuticals, potentially increasing patient safety. The new method uses engineered particles and shows promise in removing 98% of impurities without affecting the active ingredient.
Scientists have developed a novel method for extracting oil from algae using supercritical carbon dioxide, reducing energy consumption and costs. The new process could make biodiesel production from algae more efficient, affordable and environmentally friendly.
A new ACS video series provides an overview of the chemistry behind sunscreens, explaining how they protect against UV rays. The video also offers pointers on shopping for effective sunscreen products, highlighting the importance of SPF numbers in choosing the right product.
The Advanced Denim process produces jeans using significantly less water, energy, and waste than traditional methods. This technology has the potential to save 2.5 billion gallons of water and eliminate 8.3 million cubic meters of wastewater annually.
Researchers have developed a sustainable method to convert orange peels into valuable chemicals and materials, including fragrances, water purification, and biofuels. This innovation has the potential to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and create a zero-waste biorefinery.
The American Chemical Society's Green Chemistry Institute will host a panel discussion on advancing global green chemistry, featuring experts from government, business and academia. The event aims to enhance the profile and importance of green chemistry while linking the global community.
The winners of the 2012 Presidential Green Chemistry Challenge Awards have been announced for their groundbreaking work in developing environmentally benign organic catalysts, producing high-performance green chemicals, and improving synthetic pathways. The awards recognize innovation in reducing waste and pollution.
A new study by American Chemical Society researchers suggests that long-term irrigation with treated wastewater does not enhance antibiotic resistance in soil microbial communities, indicating a safer alternative for water-scarce areas.
Researchers have developed a 'pyroelectric nanogenerator' that converts waste heat into electricity using the ancient pyroelectric effect. The device has the potential to power applications such as wireless sensors, temperature imaging, and medical diagnostics, offering a new source of energy from environmental waste.
The airline industry is poised to adopt biobased jet fuel, derived from waste cooking oil and algae, due to rising costs for conventional fuels. Biobased fuels are blended with traditional Jet A-1 fuel and have shown promising results in test flights.
Scientists have found that a long-used anti-cancer drug, cisplatin, can prevent the clumping of an enzyme linked to ALS. This discovery suggests that cisplatin could be a promising lead compound for developing new treatments for the incurable disease.
Scientists have developed a fast and easy method to detect and identify single spores of seven common types of mold using Raman microspectroscopy. The new technique involves collecting air samples on aluminum foil and analyzing the spores for potential contamination in homes and buildings.
New nanomedicine cancer treatments aim to focus on tumor cells while sparing healthy tissue, potentially reducing severe side effects. These nanoparticle-based medications can deliver anti-cancer drugs directly to tumors through tiny blood vessel passages.
A new study puts finishing touches on the history of the 'Bay of the Pirates' warship's beak-like weapon, identifying a major threat to preserving it. The analysis revealed that the ancient wooden marine treasure is made of pine with waterproofing agents and contains copious sulfur that can turn into corrosive acid.
Researchers found that only 0.1% of potential medicines have been synthesized, leaving billions of possibilities behind. Computer modeling can help identify promising molecules for new pharmaceuticals.
A new podcast from the American Chemical Society explores how meeting current biofuel production targets with existing technology would significantly reduce food production, leading to widespread environmental concerns. The study's findings highlight the need for more accurate estimates of biofuel production capabilities.
A new paper-based device can detect airborne metal exposure almost immediately, potentially preventing illnesses in millions of metal workers. The device accurately determines iron, nickel, and copper levels in air samples, providing a chance for workers to leave hazardous areas before it's too late.
Scientists have developed a practical way to make stainless steel that disinfects itself, using a bio-inspired adhesive and silver-based particles. The new process takes only 10 minutes and uses water instead of toxic substances.
Many pharmaceutical companies are making progress in embracing green chemistry principles, reducing waste generation and operating more environmentally friendly ways. The American Chemical Society's Green Chemistry Institute is helping its members share best practices and compare progress.
The use of old herbicides is increasing due to emerging weed resistance, prompting companies to develop new crop varieties with resistance to these chemicals. This shift aims to maintain control over weeds while reducing the reliance on chemical herbicides.
Developing a new, two-step process could stabilize prices for the raw material essential for making malaria treatment drugs. The improved manufacturing method generates less waste and requires less artemisinin, potentially easing supply problems.
Researchers developed a new 'designer fat' from hazelnut oil that closely mimics the key fatty acids found in human milk. This innovation addresses concerns about digestibility of algae-derived ingredients used in infant formulas.
Researchers developed a chlorinated form of silk that kills bacteria and spores in minutes, offering potential uses for protective coatings and water purification. The treatment, which involves soaking silk in a solution similar to household bleach, has broad applications in various fields.
A new study found that beetle-infested pine trees release up to 20 times more VOCs than healthy trees, contributing to haze and air pollution. The research suggests that the bark beetle epidemic could lead to higher monoterpene concentrations in the air, harming human health and impacting climate.
Researchers have developed a new series of drugs that target the fox tapeworm, which causes rare but life-threatening disease in humans. The drugs, derived from anti-cancer agents, show potential in killing the parasite and treating the disease.
Scientists have created a new, inexpensive paper-based urine test to monitor glucose levels in areas with limited healthcare access. The device detects glucose levels using a simple enzyme reaction and can be built quickly, making it an ideal solution for rural India and other developing countries.
The American Chemical Society reports a boom in research on ingredients for 'enhanced cosmetics,' with major companies investing in encapsulation technology to improve appearance. New approaches include microcapsules, water droplets coated in silica, and insulin sugar delivery systems.
Scientists discover soybeans can naturally release BBI, a potential cancer-fighter, when soaked in warm water. The process could provide an environmentally friendly alternative to industrial methods.
A possible link between benzophenone sunscreens and endometriosis has been identified by researchers. High levels of 2,4OH-BP were associated with an increased risk of endometriosis diagnosis in a study of 625 women.
The new device splits water into hydrogen and oxygen gas, releasing hydrogen for fuel cells to make electricity. It employs abundant Earth materials, replacing expensive metals like platinum.
The Chromosome-Centric Human Proteome Project (C-HPP) is an ambitious international initiative that aims to identify and profile all human proteins. The project, which involves 20 scientific teams, will focus on 'missing' proteins and determine their functions in health and disease.
A new study reveals that black pepper's piperine interferes with genes controlling fat cell formation, potentially leading to a metabolic chain reaction. This finding may lead to wider use of piperine or black-pepper extracts in fighting obesity and related diseases.
Researchers have created microsubmarines that can collect and transport oil droplets from contaminated waters, potentially helping to clean up oil spills. These tiny machines use a special surface coating to absorb oils and are powered by ultrafast movement.
Research identifies enzyme essential for M. globosa's growth, making it a prime target for developing better anti-dandruff medicines. Sulfonamides show greater effectiveness than ketoconazole in preventing the fungus's growth.
Scientists discover that pig stomach mucins have broad-spectrum anti-viral activity, trapping disease-causing microbes like influenza virus and HIV before they cause infection. The findings suggest that pig mucus could be added to various consumer products to protect against viral infections.
Lean finely textured beef, also known as pink slime, has fallen out of favor due to concerns over its production process. The industry's lack of transparency about the process, which involves heating and treating leftover meat with ammonia, contributed to public backlash.
Scientists developed a new fabric coating that repels water, acids, bases, and organic solvents, outperforming existing stain-resistant technologies. The coating remained intact after multiple wash cycles, showcasing its durability.