Scientists have developed a new diagnostic method using Raman spectroscopy to detect biochemical changes in retinal cells, revealing the presence of glaucoma. The test detected glaucomatous changes with 90% accuracy in animal retinal tissue testing.
Scientists identified alternative routes for pharmaceuticals to enter the environment through bathing, showering, and laundering. These routes may lead to higher environmental impact for certain medications applied topically. Reducing consumption and developing better drug delivery systems can minimize environmental harm.
Researchers have developed contact lenses loaded with vitamin E that can deliver more medication for glaucoma and other diseases to the eye, increasing treatment duration by about 100 times. Vitamin E's ant-oxidant properties also provide UV protection.
Certain bird species prefer darkly colored fruits, which are found to have higher antioxidant levels than lighter-colored fruits. These antioxidant-rich foods may help birds combat stress and inflammation during long migrations.
Scientists have developed a revolutionary technology to produce isoprene, a key tire ingredient, from renewable biomass sources such as sugar cane and switchgrass. This innovation aims to reduce the tire industry's reliance on crude oil and create a more sustainable future.
Researchers have discovered a new material that can remove up to 90% of carbon dioxide from flue gases, offering a potential solution for reducing greenhouse gas emissions. The material, derived from aminosilicones found in hair conditioners and fabric softeners, is cheaper and more efficient than current technologies.
A new two-in-one test can detect both E. coli bacteria and its toxins, reducing foodborne illness and product recalls. The test cuts waiting time to just 24 hours, improving sensitivity and enabling early detection of contaminated products.
A new ultra-rapid acting mealtime insulin is orally inhaled for absorption via the lung, mimicking the natural early insulin response. This innovative technology uses a delivery system that applies to other drugs currently injected, with potential benefits including reduced hypoglycemia and weight gain.
Researchers have discovered a new drug that targets the root cause of painful menstrual cramps, called dysmenorrhea. The compound, VA111913, has shown promise in Phase II clinical trials and could be available to patients in four years if studies continue to show positive results.
Scientists found widespread global contamination of sea sand and seawater with BPA from hard plastic trash and epoxy paint. The biodegradation of hard plastics releases BPA, posing risks to marine life in low concentrations.
Researchers found that queso fresco can retain its characteristic texture for two months when stored at 39 degrees Fahrenheit, but breaks down at 50 degrees F. The study suggests lowering the supermarket display case temperature to improve shelf life and quality of this popular Mexican cheese.
Research reveals commercial cooking as a significant source of air pollutants, including carcinogenic chemicals. The study found that fatty foods cooked with high heat and certain oils increase emissions, highlighting the need for emission control measures.
Researchers have discovered elderly people with super-sharp memory who escaped formation of brain tangles, a hallmark of Alzheimer's disease. These 'super-aged' individuals were found to be protected from the negative effects of tangle formation.
A study found that agave fructans can boost calcium absorption, potentially preventing osteoporosis. Fructans also have anti-inflammatory properties and may help regulate blood sugar levels.
Scientists have created a bio-based sunscreen active ingredient from soybean oil, providing a natural solution to replace hazardous ingredients in personal care products. The new agent, feruloyl soy glycerides, absorbs both UV-A and UV-B light while being anti-aging and anti-wrinkle.
Scientists develop non-destructive carbon dating technique to analyze hundreds of museum collections and priceless objects like the Shroud of Turin. The new method uses plasma to oxidize surface of artifact, producing carbon dioxide for C-14 analysis.
The American Chemical Society's top R&D official, Paul T. Anastas, emphasizes the importance of green chemistry in achieving sustainability. Green chemistry aims to incorporate 12 principles, including prevention of waste and use of safer chemicals, into product design and manufacture.
A study found that household pesticide labels fail to provide clear maximum safe use guidelines, allowing consumers to overuse products like para-dichlorobenzene. This can lead to increased exposure to indoor air pollutants, posing health risks to family members and pets.
A study found that walnuts reduced the size and growth rate of prostate cancer in test animals by 50% and 30% respectively. The scientists attributed this effect to walnuts' ability to lower levels of insulin-like growth factor-1 and endothelin, a substance linked to inflammation.
Researchers have developed a GlidArc reactor that uses electrically-charged clouds of gas to produce super-clean fuels from waste materials. The process can be done at a low cost and using common materials, making it an attractive alternative for producing biofuels.
A report by air quality expert Frank Mitloehner rejects the claim that reducing meat and dairy consumption can combat climate change. Instead, he suggests focusing on more efficient farming practices in developing countries to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
The 239th National Meeting of the American Chemical Society features a comprehensive series of scientific reports on advances in sustainable development, including the application of green chemistry to reduce hazardous substances. The event aims to shepherd scientists' collective knowledge to address the world's sustainability challenges.
A new three-in-one test can detect Chagas' disease, leishmaniasis, and sleeping sickness in under an hour. The low-cost test uses special dyes that reveal the presence of parasite markers.
The American Chemical Society symposium on cold fusion has brought together nearly 50 presentations on the topic, indicating that it may be a reality. Researchers are making progress toward battery-based energy and discovering natural occurrences of cold fusion in certain bacteria.
Research found that dark-roasted coffee, including espresso and French roast, may be less irritating to the stomach due to its high content of N-methylpyridium (NMP), a substance that reduces acid production. This discovery could lead to new, stomach-friendly brews with the rich taste and aroma of regular coffee.
Researchers develop a method to determine wine vintages using radioactive carbon dioxide produced by atomic bomb tests. The technique uses accelerator mass spectrometry to analyze the carbon-14 levels in wine alcohol, allowing for reliable detection of vintage authenticity.
A new bio-based intelligent roof coating, developed from waste cooking oil, can automatically switch between reflecting and transmitting solar heat to reduce energy costs. The coating, tested on asphalt shingles, showed significant reductions in roof temperatures and potential savings in energy bills.
A new study predicts that world conventional crude oil production will reach its peak in 2014, years earlier than anticipated. The study, published in ACS' Energy & Fuels, uses a revised version of the Hubbert model to account for individual production trends and provides a more realistic forecast.
The laser has become a crucial tool in modern chemistry, used to study climate change, ultrafast chemical reactions, and disease-related proteins. Scientists are developing new laser-based systems for detecting nerve agents and diagnosing hard-to-treat diseases.
People in seven European countries show positive attitudes toward NoMix toilets, which separate urine from feces to reduce pollution and conserve resources. The innovative technology is well-accepted, with 80% of users expressing support and many willing to use it at work or home.
Scientists have created a bandage that slowly releases nitric oxide, increasing blood flow in laboratory rats. The technology has potential applications for treating diabetic patients and preserving donated organs, suggesting improved outcomes in both conditions.
Scientists have developed a simple method to produce high-quality graphene on commercially available silicon carbide wafers. This breakthrough enables mass production of graphene, a material with unique electronic properties that could replace silicon in electronics devices.
Fresh spinach leaves stored under continuous light exposure show significantly higher levels of vitamins C, K, E, and folate, as well as healthful carotenoids lutein and zeaxanthin. Continuous light exposure after nine days increases folate levels by up to 100% and vitamin K levels by 50-100%
Researchers identified two biomarkers in the blood that may accurately predict the spread of colon cancer, allowing for earlier intervention and treatment. The study found these biomarkers were significantly higher in metastatic cells than primary tumor cells.
Researchers identify progesterone in leaves of Common Walnut tree using advanced laboratory techniques, challenging conventional wisdom that only animals can produce the hormone. The discovery may change scientific understanding of progesterone's evolution and function in living things.
Scientists use laser ablation to remove unwanted material from artworks, preserving masterpieces like Porta del Paradiso and Donatello's David. The technique also shows promising results in cleaning underwater artworks that could deteriorate in air.
Scientists have identified 65 abnormal proteins in diabetic mice that are reversed by treatment with the ARB medication candesartan. The study, published in Journal of Proteome Research, provides new insights into the potential benefits of high blood pressure drugs in preventing and treating diabetic retinopathy.
Scientists have developed flexible, biocompatible rubber films that can harvest energy from body movements, such as breathing and walking. The material combines piezoelectric lead zirconate titanate with silicone rubber to create a super-thin film that can convert mechanical energy into electricity.
Scientists created oil droplets that can solve complex mazes using pH gradients, potentially helping cancer drugs reach tumors and nano-machines move accurately. This technology could be used to design new anti-cancer drugs and improve the navigation of futuristic nano-machines.
Most household dust originates from outdoors, comprising dead skin, carpet fibers, and tracked-in soil, with potential contaminants like lead and arsenic.
Scientists have confirmed that green tea catechins penetrate into tissues of the eye, raising the possibility of protection against glaucoma. Analysis of eye tissues showed significant absorption of individual catechins, with effects lasting up to 20 hours.
Researchers are developing non-controversial alternatives to human embryonic stem cells by transforming adult skin cells into stem cells using a molecular toolkit. Chemists aim to identify drug-like substances that can reprogram mature cells into stem cells, bypassing the need for gene therapies.
Scientists in Australia have developed a novel method to stitch together microfluidic analytical devices using ordinary cotton thread and sewing needles, promising revolutionary applications in medicine and environmental sensing. This simple and relatively low-cost approach uses the wicking properties of cotton thread to transport flui...
Scientists are exploring a new approach to carbon capture technology using proteins that can catalyze reactions with carbon dioxide in an environmentally friendly way. This method has the potential to be more cost-effective and produce less hazardous waste than existing technologies.
Scientists use optical coherence tomography to analyze artworks, uncovering forged signatures and altered inscriptions. This technique enables detection of subtle changes in easel paintings without damaging the artwork.
Researchers create photoswitch composed of dithienylethene, which paralyzes C. elegans worms with ultraviolet light and reverses paralysis with visible light
Researchers have discovered alternative chemicals that are safer and perform just as well as toxic fluorochemicals used in nonstick cookware, repellent clothing, and other products. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is phasing out these chemicals due to their potential health risks.
The US liquid detergent market reached $3.1 billion in sales in 2009, driven by innovative eco-friendly products containing natural ingredients. Manufacturers are now offering specialty cleaners that reduce energy or water consumption, combining detergents with fabric softener and static reducers into single sheet-like products.
Research has identified plant growth promoters and inhibitors in smoke following fires. The discovery of a plant growth inhibitor in smoke may block the action of the stimulator, preventing seed germination.
A new study reveals that aged dental fillings may contain a non-toxic form of mercury. Researchers found that the surface forms of mercury in dental amalgam change over time, with most mercury lost through evaporation or exposure to hygiene products.