A team of scientists has successfully produced the active ingredients in Devil's claw using a novel technique called hairy root biofactory. This breakthrough could lead to large-scale production of rare plant extracts at low cost, addressing the global shortage of medicinal compounds derived from endangered plants.
The American Chemical Society will receive a $2 million gift from the Ciba Foundation to support programs assisting economically disadvantaged youth in chemistry. The grant will also establish endowments for travel grants, college scholarships, and attendance at ACS meetings.
Scientists used a whole-animal infection model to screen 37,000 potential drugs on infected C. elegans worms, identifying 28 new antimicrobials with novel mechanisms of action.
Researchers find marijuana smoke causes more cell damage and DNA harm than tobacco smoke, but doesn't cause chromosome damage. The study provides new insights into marijuana's potential health risks and challenges common perceptions about its relative safety.
A recent study published in Environmental Science & Technology found that bioethanol production requires up to 861 billion gallons of water, with some regions consuming as much as 2,100 gallons per gallon of ethanol produced. This highlights the need for regional-specific considerations when implementing biofuel mandates.
Researchers found that insects can transfer nanoparticles to each other, raising concerns about environmental impact. Exposure to certain nanoparticles caused locomotor impairment and mortality in adult fruit flies.
Scientists have developed a new catalyst made from shrimp shells that can convert canola oil to biodiesel more efficiently and with less waste. The new catalyst enables faster and more environmentally friendly production of biodiesel, reducing pollution and minimizing wastewater.
A new study by Dipak K. Das and colleagues reveals that freshly crushed garlic generates hydrogen sulfide, a chemical signaling substance that relaxes blood vessels and promotes heart health. Processed and cooked garlic loses this ability, resulting in reduced effectiveness.
A new study re-examining Tyrannosaurus rex remains has confirmed the presence of proteins from blood and bone, tendons, or cartilage, resolving a long-standing controversy over detectable biochemical remnants. The analysis also found evidence of substances typical of bird-like bones, which were previously disputed.
Researchers developed a lab-on-a-chip device mimicking the natural Golgi apparatus, producing heparin quickly and efficiently in an assembly-line fashion. The artificial Golgi has strong clot-fighting potential, potentially leading to faster and safer heparin production methods.
Researchers analyzed over 1,800 urine samples and identified individual patients with an accuracy of over 99 percent using metabolic profiling. The study provides evidence that the metabolic fingerprint remains stable over time, paving the way for personalized medical care.
Researchers have developed a novel silver nanoparticle skin gel that effectively kills harmful bacteria, including drug-resistant microbes, while promoting wound healing without causing harm to healthy skin. The gel contains 30 times less silver than traditional antimicrobial agents, making it a safer option for burn patients.
A new study found that inhaling linalool, a key ingredient in aromatherapy, can alter gene activity and blood chemistry to reduce stress levels. The study also showed that linalool returned stress-elevated levels of immune cells to near-normal levels.
Scientists develop environmentally friendly process for producing biodiesel from chicken feather meal, generating up to 593 million gallons annually. The process also produces high-grade animal feed and nitrogen-rich fertilizer, reducing waste and increasing renewable energy production.
Scientists have discovered a bowl-shaped molecule that can pull carbon dioxide out of the air, offering new possibilities for reducing greenhouse gas emissions. The molecule's unique properties make it suitable for industrial use in removing CO2 from ambient air and potentially even from living organisms.
Researchers found that carnosine reduced cloudiness in lens tissue cultures by 50-60% and restored clarity to cloudy lenses. Carnosine's potential as a preventive and therapeutic agent for cataracts is demonstrated.
Researchers discover potential drugs that block the first step in the infection process, preventing flu viruses from infecting cells. This breakthrough could lead to a new genre of antivirals and be used to develop treatments for other medical problems.
Scientists have developed a more efficient method to produce a novel form of acetaminophen with reduced liver toxicity risk, offering a potential solution to the growing concern over the drug's effects.
A 2,000-year-old bronze statue of an athlete has provided insights into preventing metal corrosion, safely storing nuclear waste, and understanding biomineralization. The study, published in ACS' Crystal Growth & Design, analyzed the mineral layers and fossilized organisms on the statue.
Scientists in Japan have created a universal QProbe system, a new PCR method that amplifies DNA traces more efficiently and accurately. This breakthrough technology has the potential to expand use of PCR in medicine, law enforcement, and other fields, making it faster, less expensive, and more specific.
The use of weed killers in farmers' fields significantly increases the amount of key nutrients termed carotenoids in sweet corn kernels. Herbicide applications boosted levels by up to 15 percent, particularly lutein and zeaxanthin, linked to reduced risk of age-related macular degeneration and other diseases.
The American Le Mans Series has introduced a green racing initiative, awarding prizes to the fastest cars producing the smallest environmental footprint. The concept aims to accelerate innovation in everyday life, reducing dependence on foreign oil.
Scientists have developed a new hydrogen storage method using carbonized chicken feather fibers, which can hold vast amounts of hydrogen at a lower cost. The method has the potential to improve upon existing methods and pave the way for a truly hydrogen-based energy economy.
The US Environmental Protection Agency announced the 2009 Presidential Green Chemistry Challenge Award winners, recognizing research that can make significant contributions to pollution prevention. The award winners developed innovative methods for producing greener chemicals, fuels, and materials.
Scientists have created a new low-calorie, low-sugar vegetable juice by fermenting vegetables with lactic acid-producing bacteria. The process significantly removes sugar while retaining nutritional content, making it suitable for diabetics and pre-diabetic individuals.
Scientists have found nanoparticles in cosmetics and sunscreens can be toxic to microbes, reducing survival rates. A new biosensor has been developed to detect nanoparticles, warning of potential danger to aquatic life.
Scientists have developed a technology that can convert mechanical energy from body movements into electric energy, which can be used to power electronic devices without batteries. The new 'nanogenerator' has potential applications in defense technology, environmental monitoring, biomedical sciences, and personal electronics.
A new measurement standard for vitamin D may lead to better bone health, particularly in children, women, and the elderly. The standard, developed by NIST and NIH, will enable more accurate and reliable vitamin D measurements in blood samples.
Researchers traced a genetic mutation in the Fry family, who arrived in Massachusetts colony in the 1630s, to its impact on colon cancer. Through routine screening and education, individuals with the mutated gene can prevent cancer.
Researchers have developed a novel, eco-friendly process to convert algae oil into biodiesel fuel, promising a cheaper alternative to traditional methods. The 'continuously flowing fixed-bed' method produces no wastewater and uses a proprietary solid catalyst, reducing processing costs and increasing efficiency.
Research finds that licorice can block absorption of cyclosporine, a vital immunosuppressant for transplant patients. Laboratory rats showed significant drop in cyclosporine levels after consuming licorice extract.
Researchers have created a new 'green' hair treatment that uses an enzyme to naturally lighten hair without damaging it. The enzyme degrades melanin and combats free radicals produced by traditional hydrogen peroxide-based bleaches, making it a potential solution for reducing hair damage and environmental impact.
Researchers analyzed potential peroxide-based explosives using computer simulations and found that a supposed new, more lethal relative to TATP is unlikely to exist due to instability. They consider previous reports of its creation to be Internet myths with no basis in reality.
Researchers have reported compelling new scientific evidence for the existence of LENR, producing neutrons and excess heat. The study uses an electrode composed of nickel or gold wire to detect subatomic particles released during reactions.
Researchers have developed a new type of DNA with 12 chemical letters, enabling highly parallel amplification of DNA and diagnosis of human diseases. This breakthrough may shed light on the origins of life and personalization of medicine for millions of patients with HIV, hepatitis, and other diseases.
Researchers have developed a promising new drug treatment, NO-Cbl, which has shown significant anti-tumor efficacy with limited toxicity in dogs with cancer. The treatment uses 'biological Trojan horse technology' to target cancer cells, and could potentially be used in combination regimes to enhance its effectiveness.
Researchers report increasing promise for natural gas hydrates, frozen form of natural gas, as abundant source of clean, sustainable energy. Gas hydrates could supplement traditional energy sources linked to global warming, providing bridge to cleaner fuel sources like hydrogen and solar energy.
Researchers developed new 'paldoxins' that block fungal enzymes, boosting plants' natural defenses and overcoming fungal attacks. These environmentally friendly fungicides could protect crops like corn, wheat, and soybeans from disease-causing fungi.
Researchers have developed a new yogurt that fights stomach ulcer bacteria with almost vaccine-like effects. The yogurt contains an antibody that reduces bacterial activity, offering a potential alternative to antibiotics for treating gastritis and stomach ulcers.
A study from the American Chemical Society reports that proteins from garden peas show promise in fighting high blood pressure and chronic kidney disease. The researchers found a 20% drop in blood pressure in rats with polycystic kidney disease when fed small daily doses of pea protein hydrolysate.
Researchers have developed hollow gold nanospheres that target and destroy melanoma cells using near-infrared light, showing eight times more damage to skin tumors than solid gold nanoparticles.
A team of scientists has developed an automated carbohydrate synthesizer, allowing them to build complex carbohydrates in a few hours. This innovation could lead to the creation of new vaccines and treatments for diseases such as malaria and HIV.
A leading cause of plagiarism at the graduate school level is confusion about what constitutes plagiarism, according to an expert. Confusion can be rooted in undergraduate education and may lead to traps. Educators stress the importance of proper citation and context to avoid plagiarism.
The ACS National Meeting features a vast array of research on nanotechnology, spanning topics such as green manufacturing processes and medical applications. The event is expected to bring together over 11,000 scientists and showcase nearly 1,000 research papers.
Researchers have discovered that people naturally produce salicylic acid (SA) in their bodies, which is also found in fruits and vegetables. This finding suggests SA may play a role as an animal bioregulator in fighting inflammation and disease.
Children's rejection of medicine is a complex issue influenced by genetics, early experiences, and cultural factors. Research suggests that genetic variations in the TAS2R38 gene contribute to increased sensitivity to bitter tastes, which can be leveraged to create more palatable medicines.
A new biopesticide has been developed for use on organic crops, offering a natural alternative to synthetic pesticides. The product is safe for humans, animals, and the environment, and will be available this October for conventional growers.
Researchers have identified two receptors on the tongue that detect the taste of calcium, which is crucial for building strong bones. This discovery could lead to the development of foods and drinks that are more palatable and easier to consume.
Researchers have engineered the first drug-delivery particles capable of passing through human mucus, which could treat a range of diseases. The new system uses a polymer coating to allow drugs to penetrate mucus layers in minutes.
A new medical imaging technology could provide a long-awaited test for early diagnosis of osteoarthritis, allowing doctors to prevent or reduce permanent damage. The method uses modified MRI to determine the concentration of glycosaminoglycan, a biomarker for OA and cartilage disorders.