A joint Canadian-United States study found that flavonoids from orange and tangerine juice inhibited the growth of prostate, lung, and melanoma cells. The compounds were particularly effective against human prostate cancer cells, with small amounts inhibiting cancer cell proliferation.
Researchers at the Monell Chemical Senses Center have narrowed the search for a gene responsible for sweet preference in mice to a specific area of chromosome 4. This region is thought to be a likely candidate for a 'sweet taste gene' that affects both mouse and human perception of sweetness.
Experts will discuss new synthetic elastomers designed to improve tire traction properties, as well as surface-modified mineral fillers that could increase fuel economy in vehicles. Researchers will also predict fatigue in fiber-reinforced rubber composite laminates in tires.
Researchers found that white tea contains higher levels of polyphenols than green tea, which may contribute to its enhanced cancer-fighting potential. White tea was shown to inhibit DNA mutations more efficiently than green tea in laboratory tests, suggesting it may have a stronger role in preventing colon cancer.
Chemist Slayton Evans Jr. of Chapel Hill has been honored by the American Chemical Society for opening new doors in science, especially chemistry, for minority high-school and college students. He was recognized for fostering programs and scholarships to encourage minority scholarship in his 25 years at the University of North Carolina.
Researchers have developed a new biomaterial that uses an electricity-conducting polymer in combination with a naturally occurring sugar molecule to stimulate nerve growth. The material breaks down over time, allowing the nerve to grow and reach its target weeks or months later.
Jerry A. Bell, a leading educator in chemistry, receives the George C. Pimentel Award for his contributions to making chemistry relevant to everyday life. His new textbook, due to be published in 2001, aims to engage students with real-world applications of chemistry.
E. Philip Horwitz developed resins that selectively remove radioisotopes from complex mixtures, improving monitoring of workers' exposure and ingestion of radioisotopes. His technology processes about 350,000 samples per year worldwide, with potential applications in countries monitoring Chernobyl effects.
J. Larry Duda, a Penn State University chemist, has been honored with the E.V. Murphree Award in Industrial and Engineering Chemistry for his research on polymer behavior. His work helps improve product performance by understanding how small molecules migrate through polymers.
Research on MTBE contamination highlights the need for alternatives to this toxic fuel additive. Studies show that MTBE degrades slowly in sediments, but can be rapidly degraded by bacteria with oxygen addition.
Chemist William R. Dolbier receives American Chemical Society Award for Creative Work in Fluorine Chemistry for innovative studies of fluorine, which strengthens bonds and makes products like Teflon resistant to high temperatures.
Czanderna's work focuses on improving photovoltaic efficiency and lifespan, with a goal of making solar energy comparable to fossil fuels. His research led to the development of an insulating material that promises to last at least six times longer.
Researchers at Pennsylvania State University have developed coal-derived jet fuels that can withstand higher temperatures without forming engine-clogging deposits. This breakthrough could enable faster, safer flight for commercial jet aircraft.
Chemist John D. Corbett is recognized for his pioneering work in inorganic chemistry, leading to the discovery of novel solid-state compounds with unique structures and properties. His research has enabled the development of products such as cell-phone batteries, catalytic converters, and corrosion-resistant alloys.
Frank Cardulla, a Glenview teacher, has won the James Bryant Conant Award for his innovative approach to teaching high school chemistry. He emphasizes understanding over rote memorization, encouraging students to think critically about chemical processes.
Dr. Mario Molina, Nobel laureate and environmental science professor, will address his experiences as a minority in the sciences at the American Chemical Society meeting. He will also discuss his work on ozone depletion and atmospheric chemistry.
For over 40 years, chemist Ernest Davidson has used computers to simulate and study chemical reactions with precision. Today's computer programs can model complex reactions involving up to 30 atoms, enabling chemists to devise new reactions.
Hoffman's groundbreaking work led to the discovery of primordial plutonium and seaborgium, with a focus on symmetrical mass division in spontaneous fission. Her ongoing research continues to advance our understanding of nuclear chemistry and its applications.
Samuel Danishefsky has developed anti-cancer vaccines that stimulate the immune system to recognize and attack cancer cells. His research also explores laboratory versions of natural products with potential to combat cancer. Several vaccines are entering Phase II and III clinical trials to test their effectiveness.
A new polymer-drug combination has inhibited the growth of ovarian cancer cell lines by up to 97% in two previous treatments. Researchers are now investigating the effects of varying metal combinations, hoping to find a more effective treatment for this deadly form of cancer.
Renowned scientist J. Craig Venter will discuss his work on decoding the human genome at the American Chemical Society meeting. He co-founded Celera Genomics to sequence the entire human genome by 2001 and is this year's honoree for the David Perlman Memorial Lectureship.
Dr. F. Ann Walker, a researcher on the kissing bug, will present her award-winning research on heme proteins and Chagas' disease at the American Chemical Society meeting. The study highlights the intersection of entomology, inorganic biochemistry, medicine, and anthropology.
A new study estimates that up to 9,000 community water wells in 31 states may be contaminated with methyl tert-butyl ether (MTBE) due to their proximity to leaking underground storage tanks. This could pose a risk to the approximately 90 million people who obtain drinking water from these wells.
A team of researchers has discovered that hazelnuts contain the potent anticancer agent paclitaxel, which could reduce the cost of the commercial drug Taxol. The finding may also stimulate competition among drug manufacturers, leading to cheaper prices for cancer patients.
Historian Alan J. Rocke presents a symposium on the history of futurism in chemistry, exploring divergent visions of science in the year 2000. The event highlights the accuracy of 19th-century predictions about the 20th century and showcases the evolution of chemistry.
Researchers found that biodiesel fuel reduced carbon monoxide and particulate matter emissions by 12-14% and 25%, respectively. The lower oxygen content of biodiesel also helped reduce hydrocarbon emissions.
Researchers from the University of Illinois at Chicago and the University of Stellenbosch isolated six chemical compounds with antimicrobial activity in chewing sticks used in Namibia, demonstrating their effectiveness in removing plaque and massaging gums.
The American Chemical Society's 219th national meeting in San Francisco will explore cutting-edge chemistry research, including new prospects for anticancer agents and the environmental impact of MTBE. The conference also addresses food safety and nutrition, as well as substances of abuse.
A new study reveals that backyard burning of household trash can release significant amounts of dioxins and furans into the air. Under controlled conditions, family-sized backyard burns can produce emissions comparable to those from a well-controlled municipal waste incinerator serving tens of thousands of households.
Researchers discovered that full-fat frankfurters release flavor compounds more slowly and last longer than lower fat varieties. This results in a stronger initial flavor followed by a rapid decrease, affecting the overall taste experience.
Researchers at Wayne State University have designed two novel antibiotics to combat antibiotic resistance. The 'self-destructive' antibiotic breaks down in the presence of light, while the 'self-regenerating' antibiotic remains effective against resistant bacteria by releasing its active form after encountering resistance enzymes.
Researchers at Banyu Pharmaceutical Co. in Japan have designed a synthetic molecule that can block the molecular pathway of the opioid receptor-like 1 (ORL-1), leading to a better understanding of pain regulation. This breakthrough finding may pave the way for new and improved drugs to treat pain, as well as other neurological disorders.
Research finds that road dust kicked up by traffic can be a source of airborne allergens, including pollen, animal dander, and molds. Residential areas with roadside vegetation are more affected than industrial locations.
National Chemistry Week highlights the importance of polymers as natural insulators, found in products like umbrellas, sunglasses, and jackets. The week also explores fascinating chemistry facts about the weather, such as the transformation of nitrogen into a more user-friendly form by lightning.
Polymers are versatile molecules made up of repeating units bonded together. During National Chemistry Week, families can participate in hands-on activities to learn about polymers' uses in everyday life, including disposable diapers and sports gear.
Researchers found that people in urban areas are more likely to live in areas with contaminated groundwater, particularly in the eastern half of the US. Untreated groundwater was four times more likely to exceed drinking-water criteria in urban areas than rural areas.
The American Chemical Society's 34th Midwest Regional Meeting will feature over 200 papers on analytical chemistry for the new millennium, drawing at least 450 scientists. Colorful chemical demonstrations by Dr. Marvin Lang will also be presented.
The American Chemical Society's March 26-30 meeting in San Francisco will feature presentations on emerging trends in chemistry, including anticancer therapies, endocrine disruptors, and new drug delivery techniques. More than 6,000 papers are expected to be presented to the 14,000 attendees.
Esther H. Freeman, a chemistry teacher at Tabb High School in Virginia, has received the Southeast Regional High School Chemistry Teaching Award from the American Chemical Society. Her innovative teaching style, which incorporates music and hands-on laboratory experiences, encourages students to participate in science fairs.
A new study by Princeton University researchers shows that switching from leaded to unleaded gasoline can reduce blood lead levels to an average of three micrograms per deciliter, well below the 10 ug/dL threshold considered cause for concern in the US. This reduction is significant, especially in countries still using leaded gasoline.
The American Chemical Society's Southeast Regional Meeting will be held in Knoxville, featuring a variety of topics including environmental and medicinal chemistry. Over 600 scientific papers will be presented during the event.
A new study by Resources For the Future finds that emissions trading has shifted sulfur dioxide emissions away from populated areas to the Midwest, improving public health and environmental conditions in the Northeast and East. Health-related benefits are estimated at $125 million annually.
Pacifichem 2000 will bring together leading researchers in the Pacific Rim countries to discuss topics such as food antioxidants, extremophiles and organic superconductors. The conference features over 179 symposia on various subjects including medical applications, nanomaterials and marine natural products.
The Western Regional Meeting of the American Chemical Society will feature over 300 papers on topics such as environmental science and organic/biochemistry. Dr. Jerome Karle, a Nobel Prize winner, will address the conference.
Diane Coley McGann, a Santa Ana High School teacher, receives the Western Regional High School Chemistry Teaching Award for her innovative approach to motivating students. She has also created a series of workshops to assist teachers in promoting chemistry education.
A study has identified perchlorate in fertilizers, a chemical compound suspected of adverse health effects. The findings suggest that fertilizers could be a source for perchlorate accumulation in the food chain, posing risks to human health and ecosystems.
Researchers have identified four new limonoids in Spanish cedar leaves that repel a specific insect pest, potentially helping protect endangered primary forests. Selecting seedlings with high concentrations of these substances may aid plantation-raised Spanish cedars and reduce the need for synthetic insecticides.
Researchers have found detectable levels of tributyltin in Gulf oysters, which can be toxic to crustaceans. Additionally, the Mississippi River has shown improvement in water quality, with a decrease in volatile organic compounds detected since 20 years ago.
A study presented at the American Chemical Society meeting found that high-temperature drying in clothes dryers can cause serious abrasions and cracking damage to cotton fabrics. This results in reduced fabric strength, faster wear-out, and increased lint production.
A taste test by University of Missouri researchers found no significant difference in the flavor of low-fat and regular chocolate ice cream due to its unique mix of chemicals that make up its distinctive flavor. The study suggests that this complexity helps mask off flavors, resulting in a similar taste experience for both versions.