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Acids help against airborne viruses

A study found that acidification of aerosols post-exhalation significantly impacts viral load. Influenza A viruses are inactivated within minutes, while SARS-CoV-2 requires days at typical indoor pH levels.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 21, 2022

Baylor Chemistry researchers synthesize new groundbreaking compound

Researchers at Baylor University have synthesized a new, one-step Lewis superacid called tris(ortho-carboranyl)borane (BoCb3), which has applications in the production of common plastics. The compound is more efficient to produce, safer for the environment, and could potentially save billions of dollars in manufacturing costs.

SourceBaylor University·JournalAngewandte Chemie·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 15, 2022

High levels of sweet and fruit-flavour chemicals in ‘tobacco-flavoured’ e-cig liquids

Research found high levels of sweet and fruit-flavour chemicals in 'tobacco-flavoured' e-cigarette liquids, particularly fruity and caramellic flavour chemicals. The study suggests manufacturers are getting around regulations by using these flavour chemicals in products marketed as 'tobacco-flavoured', raising concerns about their safety.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalTobacco Control·TypeObservational study·DateNov 3, 2022

Research at Jacobs University: Coffee could offer protection from catching COVID-19

Researchers at Jacobs University have found that a compound in coffee, 5-caffeoylquinic acid, can inhibit the interaction between the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein and the ACE-2 receptor, potentially providing protection against COVID-19. The study's findings suggest that regular coffee drinkers may be less likely to contract the virus.

SourceJacobs University Bremen gGmbH·JournalFood & Function·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 3, 2022

Ben-Gurion University environmental scientists develop a method to turn hazardous acidic industrial wastewater into valuable resources

Researchers have developed a three-step process to treat phosphoric acid plant wastewater, recovering clean water and phosphate while reducing the volume of wastewater by 90%. The circular process uses selective electrodialysis, reverse osmosis, and neutralization, making it a promising solution for industries worldwide.

SourceBen-Gurion University of the Negev·JournalACS Sustainable Chemistry & Engineering·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 12, 2022

Specialty and standard coffee beans can be sorted using multispectral imaging and artificial intelligence

A Brazilian research team has developed a novel method to sort specialty and standard coffee beans using multispectral imaging and machine learning. The technique, which does not require roasting or human intervention, uses images of the beans at different wavelengths to distinguish between quality levels.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalComputers and Electronics in Agriculture·DateAug 30, 2022

Lights, catalyst, reaction! Converting CO2 to formic acid using an alumina-supported, iron-based compound

Researchers from Tokyo Tech developed an alumina-supported iron-based catalyst that efficiently converts CO2 into formic acid with up to 90% selectivity. The new catalyst's excellent recyclability and low-cost nature make it a promising candidate for reducing atmospheric CO2 levels and providing energy via combustion.

SourceTokyo Institute of Technology·JournalAngewandte Chemie·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 16, 2022

Tangle no more, nanotubes

Researchers develop less-corrosive solutions using methanesulfonic acid, p-toluenesulfonic acid and oleum acids to separate and process nanotubes. The new method enables scalable production of advanced materials with excellent electrical and mechanical properties.

SourceRice University·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 27, 2022

Synthetic “forever chemicals” known as PFAS linked to liver damage

A new study systematically reviews data on PFAS exposure and liver damage, linking three commonly detected PFAS to elevated levels of a liver enzyme, ALT. The research suggests a potential link between PFAS and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), a growing public health crisis affecting 25% of adults worldwide.

SourceKeck School of Medicine of USC·JournalEnvironmental Health Perspectives·TypeMeta-analysis·DateApr 27, 2022

O-pH, a new UW dental tool prototype, can spot the acidic conditions that lead to cavities

Researchers created a dental tool that measures plaque acidity using an LED light and FDA-approved chemical dye, providing dentists with early warning signs of cavity development. The device can help limit the need for specific harmful bacteria tests and educate patients about sugar's impact on oral health.

SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalIEEE Transactions on Biomedical Engineering·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 8, 2022

Gold nanoparticle-based electrode efficiently co-detects dopamine and uric acid in urine samples, shows new study in Journal of Pharmaceutical Analysis

Researchers developed a novel electroanalytical technique that co-detects dopamine and uric acid in urine samples, overcoming interference from ascorbic acid. The technique uses a gold-containing ternary nanocomposite electrode, enabling simultaneous detection of low-level DA and UA under physiological conditions.

SourceCactus Communications·JournalJournal of Pharmaceutical Analysis·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 22, 2022

Fungus found to synthesize valuable compounds in perennial plant found in Northern Asia

A study discovered that fungus Cyanodermella asteris synthesizes valuable compounds in plant Aster tataricus, influencing its growth. The interaction reveals a two-way dialogue between the microbe and host, with the fungus producing beneficial compounds while also being influenced by plant hormones.

SourceAmerican Phytopathological Society·JournalMolecular Plant-Microbe Interactions·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 17, 2022

Anti-odor coating is no washout

Researchers at the University of Tokyo have developed a cost-effective and convenient method to apply an antimicrobial silver coating to textiles using polyphenols found in wine and chocolate. The coating maintains its properties even after multiple washes and has potential applications in hospitals and other sterile environments.

SourceUniversity of Tokyo·JournalScientific Reports·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 8, 2022

Alginic acid improves artificial bones, study shows

A study published in the Journal of Materials Science: Materials in Medicine found that alginic acid improves artificial bones by increasing porosity, compressive strength, and setting time. The addition of alginic acid to calcium phosphate cement enhances its mechanical properties, allowing for more effective bone replacement.

SourceOsaka City University·JournalJournal of Materials Science Materials in Medicine·TypeNews article·DateAug 11, 2021

Scientists synthesize a material which can completely replace natural gypsum in the construction industry

Researchers develop method to produce high-quality gypsum binders from synthetic calcium sulfate dihydrate, surpassing natural gypsum in several parameters. The new material can replace natural gypsum in countries without gypsum stone deposits, reducing production costs and simplifying technology.

SourceNational University of Science and Technology MISIS·JournalJournal of Industrial and Engineering Chemistry·DateJul 30, 2021

Study points to potential treatment for citrus disease

A new study suggests that hexanoic acid could be a suitable substitute for chemical protection in citrus cultivation, addressing concerns about the impact of old-school defenses on food safety. Researchers believe this fatty acid may help protect against diseases like canker, which causes brownish lesions on leaves and fruit.

SourceWiley·JournalJournal of Applied Microbiology·DateMay 19, 2021

Story tips: Stealthy air leak detection, carbon to chemicals and recycling goes large

Oak Ridge National Laboratory has developed a non-invasive air leak detection method that uses imaging technique to visualize air leaks and calculate volumetric flow. The lab also engineered a microbe to efficiently turn waste into itaconic acid, an industrial chemical used in plastics and paints. Additionally, researchers demonstrated...

SourceDOE/Oak Ridge National Laboratory·JournalNature Communications·DateMay 3, 2021

Researchers design micro-sized capsules for targeted drug delivery -- inspired by Russian pelmeni

A team of researchers has developed a method to create biodegradable polymer microcapsules with non-spherical shapes, which can enhance targeted drug delivery. The capsules are designed using soft lithography and have shown promising results in retaining hydrophilic molecules and being internalized by cells without causing toxic effects.

Lighting up bone repair

A team at Tokyo Medical and Dental University developed a material that aids in bone healing, allows for clear assessment of bone damage and clarifies probable patient outcomes. The material incorporates a fluorescent molecule, enabling real-time visual analysis and predictions of therapeutic outcomes.

SourceTokyo Medical and Dental University·JournalCommunications Chemistry·DateMar 24, 2021

Watch: Recycled cotton becomes new fabric

Researchers at Lund University develop a method to convert cotton into sugar, which can be turned into spandex, nylon, or ethanol. The process involves soaking fabrics in sulphuric acid, producing a clear, dark amber-coloured sugar solution with potential uses in various industries.

SourceLund University·JournalWaste Management·DateMar 1, 2021

Biologists from RUDN University suggested a new substance to suppress neuroinflammation

Researchers found that hymecromone, a spasmolytic drug, reduces the production of anti-inflammatory molecules in astrocytes. This could lead to new treatments for neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's. Hymecromone's mechanism of action is thought to involve reducing hyaluronic acid synthesis, which affects inflammation.

SourceRUDN University·JournalInternational Journal of Molecular Sciences·DateFeb 26, 2021

Modeling a better catalyst for PIBSAs

Researchers have developed a computational model to improve the production of polyisobutenyl succinic anhydrides (PIBSAs) for auto industry formulations. The study reveals the detailed mechanism of Lewis acid-catalyzed reactions, enabling faster and more efficient synthesis with reduced energy input.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh·JournalIndustrial & Engineering Chemistry·DateFeb 17, 2021

Extreme UV laser shows generation of atmospheric pollutant

Researchers from Hokkaido University have found that ultraviolet light reacts with nitrophenol to produce atmospheric nitrous acid, a key component of photochemical smog. This decomposition process occurs in real-time and involves the distortion of the nitrophenol molecule's shape under extreme UV light.

SourceHokkaido University·JournalThe Journal of Physical Chemistry Letters·DateFeb 2, 2021

Carbon monoxide reduced to valuable liquid fuels

Rice University engineers have created a process that converts carbon monoxide directly into acetic acid, a widely used chemical agent. The electrochemical process uses nanoscale copper cubes and solid-state electrolytes to produce highly purified acetic acid with up to 98% purity.

SourceRice University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 11, 2021

AJTMH tip sheet for October 2020

Researchers found that hypochlorous acid can chemically modify malodorous compounds and rapidly inactivate infectious particles, promoting greater latrine use. The study also shows potential for HOCl to improve latrine odor and reduce transmission of diseases such as dengue fever.

SourceBurness·JournalAmerican Journal of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene·DateOct 15, 2020

Advancing carbon dioxide catalysis

Feng Jiao, a renowned chemical engineering expert, is leading research on transforming carbon dioxide into valuable chemicals using catalysis. His projects aim to produce formic acid and ethylene from CO2 without purification, with the goal of commercializing this technology.

How sour beer gets so... sour (video)

Researchers analyze how acids and other compounds contribute to sour beer's unique taste, with findings that could help brewers gain more control over the flavor. The study uses NMR spectroscopy and mass spectrometry to track changes in organic acids and identify trace compounds that influence flavor.

Two for the price of one

Researchers from Kyoto University have developed a new method to synthesize dicarboxylic acids and generate hydrogen as a byproduct. Using renewable diols and an iridium catalyst, the process achieves greater efficiency and yield, offering a safer alternative for industrial organic chemistry.

SourceKyoto University·JournalChemSusChem·DateJul 30, 2020

A hormone -- plant style

Scientists at Bielefeld University have created a method to produce a biologically significant precursor of jasmonic acid, a hormone that helps plants defend against predators. The new approach mimics how plants naturally produce the hormone, using enzymes as plant catalysts in a synthetic process.

SourceBielefeld University·JournalAdvanced Science·DateMay 29, 2020