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CFC replacements are a source of persistent organic pollution in the Arctic

A new study reveals that CFC replacements are accumulating in the Canadian Arctic, with levels of degradation products tenfold increasing between 1986 and 2014. The findings suggest that these substances are as concerning as their predecessors and do not break down, posing a threat to the ecosystem.

SourceUniversity of Alberta·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateMay 14, 2020
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

Apple iPhone 17 Pro delivers top performance and advanced cameras for field documentation, data collection, and secure research communications.

Complex compounds of vital metals serving as models of biological systems

Researchers have discovered heteroligand complexes of copper with malonic or adipic acid dihydrazides and L-histidine, showcasing trans-influence. The study suggests that these complexes can serve as models for biological systems and potentially be used to enhance the biologically active properties of organic substances.

SourceKazan Federal University·JournalRussian Journal of General Chemistry·DateMay 12, 2020

Amperometric sensors assist in analyzing food safety

Researchers at Kazan Federal University have created a novel amperometric sensor to detect sterically hindered phenols, including synthetic phenolic antioxidants. The sensor uses electropolymerized carminic acid as the sensitive layer and has been successfully tested on linseed oils, confirming high accuracy of antioxidant detection.

SourceKazan Federal University·JournalJournal of Electroanalytical Chemistry·DateApr 23, 2020

Repair of central nervous system myelin

Researchers found that ursolic acid promotes myelin repair in the central nervous system, even in chronic autoimmune disorders like multiple sclerosis. The study suggests a potential dual effect of ursolic acid in treating MS through both immunomodulation and direct remyelination.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 6, 2020
SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB

SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB transfers large imagery and model outputs quickly between field laptops, lab workstations, and secure archives.

Subtle flavors

A team of scientists at UC Santa Barbara has discovered that multiple opsin proteins function as taste receptors, enabling the detection of subtle chemical signals. This finding raises questions about the original role of opsin proteins in ancient organisms and may extend to mammals, including humans.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalCurrent Biology·DateApr 2, 2020

New metabolism discovered in bacteria

Researchers at Goethe University discover a unique metabolism in Acetobacterium woodii that enables the bacterium to recycle hydrogen, allowing it to survive in oxygen-poor environments. This discovery has implications for our understanding of ancient life forms and their metabolic capabilities.

SourceGoethe University Frankfurt·JournalThe ISME Journal·DateMar 30, 2020

NIST study uncovers a potential driver of premature solar panel failures

Researchers at NIST identified acetic acid as a prime suspect in accelerating the degradation of polyamide-based backsheets, which are common in solar panels. The study highlights the importance of interplay between solar panel components in determining their longevity.

SourceNational Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)·JournalProgress in Photovoltaics Research and Applications·DateMar 10, 2020
Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm)

Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm) tracks health metrics and safety alerts during long observing sessions, fieldwork, and remote expeditions.

New bile discovery will rewrite textbooks

Scientists at Michigan State University discovered new bile acids produced by microbes in the gut, which expand our understanding of mammalian bile and its connection to gastrointestinal diseases. These novel acids are particularly abundant in people suffering from conditions like Crohn's disease and cystic fibrosis.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalNature·DateFeb 26, 2020

Prenatal phthalate exposure associated with autistic traits in young boys

A UMass Amherst study found that prenatal phthalate exposure is associated with autistic traits in young boys, but adequate folic acid supplementation during early pregnancy may mitigate these effects. The study analyzed data from over 2,000 pregnant women and followed the development of their children until age 3 and 4.

SourceUniversity of Massachusetts Amherst·JournalEnvironmental Health Perspectives·DateFeb 19, 2020
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope combines portable Schmidt-Cassegrain optics with GoTo pointing for outreach nights and field campaigns.

Saliva can be used to predict excess body fat in teenagers

Brazilian researchers found a correlation between salivary uric acid levels and body fat percentages in teenagers, suggesting a reliable biomarker for early detection of chronic diseases. The study identified the level of uric acid in saliva as a good predictor of body fat percentage.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalNutrition Research·DateFeb 17, 2020

Novel biotechnological route developed to obtain fine chemicals from agricultural waste

A novel simplified biotechnological route has been developed to convert sugarcane bagasse and wheat straw into fine chemicals. The new process uses a cascade of three catalytic enzymes to release ferulic acid from lignocellulosic biomass and convert it directly into coniferol, resulting in high conversion yields.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalGreen Chemistry·DateFeb 13, 2020

Light burns with new acids

Researchers at NAIST developed a new photo-acid generator that produces Lewis acids with a significantly higher quantum yield than existing Brønsted acids. This breakthrough enables the activation of previously inaccessible biological and photo-polymer systems, opening up new opportunities for organic synthesis.

SourceNara Institute of Science and Technology·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateFeb 7, 2020
Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter

Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter measures wind, temperature, and humidity in real time for site assessments, aviation checks, and safety briefings.

Fecal excretion of PFAS by pets

Researchers measured PFAS in cat and dog feces, detecting 13 compounds with longer-chain perfluorocarboxylic acids being most abundant. Estimated exposure levels for pets and potentially their owners were found to be above minimal risk levels.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology Letters·DateFeb 5, 2020

Russian scientists studied the effect of selenium on the properties of basil

A team of Russian scientists found that adding micromolar selenium doses to hydroponic substrate increases the levels of useful biologically active compounds in sweet basil leaves. This concentration is safe for the plant, leading to higher antioxidant levels and enhanced nutritional properties.

SourceImmanuel Kant Baltic Federal University·JournalPlants·DateDec 12, 2019

Scientists have spotted new compounds with herbicidal potential from sea fungus

Researchers have isolated six new biologically active compounds from a previously unknown strain of sea fungus Penicillium piltunense. The compounds have shown pronounced anti-inflammatory and herbicidal activity, which could lead to the development of new anti-inflammatory drugs and weed control chemicals. Fungi of the genus Penicilli...

SourceFar Eastern Federal University·JournalMarine Drugs·DateDec 6, 2019

Wearable sweat sensor detects gout-causing compounds

Researchers developed a mass-producible wearable sensor that can monitor levels of metabolites and nutrients in blood by analyzing sweat. The device is more sensitive than current devices, detecting lower concentrations of compounds like uric acid and tyrosine, which are associated with gout, diabetes, and cardiovascular diseases.

SourceCalifornia Institute of Technology·JournalNature Biotechnology·DateNov 25, 2019
Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro)

Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro) powers local ML workloads, large datasets, and multi-display analysis for field and lab teams.

Hops compounds help with metabolic syndrome while reducing microbiome diversity

Researchers found that xanthohumol and its derivatives can decrease microbiome diversity while reducing inflammation and improving energy metabolism in laboratory animals with high-fat diets. The study suggests that hops compounds may help combat metabolic syndrome by altering bile acid metabolism and changing gut microbiota.

SourceOregon State University·JournalMolecular Nutrition & Food Research·DateNov 25, 2019

Uncovering the pathway to wine's acidity

The University of Adelaide team identified an enzyme that helps produce natural tartaric acid in grapes, enabling winemakers to balance sweetness and acidity. This discovery has the potential to save the Australian wine industry significant sums of money by reducing reliance on expensive additives.

SourceUniversity of Adelaide·JournalJournal of Biological Chemistry·DateNov 18, 2019

Eelgrass acid and resveratrol produced by cell factories for the first time

Researchers demonstrate the production of a wide range of sulfated aromatic compounds, including antifouling agents and pharmaceuticals, using microbial hosts. The process enables the large-scale production of sulfated phenolic compounds, offering potential applications in medicine, nutraceuticals, and other industries.

SourceTechnical University of Denmark·JournalNature Communications·DateNov 4, 2019
Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount

Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount provides precise tracking capacity for deep-sky imaging rigs during long astrophotography sessions.

Bird droppings defy expectations

Researchers analyzed six different bird species and found no uric acid in their excretions. Instead, they identified ammonium urate, struvite, and two unknown compounds, suggesting that bacteria break down uric acid before excretion.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin·JournalJournal of Ornithology·DateSep 24, 2019

USC researchers hone in on the elusive receptor for sour taste

USC scientists have identified the otopetrin 1 gene as the receptor responsible for sensing sour tastes in animals. The study found that mice with a nonfunctional Otop1 gene still produce a small response to sour taste stimuli, suggesting another signaling mechanism may also contribute to sour taste perception.

SourceUniversity of Southern California·JournalCurrent Biology·DateSep 19, 2019

Just add water

Researchers at UC Santa Barbara and their international team have uncovered the mechanism behind doping organic semiconductors using Lewis acids. The discovery reveals that water plays a crucial role in this process, enabling scientists to design even better dopants for greater control over these materials.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalNature Materials·DateSep 16, 2019

Rice reactor turns greenhouse gas into pure liquid fuel

The Rice University lab has developed an efficient electrolyzer that can turn greenhouse gases into pure liquid fuels. The process uses renewable electricity and produces highly purified formic acid with high concentrations.

SourceRice University·JournalNature Energy·DateSep 3, 2019
CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock

CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock simplifies serious desks with 18 ports for high-speed storage, monitors, and instruments across Mac and PC setups.

Flame retardants -- from plants

Researchers have identified potentially less toxic and biodegradable flame retardants from plants, which could replace hazardous organohalogen compounds. The new substances, derived from gallic acid and 3,5-dihydroxybenzoic acid, perform as well as many existing flame retardants on the market.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·DateAug 26, 2019

Modified lactides promise new implementations in pharmacology and catalysis

The study introduced macrocyclic rigid structures that improve polymer properties, allowing for the creation of hybrids with biopolymers and self-assembling capabilities. These hybrids were applied in prototypes of chemical and biochemical sensors, offering good prospects for creating new smart drugs and systems.

SourceKazan Federal University·JournalFrontiers in Chemistry·DateAug 15, 2019

How plants synthesize salicylic acid

An international research team led by the University of Göttingen has unraveled the mechanism for the biosynthesis of salicylic acid in plants. The study reveals that isochorismate-derived compounds accumulate when a specific gene is removed, leading to the formation of salicylic acid.

SourceUniversity of Göttingen·JournalScience·DateAug 13, 2019

Microdroplets and origin of life

Researchers discovered microdroplets that can act as compartments for chemical reactions and compounds, including genetic material. These findings suggest that membraneless microdroplets may have played a crucial role in the development of living systems.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 22, 2019
Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only)

Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only) delivers reliable low-light performance and rugged build for astrophotography, lab documentation, and field expeditions.

Small-volume, high-throughput organic synthesis

A new method for synthesizing and evaluating large numbers of potential drug leads has been developed by the University of Groningen. This technique uses acoustic dispensing to create thousands of variant molecules in a high-throughput system, making it possible to quickly identify promising candidates.

SourceUniversity of Groningen·JournalScience Advances·DateJul 9, 2019

Modern Midas turns bacterial components into catalysts

Researchers have developed a new type of carbon-based catalyst made from natural bacterial cellulose, showing high specific surface areas and large pore volumes. The catalyst exhibits versatility in accelerating various important reactions, outperforming state-of-the-art catalysts in some cases.

SourceUniversity of Science and Technology of China·JournalResearch·DateApr 17, 2019
Rigol DP832 Triple-Output Bench Power Supply

Rigol DP832 Triple-Output Bench Power Supply powers sensors, microcontrollers, and test circuits with programmable rails and stable outputs.

Duplicate or mirror?

Scientists have discovered that the direction of laser light hitting a molecule determines its chiral form. This breakthrough could lead to more efficient production of molecules with uniform chirality for pharmaceuticals. The research was conducted using the planar formic acid molecule and the reaction microscope method.

SourceGoethe University Frankfurt·JournalScience Advances·DateMar 14, 2019

Critical materials: Researchers eye huge supply of rare-earth elements from mining waste

Researchers have developed a method to extract rare-earth elements from phosphogypsum mining waste, a potentially game-changing solution to alleviate the world's REE supply shortages. The use of microorganisms to dissolve the elements has shown promise as an environmentally friendly alternative to conventional methods.

SourceDOE/Idaho National Laboratory·JournalThe Journal of Chemical Thermodynamics·DateMar 13, 2019

Researchers find potential new source of rare earth elements

A study published in the Journal of Chemical Thermodynamics found that organic acids produced by bacteria can extract six rare earth elements from synthetic phosphogypsum. This method could provide an environmentally friendly alternative to conventional methods, benefiting the US clean energy and electronics industries.

SourceRutgers University·JournalThe Journal of Chemical Thermodynamics·DateMar 4, 2019
Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2 Weather Station

Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2 Weather Station offers research-grade local weather data for networked stations, campuses, and community observatories.

New chemical probes advance search for new antibiotics

Researchers at Indiana University have developed a new tool to observe living cells in real time under a microscope, advancing knowledge on how bacteria build their cell walls. This technology has significant value in addressing antibiotic resistance, which affects at least 2 million people in the US each year.

SourceIndiana University·JournalNature Chemistry·DateMar 1, 2019

Turning a porous material's color on and off with acid

Researchers at Hokkaido University developed a porous material that turns yellow to reddish-brown when exposed to acid vapor, returning to its original color upon removal. The material's stability is remarkable, maintaining its structure at high temperatures and resisting common organic solvents.

SourceHokkaido University·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateFeb 8, 2019

Catching flies with vinegar

Scientists identified a protein, IR7a, required for fruit flies to detect acetic acid and make decisions based on its concentration. This discovery could have implications for understanding taste research and disease prevention.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalCell Reports·DateFeb 5, 2019

Light-induced modification of a carboxylic acid with an aminocyclopropenone

A team of researchers from Kanazawa University has developed a phototriggered modification reaction of a carboxylic acid using an aminocyclopropenone. The resulting ynamine works as a dehydration agent to connect the carboxylic acid and the amine. Under intense light conditions, another isomeric mixture of three ketones was produced.

SourceKanazawa University·DateDec 12, 2018
Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 Binoculars

Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 Binoculars deliver bright, sharp views for wildlife surveys, eclipse chases, and quick star-field scans at dark sites.

Solar panels for yeast cell biofactories

Researchers at Harvard's Wyss Institute have created a novel yeast biohybrid system using an adaptable light-harvesting semiconductor approach. The innovation enables the production of complex chemicals by harnessing energy from light, significantly enhancing product yields and opening up new paths for biomanufacturing.

SourceWyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering at Harvard·JournalScience·DateNov 15, 2018

Researchers wake-up DNA from soil bacteria to discover novel acid antibiotic

Researchers at the University of Warwick have discovered a novel acid antibiotic, Scleric Acid, by engineering DNA from soil bacteria. The compound shows moderate antibacterial activity against Mycobacterium tuberculosis and has potential applications as a biocatalyst for manufacturing high-value chemicals.

SourceUniversity of Warwick·JournalChemical Science·DateOct 22, 2018

Newly discovered compounds shed fresh light on whole grain health benefits

Scientists have discovered new compounds in whole grains that may improve glucose metabolism and reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes. The findings suggest that a high intake of whole grains increases levels of betaine compounds, which are associated with improved glucose metabolism and lower post-meal glucose levels.

SourceUniversity of Eastern Finland·JournalAmerican Journal of Clinical Nutrition·DateOct 3, 2018
Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4)

Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4) runs demanding GIS, imaging, and annotation workflows on the go for surveys, briefings, and lab notebooks.

Engineered E. coli using formic acid and CO2 as a C1-refinery platform strain

Researchers developed an engineered E. coli strain that converts formic acid and CO2 to pyruvate, producing cellular energy from formic acid through reconstructed one-carbon pathways. The strain efficiently utilizes formic acid as a carbon source while reducing glucose consumption.

SourceThe Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST)·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 18, 2018

New discovery of a photobase so strong, it merits moniker of 'super'

Scientists at Michigan State University have discovered a light-induced super photobase that is 10 million times stronger than anything previously discovered. The discovery could lead to advances in solar energy capture and the development of new materials with potential applications in medicine and environmental monitoring.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalAngewandte Chemie·DateSep 17, 2018

BioIVT publishes new research on the mechanisms underlying the C-DILI assay

Researchers discovered a link between BSEP inhibition and FXR activation, explaining the weak concordance between BSEP inhibition potency and cholestatic DILI incidence. The C-DILI assay has been shown to have high in vitro-in vivo correlation among compounds known to have a risk of DILI.

SourceRana Healthcare Solutions LLC·JournalApplied In Vitro Toxicology·DateSep 10, 2018
Anker Laptop Power Bank 25,000mAh (Triple 100W USB-C)

Anker Laptop Power Bank 25,000mAh (Triple 100W USB-C) keeps Macs, tablets, and meters powered during extended observing runs and remote surveys.

Investigators find that bile acids reduce cocaine reward

A new study by Vanderbilt University researchers found that bile acids can reduce cocaine reward and cravings. The findings suggest targeting bile acid signaling in the brain may be a novel way to treat cocaine abuse.

SourceVanderbilt University Medical Center·JournalPLOS Biology·DateAug 31, 2018

Scientists discovered organic acid in a protoplanetary disk

Researchers found formic acid in a protoplanetary disk surrounding the young star TW Hydra, suggesting rich organic chemistry existed before planet formation. This discovery implies that complex molecules were present in the solar nebula, which may have contributed to the emergence of life.

SourceUral Federal University·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal Letters·DateAug 14, 2018

Porous materials shed light on environmental purification

Researchers developed thermally and chemically durable organic frameworks with large surface areas and fluorescence properties. The new materials have wide specific surface areas and can withstand high temperatures and acidic environments.

SourceOsaka University·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateJul 4, 2018
DJI Air 3 (RC-N2)

DJI Air 3 (RC-N2) captures 4K mapping passes and environmental surveys with dual cameras, long flight time, and omnidirectional obstacle sensing.