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Acid saline groundwaters and lakes of southern Western Australia

Groundwaters in southern Western Australia have pH levels as low as 2.4 and salinities up to 28%, affecting bedrock and sediments. Human activities like mining and agriculture contributed to this extreme acidity, with deforestation and irrigation using desalinized seawater exacerbating the issue.

Bloom preservation

Research by Jamshidi et al. found that combining salicylic acid, malic acid, and urea can extend cut gerbera blooms' vase life from a week to over two weeks. These compounds prevent bacterial contamination and sustain enzyme activity in the stems.

Chemistry of seabed's hot vents could explain emergence of life

Hot vents on the seabed may have spontaneously produced organic molecules essential for life, according to a new study. The surfaces of mineral particles inside hydrothermal vents exhibit chemical properties similar to enzymes, allowing them to create simple carbon-based molecules like methanol and formic acid.

Making carboxyl(ate) friends

Researchers Luigi D'Ascenzo and Pascal Auffinger classify 17 carboxyl(ate) motifs in crystal structures using stereochemical considerations. They provide a systematic naming system and implications for crystal engineering, pharmaceutical research, and biomolecular sciences.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

NREL refines method to convert lignin to nylon precursor

Researchers at NREL have developed a new process to convert lignin-derived compounds into adipic acid, an industrial dicarboxylic acid used in the production of nylon. This breakthrough has significant implications for the economic viability and environmental sustainability of biorefineries.

Diet high in red meat may make kidney disease worse

A study published in the Journal of the American Society of Nephrology suggests that a diet high in animal proteins, especially red meat, can increase the risk of developing kidney failure in people with chronic kidney disease. Conversely, consuming diets rich in fruits and vegetables may protect kidney function.

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.

A new weapon in the fight against cancer

A study published in International Journal of Molecular Sciences shows that lithocholic acid, a bile acid produced in the liver, is effective in killing cancer cells and delaying aging. The findings have implications for slowing down breast and prostate cancer development.

Picture this -- biosecurity seen from the inside

Researchers have developed a fluorescent hormone biosensor that reveals the dynamics of jasmonate signalling in plants, allowing for the imaging of plant defence mechanisms in real time. This breakthrough enables the study of how plants coordinate their defence responses to mechanical damage and disease.

Research links soil mineral surfaces to key atmospheric processes

Research by Indiana University scientists reveals that soil mineral surfaces determine nitrous acid release into the atmosphere, playing a pivotal role in smog formation and greenhouse gas lifetime. This finding could contribute to improved models for understanding and controlling air pollution, a significant public health concern.

A GPS from the chemistry set

A Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology (EMPA) team has developed a chemical navigation system that uses the Marangoni effect to find the quickest route to a destination. By applying acid and alkaline liquids with dyes, the system creates a color trail that indicates the shortest path.

GoPro HERO13 Black

GoPro HERO13 Black records stabilized 5.3K video for instrument deployments, field notes, and outreach, even in harsh weather and underwater conditions.

New insights on carbonic acid in water

Researchers have gained valuable new information about carbonic acid, a critical intermediate species in the equilibrium between carbon dioxide, water, and minerals. The study's findings provide detailed insights into the hydration properties of aqueous carbonic acid, benefiting the development of carbon sequestration technologies.

A glucose meter of a different color provides continuous monitoring

Researchers developed a new continuous glucose monitoring material that changes color as glucose levels fluctuate, offering higher sensitivity and precision than current point measurements. The color-changing material is simple, low-cost to manufacture, and can be used for short-term monitoring of patients in intensive care units.

Sensitive acid sensor controls insulin production

A new implantable molecular device measures blood pH and triggers insulin production to regulate metabolic processes. The device, tested in mice with type 1 diabetes, successfully compensated for acidosis and restored normal blood sugar levels.

New culprit identified in metabolic syndrome

Researchers found that excess uric acid can disrupt normal metabolism, leading to the development of metabolic syndrome. A new study suggests that diet and fructose consumption may contribute to high uric acid levels, which can cause inflammation and oxidative stress in the body.

Meta Quest 3 512GB

Meta Quest 3 512GB enables immersive mission planning, terrain rehearsal, and interactive STEM demos with high-resolution mixed-reality experiences.

Scissoring the lipids

Researchers at the University of Bristol have developed a new strategy for disconnecting molecules, which could be used to create a tuberculosis (TB) vaccine. The method, described in Nature Chemistry, enables the synthesis of complex lipids like hydroxyphthioceranic acid in just 14 steps.

Natural products from plants protect skin during cancer radiotherapy

Three plant-derived compounds, caffeic acid, rosmarinic acid, and trans-cinnamic acid, have been found to protect human skin cells from gamma radiation-induced damage during cancer radiotherapy. The compounds reduced reactive oxygen species and DNA damage by up to 40% and 15%, respectively.

Transforming hydrogen into liquid fuel using atmospheric CO2

Researchers have developed a system to convert hydrogen gas into formic acid, a less flammable liquid fuel that can be safely stored and transported. The process uses two chemical reactions and atmospheric CO2, offering a sustainable solution for energy storage and synthesis of various products.

A novel disease-preventing antioxidant pathway

Researchers discovered uric acid's role as a major intracellular antioxidant that prevents oxidative stress and its impact on cancer and aging. The p53-GLUT9 pathway is a mechanism to prevent ROS accumulation, which causes cell damage.

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.

When wine hits the right nerve

Researchers at Ruhr-University Bochum decode mechanism for appreciation of the barrique character, a bitter sensation on the tongue. They found that gallic acid groups are responsible for triggering this sensation, which is mediated by the trigeminal nerve.

Increasing the diversity of marketable raspberries

Raspberries are sought after for their health benefits, with growing demand for novel fruit colors. Researchers found that different colored raspberries have distinct postharvest qualities, including decay incidence and juice leakage rates.

Green is good

Researchers at the University of Iowa have discovered a natural compound in green tomatoes that stimulates muscle growth and protects against muscle wasting. Tomatidine, found in green tomatoes, generates changes in gene expression opposite to those that occur in muscle cells affected by muscle atrophy.

Swimming pool urine combines with chlorine to pose health risks

A new study reveals that uric acid in urine generates hazardous 'volatile disinfection byproducts' in swimming pools when combined with chlorine. This reaction can lead to toxic compounds like cyanogen chloride and trichloramine, posing health risks to swimmers.

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.

The precise reason for the health benefits of dark chocolate: Mystery solved

Researchers found that certain bacteria in the stomach break down dark chocolate's polyphenolic compounds into anti-inflammatory compounds. Combining dark chocolate with prebiotics and solid fruits may enhance health benefits. The study suggests a new approach to improving cardiovascular health through gut microbiome modulation.

Targeted synthesis of natural products with light

Scientists at Technical University of Munich have discovered a way to create natural substances using photoreactions and a special catalyst, reducing the formation of unwanted mirror-image variants. This method has potential for industrial applications in drug development and plant protection.

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.

Salvianolate for treatment of cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injuries

Salvianolic acid B, a compound found in salvianolate, has been shown to attenuate brain tissue damage and inhibit neuronal apoptosis in cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury models. The study suggests that salvianolate increases heat shock protein expression, which may help protect against such injuries.

A natural boost for MRI scans

Researchers have developed a new hyperpolarization technique for MRI scans using naturally occurring pyruvic acid, reducing the need for potentially toxic substances. This breakthrough improves imaging quality and diagnosis while minimizing health risks.

Research treats the fungus among us with nontoxic medicinal compound

A Kansas State University microbiologist has discovered a breakthrough medicinal compound that treats Candida albicans, a common human fungal pathogen. The nontoxic gymnemic acid compound blocks the virulence properties of the fungus, making it more treatable and reducing its risk to patients.

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.

Halogen bridges as catalysts

A new type of organocatalyst, using halogen bridges, is introduced as a potentially environmentally friendlier alternative to existing catalysts. This catalyst shows special properties that open up new avenues for application in organic reactions.

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.

New marker substance for cancer cells

Researchers at ETH Zurich developed a new PET tracer that targets the folic acid receptor on cancer cells, enabling precise diagnosis and predicting patient response to therapy. The tracer also has potential for displaying inflammatory diseases and medication development.

LCSB discovers endogenous antibiotic in the brain

Researchers from LCSB have discovered that microglial cells in the brain produce itaconic acid, an endogenous antibiotic that prevents bacterial growth. This finding has implications for understanding Parkinson's disease and its connection to the immune system.

Breakthrough could lead to cheaper, more sustainable chemical production

Researchers at Brown University have made a breakthrough in making acrylate by combining carbon dioxide with ethylene, potentially leading to a cheaper and more sustainable way to produce the commodity chemical. The team discovered that Lewis acids can break open a five-membered ring, allowing for the formation of acrylate.

Creality K1 Max 3D Printer

Creality K1 Max 3D Printer rapidly prototypes brackets, adapters, and fixtures for instruments and classroom demonstrations at large build volume.

Soybeans a source of valuable chemical

Researchers at Rice University have developed a new process to convert soybean byproducts into succinic acid, a valuable chemical used in various industries. The process uses genetically modified E. coli bacteria to metabolize soluble carbohydrates from soybeans, achieving a high yield and a 1:1 ratio of feedstock to product.

Jelly-like atmospheric particles resist chemical aging

Researchers at Harvard University found that certain atmospheric particles can resist chemical aging in a jelly-like phase, challenging current climate models. This discovery may impact the formation of clouds and light absorption.

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.

A drug-screening platform for ALS

Researchers at Kyoto University's Center for iPS Cell Research and Application have successfully recreated ALS-associated abnormalities in motor neurons derived from patients' induced pluripotent stem cells. Anacardic acid was found to rescue certain ALS phenotypes in vitro, offering a promising lead for developing new drug treatments.

AmScope B120C-5M Compound Microscope

AmScope B120C-5M Compound Microscope supports teaching labs and QA checks with LED illumination, mechanical stage, and included 5MP camera.

Sulphur and iron compounds common in old shipwrecks

Researchers have discovered high levels of sulphur and iron compounds in shipwrecks off the west coast of Sweden, including warships and Viking vessels. The presence of toxic hydrogen sulphide poses a risk to wooden hulls and requires special conservation procedures to prevent damage.

Quantum dots brighten the future of lighting

Researchers have successfully boosted the fluorescent efficiency of ultra-small quantum dots to as high as 45%, making them suitable for special lighting applications. This improvement translates to a higher luminous efficiency of about 40 lumens/watt, outperforming existing LEDs and incandescent bulbs.

Chemists explain the molecular workings of promising fuel cell electrolyte

Researchers from New York University and the Max Planck Institute reveal that phosphoric acid fuel cells transfer protons in a more streamlined fashion than water-based solutions. This process involves temporary 'proton wires' formed by multiple phosphoric acid molecules, allowing for high proton conductivity.

Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation, USB-C)

Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation, USB-C) provide clear calls and strong noise reduction for interviews, conferences, and noisy field environments.

Bristol researchers solve 70-year-old mystery

Researchers at the University of Bristol have solved the 70-year-old mystery of stipitatic acid synthesis by identifying genes responsible for its production. The discovery has far-reaching implications for understanding organic chemistry and potentially leads to new drugs with antibacterial and antimalarial properties.

Simple, cheap way to mass-produce graphene nanosheets

A new method for mass-producing high-quality graphene nanosheets has been developed by researchers, enabling the production of sheets at a lower cost than current methods. The technique uses dry ice and an industrial process to create flakes of graphite with opened-up edges, making them soluble in solvents and allowing for easy separat...

A basic -- and slightly acidic -- solution for hydrogen storage

Researchers at Brookhaven Lab have found a safe and reversible way to store hydrogen fuel by connecting it to carbon dioxide in a mildly basic solution. The reaction can be reversed by adding acid, making it suitable for use in hydrogen fuel vehicles and other high-powered systems.

Novel plastics and textiles from waste with the use of microbes

The Academy of Finland Centre of Excellence develops microbial cells to produce organic acids for industrial applications, including manufacturing bioplastics and medical materials. The method allows for efficient conversion of plant biomass sugars into sugar acids and their derivatives, offering alternatives to oil-based raw materials.

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.

Anti-malaria drug synthesized with the help of oxygen and light

Researchers at Max Planck Institute develop simple process for artemisinin synthesis using waste product from current production as starting substance. The new method uses photochemistry to incorporate an endoperoxide group into the molecule, producing large volumes of artemisinin under controlled conditions. This could cover global de...

Researchers unlock bacteria's beneficial side

Phosphonic acids are persistent pollutants found in common medicinal products, detergents, and herbicides. Bacteria have been shown to break down these molecules with surprising ease, thanks to the identification of specialized proteins that perform key bond-breaking steps.

Gut bacteria may affect whether a statin drug lowers cholesterol

Researchers discovered three bile acids produced by gut bacteria that influence statin effectiveness in lowering cholesterol. This finding supports the role of the gut microbiome in drug response and metabolism, opening new avenues for targeted therapies and diagnostics.

Nitrogen in the soil cleans the air

Soil nitrogen can remove pollutants from the atmosphere by forming hydroxyl radicals, which oxidize and wash out pollutants. The amount of nitrous acid released depends on soil acidity and water content.

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.