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Unravelling the mysteries of carbonic acid

Researchers with Berkeley Lab have characterized the hydration structure of carbon dioxide gas dissolved in water, revealing its role in forming carbonic acid and bicarbonate. The study uses X-ray absorption spectroscopy and molecular dynamics simulations to provide a detailed understanding of this critical chemistry.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalChemical Physics Letters·DateJun 16, 2015

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.

SourceGeological Society of America·JournalGSA Today·DateJun 1, 2015

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.

SourceInderscience Publishers·JournalInternational Journal of Postharvest Technology and Innovation·DateMay 19, 2015

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.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalChemical Communications·DateApr 27, 2015
Aranet4 Home CO2 Monitor

Aranet4 Home CO2 Monitor tracks ventilation quality in labs, classrooms, and conference rooms with long battery life and clear e-ink readouts.

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.

SourceInternational Union of Crystallography·JournalActa Crystallographica Section B·DateApr 14, 2015

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.

SourceDOE/National Renewable Energy Laboratory·DateMar 3, 2015

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.

SourceTexas A&M University·JournalJournal of the American Society of Nephrology·DateFeb 23, 2015

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.

SourceConcordia University·JournalInternational Journal of Molecular Sciences·DateFeb 17, 2015
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.

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.

SourceUniversity of Nottingham·JournalNature Communications·DateJan 16, 2015

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.

SourceIndiana University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 15, 2014

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.

SourceSwiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology (EMPA)·JournalLangmuir·DateOct 27, 2014

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.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·DateOct 22, 2014
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.

Chemists uncover new role of a key base in organic synthesis

Researchers discovered cesium carbonate generates an aggregate state that acts as the starting point for catalytic reactions. This finding has the potential to impact C-H functionalization reactions and catalytic reaction development.

SourceEmory Health Sciences·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateOct 9, 2014

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.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateAug 26, 2014

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.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalMolecular Cell·DateAug 11, 2014

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.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalNature Communications·DateAug 8, 2014
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

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.

SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalNature Chemistry·DateJul 28, 2014

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.

SourceInderscience Publishers·JournalInternational Journal of Low Radiation·DateJul 24, 2014

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.

SourceEcole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne·JournalNature Communications·DateJun 2, 2014

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.

SourceDuke-NUS Medical School·JournalOncogene·DateMay 26, 2014
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter is a trusted meter for precise measurements during instrument integration, repairs, and field diagnostics.

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.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·JournalChemical Senses·DateMay 5, 2014

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.

SourceAmerican Society for Horticultural Science·JournalHortScience·DateApr 28, 2014

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.

SourceUniversity of Iowa Health Care·JournalJournal of Biological Chemistry·DateApr 9, 2014

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.

SourcePurdue University·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology·DateApr 1, 2014
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.

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.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·DateMar 18, 2014

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.

SourceTechnical University of Munich (TUM)·JournalScience·DateDec 17, 2013
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.

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.

SourceNeural Regeneration Research·JournalNeural Regeneration Research·DateOct 25, 2013

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.

SourceEcole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 21, 2013
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.

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.

SourceKansas State University·JournalPLOS ONE·DateSep 12, 2013

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.

SourceTechnical University of Munich (TUM)·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateSep 12, 2013

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.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalBioconjugate Chemistry·DateJul 4, 2013
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.

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.

SourceUniversity of Luxembourg·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 6, 2013

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.

SourceBrown University·JournalOrganometallics·DateMar 21, 2013

Production of 5-aminovaleric and glutaric acid by metabolically engineered microorganism

A Korean research team successfully produced 5-aminovaleric acid and glutaric acid using metabolically engineered Escherichia coli. The study demonstrates the first microbial process for producing these C5 platform chemicals, showcasing the potential for sustainable production of chemicals and plastics.

SourceThe Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST)·JournalMetabolic Engineering·DateDec 20, 2012
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.

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.

SourceRice University·JournalBioresource Technology·DateDec 19, 2012

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.

SourceHarvard University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 16, 2012

UC Davis researchers identify cellular basis for how anti-aging costmetics work

Researchers have identified a cellular pathway for the effects of alpha hydroxyl acids on keratinocytes, leading to skin exfoliation. The study reveals that glycolic acid triggers an acidic environment within cells, activating the TRPV3 ion channel and causing calcium ion overload, resulting in cell death.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis Health·JournalJournal of Biological Chemistry·DateAug 13, 2012
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

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.

SourceCenter for iPS Cell Research and Application - Kyoto University·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateAug 1, 2012

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.

SourceUniversity of Gothenburg·JournalJournal of Archaeological Science·DateMay 15, 2012

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.

SourceVanderbilt University·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateMay 8, 2012

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.

SourceNew York University·JournalNature Chemistry·DateApr 22, 2012
Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach

Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach provides rugged GNSS navigation, satellite messaging, and SOS for backcountry geology and climate field teams.

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.

SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 16, 2012

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...

SourceCase Western Reserve University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 26, 2012

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.

SourceDOE/US Department of Energy·JournalNature Chemistry·DateMar 19, 2012
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.

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.

SourceAcademy of Finland·DateMar 16, 2012

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...

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateJan 17, 2012

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.

SourceQueen's University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 24, 2011

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.

SourceDuke University Medical Center·JournalPLOS ONE·DateOct 13, 2011
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.