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Preserving a 460 year old wreck

A team of international researchers analyzed the sulphur and iron composition in the wooden timbers of the Mary Rose, an English warship wrecked in 1545. They found high concentrations of organo-sulphur compounds in the lignin-rich areas between the cells, which may have helped preserve the ship while it was submerged in seawater.

SourceEuropean Synchrotron Radiation Facility·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 27, 2005

Raisins fight oral bacteria

The study found that oleanolic acid and other compounds in raisins inhibited the growth of oral bacteria associated with caries and gum disease. Raisin phytochemicals were effective against Streptococcus mutans and Porphyromonas gingivalis at concentrations ranging from 200 to 1,000 micrograms per milliliter.

Licorice licks herpes virus infection

Researchers found that glycyrrhizic acid from licorice can kill cells infected with the Kaposi sarcoma-associated herpesvirus. The compound targets genes required to maintain the virus in a latent state, potentially leading to novel anti-herpesvirus agents.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateMar 1, 2005

Uric acid may help reduce effects of spinal cord injury, Jefferson researchers find

Researchers at Thomas Jefferson University found that uric acid treatment can prevent inflammation and some damage in mice with spinal cord injuries. Uric acid protected spinal cord neurons from peroxynitrite-related damage, allowing mice to recover motor function faster and to a greater extent than those treated with saline.

SourceThomas Jefferson University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 14, 2005

Strong, yet gentle, acid uncovered

Carborane acids, discovered by researchers at the University of California - Riverside, show great promise in various applications. They are extremely strong, yet gentle, allowing chemists to study important molecules without destroying them. This property enables the carborane acids to add hydrogen ions to weakly basic molecules, maki...

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalAngewandte Chemie·DateNov 15, 2004

Choice of food helps hungry caterpillar

Researchers found that a caterpillar's adaptation to a specific fruit's chemical composition allows it to survive without triggering the plant's defense mechanism, providing a stable food supply. This unique dietary preference also shields the caterpillar from parasites, enabling it to thrive in an otherwise hostile environment.

Fatty acid pathway, glucose combine to produce triacetic acid lactone

Researchers have successfully produced triacetic acid lactone (TAL) by combining the fatty acid biosynthetic pathway with glucose, offering an alternative to traditional methods using petroleum or chemicals. This breakthrough enables the production of TATB, a more stable and sensitive explosive than TNT.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateApr 1, 2004

The key in the catalyst

Researchers discover new method to produce acetic acid directly from methane, reducing production costs and environmental impact. The breakthrough uses a palladium-based catalyst, but further development is needed to achieve commercial viability.

JCI table of contents, October 21, 2002

Researchers uncover the role of parasympathetic innervation in fat distribution, revealing functional implications for obesity. Additionally, studies explore the molecular mechanisms behind long QT-3 syndrome, immunodeficiencies, and intestinal lymphocyte recruitment, shedding light on novel therapeutic targets.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateOct 22, 2002

Research reveals how an acid dissolves, molecule by molecule

A team of researchers led by A. Welford Castleman Jr. has discovered exactly how an acid compound dissolves molecule by molecule using water molecules as a solvent. The study found that the interaction of four surrounding water molecules with the hydrogen-bromide molecule tips the energy balance, triggering its eventual dissolution.

SourcePenn State·JournalScience·DateOct 3, 2002

Dietary supplements make old rats youthful, may help rejuvenate aging humans, according to UC Berkeley study

Researchers at UC Berkeley report that a combination of two dietary supplements, acetyl-L-carnitine and alpha-lipoic acid, improved the health and cognitive function of old rats. The supplements were found to boost energy-producing organelles in cells, restore memory function, and reduce oxidative damage.

SourceUniversity of California - Berkeley·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 18, 2002

Benefits of government-mandated folic acid fortification greater than expected

Government-mandated folic acid fortification has improved red blood cell folate levels by more than expected, benefiting women of childbearing age and other populations. This increase is also linked to reduced homocysteine levels, a risk factor for vascular disease, heart attacks, strokes, and certain cancers.

High animal protein intake may increase risk of bone loss and fractures in elderly women, UCSF study finds

A UCSF study found that elderly women who consume a higher amount of animal-based protein compared to vegetable-based protein are at an increased risk of bone loss and hip fractures. The researchers believe this is due to the high acid content in animal products, which can lead to bone dissolution over time.

SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·JournalAmerican Journal of Clinical Nutrition·DateDec 21, 2000

Folic Acid Fortification Effective In Cereal Grains

A study found that folic acid fortification in cereal grains effectively increases folate intake and reduces homocysteine levels in adults. The research, conducted by the University of Florida, showed consistent good absorption of folic acid from fortified white and whole wheat bread, rice, and pasta.

Chemists Compute Answers To The Origin Of Gout

Chemists at the University of Warwick's Computational Chemistry Group have made significant discoveries about the biological reaction that causes gout. They found that a hydroxide ion is involved in the catalysis process, rather than an oxygen atom, which could lead to the development of inhibitors for the illness.