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Fast, efficient COVID-19 biosensor under development

Researchers from Indiana University are developing a new biosensor that can analyze samples from 96 individuals in under three hours, with a sensitivity rate of 100% and specificity rate of 90%. The sensor detects not only the virus's spike protein but also the proteins created by the body to protect against the virus.

SourceIndiana University·JournalACS Applied Materials & Interfaces·DateJul 21, 2022

Underwater jars reveal Roman period winemaking practices

A multidisciplinary study of Roman period wine jars reveals the use of native grapes for wine production and foreign pine for waterproofing tar pitch. The analysis provides insight into the cultural practices of ancient winemakers in coastal Italy.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·TypeObservational study·DateJun 29, 2022

What sea cucumbers can teach us about self-defense

Researchers have discovered how sea cucumbers produce defensive chemicals using genome mining techniques. The animals' unique ability to biosynthesize toxins has been found to be linked to the diversion of a sterol-producing enzyme, resulting in the production of valuable medicinal compounds.

SourceJohn Innes Centre·JournalNature Chemical Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 27, 2022

Sniffing out your identity with breath biometrics

A team of researchers from Kyushu University has developed an olfactory sensor capable of identifying individuals by analyzing the compounds in their breath. The system, combined with machine learning, achieved an average accuracy of over 97% in authenticating up to 20 individuals.

SourceKyushu University·JournalChemical Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 22, 2022

New study in Journal of Pharmaceutical Analysis reveals influence of host plant on medicinal qualities of mistletoe

A study published in Journal of Pharmaceutical Analysis found that the quality of mistletoe, a traditional Chinese medicine, is affected by its host plant. The researchers used metabolomics to investigate the influence of host plants and environmental factors on mistletoe's medicinal qualities. The results show that both host plants an...

SourceCactus Communications·JournalJournal of Pharmaceutical Analysis·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 8, 2022

Antagonistic interactions of plant defense compounds

Researchers found that tobacco hornworms can convert two plant defense substances, chlorogenic acid and HGL-DTGs, into less effective forms after ingestion. Plants adapt to their environment by selectively producing essential compounds and suppressing others, potentially avoiding mutual detoxification.

SourceMax Planck Institute for Chemical Ecology·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 6, 2022

New process revolutionizes microfluidic fabrication

Researchers at Kyoto University's Institute for Integrated Cell-Material Sciences developed a novel photolithography technique to create self-enclosed, porous channels in microfluidic devices. This process enables the creation of high-resolution channels capable of carrying aqueous solutions and separating small biomolecules.

SourceKyoto University·JournalNature Communications·DateMay 19, 2022

Finding new weapons in nature's battlesites

A research team from the Max Planck Institute for Terrestrial Microbiology has identified 1,000 biosynthetic gene clusters, over half of which are previously unknown. These natural products have been found to be eukaryotic proteasome inhibitors that suppress the immune system of insects, as well as other virulence factors.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalNature Chemistry·DateApr 28, 2022

Visualizing the invisible

Researchers at the University of Tokyo have developed a new model to aid interpretation of atomic resolution molecular images. The Z-correlated molecular model accurately fits imaging data and helps chemists analyze electron microscope images without theoretical calculations.

SourceUniversity of Tokyo·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateMar 28, 2022

Road traffic isn’t just bad for the air — it could also be a major source of water pollution

A new study found that heavy traffic near roads is a significant contributor to water pollution, with contaminants from vehicle fluids, paints, and tires affecting nearby rivers. The study suggests that these pollutants come from road surfaces and are transported to watersheds through stormwater run-off.

SourceUniversity of Toronto·JournalEnvironmental Research·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 15, 2022

Office buildings with infrequent water use may have poor water quality

A study published in PLOS Water found that office buildings with low-consumption plumbing may experience chemical and microbiological safety issues due to weekend stagnation. The research highlights the need for regular water testing in commercial buildings, even those designed as 'green' to reduce water consumption.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Water·TypeObservational study·DateMar 9, 2022

Study shows need for national breast milk monitoring programs for PFAS

Researchers analyzed existing studies on PFAS in breast milk, finding that levels of PFOA and PFOS exceeded children's drinking water screening values by up to two orders of magnitude. The study emphasizes the need for a national breastmilk monitoring program to provide credible advice to pregnant or breastfeeding women.

SourceUniversity of Montreal·JournalEnvironmental Health Perspectives·TypeMeta-analysis·DateFeb 23, 2022

What ingredients went into the galactic blender to create the Milky Way?

Researchers analyzed individual stars to identify components of the Milky Way, finding that it consumed smaller galaxies. The study used advanced spectrographic techniques to measure elemental abundances, providing early insights into the galaxy's formation and evolution.

SourceARC Centre of Excellence for All Sky Astrophysics in 3D (ASTRO 3D)·JournalMonthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 21, 2022

Leafy greens first dished up 3,500 years ago

Researchers from Goethe University and the University of Bristol analyzed prehistoric pots and found complex distributions of plant lipids, indicating the processing of various plant species. The study reveals that leafy greens were first used in West African cuisine around 3,500 years ago.

SourceGoethe University Frankfurt·JournalArchaeological and Anthropological Sciences·TypeImaging analysis·DateJan 28, 2022

Post-mortem interval of human skeletal remains accurately determined by means of non-destructive techniques

A new model using Raman spectroscopy and chemometrics has been developed to accurately determine the post-mortem interval (PMI) in human skeletal remains. This non-destructive technique provides valuable information for forensic medicine and anthropology, improving reliability and accuracy.

SourceUniversity of the Basque Country·JournalForensic Science International·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 28, 2022

Review highlights potential of structural proteomics for treating neurodegenerative diseases

A recent review highlights the potential of structural proteomics in understanding pathological processes and predicting drug candidates for neurodegenerative diseases. The field combines protein chemistry and mass spectrometry to determine protein structure and interactions, which can lead to breakthroughs in treating serious health c...

When graphene speaks, scientists can now listen

Researchers have developed a method to analyze audio from graphene production, allowing for near-instantaneous assessment of product type and purity. This approach could improve manufacturing processes, such as flash Joule heating and sintering, by providing real-time data on material properties.

SourceRice University·JournalAdvanced Functional Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 19, 2022

Making the invisible visible: tracing the origins of plants in West African cuisine

Researchers analyzed ancient pottery fragments from the Central Nigerian Nok culture, revealing diverse and complex plant lipid profiles. The study suggests that leafy plants, grasses, pulses, and underground storage organs were an integral part of the Nok diet, providing cheap yet quality nutrition.

SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalArchaeological and Anthropological Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 17, 2022

Pusan National University scientists develop simpler way to create common chemical detection platform

Researchers have created a new, simpler way to fabricate SERS nanostructures with superior stability and performance at low cost. By using a heat-resistant polymer called polyimide (PI), they can produce nanosurfaces with nanopillars that enhance signal intensity for efficient chemical detection. The new fabrication method has the pote...

SourcePusan National University·JournalSensors and Actuators B Chemical·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 17, 2022

High levels of PFAS found in anti-fogging sprays and cloths

Researchers found high levels of per- and polyfluorinated alkyl substances (PFAS) in anti-fogging sprays and cloths sold on Amazon. The products contained fluorotelomer alcohols and fluorotelomer ethoxylates, which are associated with impaired immune function, cancer, and other health disorders. The study highlights the need for more r...

SourceDuke University·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology Letters·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 5, 2022

Advanced analysis of Apollo sample illuminates Moon’s evolution

A new study published in Nature Communications reveals chemical heterogeneities in Apollo 17 sample troctolite 76535, indicating an early rapid cooling of the Moon. This finding challenges previous estimates of a 100-million-year cooling duration and supports initial rapid cooling of magmas within the lunar crust.

SourceUniversity of Hawaii at Manoa·JournalNature Communications·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateDec 14, 2021

Anaerobic digestion: NMR, a fast and reliable method for assessing the gas production potential of organic waste

Researchers used NMR analysis to determine lipid content in organic waste, achieving higher accuracy and speed than Soxhlet method. The new technique is faster, more accurate, and environmentally friendly, paving the way for improved anaerobic digestion processes.

Building better tools for biomanufacturing

A team of researchers has developed a Dynamic Sampling Platform to analyze cells in real-time, overcoming the time-consuming and expensive process of biomanufacturing. The platform provides insight into cell behavior and biochemical information needed for process control, potentially lowering the cost of cell therapies.

SourceGeorgia Institute of Technology·JournalLab on a Chip·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 2, 2021

Spicy breast milk?

A study by the Technical University of Munich discovered that pungent substances from chili, ginger, and pepper are transferred to breast milk after consumption. These substances can be detectable in breast milk for several hours, with maximum concentrations being 70- to 350-fold below the taste perception threshold of an adult.

SourceTechnical University of Munich (TUM)·JournalMolecular Nutrition & Food Research·DateNov 29, 2021

Apple chips moisture analysis made easy with near-infrared spectroscopy

A new study from the University of Illinois explores the use of near-infrared spectroscopy to measure moisture content in real-time during the drying process of coated and uncoated apple chips. The technology offers several advantages, including speed, accuracy, and sustainability, over traditional methods.

Seek and you shall find.

The study utilizes gas-phase electrophoresis (GEMMA) to separate nanovesicles from proteins in natural samples. This allows for accurate attribution of effects to transport vesicles, crucial for understanding cellular communication and metabolism. The method has significant implications for extracellular vesicle research and its releva...

SourceVienna University of Technology·JournalAnalytical and Bioanalytical Chemistry·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 20, 2021

Surface chemistry reveals corrosive secrets

A new technique reveals the role of cations in surface chemistry, shedding light on environmental issues like rust and pollution. The study uses surface analysis to understand the initial stages of iron corrosion, which can help monitor carbon dioxide capture, water quality, and infrastructure management.

SourceMichigan Technological University·JournalThe Journal of Physical Chemistry A·TypeImaging analysis·DateOct 13, 2021