Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Asbestos: the size and shape of inhaled nanofibers could be exclusively responsible for the development of pulmonary fibrosis

Research reveals that inhaling asbestos or similar nanofibers can lead to pulmonary fibrosis due to their inability to be fully encapsulated by macrophages. The study found that fibers over 15 microns in length cause leaked secretions harmful to alveolar walls, leading to repeated pulmonary lesions and potential fibroma development.

SourceCNRS·JournalNature Nanotechnology·DateJan 5, 2024

Do “forever chemicals” have “forever impacts”? Study suggests link between higher prenatal pfas exposures and offspring obesity risk in adolescence

A Harvard Pilgrim Health Care Institute study found a strong link between higher prenatal PFAS exposure and increased rates of obesity and body fat in adolescent offspring. Higher levels of certain PFAS were associated with a 13-59% increase in the risk of obesity, highlighting the long-term consequences of PFAS for developmental health.

SourceHarvard Pilgrim Health Care Institute·JournalEnvironmental Health Perspectives·DateDec 6, 2023

The little things matter: Chemists develop new sensor for microvolume pH detection

Researchers at Xi'an Jiaotong-Liverpool University have developed a sensitive and robust pH sensor that can detect pH variation in just a few microliters of samples. The new sensor uses novel materials and methods to overcome the current method's limitations, which are not sensitive enough or fragile for commercial-scale use.

SourceXi'an Jiaotong-Liverpool University·JournalMicrochimica Acta·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 3, 2023

Unveiling cellular composition and zpatial architecture of tumor microenvironment in multiple primary lung cancers

A study published in Cell Death & Disease has characterized the cellular composition and spatial architecture of tumor microenvironment in human multiple primary lung cancers. The researchers identified a previously undescribed sub-population of epithelial cells, CLDN2+ alveolar type II (AT2), specifically enriched in MPLCs.

Researchers reveal a powerful platform for studying high-entropy alloy electrocatalysis

A collaborative research team created an experimental platform to control the atomic-level structure of high-entropy alloy surfaces and test their catalytic properties. Their study found that the surfaces performed better in oxygen reduction reactions compared to other materials, indicating a 'pseudo-core-shell-like structure' contribu...

SourceTohoku University·JournalNature Communications·DateJul 28, 2023

Unique Mexican black and pinto bean varieties are high in healthy compounds

A University of Illinois study found unique Mexican black and pinto bean varieties to be high in phenolic compounds and anthocyanins, which have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. The research also identified potential applications for the seed coat extracts in the food industry and cosmetics.

SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences·JournalFood Research International·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJul 28, 2023

Hidden details of Egyptian paintings revealed by chemical imaging

Researchers use portable devices to analyze paint composition and layering on ancient Egyptian paintings, revealing alterations made over time. Two paintings from the Theban Necropolis were studied, uncovering changes to a figure's arm and royal items depicted on a portrait of Ramesses II.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·TypeObservational study·DateJul 12, 2023

Celestial monsters at the origin of globular clusters

A team of astronomers has discovered chemical traces of supermassive stars in globular proto-clusters, born 440 million years after the Big Bang. The study suggests that these 'celestial monsters' enriched the original gas cloud with chemical elements, explaining abundance anomalies in their stars.

SourceUniversité de Genève·JournalAstronomy and Astrophysics·TypeNews article·DateMay 11, 2023

Scientists detect seismic waves traveling through Martian core for the first time

Researchers used NASA InSight data to directly measure Mars' core properties, finding a completely liquid iron-alloy core with high percentages of sulfur and oxygen. This discovery provides new insights into Martian formation and geological differences between Earth and Mars, potentially impacting planetary habitability.

SourceUniversity of Maryland·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateApr 24, 2023

Metal-poor stars are more life-friendly

Researchers found that metal-poor stars, with fewer heavy elements, emit less intense ultraviolet radiation into space. This allows their planets to form a protective ozone layer, making conditions more life-friendly. The study suggests that as the universe ages, it becomes increasingly unfavourable for complex life on new planets.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalNature Communications·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateApr 18, 2023

Benin Bronzes are made of German brass

Researchers analyzed manillas and found a strong similarity between the metal composition of Benin Bronzes and Portuguese trade prior to the 18th Century. The consistency in metal composition suggests that African metalsmiths were selective about what metal they used, with German brass being the principle source.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·TypeObservational study·DateApr 5, 2023

The secrets of polydopamine coatings revealed

Researchers at the University of Groningen have discovered the exact structure of polydopamine coatings, which could lead to new applications in surface adhesion and neurodegenerative disease treatment. The study found that these coatings form through auto-oxidation, crosslinking and isomerization processes.

SourceUniversity of Groningen·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 16, 2023

Journal of Pharmaceutical Analysis studies explore key traditional and modern therapeutics

Studies elucidate key aspects of traditional Chinese compounds and modern cancer therapeutics, highlighting the efficacy of R. serra in treating colitis and identifying active components of Gan Cao in treating pneumonia. A new radiolabeled antibody-based probe for detecting PD-L1 expression in cancers also provides a novel approach to ...

SourceCactus Communications·JournalJournal of Pharmaceutical Analysis·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 14, 2023

Chemicals could undercut global plastics treaty

A recent study identifies over 10,000 chemical substances used in plastic production, highlighting the complexity of plastics and their negative impacts on human and ecosystem health. The diversity of chemicals makes it difficult to achieve standardized plastic formulations, posing challenges to recycling and pollution solutions.

SourceSwiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology (EMPA)·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology Letters·TypeSurvey·DateNov 22, 2022

Revelations from Ryugu: Muon non-destructive analysis unveils true nature of ancient asteroid

Researchers from Osaka University have successfully detected carbon, nitrogen, and oxygen in samples from near-Earth asteroid Ryugu using muon non-destructive analysis. The findings suggest that CI chondrites may be contaminated with terrestrial materials, challenging previous understanding of the solar system's chemical compositions.

SourceOsaka University·JournalScience·TypeObservational study·DateNov 13, 2022

New study of comets provides insight into chemical composition of early solar system

A new study of 25 comets has found strong evidence that comet outgassing could be the source of the chemical composition of the early solar system. The research, led by Olga Harrington Pinto, measured the ratio of water, carbon dioxide, and carbon monoxide gases from comets to test predictions of solar system formation and evolution.

SourceUniversity of Central Florida·JournalThe Planetary Science Journal·TypeLiterature review·DateNov 4, 2022

Specialty and standard coffee beans can be sorted using multispectral imaging and artificial intelligence

A Brazilian research team has developed a novel method to sort specialty and standard coffee beans using multispectral imaging and machine learning. The technique, which does not require roasting or human intervention, uses images of the beans at different wavelengths to distinguish between quality levels.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalComputers and Electronics in Agriculture·DateAug 30, 2022

AI spurs scientists to advance materials research

Researchers at Arizona State University have developed a machine learning model to predict melting temperatures for any compound. The model enables faster and more accurate calculations of melting points, which is critical for designing high-performance materials in various industries.

SourceArizona State University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateAug 29, 2022

Imagining an Earthly neighbor

A team of scientists has created a detailed prediction of an Earth-sized planet in the α Centauri A/B system. The model suggests the planet, dubbed 'α-Cen-Earth', would have a mantle dominated by silicates and be geochemically similar to our Earth.

SourceETH Zurich Department of Physics·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateMar 10, 2022

Researchers train neural network to recognize chemical formulas from research papers

A team of researchers from Skoltech and universities developed a neural network-based solution for automated recognition of chemical formulas on research paper scans. The algorithm combines molecules, functional groups, fonts, styles, and printing defects to mimic existing molecular template depiction styles.

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...