Articles tagged with Chemical Engineering
Researchers at the University of Michigan have developed a new process to create "hedgehog particles" that can easily disperse in water and dissolve in oil. This innovation has the potential to reduce volatile organic compound (VOC) emissions from paints and coatings, resulting in fewer respiratory and climate change issues.
The EPA proposes stricter rules for refineries to reduce emissions, but industry groups dispute the environmental benefits, citing high costs. The EPA claims the revisions will improve air quality and public health in affected communities.
Researchers have developed chitosan-based coatings to reduce the microbial load of carrots, providing a biodegradable and sustainable solution for food packaging. The use of this material has shown promising results in laboratory tests, but further research is needed to explore its industrial potential.
The year saw major advances in solar cells and treatments for Ebola, as well as efforts to label GMO products and restrict neonicotinoid use. The American Chemical Society highlighted its impact on research, policy, and industry through various initiatives.
Computational modeling allows researchers to design efficient and affordable catalysts from gold, reducing the need for large amounts of expensive precious metals. The method has potential impact on energy-and-environment related fields, such as automotive exhaust and hydrogen production.
Penn researchers demonstrate that stiffness and strength scaling remain unchanged across various glassy materials, indicating a constant critical strain before catastrophic failure. This finding provides insight into the fundamental mechanism driving failure in glasses, suggesting cooperative motion of particles or atoms.
Scientists create versatile model to predict stalagmite-like structures in nuclear processing plants and kettle scaling, reducing manual inspections and improving safety. The new model has potential applications in other industrial and domestic situations where salt solutions precipitate out and cause problems.
Researchers create a new material that can store charge and support weight, with potential applications in wearable technology, water filtration, and radiofrequency shielding. The material's flexibility and strength make it suitable for various uses, including improving electrical energy storage.
A Mexican plant-based fixative alternative to expensive ambergris could significantly reduce the environmental impact of perfumery. Researchers found that producing this new fixative could generate $20 million in local profits and create hundreds of jobs, while minimizing its environmental cost through renewable energy use.
Scientists and policymakers debate ways to curb sugar consumption amid growing health concerns. Despite reduced sugar intake over the past 15 years, Americans still consume excessive amounts, leading to high blood pressure, heart disease, and other conditions.
The article investigates the effects of triclosan, a common antimicrobial ingredient, on human health and the environment. Studies have found that triclosan can disrupt hormones and cause problems for vulnerable populations, such as fetuses and breastfeeding babies.
A team of McMaster researchers has developed a simple pill that can test water safety using a dissolving breath strip technology. The new method reduces the need for expensive lab equipment and shipping water to the lab, making it potentially life-saving for people in remote areas.
University of Michigan researchers have created 'living' rotating crystals by making nanoparticles spin, which could shed light on the origin of life. The self-organizing behavior of the particles forms phase separation without direct attraction.
A chemical leak in Charleston, W.Va., highlights the shortcomings of policies and research on thousands of chemicals. The incident led to 300,000 residents relying on bottled water due to the lack of complete toxicology studies on the leaked chemical, MCHM.
Research suggests lead exposure, once widespread in US gas and paint, may be key factor behind decline in violent crimes. The study found a significant decrease in homicide rate after the ban of lead from gasoline and paint.
Researchers from University of Southern Denmark engineer controlled assemblies of artificial vesicles, resembling natural tissues in architecture and functionality. The new systems have potential applications in personalized medicine, studying cells, and as small bioreactors.
Researchers fabricated microstructures including straight filaments, layer-by-layer scaffolds, and freeform helical spirals using a solvent-cast 3D printing technique. The technique demonstrates powerful fabrication capabilities, enabling the creation of three microsystems with diverse functionalities.
Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania have developed a method to grow liquid crystal 'flowers' using silica beads as templates, creating a lens-like structure with potential applications in optics and optoelectronics. The new approach demonstrates directed assembly and paves the way for the creation of custom optical components.
The US FDA is proposing to ban partially hydrogenated oils, which contain trans fats. The alternatives used instead are generally considered healthier, but not without their own risks.
Small labs are setting up to analyze medical marijuana products for potency, purity and safety. They also check for mold, mildew, microbial contamination, pesticides and solvents.
Researchers explore the connection between pesticides and Parkinson's disease, discovering two genetic mutations linked to increased risk in pesticide-exposed individuals. The study highlights the complexity of the disease and the need for further investigation into pesticide exposure and its potential effects on human health.
Close to 1,400 tons of chemical weapons remain in Syria, requiring multiple strategies for destruction. Destroying the stockpile will require specialized equipment and careful handling of precursor chemicals.
In response to economic downturns, large chemical firms are reorganizing by acquiring specialty companies with high market potential. DuPont's Danisco acquisition and Dow's Rohm and Haas purchase have proven successful in shedding underperforming businesses.
The University of Pennsylvania researchers have developed a new tool to direct the assembly of particles and materials using elastic energy. This technique, combined with a new template design, allows for the creation of complex patterns and structures. The team's findings could lead to breakthroughs in fields such as displays, sensors...
The American Chemical Society is researching everyday household products' safety, but significant progress is needed. The EPA relies on multiple sources to assess chemical risks, including computer programs, buying trends data, and laboratory tests.
The American Chemical Society's annual survey shows that salaries and employment for chemists are improving, with full-time jobs reaching a five-year high and median salaries increasing. However, disparities persist, including lower earnings for women and regional differences in job opportunities.
Researchers present electronic sutures that monitor surgical incisions, heart-monitoring films, and skin-applied hydration sensors. The symposium explores nanoscale materials for revolutionary healthcare innovations.
The magazine has remained committed to providing reliable news and analysis on the chemical enterprise. CEN's evolution reflects changing reader preferences for obtaining news and information about chemistry.
Researchers at Kansas State University have discovered a new three-atom-thick material, molybdenum disulfide, and found that manipulating it with gold atoms improves its electrical characteristics. This breakthrough could lead to advancements in transistors, photodetectors, sensors, and thermally conductive coatings.
Energy cane and other energy crops have the potential to yield up to 5 times more ethanol per acre than corn, providing a sustainable alternative to traditional sources. However, their viability is threatened by the abundance of cheap shale gas, which could make it difficult for biobased feedstocks to compete.
Researchers at the University of Michigan have discovered a new type of stretchable conductor made from spherical nanoparticles embedded in elastic materials. The material exhibits exceptional stretchability and electrical conductivity, making it suitable for various applications such as brain implants and flexible electronics.
Researchers developed a new strategy to coat microscopic materials, creating a particle system that can degrade under different conditions for timed release of substances. This innovation is expected to advance therapeutics in cancer, vaccines, cardiovascular disease and neural health.
A new colorimetric detection technology can quickly identify illegal cooking oils using phase transfer technology, with an accurate rate of 95.7% in blind tests. The method is a cost-effective process and has high application potential in civilian fields.
Researchers have developed a way to see where and how memories are stored in the brain by attaching fluorescent markers to synaptic proteins. The microprobes allow scientists to observe live excitatory and inhibitory synapses for the first time, showing how they change as new memories are formed.
The Purdue University R.B. Wetherill Laboratory of Chemistry has been recognized as a National Historic Chemical Landmark by the American Chemical Society (ACS) for its 80-plus years of service as a center for education and cutting-edge research. The laboratory, which has educated generations of chemists and chemical engineers, includi...
The article highlights the need for sustainable water systems to tackle global water shortages and pollution. New technologies, stricter standards, and innovations are required to provide clean water for nearly 1 billion people worldwide.
Researchers from KU Leuven discovered how a bacterium produces substances that counteract the coffee ring effect at the microscopic level. The findings reveal that adding surfactants to materials can create a more uniform distribution of particles during evaporation.
Researchers at the University of Washington have developed a synthetic substance that resists the body's natural attack response to foreign objects. The polymer, known as a hydrogel, can be coated on medical devices like artificial heart valves and prostheses to prevent rejection.
The study successfully creates a device that detects humidity and pressure using graphene quantum dots, showcasing improved sensing capabilities. By manipulating the distance between the quantum dots, the researchers increased conductivity by 43-fold, enabling more accurate measurements.
The University of Akron's corrosion engineering program aims to tackle the nation's 70,000 structurally deficient bridges and a $400 billion corrosion problem. The institution is now partnering with the Department of Defense to inspire the next generation of corrosion engineers through an interactive exhibit.
Two high-profile fraud cases in photography have led to millions of dollars in settlements, fueling a revolution in photo conservation research. The cases, which involved fake and altered images, prompted researchers to develop new techniques for conserving and authenticating photographs.
A new device called the SXC ESP was created by Washington University engineers to better protect human lungs from allergens and airborne viruses. The device uses soft X-ray irradiation to capture particles, making it more effective than traditional air cleaners in removing biological agents from the air.
The Institute for Genomic Biology has received a highly parallel shared memory supercomputer named Ember, bolstering its computing services. The system will enable larger projects in genomics and transcriptomics research, improving genome and transcriptome assemblies.
Researchers have developed a superoleophobic surface using nanoscale coating that repels virtually all liquids, including chemicals and fuels. The technology has potential applications in uniform clothing, thermal management, fuel purification, and leak control.
A new mobile app, Green Solvents, has been developed to foster the use of environmentally friendly principles of green chemistry in pharmaceutical processes. The app provides a guide for solvents, reducing waste generation by up to 100 times, and is available on Apple and Android devices.
Scientists from the University of Pennsylvania have created a new way to direct the assembly of liquid crystals, generating small features that spontaneously arrange in arrays based on much larger templates. By altering the geometry of molecules on a physical template, researchers can produce subtle changes in defect patterns.
Scientists at Northwestern University have developed a method to recreate unique shell geometries in lab-made microcompartments by altering the acidity of their surroundings. This breakthrough could lead to designed microreactors that mimic cellular functions or deliver therapeutic materials to cells.
A new Northwestern University study reveals that female faculty in STEM fields face a significant productivity gap, with lower publication rates and fewer resources. The researchers found that disciplines requiring more resources have a wider gap, suggesting historical unequal investment in female faculty may be the root cause.
Scientists have developed a way to create dynamic microtubes by synchronizing the movement of tiny Janus spheres. This process allows for the formation of intricate structures with potential applications in medicine and engineering.
USDA researchers developed a formula to create eco-friendly fire logs and pellets from lawn clippings, agricultural waste, and plant-derived oils. The logs burn brighter, longer, and emit less pollution.
Researchers at the University of Texas at Austin have developed a technique to increase storage density in hard disk drives by using self-organizing substances known as block copolymers. The team has made significant progress, shrinking dots small enough to double storage density and achieving processing times under 30 seconds.
The new electrode is 10 times smaller than its competitors, with a conductive gel pad that cozies up to soft cell membranes, reducing inflammation and improving signal clarity. Long-term testing showed promise in stabilizing immune responses, paving the way for future brain-machine interfaces.
Researchers at NYU, Harvard, and Dow Chemical develop a method to enhance colloidal dispersions, creating particles that spontaneously assemble into structures resembling molecules. This enables the design of complex 3-dimensional structures vital for advanced optical materials.
University of Pennsylvania researchers have found a new way to prevent cracks in nanoparticle films by using a technique called spin-coating to create uniform coatings. This method could be a game-changer for industries that rely on these films, such as electronics and solar cells.
Two USC research groups awarded $2.38M and $220K to study epigenetic drivers of cancer and how NSAIDs prevent colorectal cancer. A third group aims to develop new drugs to inhibit 'undruggable' target molecules.
A multi-university team is developing techniques for creating two-dimensional materials that can fold themselves into three-dimensional structures when exposed to light. The research aims to advance understanding of photoresponsive materials with applications in electronics, manufacturing, and humanitarian relief.
A new law could lift the financial burden of higher education from middle class and working people, easing student debt and college funding cutbacks. The proposed legislation aims to reinvest in public higher education and foster innovation.
The PLoS ONE Synthetic Biology Collection assembles articles on various facets of synthetic biology, a dynamically evolving research area that interconnects multiple disciplines. The collection aims to inspire further progress in the field by providing a dedicated repository for researchers.
A study by Carnegie Mellon University reveals that biogenic particles formed from pine tree emissions are chemically transformed by free radicals, altering their properties and concentrations. This finding can help improve climate and air quality prediction models and enable regulatory agencies to make more effective decisions.
University of Toronto researchers have developed a device that can create three-dimensional, functional tissues through a precise and controlled process. The technology uses biomaterials to form a 'mosaic hydrogel' sheet, onto which cells are seeded in specific placements, mimicking natural cell placement in living tissues.