Articles tagged with Hydrocarbons
A new study led by Professor Sung-Deuk Choi found that Ulsan, South Korea, is affected by toxic substances in fine dust particles throughout the year. The study analyzed PAHs concentrations in air samples and showed that even in summer, when fine dust concentration is lowest, PAHs remain present.
Researchers found that skin is more susceptible to cancer-causing compounds from barbecuing than inhalation, with clothing offering limited protection. The study suggests washing clothes soon after leaving a grilling area to reduce exposure.
Researchers from Samara University, Florida International University, and others have discovered the chemical reaction mechanism for forming naphthalene, a polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon. This breakthrough will help develop ecologically friendly combustion chambers for gas turbine engines.
A recent study found that coho salmon became ill and nearly died after exposure to polluted stormwater, while chum salmon showed no signs of distress. The researchers are now investigating the physiological differences between the two species to understand why chum salmon are more resistant to toxic runoff.
Scientists at Ruhr-University Bochum successfully converted CO2 into an alcohol through a two-step reaction, facilitated by copper and rhodium catalysts. The process achieved a 40% recycling rate for the base, paving the way for industrial-scale applications.
Researchers at INRS have identified a non-pathogenic marine bacterium that can effectively degrade petroleum products in soil and water. The bacteria's enzymes have been shown to break down benzene, toluene, and xylene with high efficiency, offering an eco-friendly method for decontaminating oil sites.
Researchers from TROPOS and universities of Innsbruck and Helsinki observe rapid pair production in laboratory experiments, indicating significant formation of non-volatile accretion products. This discovery is crucial for understanding the climate impact of secondary organic aerosol.
Researchers have developed a zeolite filter to reduce carcinogens in smoked foods, resulting in superior smoke flavor. The filtered smoke was found to contain up to 93% fewer carcinogenic compounds than unfiltered smoke.
Researchers have identified a wax-like hydrocarbon called heneicosane as a royal recognition pheromone in termites, enabling workers to recognize and care for queens and kings. This discovery could upend current understanding of insect social behavior and evolution, suggesting that CHCs evolved as royal pheromones 150 million years ago.
Researchers used lab experiments at Berkeley Lab's Advanced Light Source to simulate chemical reactions near stars, confirming the production of pyrene and other complex hydrocarbons. The study provides insights into the origins of life's building blocks in space.
A team of researchers has developed a novel reaction to insert nitrogen into C-H bonds, creating useful ring-shaped molecules. The breakthrough synthesis uses inexpensive feedstock hydrocarbons as substrates, offering a new solution to the long-standing challenge in pharmaceutical and chemical industries.
New research reveals that global fossil fuel emissions of hydrocarbons, particularly ethane and propane, have been significantly underestimated. These pollutants are harmful in large cities, forming ozone that directly links to increased mortality. The study calls for further investigation into methane emissions from natural gas sources.
The study found that four-cycle injection engines are more environmentally safe than two-cycle and carburetor engines. The researchers analyzed particulate matter in motorcycle engine exhaust and found PAHs to be a significant concern for human health and the environment.
A study published in PLOS One compared pre- and post-Hurricane Harvey pollution levels in Houston's Manchester neighborhood, finding that flooding redistributed polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). Baseline data is crucial for understanding disaster-related public health issues.
Scientists at USC Loker Hydrocarbon Research Institute have developed a more efficient pathway for converting methane into basic chemicals. The new catalyst, H-SAPO-34, converts methane directly into ethylene and propylene, reducing greenhouse gas emissions and replacing traditional processes.
The discovery of benzonitrile marks a significant milestone in understanding the source of the Milky Way's mysterious infrared glow. The detection provides chemical breadcrumbs from simple molecules to larger PAHs, shedding light on their ubiquity in interstellar space.
A study by Ca' Foscari University and CNR found that autumn leaves in Italian woods can contaminate soil with high levels of hydrocarbons, up to four times the legal limit. The researchers identified natural sources of these hydrocarbons, including plant origin, but emphasized that even low concentrations may pose a toxicity risk.
Reduced nitric oxide levels over Los Angeles are triggering the formation of organic hydroperoxides, a potentially harmful class of airborne chemicals. These compounds can form when hydrocarbons react with themselves due to low nitric oxide concentrations, posing unknown health risks.
The Gulf Research Program aims to develop new technologies to improve understanding and management of systemic risk in offshore oil and gas operations. The program focuses on addressing the risks associated with hydrocarbon releases, which pose threats to human health, safety, environment, and infrastructure.
A new study published in Archives of Toxicology shows that common combinations of low molecular weight polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (LMW PAHs) can help spark the development of cancer, even if each chemical is not known to cause cancer alone.
Researchers found elevated levels of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and transition metals, including hexavalent chromium, on the Red Line. This led to a ten-fold increase in cancer risk compared to government safety thresholds.
A team of scientists created a new catalyst that activates oxidation processes in low-reactive components of oil and gas, producing valuable products such as acids and alcohols. The researchers discovered the possibility of targeted production of pentanuclear products, which are stable in both solid and solution states.
Digger wasps have species-specific hydrocarbon profiles that vary according to their prey and brood-care strategy. Beetle-hunting digger wasps have more diversified profiles due to reduced need for prey preservation. The unique films are also used for defense against parasites.
A new clinical trial has shown that the generic drug Dichloroacetate (DCA) can decrease blood pressure in lung vessels and improve walking ability in PAH patients, without significant side effects. DCA works by activating mitochondria, which are suppressed in PAH, leading to cell growth and overgrowth of cells narrowing vessel lumen.
Researchers measured firefighters' exposure to carcinogens and found post-fire levels of PAH metabolites in urine were 2.9-5.3 times higher than pre-fire levels. Skin decontamination may help reduce exposure, the study suggests.
A study of low-income children in New York City found that prenatal exposure to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) combined with material hardship significantly increases ADHD symptoms. The researchers assessed levels of PAH exposure and material hardship in maternal blood and child behavior, finding a strong correlation between th...
Researchers create a superhydrophilic filter that can remove greater than 90% of hydrocarbons and all bacteria from contaminated water produced by hydraulic fracturing operations. The filter significantly cuts the amount of water that needs to be stored or transported, making it ideal for reusing in fracking operations.
A team of researchers at Kazan Federal University is exploring the mechanism of how microorganisms form and develop in response to petroleum contamination. They aim to understand whether hydrocarbon-oxidizing community structure depends on soil properties, and how new technologies for soil decontamination may arise from this research.
Scientists at Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf simulated the conditions inside Neptune and found diamonds forming in real time using an ultra-strong X-ray laser. The study provides insights into the planet's chemical makeup and has potential applications for electronic instruments, medical procedures, and industrial production.
Researchers found that ant species with closely related genetic backgrounds can have significantly different chemical profiles, which can change faster than other traits during evolution. Climate also influences the composition of these profiles, with species from humid regions having distinct hydrocarbon patterns.
Researchers at Tokyo Institute of Technology developed a method to synthesize microscopic alloy nanoparticles using dendrimers, achieving 24 times greater oxidization activity than commercially available catalysts. The discovery opens up new possibilities for creating high-performance materials in various fields.
Researchers at UNIST have successfully developed a new anode material for solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs) that can operate on hydrocarbon fuels, offering improved stability and reduced production costs. The breakthrough enhances the potential for commercialization of SOFCs, which could achieve efficiency higher than 90%.
A team led by Prof. Arne Skerra has identified an antibody that tightly binds benzopyrene, a widespread environmental toxin linked to cancer. This breakthrough could lead to the development of antibodies to separate aromatic hydrocarbons from contaminated drinking water.
Researchers at TUM have identified an antibody that tightly binds benzo[a]pyrene, a widespread environmental toxin linked to cancer. This breakthrough discovery may lead to the development of antibodies against other PAHs and improved methods to separate contaminants from drinking water.
UT Southwestern researchers have developed a method for direct conversion of double bond-containing hydrocarbons into multifunctional compounds with high purity. The new reaction utilizes a specially designed chiral catalyst to selectively create desirable molecules, accelerating pharmaceutical production.
Researchers replicated traditional Native Californian Indian water bottles to analyze polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) levels. The study found PAHs in the air during production, but not significant leaching from storage.
The genome of Botryococcus braunii has been sequenced, revealing 18,500 genes and potential biosynthetic pathways for hydrocarbon production. The findings could enable the use of algae as a renewable fuel source without modifying existing infrastructure.
Researchers have designed a nickel catalyst that transforms unrefined hydrocarbons and CO2 into pure fatty acids at room temperature and atmospheric pressure. This sustainable process has significant implications for the environment and could alleviate economic concerns in the production of fatty acids.
Kumamoto University researchers developed a low-energy, continuous biofuel extraction method from microalgae using nanosecond PEF, increasing efficiency and reducing damage to algae. The new process allows for faster and more efficient extraction of hydrocarbons without destroying the microalgae.
Researchers at Tohoku University and the University of Liverpool have successfully created quantum spin liquids from polyaromatic hydrocarbons using alkali metals. This achievement marks a significant step towards understanding exotic phenomena in materials science, with potential applications in superconductivity and quantum computing.
A new screening process makes boron-doped polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) accessible for organic light-emitting diode (OLED) applications, offering a cost-efficient and resource-friendly way to achieve results.
A $14-million research collaboration aims to improve understanding of how oil and gas flows in naturally fractured reservoirs, crucial for maximizing production and sustainability. The partnership will apply new technologies, including 3-D printing, to study geomechanical processes impacting fluid flow.
A recent study by Louisiana State University's Parichehr Saranjampour found that dibenzothiophene, a chemical class of PAHs not on the EPA's list, undergoes evaporation and oxidation at rates faster than previously thought. This discovery has implications for oil spill cleanup and exposure to toxic pollutants.
Research from Stanford University identified phenanthrene, a polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon, as the culprit behind cardiotoxicity in fish exposed to crude oil spills. The study found that phenanthrene disrupts heart function in both marine and terrestrial species, including mammals and birds.
A new study reveals that tiny particles can shield pollutants like polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) from degradation, allowing them to travel farther and increasing lung cancer risk. The findings quadruple the estimated global lung cancer risk from a pollutant caused by combustion, exceeding World Health Organization limits.
Researchers developed a method to produce a metal nanopowder fuel with high energy content, stable in air and igniting only when ignited. The resulting material has an energy density of at least 89 kilojoules/milliliter, significantly superior to hydrocarbons.
Researchers analyzed 125 major petroleum hydrocarbons from the Deepwater Horizon oil spill to determine their long-term environmental impact. They found that smaller, simpler compounds degrade faster, while larger ones persist longer, and that physical context plays a significant role in this process.
New research reveals that co-exposure to oil and UV radiation from sunlight significantly reduces survival rates of fish larvae in the Gulf of Mexico. Oil pollutants, such as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, are toxic when combined with sunlight, posing a deadly threat to marine life.
Researchers at TUM report cases of acute and fatal pneumonitis resulting from fuel ingestion in refugees. Symptoms initially resemble bacterial pneumonia, making diagnosis challenging due to language barriers.
Researchers at Kazan Federal University have achieved a significant breakthrough in in-situ combustion, increasing the combustion front speed by 10 times. The team has also developed a new understanding of catalysts' work mechanisms, making them more stable and efficient.
A new discovery by scientists at the universities of Oxford, Cambridge and Cardiff has shown that hydrocarbon wax rapidly releases large amounts of hydrogen when activated with catalysts and microwaves. This breakthrough could pave the way for widespread adoption of hydrogen-fuelled cars.
Researchers at Oregon State University have found that organic compounds traditionally known as pollutants can function as a low-cost, long-lasting cathode in dual-ion batteries. The discovery has promising characteristics for storing electricity from wind and solar energy, addressing a key constraint to wider use of clean energy systems.
Graphene reacts with formic acid in a water solution upon irradiation with visible light, producing hydrogenated graphene. This environmentally friendly method has potential applications in fields such as hydrogen storage and electronics.
Researchers have developed a simple and effective method for synthesizing thiophene-fused PAHs, reducing the number of required steps and reagent costs. The new approach uses elemental sulfur to induce thienannulation reactions on arylethynyl-substituted PAHs.
Researchers at UTA are developing novel catalysts using metal ions to activate simple hydrocarbons and produce more complex molecules. A new portable sensor is also being developed to detect specific gaseous molecules in plant product storage facilities.
Researchers extracted polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) from soil using an espresso machine, a process that takes only 11 seconds. The results were comparable to those obtained with certified techniques, but the new process was significantly less expensive and faster.
A new study led by the University of Colorado Boulder found that global ethane emissions are increasing again after a steady decline between 1970 and 2005. The majority of the increase is attributed to North American oil and gas activity, which has reversed the emission controls implemented in the past.
Scientists from the Malaspina expedition found that polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons account for 15% of oceanic CO2 deposits, with 90,000 tonnes entering Atlantic, Pacific, and Indian Oceans monthly. These pollutants can affect ocean life due to their toxicity and alter cloud formation cycles.
A team of physicists at LMU Munich has used laser pulses to selectively remove and reattach hydrogen atoms from a hydrocarbon molecule, opening up new possibilities for chemical synthesis. This technique could lead to the creation of new substances by controlling individual steps in chemical reactions.
Researchers from Oregon State University found that coal-tar based sealcoats contain high levels of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), which can be toxic to humans and wildlife. Asphalt-based sealcoats, on the other hand, were found to be significantly less toxic.