Articles tagged with Hydrocarbons
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.
Researchers have discovered an enzyme that enables the production of fuel-grade oil from plants, a breakthrough that could lead to sustainable energy solutions. The enzyme, lycopaoctaene synthase (LOS), is capable of initiating the production of hydrocarbons, which can be used to make fuels such as gasoline and diesel.
A team of chemists, led by Mu-Hyun Baik, has achieved the first-ever efficient activation of methane's C-H bond using a hybrid computational-experimental approach. The method enables the conversion of methane into liquid methanol, paving the way for petroleum independence and alternative fuel production.
Researchers create a borylation reaction using methane, enabling the production of complex molecules like pharmaceuticals without releasing greenhouse gases. The study aims to reduce reliance on fossil fuels and promote sustainable use of abundant natural gas.
A study found that prenatal exposure to PAH is associated with reduced self-regulation skills and social competency in children. High-exposure children showed no improvement in self-regulatory function, while low-exposure children followed a typical developmental pattern.
Scientists propose a new set of cosmic chemical reactions that could have contributed to the formation of life on Earth. Methanol is shown to be more reactive than methane and can give rise to varied hydrocarbons, their derivatives and products.
For the first time, researchers have directly converted carbon dioxide from the air into methanol at relatively low temperatures. This process uses renewable energy to transform the greenhouse gas into a clean-burning fuel for internal combustion engines and fuel cells.
A recent study found that deep convective storms transport ozone-rich air parcels to the surface of the Amazon rainforest, rapidly increasing surface ozone levels. This process can initiate and accelerate cloud formation via interactions with plant-emitted hydrocarbons.
A University of Central Florida research team is studying the effects of the Deepwater Horizon oil spill on the Gulf of Mexico, focusing on toxic compounds not tracked by the EPA. They've developed a new method to detect these 'forgotten' polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), which may be more toxic than those monitored.
Research reveals peridotite serpentinization produces more hydrogen gas and methane than olivine alteration. Pyroxene and spinel promote the formation of these nutrients, which are crucial for life's emergence. The study suggests that kinetics and reaction progress influence hydrocarbon production.
Researchers found elevated levels of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in NYC community garden soils, a concern due to air emissions. However, cultivating vegetables in beds may lower PAH concentrations, suggesting potential for reduction through gardening practices.
Researchers at ORNL discovered a new mechanism for converting bio-based ethanol into hydrocarbon blend-stocks, eliminating an energy-consuming intermediary step. This breakthrough could support the economic viability of direct biofuel-to-hydrocarbon conversion technologies.
Researchers estimated that cyanobacteria in the oceans produce between 300-800 million tonnes of hydrocarbons per year. This production dwarfs crude oil releases by natural seepage or accidental spills.
A Franco-Swiss research team has proposed a new explanation for the starting mechanism of the MTO process. They found that alumina, present in zeolites, can transform methanol into ethylene and other hydrocarbons, which can then be converted into carbenium ions. This discovery sheds light on how the MTO process begins.
Researchers have developed a new mixed oxide catalyst that overcomes inhibition issues, allowing for more efficient engines to meet stricter emission regulations. The unique formulation of copper oxide, cobalt oxide, and cerium oxide enables better oxidation activity at low temperatures without precious metals.
Washington State University Tri-Cities associate professor Hanwu Lei received a $494,000 grant to research catalysts for high-energy biofuels. He aims to convert biomass into aromatic hydrocarbons with industrial applications.
A UC Riverside-led team discovered that ants detect a unique blend of hydrocarbons on individual cuticles to recognize different castes and intruders. This sophisticated pheromone system allows ants to coordinate their behaviors efficiently in large colonies with multiple castes.
Researchers discovered ants can detect subtle hydrocarbon components in body odor, allowing them to recognize individuals and distinguish between castes. This remarkable ability enables social insects to maintain complex colonies.
A study by Oregon State University found that mercury emission controls at a coal-fired power plant also reduced concentrations of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) by 40-72 percent. The air pollution reductions were attributed to the upgrade's impact on regional emissions.
Researchers found that Titan's atmosphere loses hydrocarbons and nitriles due to a polar wind powered by sunlight and the Saturnian magnetic field. This phenomenon has been observed on Earth in polar regions, suggesting Titan may have a similarly widespread 'polar wind' beyond its poles.
Researchers at the University of Manchester have identified the mechanism and structure of enzymes that produce hydrocarbons from yeast moulds. This discovery provides a new route to producing alpha-olefins, a key intermediate in various industrial applications.
A new method of converting squalene from microalgae to gasoline or jet fuel has been developed by Tohoku University researchers. The process uses a highly dispersed ruthenium catalyst supported on cerium oxide, producing branched alkanes with high stability and low freezing points.
Researchers at Goethe University Frankfurt have developed a new class of organic luminescent materials featuring blue fluorescence, which are suitable for use in organic light-emitting diodes. The boron-containing nanographenes exhibit improved electron transport and stability, making them ideal for portable electronic devices.
Wildfires in Canada are releasing massive amounts of smoke that are drifting south into the US Midwest, affecting air quality. Exposure to this smoke is particularly hazardous for those with respiratory issues, elderly, and children due to its composition of carbon monoxide, particulate matter, and other chemicals.
A recent study found that hydraulic fracturing emits pollutants like PAHs, linked to cancer and respiratory ailments, at higher levels than safe for lifetime exposure. The risk is highest near wells, but decreases with distance.
Researchers have developed a new method to assess cancer risk from certain common environmental pollutants, such as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). The study found that analyzing the genetic responses of skin cells exposed to these pollutants can predict their potential to cause cancer.
Researchers at Washington State University have successfully produced hydrocarbons from the common black fungus Aspergillus carbonarius, a key component of petroleum-based fuels. The team hopes to commercialize this process in the next five years, making it a potentially game-changing alternative to traditional aviation fuels.
A recent study by Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health found that children born to mothers experiencing economic hardship and exposed to high levels of PAH during pregnancy scored significantly lower on IQ tests at age 5. The researchers followed 276 mother-child pairs from pregnancy through early childhood, observing ...
A small imaging study suggests prenatal exposure to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) may harm children's brains, leading to slower processing speeds and behavioral issues like ADHD symptoms. The study found reduced white matter surface on the left side of the brain associated with these outcomes.
A study of 40 minority youth found a powerful relationship between prenatal PAH exposure and disturbances in brain structure, leading to cognitive and behavioral impairments. The findings suggest that air pollutants contribute to ADHD-like symptoms and other behavioral problems.
Chemists at Scripps Research Institute have developed a broadly useful technique for building new drug molecules and other chemical products by expanding the meta-C-H activation method. The new method enables the attachment of functional groups at the meta position, previously difficult to achieve.
Researchers developed a single-step synthesis method for nanographenes, overcoming limitations of existing methods. The new reaction enables precise control on the nanometer-scale, making it suitable for next-generation organic electronic devices.
A new study analyzes the hydrocarbon sector and access roads in the Western Amazon, finding that 11 out of 17 major projects have access roads. The researchers recommend adopting the offshore inland development model to reduce deforestation and forest degradation. Additionally, there are 35 confirmed and/or suspected hydrocarbon discov...
Researchers at UC Riverside devised a method to isolate hydrocarbon molecules used by insects for communication and differentiation. The study found that nearly all insects produce the R form of these chemicals, paving the way for understanding their functions and potential applications in controlling pest species.
Researchers have developed a method to track the movement of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) through the human body, shedding light on their role as carcinogens. The technology uses accelerator mass spectrometry to detect tiny amounts of PAHs in blood and explore how they are processed by humans.
Scientists at KU Leuven successfully converted cellulose in sawdust into hydrocarbon chains, which can be used as an additive in gasoline or component in plastics. The conversion process is a new type of bio-refining and has potential economic benefits, offering an alternative to traditional fossil fuels.
Researchers found that prenatal exposure to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) raised the odds of behavior problems associated with ADHD at age 9. Children born to mothers exposed to high levels of PAH during pregnancy had five times the odds of inattentive-type ADHD compared to those whose mothers did not have high PAH exposure.
Researchers observe massive polar cloud at Titan's south pole, composed of hydrogen cyanide ice, and conclude that the upper atmosphere must have cooled by over 50 degrees in less than a year.
A field experiment in the North Sea provides insight into the fate of oil during the immediate aftermath of an accidental oil spill. Researchers found that a fraction of the oil immediately evaporates into the air or dissolves into seawater, posing threats to aquatic species and rescue workers.
Bacteria in the Gulf of Mexico's deep sea plume consumed gaseous hydrocarbons and certain toxic compounds released during the Deepwater Horizon spill. However, the most toxic polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) persisted, causing long-term health problems like cancer.
Scientists at NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center recreated key flavors from Titan's atmosphere using a recipe approach. The team successfully identified a previously unknown material, which showed strong aromatic characteristics.
A study by Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health found that reducing air pollution in NYC would increase children's IQs, leading to improved academic performance and future earnings. The estimated economic gain for each child could be as high as $215 million.
Theoretical simulations reveal that carbon nanotube growth and hydrocarbon combustion share similarities, with the ethynyl radical playing a key role in both processes. This finding could lead to new ways to control CNT growth and increase understanding of fuel combustion processes.
A study found that decreased exposure to air pollution after a coal power plant closed led to increased BDNF levels and improved developmental scores in children. Lower PAH-DNA adducts were detected in cord blood, indicating reduced exposure to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons.
Researchers found that using beer as a marinade can significantly reduce the formation of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in grilled meats. The study showed that black beer had the strongest effect, reducing PAH levels by more than half compared to unmarinated meat.
A NOAA-led study shows that crude oil from the Deepwater Horizon disaster disrupts heart development in bluefin and yellowfin tunas. The study found that exposure to crude oil slows heartbeat or causes an uncoordinated rhythm, leading to heart failure in these fish.
New results show that mobile microorganisms can increase the transport of toxic PAHs up to 100-fold, making them more accessible to bacteria and plant roots. This discovery opens new perspectives for cleaning PAH-contaminated soil through biological treatment.
Researchers created temperature maps to study how RIP bands influence cigarette burn rate and chemical composition. Temperature differences were found between RIP and regular cigarettes, potentially affecting PAH levels.
Researchers at UC Davis have invented a technique to produce gasoline-like fuels from cellulosic materials like farm and forestry waste. This breakthrough could lead to a larger market for renewable fuels beyond existing diesel substitutes.
A new study by University of Toronto researchers finds that reported oil sands emissions of hazardous air pollutants are greatly underestimated. The team's comprehensive modeling assessment indicates that evaporation from tailings ponds may introduce more pollutants into the atmosphere than direct emissions.
Researchers analyzed eight oil-soaked sand patties collected along Gulf shores, finding large amounts of water-repelling hydrocarbons that can harm wildlife. The study aimed to assess the environmental impact of persisting oil remnants and improve understanding of their toxicity.
Scientists have discovered novel compounds produced by chemical reactions that are hundreds of times more mutagenic than their parent compounds. These newly found NPAHs were not previously known to exist and raise concerns about the health impacts of heavily-polluted urban air or dietary exposure.
Dr. Joshua Yuan's project aims to develop a way for plants to produce terpenoid directly, making it easily accessible as a combustible fuel. The US Energy Department grant will help increase the amount of combustible fuel produced by plants, with the goal of creating a commercially viable product.
A new study published in PLOS ONE found that drilling sumps associated with hydrocarbon extraction can negatively impact aquatic ecosystems. The degradation of these sumps can lead to changes in the community composition of zooplankton, highlighting the need for better climate change mitigation strategies.
A new study found significant differences in polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) concentrations among various smokeless tobacco products. Higher levels were detected in moist snuff and soft pellets, while lower levels were present in snus. The use of fire-cured tobaccos was identified as the primary source of PAHs in these products.
Researchers discovered that a lack of information about kinship can lead to increased cooperation and reduced conflict within groups. This phenomenon, known as the veil of ignorance, is observed in both social insects and genes, suggesting its evolutionary advantages.
A recent study published in Pediatrics found a strong link between air pollution exposure during pregnancy and increased risk of behavioral problems in children. Maternal psychological distress also played a significant role, with children experiencing anxiety, depression, attention problems, and aggressive behavior.