Researchers found that organic compounds from trees in pre-industrial times formed aerosols that counteracted greenhouse gas effects. The CLOUD experiment discovered a process where these low-volatility substances efficiently form new particles under atmospheric conditions, even without sulphuric acid.
Researchers discovered six VOCs responsible for bad smells on dirty clothes, which are significantly reduced after washing. The study provides new insights into the impact of washing temperatures and detergents on fabric smell, potentially leading to more environmentally friendly cleaning methods.
Researchers at Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution discover that phytoplankton, microscopic plant-like organisms, produce massive amounts of methanol in the ocean, rivaling or exceeding land-based production. This finding challenges previous thinking on oceanic methanol sources and has implications for biofuel applications.
A new University of Colorado Boulder framework screened hundreds of organic chemical compounds used in hydraulic fracturing, identifying 15 as potentially hazardous groundwater contaminants based on their toxicity, mobility, and persistence. The study also predicted that 41 compounds would have 10% or more of their initial concentratio...
Researchers have developed a credit-card-sized gas chromatography platform that can analyze volatile compounds within seconds. The hybrid integrated approach allows for individual components to be miniaturized on separately fabricated chips, increasing the system's portability and throughput.
A study in the Journal of Marketing found that chemical farmers resist converting to organic methods because it challenges their belief systems. Organic farmers, on the other hand, report a sense of joy and renewal through their practice.
New research highlights the erosion of building materials including stone, concrete and steel due to mix of pollutants and organic chemicals in green spaces. Experts recommend investing in green spaces to reduce greenhouse gases, cut pollution exposure and improve mental health benefits.
A non-invasive breath test has been developed to detect lung cancer by analyzing volatile organic compounds in exhaled breath. The device can distinguish between patients with lung cancer and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), as well as define the stage of any present cancer.
Scientists discovered that oxidized organic compounds play a crucial role in new particle formation and growth. This finding contributes to better understanding of the connection between clouds and climate, shedding light on the complex process of cloud formation.
Scientists have detected extremely low-volatility organic compounds for the first time, contributing to aerosol formation that affects climate and air quality. The discovery may explain discrepancies between observations and theories about volatile organic compound conversion into atmospheric aerosol.
Researchers found that a volatile organic compound emitted by fungi, 1-octen-3-ol, attacks genes responsible for dopamine transport and packaging, leading to Parkinson's-like symptoms in fruit flies. The study suggests a potential link between fungal exposure and the degeneration of dopamine-producing neurons.
Researchers discovered that organic compounds from pollution and forest emissions can increase cloud droplets, making clouds brighter and affecting climate. This effect is significant enough to counteract the uncertainty in pollution's impact on clouds.
Researchers found that high ozone levels interfere with pollinators finding flowers and predator insects finding host plants. Insects rely on volatile organic compounds to detect odors, but ozone degrades these compounds, leading to confusion.
A new compound, diisopropylammonium bromide (DIPAB), has been created as a ferroelectric material with low environmental impact and economical benefits. It can be processed easily from aqueous solution and may replace traditional materials in the production of electronic devices.
A new study finds that bark beetles infesting pine trees can release up to 20 times more VOCs, contributing to haze and air pollution in forested areas. This could harm human health, reduce visibility, and affect climate.
A new study found that beetle-infested pine trees release up to 20 times more VOCs than healthy trees, contributing to haze and air pollution. The research suggests that the bark beetle epidemic could lead to higher monoterpene concentrations in the air, harming human health and impacting climate.
University of Toronto researchers identify a new class of compounds with phthalimido molecular fragments, exhibiting unique electro-chemical properties. These compounds have the potential to execute all three tasks needed for a functional organic solar cell, including absorbing light, moving electrons and transporting holes.
Researchers have developed nano-sized sensors that detect harmful pollutants at lower concentrations and with greater reliability than traditional commercial gas sensors. The new nanowire sensors operate at room temperature, reducing power consumption and enabling more widespread use.
A recent study found that coffee made from capsules contains higher levels of furan, a toxic compound linked to cancer, compared to drip coffee. The levels were highest in espresso and lowest in instant coffee. However, the amounts are still within safe limits for human consumption.
Researchers at the University of Michigan have developed a new class of material that shines with phosphorescence in jewel tones. The discovery could lead to cheaper and more efficient display screens, as well as improved organic light-emitting diodes.
Researchers found that naturally raised steers can be produced effectively in either confinement or pasture finishing systems, but require a premium of $110 to justify costs. Pasture finishing is more profitable and results in higher quality grades.
Researchers have identified intrinsic properties of DNA that influence mutation rate, including the impact of CpG content. The study suggests that the co-variation of CpG content and non-CpG mutation rate is a property of the DNA sequence itself.
Researchers at TU Delft have discovered a way to break down harmful by-products in wood waste, enabling the production of biochemicals and biofuels without costly methods. This breakthrough paves the way for using wood waste as a sustainable raw material.
Scientists developed a nondestructive 'sniff' test that analyzes gases emitted from old books and documents, identifying 15 VOCs as markers for paper degradation. This method preserves prized paper-based objects without destroying them.
A recent study published in HortScience found that some popular indoor plant species release volatile organic compounds (VOCs) into the environment. The study identified 23 VOCs emitted by four plants: Peace Lily, Snake Plant, Weeping Fig, and Areca Palm.
A recent study reveals that disinfection by-products (DBPs) in water are toxic and genotoxic, causing DNA damage. DBPs from iodine-containing compounds and nitrogen-containing compounds are more toxic than regulated ones.
Researchers aim to better understand neutrino oscillations, studying the third unknown mixing angle using antineutrinos from nuclear reactors. The Daya Bay experiment in China and SNO+ upgrade will map antineutrino oscillations between flavors.
Scientists at the University of California, Davis have developed a simple and inexpensive process to directly convert cellulose into furan-based biofuels. This method surpasses previous conversions, offering a promising solution for sustainable energy production.
A University of Washington study reveals that dozens of toxic chemicals are emitted by top-selling laundry products and air fresheners, with none listed on product labels. The study highlights the need for better labeling and reduced exposure to potentially hazardous fragrances.
Researchers found that New Zealand parsnips had lower levels of chemical defenses than those in Europe and North America, making them more susceptible to the parsnip webworm. The webworms are dramatically affecting the plant's ability to reproduce, with 75% of affected plants devoid of reproductive parts.
Shapiro's theory suggests that small molecule interactions were central to the origin of life, rather than self-replication. He introduces the concept of a 'driver' reaction linked to a free energy source to convert an unorganized mixture into a self-regulated metabolic network.
Scientists discovered that clay minerals can protect and promote the formation of organic compounds under extreme conditions. This finding suggests that clays may have acted as a 'primordial womb' for infant molecules, providing shelter and facilitating reactions that led to the production of complex biomolecules.
Researchers from Brookhaven National Laboratory found that high concentrations of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in the Houston Ship Channel region contribute to excessive ozone production. The study's findings may lead to more effective regulations for protecting public health.
A new NASA-funded research center at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute will investigate the origin of life, starting with stardust and organic molecules formed in interstellar space. The center's interdisciplinary team will explore two hypotheses on the formation of life's building blocks.
Researchers have utilized viruses as tools for material science and drug delivery, using their protein coats to admit and expel organic and inorganic material. The potential implications include creating unlimited numbers of homogeneously sized crystals for semiconductor production and targeted cancer therapies.
Research by Stanford University finds that L.A. smog's filtering effect reduces both UV radiation and ozone levels, benefiting skin cancer prevention and respiratory health. The study identifies specific chemical compounds in smog as responsible for this phenomenon.
Researchers at Sandia National Laboratories are developing a portable evidence-detection system that uses flashing lights and modified goggles to make organic substances appear to blink. The system aims to help police investigators quickly find potential evidence in lighted rooms, reducing the time spent on crime scene investigations.
Researchers at Yale have successfully measured an electric current flowing through a single organic molecule, a crucial step towards creating smaller, faster, and cheaper computers. The feat could lead to the development of billions of transistors on a single chip, replacing traditional silicon-based semiconductors.