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Modern alchemists are making chemistry greener

Researchers at Princeton University have found a revolutionary approach using cobalt and methanol to produce an epilepsy drug, replacing toxic rhodium and dichloromethane. The new reaction is faster, cheaper, and more environmentally friendly, offering distinct advantages over traditional methods.

SourcePrinceton University·JournalScience·DateJun 14, 2018

The scent of the city

Researchers at the University of Innsbruck used a sophisticated measurement method to create a chemical fingerprint of urban VOC emission sources. The study found that emissions from cosmetics, detergents, and food preparation contribute significantly to the total VOC burden, with some compounds leaving characteristic 'scent' in the air.

SourceUniversity of Innsbruck·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 22, 2018
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

Apple iPhone 17 Pro delivers top performance and advanced cameras for field documentation, data collection, and secure research communications.

A radical approach to methane oxidation into methanol

Researchers at Osaka University have created a radical reaction that converts methane into methanol and formic acid using a clean, low-temperature process. The process achieves this goal without the need for high temperatures or pressures, converting over 99% of methane into the target products.

SourceOsaka University·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateDec 18, 2017

From Cellulose to 3-D Objects

Researchers have developed a sustainable 3D printing process using polyethylene-2,5-furandicarboxylate (PEF), a polymer made from cellulose. The new biobased polymer allows for high-quality objects with good solvent resistance and thermal stability.

SourceWiley·JournalAngewandte Chemie·DateOct 27, 2017

New green solvent could help clean our air

French researchers have developed a new green solvent that can trap harmful volatile organic compounds from the air. The non-flammable mixture, made from choline salt and urea, was found to dissolve up to 500 times more chemicals than water at 30°C.

SourceSpringer·JournalEnvironmental Chemistry Letters·DateAug 24, 2017
Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount

Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount provides precise tracking capacity for deep-sky imaging rigs during long astrophotography sessions.

Spray-on electric rainbows: Making safer electrochromic inks

Researchers at Georgia Institute of Technology have developed water-based electrochromic film inks, making them safer and more accessible for various industries. The new method eliminates the use of flammable solvents and toxic fumes associated with previous inks.

SourceGeorgia Institute of Technology·JournalACS Central Science·DateAug 16, 2017
SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB

SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB transfers large imagery and model outputs quickly between field laptops, lab workstations, and secure archives.

Using nature's own solvents for the preparation of pure lignin

Lignin can be efficiently separated from sawdust using eutectic solvents, retaining its natural chemical structure. This breakthrough enables various industrial applications, including forest, food processing, pharmaceutical and mining industries.

SourceVTT Technical Research Centre of Finland·JournalScientific Reports·DateOct 4, 2016

Using espresso machines to do chemistry

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.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalAnalytical Chemistry·DateJun 15, 2016

Exfoliating thinner flakes of phosphorene at higher yield

Researchers at Northwestern University have developed a new process to exfoliate atomically thin phosphorene flakes with high yield and minimal degradation. The method uses deoxygenated water as an environmentally benign solvent, resulting in superior material quality and scalable fabrication.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 18, 2016
GQ GMC-500Plus Geiger Counter

GQ GMC-500Plus Geiger Counter logs beta, gamma, and X-ray levels for environmental monitoring, training labs, and safety demonstrations.

Benign by design

The UCSB organic chemistry team, led by Bruce Lipshutz, developed an ecofriendly approach to the Suzuki-Miyaura cross-coupling reaction, significantly reducing palladium requirements. By using iron salt as a palladium substitute, they eliminated heat input and organic solvents, creating a more sustainable process.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalScience·DateSep 22, 2015

Electrospray solves longstanding problem in Langmuir-Blodgett assembly

Researchers have developed an electrospray technique to improve Langmuir-Blodgett assembly, reducing the need for toxic organic solvents and increasing efficiency. This approach enables the creation of well-dispersed nanoparticle monolayers with precise control over packing density.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateAug 20, 2015

Workplace exposure to organic solvents linked to heart defects at birth

Research found associations between exposure to certain organic solvents and an increased risk of heart defects in newborns. The study, published in Occupational and Environmental Medicine, suggests that workplace exposure to organic solvents may be a potential risk factor for several types of congenital heart defects at birth.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalOccupational and Environmental Medicine·DateJul 17, 2012
Aranet4 Home CO2 Monitor

Aranet4 Home CO2 Monitor tracks ventilation quality in labs, classrooms, and conference rooms with long battery life and clear e-ink readouts.

Livermore researchers develop battery-less chemical detector

Lawrence Livermore researchers have developed a nanosensor that relies on semiconductor nanowires to detect various molecules quickly and selectively responds to different types of solvent molecules. The device is simple, highly sensitive and could be the first step in making an easily deployable chemical sensor for the battlefield.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateApr 6, 2011

Green Chemistry Awards announced

The US Environmental Protection Agency announced the 2009 Presidential Green Chemistry Challenge Award winners, recognizing research that can make significant contributions to pollution prevention. The award winners developed innovative methods for producing greener chemicals, fuels, and materials.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·DateJun 22, 2009
Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 Binoculars

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New recipe for self-healing plastic includes dash of food additive

Scientists at the University of Illinois have developed a novel self-healing system using a non-toxic food additive to restore damaged polymers. The new repair process, which mimics human wound healing, has achieved 100% healing efficiency in tests.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalAdvanced Functional Materials·DateOct 15, 2008

Explosives go 'green'

LLNL scientists have successfully added unique green solvents to an explosive called TATB, improving crystal quality and chemical purity. This breakthrough aims to create safer explosives with reduced violent reactions.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory·JournalPhysical Chemistry Chemical Physics·DateAug 28, 2008

New efficiency benchmark for dye-sensitized solar cells

Researchers have achieved a record light conversion efficiency of 8.2% in solvent-free dye-sensitized solar cells, paving the way for large-scale outdoor applications. The development of an electrolyte mixture made from three solid salts replaces volatile organic solvents, making it possible to produce lightweight and inexpensive flexi...

SourceEcole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne·JournalNature Materials·DateJun 29, 2008
Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach

Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach provides rugged GNSS navigation, satellite messaging, and SOS for backcountry geology and climate field teams.

A wafer of polyethylene

Researchers have created ultrathin polymer films made of nanocrystals using a novel production technique. The method, led by Stefan Mecking, produces films with a thickness of 50 nm using individual prefabricated nanocrystal building blocks.

SourceWiley·DateJun 3, 2008

Capturing sunlight

Researchers have developed a new type of solar cell that uses indoline dye and ionic liquid to improve efficiency. The cells achieve an energy conversion yield of 7.2%, a record for this type of cell, and could potentially lead to more affordable renewable energy.

SourceWiley·DateFeb 28, 2008

Tolerance to inhalants may be caused by changes in gene expression

Changes in gene expression may cause people to develop a tolerance to inhalants by altering the response of fruit flies to future doses through epigenetic modifications. The research lays groundwork for understanding mechanisms of inhalant addiction and developing treatment methods.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin·JournalPLOS Biology·DateOct 17, 2007

New developments in 'artificial photosynthesis'

Brookhaven chemists aim to replicate natural photosynthesis to produce fuels like methanol, methane, and hydrogen from water and carbon dioxide using renewable solar energy. They are investigating various catalysts, including ruthenium-based complexes, to mimic the natural process of oxygen production from water.

SourceDOE/Brookhaven National Laboratory·DateMar 27, 2007

Solvent exposure linked to birth defects in babies of male painters

A study by the University of Alberta links paternal airborne exposure to organic solvents used in painting, thinning and cleaning to increased risk of low birth weight and congenital birth defects. Workers exposed to these chemicals were up to six times more likely to father malformed babies.

SourceUniversity of Alberta·JournalOccupational and Environmental Medicine·DateSep 26, 2006
Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm)

Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm) tracks health metrics and safety alerts during long observing sessions, fieldwork, and remote expeditions.

New Web database improves access to ionic liquid data

NIST launches ILThermo, a free online database of physical properties for ionic liquids, including thermodynamic, transport, and structural information. The database includes over 200 ions and 300 ionic liquids with calculated uncertainties, facilitating comparison of measurements.

SourceNational Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)·DateAug 17, 2006

Rutgers findings a step toward safer chemicals in labs and industry

Rutgers chemists invent variant of room temperature ionic liquids to overcome viscosity barrier, enabling safer and more efficient industrial processes. The new chemicals could be used in industries such as chemical manufacturing, electroplating, and radioactive waste handling.

SourceRutgers University·JournalThe Journal of Physical Chemistry B·DateOct 21, 2005

Data effort improves flow toward 'greener' chemistry

Scientists at NIST report that flow properties of alternative solvents called ionic liquids are extremely sensitive to tiny amounts of water. The finding could help design new industrial processes that are more efficient and environmentally friendly.

SourceNational Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)·JournalChemical Communications·DateApr 21, 2005

Offspring at risk from maternal occupational exposure to solvents

A study of 32 pregnant women exposed to organic solvents at work found that their children had significantly lower verbal cognitive functioning and greater inattention, highlighting the need for reduced exposure during pregnancy.

SourceUniversity of Toronto·JournalArchives of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine·DateOct 4, 2004
Anker Laptop Power Bank 25,000mAh (Triple 100W USB-C)

Anker Laptop Power Bank 25,000mAh (Triple 100W USB-C) keeps Macs, tablets, and meters powered during extended observing runs and remote surveys.

Low sperm count linked to organic solvents

A study of over 1200 Canadian manual workers found that moderate occupational solvent exposure was associated with a significant increase in low sperm counts. Painters, decorators, and builders were at the highest risk, while glycol ethers are suspected to be hazardous to male fertility

SourceBMJ Specialty Journals·JournalOccupational and Environmental Medicine·DateSep 10, 2001
DJI Air 3 (RC-N2)

DJI Air 3 (RC-N2) captures 4K mapping passes and environmental surveys with dual cameras, long flight time, and omnidirectional obstacle sensing.

Researchers use water instead of solvent to produce a new acrylic

Researchers at Virginia Tech have synthesized a novel acrylic blend using water instead of organic solvents, allowing for the production of polymers without solvent use. The new blend is made possible by introducing carbohydrates to solubilize hydrophobic monomers, enabling their formation in water.

SourceVirginia Tech·DateAug 22, 2000

Successful 'Green' Solvent Found For Problematic Chemicals

Researchers at University of Notre Dame and Pittsburgh have successfully developed a new process to separate problematic chemicals from ionic liquids using supercritical carbon dioxide. This environmentally benign solvent eliminates the need for distillation, which is impractical with low-vapor-pressure compounds, and can effectively r...

SourceUniversity of Notre Dame·JournalNature·DateMay 6, 1999

New, Environmentally Friendly Technique For Separating Liquids Invented At UNC-CH

Researchers at UNC-CH have invented a process using carbon dioxide to separate liquids, promising a more environmentally friendly alternative to toxic solvents. The new method, described in Nature, has shown success in removing dye from water and could be applied in industries releasing vast amounts of waste water into the environment.

SourceUniversity of North Carolina at Chapel Hill·JournalNature·DateSep 24, 1997
Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter

Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter measures wind, temperature, and humidity in real time for site assessments, aviation checks, and safety briefings.