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Rural air pollution may be as hazardous as urban, study finds

Researchers found that rural areas have similar levels of oxidative potential as urban areas, challenging the misconception that air pollution is more toxic in urban settings. The study also showed that summertime agricultural activity can produce PM2.5 particles that are just as toxic as those from urban settings.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalJournal of Hazardous Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 27, 2022

Daylight causes road damage

Researchers at Vienna University of Technology have discovered that visible light, particularly in the blue and green range, accelerates the oxidation of bitumen, leading to cracking and damage to asphalt. This unexpected finding highlights the importance of considering solar radiation in estimates for road durability.

SourceVienna University of Technology·JournalConstruction and Building Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 15, 2021

Researchers simulate an acute decline in exercise, as many experienced during COVID19 lockdowns, to study its metabolic consequences

A team of researchers simulated the loss of physical activity during COVID19 lockdowns to study its effects on metabolism. They found that mice's energy sources shifted based on their diet composition after a sharp decline in exercise, leading to weight gain.

SourceBen-Gurion University of the Negev·JournalPhysiological Reports·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 6, 2021

Researchers propose strategy to inhibit over-oxidation for oxidative dehydrogenation of ethane

Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics researchers propose dual active site strategy to isolate dehydrogenation and oxidation in oxidative dehydrogenation of ethane, resulting in near 100% ethene selectivity. This approach could be extended to multiple oxidation reactions plagued by over-oxidation.

SourceDalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy Sciences·JournalNature Communications·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateSep 27, 2021

Scientists from Pusan National University emphasize the health benefits of ginseng

Researchers from Pusan National University have compiled a comprehensive review of ginsenosides, the main component of ginseng, which can prevent inflammation, diabetes, and cancer. The study provides insights into how to improve ginsenoside production through chemical and enzymatic treatments, as well as microbial action.

SourcePusan National University·JournalCritical Reviews in Food Science and Nutrition·TypeLiterature review·DateSep 15, 2021

Turn off the blue light!

Researchers from University of Tsukuba discovered that exposure to organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs) before sleep reduces negative health effects on energy metabolism. OLEDs emit less blue light, leading to decreased energy expenditure and core body temperature during sleep.

SourceUniversity of Tsukuba·JournalScientific Reports·DateJul 9, 2021

The bitumen puzzle

Researchers used AFM-IR, ToF-SIMS, and fluorescence microscopy to study bitumen surface composition and structure. The study found that the surface is heterogeneous, with individual molecular assemblies distributed in a specific pattern.

SourceVienna University of Technology·JournalScientific Reports·DateJul 6, 2021

Lazy, hazy days no more: A call-to-action to better understand air pollution mechanisms

Scientists have made significant progress in understanding the atmospheric oxidation capacity, which is crucial for reducing smog and haze formation. Researchers have developed indexes to characterize this capacity in Beijing and plan to apply them in other highly polluted regions of China.

SourceInstitute of Atmospheric Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalAdvances in Atmospheric Sciences·DateJun 11, 2021

Effects of 'Fenton-like' reactions of ferric oxalate on atmospheric oxidation processes and radiative forcing

Research investigates ferric oxalate's role in atmospheric oxidation, revealing its contribution to the formation of secondary organic aerosols (SOA) and affecting radiative forcing. The study highlights the significance of superoxide radicals in oxidizing organic compounds.

SourceInstitute of Atmospheric Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalAdvances in Atmospheric Sciences·DateJun 11, 2021

New study reveals charge transfer at interface of spinel oxide and ceria during CO oxidation

A recent study has unveiled a new principle that active charge transfer at the interface between non-noble metals can enhance the catalytic performance of complex oxide catalysts. The researchers found that CeO2-deposited spinel oxide nanocubes exhibited a 12-times higher CO oxidation rate than pristine Co3O4 NCs.

A strong coffee half an hour before exercising increases fat-burning

A new study published in Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition found that consuming caffeine before aerobic exercise significantly increases fat-burning. The study's results suggest that combining acute caffeine intake with exercise performed at moderate intensity in the afternoon is the optimal scenario for increasi...

SourceUniversity of Granada·JournalJournal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition·DateMar 22, 2021

New material: Rapid color change

Scientists have developed a new material with faster and more efficient electrochromic properties than existing materials. The material, called Covalent Organic Frameworks (COFs), can be triggered by an applied electrical voltage, allowing for rapid color change and high sensitivity to electrochemical oxidation.

SourceLudwig-Maximilians-Universität München·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateMar 18, 2021

High-performance electrocatalysts to propel development of direct ethanol fuel cells

Direct ethanol fuel cells have high energy density, low toxicity, and easy operation, but lack robust electrocatalysts for anodic ethanol oxidation. The study proposes alloying effects with core-shell construction to optimize Pd shell surfaces, achieving highest mass activity and specific activity for catalyzing ethanol electro-oxidation

SourceChinese Academy of Sciences Headquarters·JournalCell Reports Physical Science·DateMar 1, 2021

Oxidation processes in combustion engines and in the atmosphere take the same routes

A research team at TROPOS and University of Helsinki has discovered that alkanes in fuels produce highly oxygenated compounds that can form organic aerosol and contribute to air pollution. The study uses state-of-the-art measurement technology to demonstrate an efficient autoxidation chain reaction for saturated hydrocarbons.

SourceLeibniz Institute for Tropospheric Research (TROPOS)·JournalCommunications Chemistry·DateFeb 23, 2021

Are high-protein total diet replacements the key to maintaining healthy weight?

A study published in The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that high-protein total diet replacements led to higher energy expenditure, increased fat oxidation, and negative fat balance compared to a typical North American diet. This suggests that these diets may be a promising nutritional strategy for weight management.

SourceAmerican Society for Nutrition·JournalAmerican Journal of Clinical Nutrition·DateNov 18, 2020

Water molecules are gold for nanocatalysis

Researchers from Ruhr-Universität Bochum have discovered that water molecules facilitate oxygen dissociation in aqueous solutions, reducing energy costs by 25%. This breakthrough helps explain the high catalytic activity of gold nanoparticles on metal oxides for selective oxidation.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·JournalACS Catalysis·DateJul 27, 2020

E-cigarette users are exposed to potentially harmful levels of metal linked to DNA damage

A recent study by the University of California, Riverside found that e-cigarette users have elevated biomarkers of exposure and potential harm, including zinc excess correlated with oxidative DNA damage. The study highlights the risks of prolonged e-cigarette use and advises physicians to exercise caution when recommending e-cigarettes.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalBMJ Open Respiratory Research·DateFeb 20, 2020

Guardian angel of the eye

Researchers from TUM have identified a new role for the alpha-A-crystallin protein in protecting other proteins from oxidation, which may contribute to the prevention of cataracts and age-related blindness. The study reveals that oxidized alpha-A-crystallin can transfer disulfide bridges to other proteins, influencing their redox state.

SourceTechnical University of Munich (TUM)·JournalNature Structural & Molecular Biology·DateJan 29, 2020

Avocados may help manage obesity, prevent diabetes

Researchers have discovered that avocatin B, found only in avocados, counters incomplete oxidation in skeletal muscle and the pancreas, reducing insulin resistance. The study found significant weight loss and improved insulin sensitivity in mice fed with a high-fat diet supplemented with AvoB.

SourceUniversity of Guelph·JournalMolecular Nutrition & Food Research·DateOct 30, 2019

Combustion behavior of aromatics may provide keys to enhancing heavy oil extraction

Researchers at Kazan University's In-Situ Combustion Lab have studied the combustion behavior of aromatic compounds and their impact on heavy oil extraction. The study found that certain aromatic compounds can promote high-temperature oxidation and inhibit low-temperature oxidation, leading to more efficient extraction methods.

SourceKazan Federal University·JournalJournal of Industrial and Engineering Chemistry·DateOct 3, 2019