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Making plastics from oranges

Scientists create a novel polymer, polylimonene carbonate, using limonene oxide and CO2, offering an alternative to petroleum-based plastics. The biodegradable material has characteristics similar to polystyrene, a commonly used plastic.

SourceCornell University·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateJan 17, 2005

Major advance made in transparent electronics

A new class of 'thin-film' materials has been developed, offering higher mobility, better chemical stability, and ease of manufacture. These amorphous heavy-metal cation multicomponent oxides could lead to new electronic devices, such as gas sensors, consumer electronics, and military equipment.

SourceOregon State University·JournalApplied Physics Letters·DateDec 28, 2004

Nitric oxide is essential for animal development

Researchers discover nitric oxide synthase is crucial for Drosophila development, leading to the death of flies lacking the gene. The study uses genetic analysis and mutations to provide conclusive evidence that NOS function is essential for an organism's development.

SourceCell Press·JournalCurrent Biology·DateOct 25, 2004

Botulism bug says no to nitric oxide, provides key to molecule's role in human cell signaling

The study reveals how botulism-causing Clostridium botulinum detects nitric oxide, shedding light on its role in human cardiovascular, neurological, and immunological systems. The research also provides insights into the structural details of soluble guanylyl cyclase, a protein difficult to crystallize for analysis.

New way to make nanoscale circuits is discovered

Cornell University researchers have discovered a method to precisely control the electronic properties of complex oxide materials at the atomic level, replacing silicon insulators. The technique involves removing oxygen atoms from thin films to create vacancies, which act as electron-donating dopants and can be controlled with high pre...

SourceCornell University·JournalNature·DateAug 23, 2004

Growing tiny totally tubular formations

Researchers discover new method for growing tiny tubes, similar to those found in caves and at hydrothermal vents. The discovery uses a controlled laboratory setup to replicate the formation process, allowing scientists to study it on human time scales.

SourceUniversity of Arizona·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 26, 2004

Study reveals poor Houston air quality

A study by Texas A&M University reveals Houston's air quality is severely impacted due to industrial emissions and auto exhaust, posing a significant health risk to its 5 million residents. The city must take steps to curb its air pollution problems, including alternative energy sources and more efficient transportation.

SourceTexas A&M University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 14, 2004

Delving into defects spurs prospects for chip insulator

A team of NIST and IBM researchers has quantified 'electrical capture defects' in hafnium oxide chips, which can drain currents and hinder transistor operation. By applying a voltage pulse and measuring current, the scientists identified critical locations where these defects occur near the silicon substrate-hafnium oxide interface.

SourceNational Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)·JournalIEEE Electron Device Letters·DateMar 11, 2004

American Thoracic Society Journal news tips for February 2004 (second issue)

A study of influenza vaccination in children with asthma found no significant reduction in asthma exacerbations caused by the flu. In contrast, a separate study showed that maternal and personal smoking synergize to increase airflow limitation in offspring, increasing the risk of Chronic Obstruction Pulmonary Disease (COPD).

SourceAmerican Thoracic Society·JournalAmerican Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine·DateFeb 17, 2004

The end of the line for silicon dioxide?

Researchers at TU Vienna and Clausthal have discovered a new material, strontium titanate, that can be used as a gate oxide to overcome the miniaturization limit of transistors. The material's electrical properties can be controlled by chemical processes at the interface, enabling the design of even smaller and more efficient transistors.

Birth control for brain neurons

A molecule called nitric oxide is a natural regulator of new neurons in the adult brain. Blocking nitric oxide production stimulates neural stem cell proliferation, increasing brain neuron generation and contributing to the adult brain's architecture.

SourceCold Spring Harbor Laboratory·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 28, 2003

Powering fuel cells: oxide materials may facilitate small-scale hydrogen production

Researchers at Georgia Tech have developed an oxide system that can produce hydrogen from water vapor and methane at lower temperatures, potentially allowing it to be powered by solar energy. This could provide a lower-cost alternative to traditional reforming processes for small-scale fuel cells in homes or vehicles.

SourceGeorgia Institute of Technology Research News·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateJun 9, 2003

Nitric oxide has important role in fever regulation, new study says

A recent study by Dr. Wieslaw E. Kozak found that nitric oxide has a distinct role in fever regulation, involving three different enzymes: neuronal nitric oxide synthase, inducible nitric oxide synthase, and endothelial nitric oxide synthase. The researchers used knockout mice to study the impact of these enzymes on fever response.

SourceMedical College of Georgia at Augusta University·JournalJournal of Applied Physiology·DateMay 30, 2003