Articles tagged with Soaps
A University of Georgia study found that even brief exposure to art makes consumers evaluate products more positively, due to the 'art infusion effect'. The study revealed that art can increase perceived luxury and sophistication in everyday items, making it a powerful marketing tool.
A study by UC Davis researchers found that triclocarban, a common antibacterial chemical, alters hormonal activity in rats and human cells. In male rats, testosterone-dependent organs grew abnormally large after exposure to the chemical.
A study by Dr. Matthew Oughton found that soap and warm water eliminate over 98% of C. difficile bacteria, while alcohol-based solutions are ineffective against spores. The protocol also confirmed washing hands with soap and water remains an excellent method to control nosocomial infections.
A study by University of Michigan researchers found that plain soap is as effective as antibacterial soap in preventing illness and reducing bacteria on hands. The team's analysis also suggests that triclosan, a common active ingredient in antibacterial soaps, may render some antibiotics less effective.
Researchers at the University of Warwick developed a new method to create fire-resistant and hard-wearing latex emulsion paints by coating polymer particles with nanosized Laponite clay discs. This technique improves the paint's performance, enabling the creation of compact yet highly sensitive sensors.
Researchers found that individuals prefer divergence in product domains where others look for signals about their identity, such as hairstyles or favorite CDs. In contrast, less identity-relevant domains like dish soap elicit much weaker divergent preferences.
A team of researchers from Penn State created a viscoelastic mixture that exhibits fluid-like behavior at slow speeds, solid-like behavior at intermediate speeds, and heals itself after tearing. The study provides new insights into how materials switch between these states.
Patients with severe occupational hand eczema (OHE) are at higher risk for unemployment, prolonged sick leave, and changes in job status. Those aged 40+, lower socioeconomic status, or experiencing low quality of life are particularly affected.
Researchers Matthias Weber, David Hoffman, and Michael Wolf discovered a genus one helicoid, a minimal surface with an extra feature: a handle. This finding has implications for understanding the properties of surfaces at the nanoscale and could lead to new applications in structures and materials science.
A team of mathematicians from Rice, Stanford, and Indiana universities has provided the first proof since Jean Meusnier's study of soap films in 1785. The new shape, called genus one helicoid, is an infinitely twisted version of a fundamental simple shape with balanced properties.
A randomized controlled trial in Pakistan found that handwashing with soap reduced the incidence of pneumonia by 50% and diarrhoea by 53% in children under 5. Handwashing also prevented impetigo. The study highlights the importance of regular handwashing as a cost-effective technique for preventing childhood diseases.
Research by Vikesland and his associates suggests that consumer products containing triclosan can produce chloroform when mixed with chlorinated water, which can be absorbed through skin or inhaled. The production of chloroform has implications for human health and the environment due to its potential to accumulate in body tissues.
A Stanford University study reveals that common household fragrances, such as synthetic musks, can compromise the defense system of aquatic animals, leading to long-term effects. The researchers found that even short-term exposure to these chemicals could have lasting impacts on marine organisms.
Researchers at Northwestern University found that cells in the retina of fruit flies adopt mathematically predictable shapes and configurations, similar to soap bubbles. This discovery reveals a general principle of patterning found in a wide range of living things.
According to Professor Mohan Dutta-Bergman, local health campaigns are not reaching the at-risk American population, who get their information from sources like soap operas, sitcoms, and sports programs. This is crucial as young adults are less likely to read newspapers, which can lead to developing unhealthy habits.
A handwashing program in Pakistan's urban slums reduced diarrhea incidence by 53% among children under 15. The program used plain soap, with no difference in efficacy seen with antibacterial soap.
A Hopkins study found that most household cleaners effectively removed peanut allergen Ara h 1 from surfaces. However, the use of hand sanitizers was shown to leave residual allergen on hands and potentially spread it around.
The US Preventive Services Task Force finds insufficient evidence to show that routine screenings for physical abuse and intimate partner violence lead to decreased disability or premature death. Clinicians should remain vigilant and look for signs of abuse or neglect, despite the lack of proof that interventions work.
For skiing, snowboarding, and other winter sports, artificial snow requires realistic look, feel, and action. Machine-made snow uses seed materials to form ice crystals, with popular additives like Snomax and Drift enhancing realism and speed.
Researchers at Lehigh University discovered that the milky band on cloudy wineglasses is actually a network of microscopic scratches created during glass manufacturing. Repeated washings in the dishwasher can cause these cracks to spread and scatter light, giving the bowl a corroded appearance.
A collaboration between IFF and NIST uses slowed-down neutrons to measure fragrance and carrier molecule structures. This information can guide efforts to enhance models for formulating carriers that are optimized for specific fragrances and products.
Researchers discovered protrusions in oil paintings, composed of metal soaps, which form when paint layers contain lead and zinc. The phenomenon affects both panels and canvases, causing a bumpy surface texture, and can still be active in some cases.
Researchers at Purdue University have successfully crystallized a fat-soluble protein using a synthetic detergent and synthetic fat, overcoming a 20-year hurdle. This breakthrough could lead to significant advances in understanding diseases by studying the structure of these proteins.
Weber's research reveals that all minimal surfaces share a common property, which attracts artists who create near-minimal surfaces without realizing it. His work also inspires architects to explore the use of minimal surfaces in structures, calendars, and other applications.
Researchers at Spin Master Toys developed a new bubble solution that can last for weeks, thanks to a strengthening polymer. The 'Catch-A-Bubble' product uses a combination of soap and water to create long-lasting bubbles that can withstand evaporation.
A study on the French text 'Lancelot en prose' found that minor characters helped medieval readers follow complex tale plots. These stereotypical characters, such as damsels and dwarfs, served specific narrative functions.
Researchers developed Microbial Anti-attachment Technology (MAT), reducing bacteria attachment by 50-58% compared to traditional soaps. The technology uses three cosmetic ingredients to deposit a thin film on skin, blocking bacteria-binding sites and altering surface properties.
Virginia Tech researchers have developed ultra-thin heat protective coatings for rockets and microelectronics by studying hybrid organic/inorganic molecules. The coatings, which are less than two nanometers thick, offer improved fuel efficiency and weight reduction in space applications.
A program called Operation Stop Cough reduced illness rates by 45% among Navy recruits who were ordered to wash their hands frequently. Handwashing may be especially valuable during the respiratory disease season, as it can prevent less virulent illnesses and mitigate outbreaks.
Research by Wayne Ahr and his team seeks to improve recovery methods for mature oil fields, aiming to extract between one-third and one-half of the remaining oil. The team uses computer modeling, geological analysis, and detergents to force out residual oil from porous rocks.
Mathematicians Frank Morgan and colleagues have proved the Double Bubble Conjecture, showing that the double soap bubble is the most efficient shape for separating two air volumes. The proof uses only pencil and paper, making it a significant breakthrough in mathematical research.
A US trade and aid embargo against Cuba has contributed to significant public health problems, according to Yale Medical School professor Michele Barry. The embargo has led to epidemics of blindness due to nutrient scarcity, infants ingesting lye instead of soap, and outbreaks of Guillain-Barre syndrome caused by contaminated water.
A synthetic detergent, nonylphenolethoxylate (NPE), commonly used in household cleansers, has been discovered to block a drug pump in cancer cells, reducing the need for chemotherapy drugs. The researchers found NPE present in human urine and suggest it could be a useful adjunct to standard treatments.
The event brings together 60 elementary-age students from Dallas-area schools and 30 trained chemistry volunteers for an afternoon of hands-on WonderScience activities. The activities are linked to the National Science Education Standards, fostering long-term commitment to science literacy among young participants.
Researchers at Columbia University are adapting industrial materials based on sugar to create novel, eco-friendly surfactants for household, medical, and industrial uses. These sugar-based polymers offer better cleansing properties than traditional detergents and can be used in personal care products.