Articles tagged with Terpenes
Researchers analyzed 222 terpene synthase genes in 24 angiosperm species, revealing how specific subfamilies drove the production of diverse terpenes. This study highlights the evolutionary foundation of terpene diversity and its role in plant adaptability and ecological success.
Researchers at the University of Konstanz are developing new methods to modify natural substances using enzymes, with potential applications in pharmaceuticals. Meanwhile, ecologist Catalina Chaparro-Pedraza is studying how organisms adapt to environmental changes and their impact on ecological resilience.
Research at the University of Arizona Health Sciences found that certain terpenes in Cannabis sativa are effective at relieving post-surgical and fibromyalgia pain in preclinical models. Terpenes have been shown to provide significant pain relief in mouse models, with geraniol providing the most significant level of pain relief.
Purdue University engineers have found that household products like air fresheners and wax melts can release nanoscale particles that penetrate deep into the lungs. These nanoparticles are formed when fragrances interact with ozone, potentially posing risks to respiratory health.
The Amazon rainforest is a significant source of condensation nuclei for clouds, according to two studies. The rainforest's plant transpiration and thunderstorms produce aerosol particles that can be transported thousands of kilometers, influencing marine cloud formation.
Researchers at Institute of Science Tokyo create terpene-based chiral capsules that facilitate the easy preparation of well-defined host–guest composites with tunable chiroptical properties. The resulting composites can be used in water without organic solvents, paving the way for advances in cutting-edge optical technologies.
Researchers found that five cannabis terpenes reduced chronic neuropathic pain levels comparable to morphine. The combination of terpenes and morphine enhanced pain relief without negative side effects. Terpenes offer an alternative to opioids for pain management with a better side effect profile.
Researchers at the University of California, Berkeley, have successfully produced the QS-21 adjuvant in yeast, which is currently extracted from tree bark. The production process is cheaper and more environmentally friendly than traditional methods, making it a promising solution for lowering vaccine costs and increasing availability.
Researchers at University of Basel have developed a new method to synthesize complex natural substances like terpenes, which can be used as the basis for new medications. The approach allows for controlled molecular structure and targeted changes to improve properties, paving the way for the development of new therapeutic agents.
A recent study found that most cannabis users (80%) have stopped using over-the-counter or prescription sleep aids and instead prefer inhaling high-THC cannabis to help with falling asleep. The study also showed that cannabis users experienced fewer headaches, nausea, and dry mouth compared to traditional sleep aids.
Researchers from Spain used high-power ultrasound technology to treat Monastrell grapes, resulting in improved color and sensory profile of the rosé. The study found that sonication enhanced the extraction of volatile compounds, such as terpenes, which improve aroma.
Researchers at SRI International have identified genes that enable insects to produce terpenes, a key component of their chemical communication. This breakthrough provides a roadmap for understanding how these chemicals are used and could lead to new ways to protect crops and prevent insect-borne diseases.
Researchers found that boreal wetlands are a substantial source of isoprene and terpenes, contributing to the formation of secondary organic aerosol and ozone. The emissions from these wetlands exhibit a strong exponential temperature response, making them a significant concern in a warming climate.
A team of scientists developed a simplified and efficient method for artificial production of terpenes, using fluorinated alcohol catalyst solutions. This approach allows targeted production of natural substances from simple starting materials, offering potential applications in food, cosmetics, and pharmaceutical industries.
A team of researchers at KAUST has developed a new method to replace toxic chlorinated solvents with plant-derived alternatives in organic solar cell manufacture. The study reveals that terpene-based solvents can be used without affecting the light-capturing performance of the cells, resulting in an 85% lower carbon footprint.
Scientists have developed a sustainable method to create valuable aroma compound mixtures from limonene, the main compound in orange peel oil. The process generates an amber-colored liquid with a pleasant odor and 17 different compounds with fruity, herbal, citrus, and resinous notes.
A new study of nearly 90,000 cannabis samples across six states found that the current labeling system does not consistently align with the observed chemical diversity of products. The researchers are now calling for a more comprehensive labeling system akin to food's nutrition facts panel.
Researchers have discovered that sea sponges themselves produce biologically active compounds, including terpenes with potential malaria-fighting properties. This finding represents a 'fundamental shift' in the field and opens up new avenues for drug discovery using animals as vessels.
Researchers found that cannabis terpenes mimic the effects of cannabinoids, providing pain relief without increasing negative side effects. The study suggests terpenes may be used to boost the efficacy of THC and reduce psychoactive effects, leading to a potential dose-reduction strategy for pain management.
Researchers at RUDN University have synthesized a new class of compounds that inhibit the replication of the deadly Hantaan virus, which causes acute haemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome. The resulting substances are 5 times more effective than existing antiviral drugs and show promise for treatment development.
Chemists at Scripps Research have created three families of complex, oxygen-containing molecules that are normally obtainable only from plants. The key to this new method is harnessing natural enzymes--from bacteria--to assist in complex chemical transformations.
A Portland State University study found that vape additives, particularly terpenes, can form more toxins than the main psychoactive chemical THC when inhaled. The researchers discovered that vendors were adding up to 30% more terpenes to their products, which can impact flavor and smell but also pose health risks.
A new study reveals that stalked glandular trichomes in cannabis flowers are the richest source of THC- and CBD-forming metabolites and fragrance-giving terpenes. The findings provide insight into how these trichomes make and store valuable products.
Researchers have identified genes responsible for eucalyptus oil production, enabling the potential use of eucalyptus as a renewable fuel source. This breakthrough could enable faster and more efficient domestication of eucalyptus trees for biofuel production.
Scientists create efficient, affordable pathway for terpene synthesis using E. coli bacteria, enabling mass production of these molecules for various industries.
Scientists discover functional genes for producing terpenes and carotenoids in mites, which could lead to new ways of controlling chigger bites and potentially treating scrub typhus. Ancient horizontal gene transfer from soil bacteria and fungi is found to be responsible for these genetic surprises.
Researchers have developed a new class of mosquito repellents based on naturally occurring compounds that are effective in repelling mosquitoes. The compounds mimic the mechanism of nature, which could provide additional protection against mosquitoes, while having fewer environmental side effects.
Chemists at the University of Basel have developed a novel synthesis method for terpenes that uses molecular capsules to mimic nature. The method significantly reduces the number of steps and improves yield in the synthesis process.
Researchers from the Netherlands Institute of Ecology discovered that micro-organisms, including bacteria and fungi, use terpenes to hold conversations. Terpenes are the most popular chemical medium for communication on the planet.
Researchers have identified approximately 30 terpene synthase genes that contribute to diverse flavors in cannabis. These genes play a role in producing natural products like limonene, myrcene, and pinene, which are responsible for the plant's characteristic aromas.
A team of scientists has identified three new enzymes responsible for terpene production in corn, which attracts parasitic wasps that consume caterpillars. This discovery could lead to the development of more caterpillar-resistant corn varieties.
Researchers at Caltech develop efficient synthesis route for ryanodol, a key intermediate on the path to producing the insecticide ryanodine. The new method reduces reaction steps by five, enabling faster production of the molecule. This breakthrough also opens up possibilities for studying biological function and developing new drugs.
Scientists at Scripps Research Institute (TSRI) have developed a 19-step process for synthesizing phorbol and its derivatives, providing access to powerful compounds for the development of new therapies. The method enables pharmaceutical researchers to make tiglianes in the laboratory, which are known for their biological activity and ...
Researchers have identified an unexpected enzyme, RhNUDX1, that plays a key role in producing rose fragrances. By investigating the genes of two rose cultivars, they found that this enzyme generates the fragrant monoterpene geraniol.
Research finds that malaria-infected cells produce specific terpenes attractive to mosquitoes, which can be detected in breath or sweat. This discovery may lead to new diagnostic tests and improve malaria control by understanding mosquito attraction.
Researchers from Ruhr-University Bochum found that terpenes in citrus scents can inhibit liver cancer cell growth. The study discovered the signalling pathway used by (-)-citronellal and citronellol, two terpenes with anti-cancer properties.
New research at Brown University reveals that bacteria have the genetic capacity to produce terpenes, with 262 gene sequences found to code for enzymes responsible. The team used these enzymes to isolate 13 previously unknown bacterial terpenes, providing a new paradigm for discovering natural products.
A Drexel University researcher studied indoor aerosol spikes caused by cleaning products and air fresheners, revealing the formation of secondary organic aerosols (SOAs) due to limonene reactions. The study suggests a significant impact on indoor air quality, warranting further public health research.
Scientists have identified two enzymes responsible for the formation of terpenes, which contribute to a wine's bouquet. The study could lead to the development of new grape varieties with improved aromas.
A WPI research team will test a plant-based therapy for malaria that may be highly effective and low-cost. The therapy uses dried leaves from the sweet wormwood plant, Artemisia annua.
Researchers achieved a feat in synthetic chemistry by inventing a method to synthesize polyhydroxylated steroids, used in heart-failure medications and other drugs. The new strategy enables rapid modifications of hydroxylated steroids, which could help pharmaceutical chemists tweak natural toxins like ouabain.
Scientists at Scripps Research Institute developed a new technique to synthesize complex terpenes, a crucial step towards cheaper and fully synthetic cancer drugs like Taxol. The breakthrough mimics a natural biochemical phenomenon that allows cells to make these compounds, overcoming significant challenges in organic chemistry.
Researchers at JBEI have identified a potential new advanced biofuel, bisabolane, that could replace diesel fuel with lower freezing and cloud points. The biofuel was produced using synthetic biology tools and engineered microbes to create a precursor, bisabolene.
Scientists applied theoretical morphology techniques to study terpenes in plants, discovering a disparity between predicted and actual abundances. They found that nature favors rarer, harder-to-synthesize forms of these chemicals, which could lead to new effective drugs.
Michigan State University researchers identify two new genes and two new enzymes in tomato plants that produce monoterpenes, a compound responsible for the plant's distinctive smell. The discovery challenges traditional understanding of how plants make monoterpenes, opening up new avenues for protecting plants from pests.
The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) has issued a suite of Standard Reference Materials (SRMs) for ginkgo biloba, enabling the validation of analytical methods and support measurements associated with clinical trials or product label claims. The SRMs can also be used by dietary supplement manufacturers to improve p...
A CU-Boulder study found that bird presence in conifers increases tree growth by up to one-third, removing damaging insects. The study's findings suggest a complex relationship between birds and trees, with implications for forest health and management.
A University of California, Berkeley study found that certain household products emit toxic compounds when used indoors, exceeding regulatory guidelines. The research measured pollutants from cleaning agents and air fresheners under typical indoor use conditions, highlighting the need to address chronic exposure to these substances.
Scientists identified a gene TPS10 that produces a specific scent attracting parasitic wasps to damaged corn plants. The wasps needed an initial exposure to both the scent and the caterpillar to react properly.
Scientists described the three-dimensional structure and inner workings of a terpene synthase, a type of protein that synthesizes complex compounds including cholesterol. The findings provide groundwork for understanding how to regulate cholesterol creation in the body.