Articles tagged with Scientific Associations
A recent spill of 3 million gallons of fracking wastewater in North Dakota has raised concerns about the potential harm it could cause to human health and the environment. Scientists are using advanced analytical techniques to study the composition of fracking fluids and wastewater, which may break down differently in the environment.
Scientists have created a durable, flexible cloth that harnesses human motion to generate energy, self-charging batteries or supercapacitors without an external power source. The novel TNG fabric can be stacked and reused multiple times, making it suitable for various biomedical and commercial applications.
Dasgupta, a renowned chemist and educator at the University of Texas at Arlington, has received the prestigious J. Calvin Giddings Award for his commitment to teaching and research excellence. The award recognizes his efforts to enhance analytical chemistry students' professional development and publish influential textbooks on teaching.
Scientists are struggling to weigh e-cigarette promises and threats as sales boom, with preliminary studies showing lower nicotine levels in users compared to smokers. Ongoing studies aim to flesh out potential health issues, including respiratory disease linked to flavorings.
Researchers have developed a novel, drug-releasing wafer that patients can apply directly to their affected eyes once daily, showing twice the effectiveness of traditional eye drops in mice without causing inflammation. This innovative treatment could help patients recover faster and reduce side effects associated with current therapies.
The EPA proposes stricter rules for refineries to reduce emissions, but industry groups dispute the environmental benefits, citing high costs. The EPA claims the revisions will improve air quality and public health in affected communities.
A team of scientists has created a new type of lens that can rapidly switch between clear and dark shades, addressing safety concerns for pilots and others who need adaptable eyewear. The lenses, which can be controlled by the wearer, also offer fine-tuning capabilities to match various hues.
Scientists developed a smart keyboard that senses typing patterns to distinguish individual users, providing an additional layer of security for computer systems. The device harnesses energy from typing to power itself or other devices, while its surface coating repels dirt and grime.
The EPA's proposed rule aims to disclose all pesticides' inert ingredients, but consumer advocates argue it doesn't go far enough to protect human health and the environment. The fight over regulations dates back nearly a decade, with advocacy groups claiming that many inert ingredients are hazardous to people's health.
The year saw major advances in solar cells and treatments for Ebola, as well as efforts to label GMO products and restrict neonicotinoid use. The American Chemical Society highlighted its impact on research, policy, and industry through various initiatives.
A new study reveals that warm vinyl crib mattress covers release higher levels of phthalates, which can increase infant exposure four-fold. The preliminary findings suggest the need for further investigation into the potential risks posed by alternative phthalates.
A recent study on personal care products found that most contain skin allergens despite being marketed as hypoallergenic. The FDA has not set standards for the label, and companies are self-regulating, but this doesn't guarantee a safer product.
Scientists develop novel class of molecules that could revolutionize immunotherapy for cancer and other diseases. The synthetic antibody mimics, or SyAMs, are smaller than current biologics and may avoid their risks.
Scientists have developed a stretchable electronic skin that can detect pressure, location, intensity, and direction. This innovation could be used in prosthetic limbs, robotic skins, and rehabilitation devices.
Researchers have identified two strains of waxworm gut microbes that can break down polyethylene without pretreatment, pointing towards a direct way to biodegrade plastic. The finding has significant implications for the global plastics industry, which produces over 140 million tons of polyethylene annually.
A new study by Wilhelmina Kalt and colleagues found that a blueberry-supplemented diet did not improve sight in the dark, but helped subjects recover normal vision after exposure to bright light. The enhancement was small and unlikely to be noticeable to most healthy individuals.
The FDA has approved dozens of nanodrugs without a formal definition, leading to case-by-case examination and nonbinding guidance. This complexity hinders the development of generic nanodrugs, potentially delaying price savings for patients.
Scientists are developing low-cost air-cleaning devices to replace expensive metals like platinum and palladium. Recent studies have shown promising results in improving indoor air quality, potentially alleviating symptoms of 'sick-building syndrome'
Companies like Invista and Genomatica are pursuing plant-based nylon intermediates from sugar, while Coca-Cola is making progress toward a 100% biobased soda bottle. The main challenge to this shift is economics, with prices needing to drop to competitive levels and manufacturers investing in new facilities.
Researchers found that plants produce special molecules called sinapate esters to protect themselves from harsh ultraviolet-B radiation. These molecules appear to block UVB radiation from penetrating deeper into leaves, hindering plant growth. The study provides insight into the mechanics of how these natural plant sunscreens work.
A Scottish startup is scaling up its whisky waste-to-fuel process, converting draff and pot ale into ethanol and 1-butanol. The company has secured funding from the UK government and private investors to move towards a commercial plant.
Scientists have developed a new family of materials for making household LED bulbs without using rare earth elements, which are increasingly expensive. These materials, made from copper iodide, offer a warm white glow and low-cost solution process, showing significant promise for general lighting applications.
Researchers have developed an inexpensive and simple method to create transparent, flexible transistors, a crucial component of flexible electronics. The new technology has the potential to bring roll-up smartphones with see-through displays to market in just a few years.
A novel, efficient fog collector inspired by shorebirds' beaks has been developed, promising a sustainable solution for communities in arid regions. The device collects water from fog using a simple, rectangular design that mimics the shorebird's feeding mechanism.
Researchers developed tiny hollow shells to contain Li-S compounds, achieving high-energy storage capacity of 630 mAh/g. The new battery technology could potentially offer up to five times the energy of existing lithium-ion batteries.
A study by Solange Cadore and colleagues found that dark chocolates in Brazil contained high levels of lead and cadmium. The researchers tested 30 commercial samples and found that the highest amounts of these metals were present in dark chocolate products, posing a health risk to children who consume them.
Scientists and policymakers debate ways to curb sugar consumption amid growing health concerns. Despite reduced sugar intake over the past 15 years, Americans still consume excessive amounts, leading to high blood pressure, heart disease, and other conditions.
X-ray crystallography has revolutionized our understanding of molecular structures and their influence on various scientific fields. The technique's future holds intriguing possibilities, including potential transformations beyond its current form.
Researchers at Houston Methodist have created a handheld single-cell pipette that can accurately pick up individual cells using a modified pipette. The technology, known as the hSCP, has potential to revolutionize single-cell research and make it more accessible to biologists worldwide.
A new study reveals that fracking fluids contain eight substances toxic to mammals and raise concerns about their potential health impacts. The research highlights the need to characterize compounds used in hydraulic fracturing to evaluate environmental and human health effects.
A new technique can quickly screen products for mercury content, helping to identify those at risk of serious health problems. The method uses total reflection x-ray fluorescence and has been shown to be just as accurate as existing techniques.
A team of researchers has developed a 'self-fitting' material that can precisely fill bone defects in the head, face, and jaw, providing a potential solution for reconstructing facial features after injuries or surgery. The material, made from a shape-memory polymer, expands with warm salt water to conform to irregular defect shapes.
A new portable device using gas chromatography/mass spectrometry can detect the specific vapors emitted by US currency, potentially helping border guards identify and seize billions of dollars in smuggled cash. The system, called BCDS, is being developed to improve detection and has been shown to work effectively within seconds.
Scientists have discovered a way to create hemp-derived carbon nanosheets that can store as much energy as graphene, the current gold standard for supercapacitors. These nanosheets offer a promising alternative for more affordable and sustainable energy storage.
Researchers have developed an adhesive patterned after glue produced by the sandcastle worm, which may solve the problem of premature births resulting from fetal surgery. The new adhesive is water-borne and non-toxic, and has been shown to be effective in repairing punctures without swelling.
Scientists are developing a method to process cashews that could make them safer for people with nut allergies. Researchers are using sodium sulfite and enzymes to disrupt the structure of cashew allergens, reducing IgE binding.
Researchers developed a highly accurate test to detect surprise ingredients that are neither sweet nor flavorful in ground, roasted coffee. The test uses liquid chromatography and statistical tools to identify unwanted additives, such as grains or plant parts, with 95% accuracy.
A recent study found triclosan in all pregnant women's urine samples and in half of umbilical cord blood samples, posing developmental and reproductive problems. The exposure to these antimicrobial agents could contribute to antibiotic resistance and affect birth sizes.
The American Chemical Society has concluded that a lack of supply is due to increasing demand for materials such as indium, platinum and copper. The white paper suggests focusing on finding alternative materials and new approaches to technology development to prevent these elements from disappearing.
A new material, a microporous organic polymer, has been developed that can adsorb carbon dioxide extremely well. It's stable, cheap, and has the potential to play a role in reducing CO2 emissions by 30% by 2030, according to President Obama's plan.
Researchers developed novel, ultrathin coatings called nanosheets that can cling to body's most difficult-to-protect contours and keep bacteria at bay. The nanosheets protected burns from infection for three continuous days and up to six days with an additional coating.
Scientists are working on seamless marriage between electronics and brain signaling to treat devastating diseases. They're developing ultraflexible circuits and injecting tiny electronics into the brain to integrate with existing biological networks.
Researchers found that grape region significantly impacts wine taste and aroma, with Argentinean Malbecs having more ripe fruit characteristics and sweetness. Additionally, wine stored in a dark room aged approximately four times faster than bottles stored in a professional cellar.
Olafs Daugulis, a University of Houston associate professor, is recognized for his work on transition metal-catalyzed carbon–hydrogen bond functionalization reactions. He will receive a $40,000 research grant and present at the Arthur C. Cope Symposium in San Francisco.
The FDA is considering significant changes to the Nutrition Facts label, including listing added sugars, vitamin D, and potassium on every label. Industry groups are opposing these changes, arguing that they are unnecessary and could be confusing for consumers.
Lab tests reveal that oregano and rosemary, commonly used herbs, have potent compounds against type-2 diabetes. Greenhouse-grown herbs contained more polyphenols but required less to inhibit a key enzyme.
Researchers create textured glass surface that scatters light, repels water, and improves display visibility in bright light conditions. The method is inexpensive and can be scaled up for industry use.
Research casts doubt on methane's climate-friendliness, despite its potential for burning cleaner than coal. Methane emissions from oil and gas operations are estimated to be significant, with varying levels of release into the atmosphere.
The article investigates the effects of triclosan, a common antimicrobial ingredient, on human health and the environment. Studies have found that triclosan can disrupt hormones and cause problems for vulnerable populations, such as fetuses and breastfeeding babies.
Researchers developed a new, non-destructive method to identify many types of inks on various papers and surfaces. The tip-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (TERS) technique can analyze organic colorants with high sensitivity and spatial resolution, making it suitable for preserving valuable cultural heritage treasures.
Scientists have developed a new glucose-sensing protein to help prevent complications associated with dropping or spiking blood-sugar levels in diabetes. The protein, engineered to be stable and detect glucose levels within the range present in people with diabetes, could enable continuous monitoring.
Research Triangle Park has emerged as a hub for crop science, with major companies like Bayer and BASF investing heavily in research facilities. Scientists are working on projects addressing pressing issues such as pesticides against rootworm, honeybee threats, and drought tolerance to help meet the world's growing food demands.
Researchers found that Neisseria meningitidis and gonorrhoeae bacteria can change the structure of their outer proteins to evade the immune system. This discovery could lead to new treatments for bacterial diseases such as meningitis and gonorrhea.
Researchers have developed a safer lithium-ion battery component using solid polymer electrolytes, which reduce the risk of fires while maintaining effective performance. The new material can be used in high-energy batteries like lithium-sulfur and lithium-air batteries.
Scientists have developed coatings that can separate oil from water instantly and efficiently, using an oleophobic-hydrophilic material. The new smart materials could stop surfaces from getting foggy and dirty, and reduce the need for extra steps and equipment in oil spill cleanup.
Scientists have developed a new flexible thin film device that stores enough energy to provide critical back-up power for portable electronics. The device is made from nickel and fluoride, with tiny holes allowing ions to flow easily, and can bend and fold thousands of times with little loss in performance.
Consumers' curiosity and outrage over food ingredients have fueled online petitions targeting 'pink slime,' synthetic dyes, and brominated oil. The American Chemical Society notes the food industry is taking notice of consumer distrust, shifting towards alternative ingredients.
Successful physics startups often differ from internet startups in terms of risk-taking and market strategies. Funding is a major challenge for entrepreneurs, with venture capitalists becoming more risk-averse.
Scientists have developed a new type of inexpensive barcode that can be added to documents or currency to foil attempts at making forgeries. The barcodes are made from lanthanide-doped upconversion materials and are invisible to the naked eye.
The pharmaceutical industry is turning its attention to hearing loss, a condition affecting 36 million Americans. Researchers are developing potential therapies targeting the inner ear and central nervous system, with several drug candidates already advancing through clinical testing.