Articles tagged with Scientific Associations
The ACS Climate Science Toolkit was launched to enhance understanding and communication of climate change science, developed for scientists to educate the public. The toolkit provides resources, including a package of 'Climate Science Narratives,' for individual scientists to communicate with various audiences.
Researchers have made breakthrough in converting CO2 into new fuels using sunlight and abundant resources. The process could lead to 'carbon-neutral' energy production by reusing CO2, reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
The artificial leaf, a simple catalyst-coated wafer of silicon, can now run on impure water, making it suitable for providing electricity in developing countries. The device uses hydrogen and oxygen produced by sunlight to generate fuel that can power homes and portable generators.
Harold McGee's presentation explores the partnership between cooks and chemists in modernist cooking, producing innovative flavors and textures. The symposium also highlights Shirley O. Corriher's work in communicating chemistry to the public through her books and dynamic presentations.
Scientists have developed transient electronics that can be implanted in the body to relieve pain or battle infection for a specific period, then dissolve harmlessly. The devices perform normally until the encapsulating layer disappears, offering potential applications in consumer electronics with pre-engineered service life.
Cuts in federal funding for nanotechnology research could slow progress toward commercializing sustainable new energy sources and impact the field's global competitiveness. Young scientists may struggle to launch research programs, while established ones will have to trim their programs due to funding constraints.
Researchers found that kieselguhr, a common filtering material in beer production, releases arsenic into the beverage. The levels of arsenic are considered low and unlikely to cause illness, but the study highlights the need for breweries to take precautions when using this substance.
The American Chemical Society has awarded $3,000 grants to 11 local sections to promote the use of the ACS Climate Science Toolkit in engaging diverse audiences. This initiative aims to increase understanding of global climate change among thousands of people across the country.
Scientists analyzed patent medicines from the Henry Ford Museum collection to identify potentially toxic substances like arsenic, mercury and lead. The study found that some ingredients were actually healthy and mainstays in modern dietary supplements, while others posed significant health risks.
At the ACS meeting, scientists will discuss new discoveries related to energy and food, including sustainable sources of renewable oil. The event is expected to generate at least $16 million for the local economy.
A researcher debunks the myth that temperature alone determines perfect eggs, highlighting the importance of cooking time. He also discusses how scientific misconceptions in cooking can be clarified through research, promoting a better understanding of chemistry and its applications.
Reducing food waste is vital to feed a global population of 9 billion by 2050. Scientists estimate that up to half of the food harvested from farmers' fields in developing countries is lost due to spoilage and pests. In developed countries, households throw away about 4 out of every 10 pounds of food produced each year.
Decommissioning of aging nuclear power plants in the US is a long, complex process with significant financial implications. The average age of the 104 nukes in the country is just 34 years, prompting concerns about the costs and safety of decommissioning these facilities.
Researchers are exploring how lithium works in the body to develop a safer medication for treating bipolar disorder. They aim to create a second-generation successor without lithium's drawbacks, such as thyroid problems and kidney failure.
Chemical gardens, a school experiment, inspire origin-of-life research at hydrothermal vents. Scientist test electric currents flowing from flower-like structures in chemical gardens.
The American Chemical Society reveals that quartz-crystal skulls, once believed to be ancient relics, are actually post-Columbian fakes created in the 1860s. Experts used scientific instruments to expose their authenticity, tracing back to French dealer Eugène Boban who sparked public fascination with the fakes
Researchers identify Kawazulite as a natural topological insulator, which conducts electricity on its surface and acts as an insulator inside. This discovery could pave the way for faster quantum computers.
Two high-profile fraud cases in photography have led to millions of dollars in settlements, fueling a revolution in photo conservation research. The cases, which involved fake and altered images, prompted researchers to develop new techniques for conserving and authenticating photographs.
Researchers have successfully revived ancient enzymes that enable antibiotic-resistant bacteria to thrive. The 2-3 billion-year-old proteins were reconstructed and studied for their stability, structure, and function, offering insights into the evolution of antibiotic resistance.
Researchers have discovered that ancient Egyptian blue pigment can break apart into nanosheets, producing invisible infrared radiation. These nanosheets have potential applications in near-IR-based biomedical imaging, IR light-emitting devices, and security ink formulations.
The National Institutes of Health is launching a $700 million project to develop a common data-sharing framework for biomedical research. This framework aims to integrate millions of gigabytes of data from various disciplines, enabling researchers to tap into a gold mine of information and improve disease treatment and cure rates.
The American Chemical Society's report emphasizes the need for updated graduate education to prepare scientists for a rapidly changing world. Key findings include inadequate preparation for post-graduation careers and lack of diversity in the scientific community.
A study found that nearly half of online Viagra samples contained only 30-50% active pharmaceutical ingredient. Meanwhile, bedbugs produce a foul odor during mating attempts to deter unwanted advances.
This article from ACS' Journal of Chemical Education explores the real chemistry behind famous opera plots, including poisonous snake bites and deadly venoms. The author highlights several examples of operatic themes involving chemistry that can be used as a teaching tool for students and the general public.
The American Chemical Society reveals how chocolate contains hundreds of compounds with beneficial properties, including antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. The video explains that moderate chocolate consumption may be good for cardiovascular health and mood.
Researchers have successfully created single-molecule 'intelligent' motors powered by common enzymes, catalase and urease. These motors can generate force and move in specific directions, even at the nanoscale, with implications for applications in medicine, engineering, and more.
The use of ecolabels in cleaning products is a topic of debate, with supporters arguing they inform consumers about product sustainability, while opponents claim they can be confusing. The American Chemical Society explores the pros and cons of these environmental certification seals in its latest cover story.
Researchers have created 'superomniphobic' surfaces that can resist a wide range of liquids, including both Newtonian and non-Newtonian fluids. These surfaces will have numerous applications, such as stain-free clothing, spill-resistant protective wear, and corrosion-resistant coatings.
The carob tree's antibacterial properties have been discovered to combat Listeria monocytogenes, a serious form of food poisoning. Extracts from the tree's leaves have shown promise in inhibiting bacterial growth, offering a potential natural solution to combat antibiotic-resistant superbugs.
Researchers create large-scale production method for sclareol, a prized fragrance ingredient, using bacterial cultures and Clary sage plant DNA. The new technology provides a more sustainable alternative to natural ambergris, which is scarce and expensive.
A speed limit on container ships near ports and coastlines could reduce emissions of carbon dioxide, nitrogen oxides, and soot by up to 60-70% compared to traditional cruising speeds. This measure could significantly protect the health of people living in coastal areas.
Major pharmaceutical companies are losing patents on best-selling drugs, leading to a focus on pairing low costs with high quality and exploring new research partnerships. This shift is raising hopes for new drugs and profits in the industry as it seeks innovative solutions to revitalize sales.
Researchers use metathesis to create valuable personal care product ingredients from plant essential oils, offering a sustainable alternative to traditional raw materials.
The American Chemical Society has developed a comprehensive climate science toolkit, providing explanations of key concepts such as the greenhouse effect and climate change education for the public. The toolkit aims to foster a basic understanding of climate science among scientists and others, enabling informed personal decisions.
Researchers have successfully synthesized fluorescent gold nanoparticles within human hair for potential use in hair dyeing, electronic sensors, and medical diagnostic tests. The gold particles were formed inside the hair's central core cortex after soaking white hairs in a solution of a gold compound.
Global negotiators gather in Qatar to work on an amendment that would create a second round of emissions cuts for certain industrialized nations, starting in 2013. The effort aims to extend international momentum to act on climate change after the Kyoto agreement expires this year.
Researchers uncovered 41 highly odor-active compounds in durian, including previously unknown substances associated with fruity and oniony smells. The study identified four new chemical compounds that had never been found before in food, contributing to the fruit's distinctive smell.
Scientists at UCLA have created a new type of solar cell that produces energy by absorbing infrared light, making it 66% transparent. The technology is lightweight, flexible, and can be produced in high volume at low cost.
Researchers created a model of penguin huddles that assumes each penguin aims to minimize its own heat loss, surprisingly revealing an equitable sharing of heat. The study found that even in self-centered behavior, the system relies on others for shelter, leading to fair outcomes.
Researchers have found that treating corn stover with white rot fungus can extract up to 30% more sugar from leaves and 50% more from stalks and cobs. This breakthrough could lead to more efficient ethanol production and reduce the need for corn-based supplies.
The growth of citizen science has led to a surge in public involvement in scientific research, with over 25 NSF-funded projects now underway. Chemistry projects, such as Curating ChemSpider or monitoring water quality, allow hobbyists and enthusiasts to contribute to groundbreaking research.
Researchers found that varying the pH and filter cleaning can shift the balance of beneficial microbes in drinking water. They suggest this could help reduce harmful bacteria, making water safer for consumers.
Researchers are developing new medications and oral immunotherapy to treat food allergies, such as egg and peanut allergies. These treatments show promise in reducing emergency room visits and healthcare costs associated with food allergies.
New water treatment firms are developing chemical treatments and evaporators to remove contaminants from fracking wastewater, which can then be reused. The cost of disposal is spurring oil and gas companies to adopt these technologies, limiting the amount of contaminated water that reaches people, plants, and animals.
A new transparent solar cell has been developed that produces energy by absorbing mainly infrared light, making the cells 66 percent transparent to the human eye. The panels could be used in smart windows or portable electronics.
The Maillard reaction, discovered by Louis-Camille Maillard in 1912, is a fundamental reaction in culinary chemistry that produces delicious flavors and colors. The reaction also has a dark side, producing potential carcinogens in certain foods.
Despite the need for a male version of the oral contraceptive pill, pharmaceutical companies have discontinued research due to significant challenges. New research on non-hormonal male contraceptives offers hope for the development of a male birth control pill within a decade.
The biobased chemical industry is transitioning towards producing ingredients sold to companies making medicines, detergents, and plastics from basic compounds made from sugar. Six companies have already opened manufacturing plants or will soon, with plans for three more by next year.
The Innocence Project has helped free nearly 300 wrongfully convicted prisoners due to improper use of forensic science. Improved sensitivity in DNA testing has highlighted issues of cross-contamination, affecting accuracy.
The London 2012 Olympics anti-doping center will be converted into a national phenome center, measuring the chemistry of individuals to better understand disease causes and develop new treatment methods. This project aims to create publicly and privately funded labs combining analytical science, epidemiology, and clinical expertise.
Next-generation diagnostic tests can identify specific diseases and determine if chemotherapy is working, enabling doctors to make better treatment decisions. These tests could reduce unnecessary procedures, prescriptions, and hospital stays, ultimately saving the US healthcare system billions of dollars annually.
Researchers develop smart catheter that senses infection and releases nitric oxide to stop bacterial growth, reducing healthcare-associated infections. The device has shown promising results in lab experiments, with the ability to extend NO release for up to weeks.
The new soybean biorefinery technology can utilize essentially every component of the soybean to produce bio-based ingredients for high-value products. This approach aims to reduce dependence on petroleum as a feedstock and increases the value of local economies.
Scientists have identified (S)-NNN as a strong oral carcinogen in smokeless tobacco, found to induce large numbers of oral and esophageal tumors in laboratory rats. The US government is urged to regulate or ban the substance to protect the health of the 9 million US users of chewing tobacco and snuff products.
Researchers are developing drugs that exploit the body's natural immune system to fight diseases. These 'antibody-recruiting molecules' can be taken orally and induce a patient's own antibodies to fight disease.
Scientists have developed a spray-on coating made from chitosan that can delay the ripening of bananas. By slowing down respiration and killing bacteria, this coating can keep bananas fresh for almost two weeks. Researchers are now working on improving the coating to make it commercially viable.
Rudy M. Baum's thought-provoking editorials tackled global climate change, population growth, and human rights, challenging the scientific community to think deeply about these issues. The symposium featuring eminent scientists and policy experts aimed to continue his legacy of sparking meaningful discourse on contentious science topics.
Scientists found a link between high galectin-3 levels and increased risk of cancer and heart disease. A new blood test can predict disease outcomes, while modified citrus pectin may block galectin-3's negative effects.
Researchers use new approaches to analyze individual brain cells, shedding light on the root causes of chronic pain and memory loss. They found that the chemical imprint of pain occurs in only a few cells, holding promise for developing new treatments.
The Teva Pharmaceuticals Scholars have made significant breakthroughs in the fight against cancer and hepatitis. Researchers presented new findings on anti-cancer drugs made from antibiotics and a potential new treatment for hepatitis C. Additionally, advancements were shown in delivering drugs to the body through innovative approaches.