Scientists discover a new coating material made from flyash that can extend the life of concrete structures by decades, saving taxpayer money. The coating is hundreds of times more durable than existing ones and costs half as much.
Researchers created a new bitterness blocker, GIV3616, to make nutritious foods more enjoyable and mask unpleasant flavors. The compound is more potent and efficient than previous versions, offering hope for supertasters and individuals with heightened sensitivity to bitter tastes.
Scientists have developed a new process that converts used motor oil into gasoline-like fuel using microwaves, offering an efficient and environmentally friendly alternative to traditional methods. The new method has excellent potential for commercial use and could help solve the problem of improper disposal of waste motor oil.
Scientists have established a strong link between nicotine and diabetes complications, finding that concentrations of nicotine similar to those found in smoker's blood raise levels of HbA1c by up to 34%. This discovery may encourage patients with diabetes to quit smoking and has implications for the use of nicotine-replacement therapy.
Theodore W. Gray, a best-selling author and science writer, has won the American Chemical Society's James T. Grady-James H. Stack Award for his work in interpreting chemistry for the public. The award recognizes Gray's ability to make complex chemical concepts accessible to a broad audience through his writing and visual displays.
Researchers have successfully integrated tiny detectors called single-photon avalanche diodes (SPAD) onto computer chips, allowing for the detection of individual photons. These detectors have extremely low noise levels, making them ideal for measuring fluorescence in biological imaging applications.
Scientists estimate that one gallon of wastewater contains enough energy to power a 100-watt light bulb for five minutes. This discovery could spur efforts to extract methane, hydrogen, and other fuels from sewage treatment plants in the US.
Researchers have developed a new ultra-light biodegradable foam plastic material made from two unlikely ingredients: milk protein and ordinary clay. The material, reported in the ACS' Biomacromolecules journal, could be used in furniture cushions, insulation, packaging, and other products.
Researchers have developed a new spectroscopy technique that can distinguish between individual notes and musical ensembles with high accuracy. This breakthrough technology has potential applications in fields such as astronomy, communication signal recovery, and atomic physics.
A study by French scientists found that pouring champagne down the side of an angled glass preserves up to twice as much carbon dioxide as pouring straight down. Chilling champagne before serving also enhances its taste.
Researchers incorporated nanocrystals of iridium into flash memory designs, demonstrating excellent memory properties and thermal stability. Iridium's high work function and melting point make it an attractive option for improving nonvolatile memory with enhanced trapping ability.
Scientists have developed a new filtering technology that kills up to 98% of disease-causing bacteria in water without clogging. The material uses silver and electricity to destroy bacteria, allowing for easy flow through the filter.
Researchers have successfully fabricated a hybrid system using nano-diamonds and photonic crystals, paving the way for multi-qubit systems on a single chip. This achievement brings the dream of a quantum computer closer to reality, with potential applications in various fields of science and engineering.
A team of researchers has developed a way to prevent cavitation damage in jet fuel pumps, essential components in modern aircraft. The study provides realistic data for computer models, enabling designers to create lighter, more efficient, and longer-lasting pumps.
Researchers from Argentina have successfully created a new type of Foucault pendulum that is smaller and more efficient than traditional devices. The new pendulums, which are designed to be compact enough to fit in a lobby or classroom, use advanced techniques to reduce the elliptical drift of the pendulum and improve precision.
A recent study published in Environmental Science & Technology found that five minutes of green exercise can improve mental health. The research analyzed data from 1,252 people and showed a tangible impact on mood and self-esteem. ACS' Global Challenges podcast series explores this topic further.
Stephen Benkovic, a renowned chemist at Penn State University, has been awarded the National Medal of Science for his pioneering research on protein catalysis. His work has led to significant advancements in understanding enzyme function and discovery of potential cancer drugs and antibiotics.
A new filtering technology has been developed that kills up to 98% of disease-causing bacteria in water in seconds without clogging or consuming much energy. The technology uses silver nanowires and carbon nanotubes to destroy bacteria, making it a promising solution for providing clean drinking water to those in need.
Researchers seek to replace lead-based PZT with a more environmentally friendly alternative that enables new applications in biological settings. Dragan Damjanovic proposes a novel approach based on polarization rotation and extension, which could lead to improved piezoelectric materials.
Physicists at China's Wuhan University discovered a new way to measure absolute distances and distance changes using a plasmon ruler. By combining nanospheres with a nanorod dimer, they found that the resonance wavelength shift increases linearly with the increasing of a nanosphere's interparticle separations.
An antibacterial enzyme found in human tears and body fluids, lysozyme has the potential to eliminate anthrax-producing bacteria from processed foods. The study shows that lysozyme application can kill Bacillus anthracis spores, including avirulent forms.
Charcoal has a long history dating back 38,000 years and has been used in various ways beyond its use in grilling. It can be made from diverse materials like wood, corn cobs, and coconut shells. Moreover, charcoal is considered a renewable replacement for coal.
Researchers have discovered a new method to harness electricity from the air, using a process called hygroelectricity. This technology could provide an alternative energy source for homes and businesses, similar to solar cells, and prevent lightning strikes by draining electricity out of the air.
Scientists have trained mice to identify infected duck feces, which could lead to development of disease-detecting dogs and lab instruments. This breakthrough may enable early warning systems for influenza and other diseases.
Chinese scientists have developed a new cell design that uses an electric field to flip magnetization, resulting in faster and more energy-efficient magnetic memories. The design offers great potential for data storage and logic gates with ultra-low power consumption.
Fragrance designers like Michael Papas aim to create scents that evoke emotions and nostalgia, using complex blends of synthetic and natural substances. By tailoring their creations to specific products, they strive to connect with consumers on a deeper level, making fragrances an integral part of our daily experiences.
Researchers found that cranberry juice cocktail prevents E. coli from sticking to other bacteria and forming biofilms, which can lead to urinary tract infections. The study suggests that the beneficial substances in cranberry juice could reach the urinary tract within 8 hours after consumption.
Eating berries like blueberries, strawberries, and acai berries may help keep the aging brain healthy by activating its natural 'housekeeper' mechanism. The mechanism cleans up toxic proteins linked to age-related memory loss and other mental decline.
The American Chemical Society hosted a symposium on science policy, focusing on the importance of scientists' involvement in shaping policy on global issues like climate change and security. The event aimed to equip young scientists with the necessary tools to become effective participants in policy debates.
The Open Source Drug Discovery (OSDD) Consortium is a worldwide scientific community working together to discover and develop new drugs. Key findings include the development of a comprehensive map of Mycobacterium tuberculosis genome, paving the way for a potential new drug for tuberculosis.
Researchers have discovered a method to improve the performance of organic solar cells by modifying an interface between an organic polymer and an inorganic oxide layer. This breakthrough could significantly enhance the industry's prospects for producing efficient and environmentally friendly electricity.
Donna Nelson, a University of Oklahoma professor, has been selected as a 2010 American Chemical Society Fellow for her contributions to the chemical sciences and outstanding service. She is recognized for her research on minorities in academe and functionalizing single-walled carbon nanotubes.
Researchers have developed electrowetting displays that offer high resolution, fast switching speeds, and low power consumption, enabling video content displays and potentially revolutionizing the industry
Researchers developed an optical coherence tomography (OCT) system to monitor balloon inflation during angioplasty procedures, enabling precise measurement of balloon diameter and thickness. This technology holds potential for improving the success rate of angioplasty surgeries.
The American Chemical Society has named 192 distinguished scientists as 2010 ACS Fellows, including professionals from top institutions. The recognition honors their achievements in chemistry and contributions to the scientific community.
Recent advances in computing have improved fluid modeling for low Reynolds numbers, but significant challenges remain for high-Reynolds-number flows, crucial in aeronautics and climate modeling.
A new theoretical model accurately predicts the hydration free energy of a wide variety of organic compounds, enabling accurate prediction of compound movement in complex environments. The model has been developed using computational hydration thermodynamics and chemo-informatic techniques, requiring only 10-20 seconds on a PC.
Researchers suggest quantum entanglement may be occurring in photosynthetic complexes of plants, enhancing light conversion efficiency. A computer simulation reveals long-lived quantum coherence is essential for quantum information storage and manipulation.
Researchers have developed a new method to accurately synchronize clocks by leveraging both GPS and the Internet. This technique uses a common-view disciplined oscillator (CVDO) to set clocks within 10 nanoseconds of a reference clock, providing unparalleled accuracy in complex systems such as computers, telecommunications, and more.
Researchers developed a noninvasive device that can measure electrical conductivity in geological core samples without destroying them. This technology has the potential to provide valuable information about rock layers and help oil companies understand and evaluate oil and gas reserves.
Researchers at Nanjing University develop a new method to trap a wide spectrum of light, including visible radiation, using a self-similar-structured dielectric waveguide. This breakthrough has potential applications in on-chip spectroscopy, photon processing, and quantum computing.
Scientists have observed the first real-time measurements of a rare gas atom and halogen molecule dissociation. The study found that adding vibrational energy to the bromine-stretching vibration led to rapid direct dissociation, while higher excitation resulted in a more complex mechanism.
Scientists have developed a stable, rewritable memory device that exploits liquid crystal properties to store and erase data. The device uses anchoring transition and is bi-stable, retaining its orientation without needing power.
Researchers have created a low-cost, human-focused land mine detection system using microwave-based sensors to detect vibrations remotely. The system costs around $10,000, compared to $1 million for laser-based Doppler remote detection systems.
Researchers introduced quantum dots into fully epitaxial nitride laser structures, eliminating the need for hybrid systems. This advancement paves the way to further optimization of lasers and single photon emitters in the visible spectrum region.
University of Utah chemists confirm the coexistence of ice and liquid water after crystallization at very low temperatures. They found that rapid ice crystallization makes it difficult to follow the process, but computer simulations revealed a critical temperature zone that may be important for understanding cloud formations.
Research in particle diffusion reveals that periodic constrictions slow down drift and diffusion under weak driving forces. In contrast, strong driving forces induce intermittent transitions between compartments, increasing the diffusion coefficient.
The SPALINET lidar network aims to improve aerosol measurement quality in the Iberian Peninsula and Canary Islands. By combining satellite and ground-based data, researchers can better understand aerosol transport and impact on global radiation balance.
Scientists have discovered a more economical way to convert wood and other non-food biomass into ethanol fuel, reducing enzyme costs by up to 90%.
Research reveals commercial cooking as a significant source of air pollutants, including carcinogenic chemicals. The study found that fatty foods cooked with high heat and certain oils increase emissions, highlighting the need for emission control measures.
A study found that household pesticide labels fail to provide clear maximum safe use guidelines, allowing consumers to overuse products like para-dichlorobenzene. This can lead to increased exposure to indoor air pollutants, posing health risks to family members and pets.
Researchers develop a method to determine wine vintages using radioactive carbon dioxide produced by atomic bomb tests. The technique uses accelerator mass spectrometry to analyze the carbon-14 levels in wine alcohol, allowing for reliable detection of vintage authenticity.
A new bio-based intelligent roof coating, developed from waste cooking oil, can automatically switch between reflecting and transmitting solar heat to reduce energy costs. The coating, tested on asphalt shingles, showed significant reductions in roof temperatures and potential savings in energy bills.
Researchers from Uppsala University have found that Moringa seed extracts can effectively remove particulate impurities from water through flocculation. The protein molecules in the seeds bind strongly to surfaces, causing contaminant particles to aggregate and be easily removed.
A team of chemists at the University of New Hampshire has synthesized a stable derivative of nonacene, a compound with promising semiconductor properties. The new molecule is made possible by adding arylthio functional groups, which enhance its stability and solubility.
Robert Street has been recognized by the American Institute of Physics (AIP) with a $10,000 Prize for Industrial Applications of Physics. He developed flat-panel digital X-ray detectors, which have replaced traditional film X-ray machines in many medical applications.
Researchers have developed phototriggerable microcapsules that burst and release chemicals upon light exposure, opening doors for targeted medical treatments and various industrial uses. The innovation uses laser light to convert nanotubes into heat, bursting the nylon capsule and releasing its contents.
Scientists copy natural glue secreted by sandcastle worm to create new medical adhesive for repairing shattered bones. The synthetic glue is based on complex coacervates, ideal but unused method for making injectable adhesives.
A new X-ray imaging technique has revealed unprecedented details of a painting hidden beneath another by famed American illustrator N.C. Wyeth. The confocal X-ray fluorescence microscope method is non-destructive and could reveal hidden images in hundreds of Old Master paintings.
A new study expands the list of hazardous chemicals in smokeless tobacco, revealing a link between snuff consumption and increased risk of oral and pancreatic cancers. The research found that users are exposed to the same amount of carcinogenic compounds as cigarette smokers, challenging the notion that smokeless tobacco is safer.