Articles tagged with Scientific Associations
Women and men in chemistry face traumatic experiences of sexual harassment, with many not reporting incidents due to shame or fear of retribution. In response, universities and science departments are establishing training and support networks, while legislation proposes requiring university reports to federal agencies.
Chinese researchers have successfully sent encrypted messages using quantum-entangled photons over a distance of over 700 miles, breaking the previous record. The achievement is significant as it paves the way for practical quantum communication systems.
The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has announced a plan to enforce stricter ozone limits, despite opposition from the chemical industry and some environmental groups. The Clean Air Act allows EPA to review and adjust standards for ozone emissions, which have been linked to smog and respiratory illnesses.
Researchers have created an insecticide potion that mimics the scent of flowers and nectar, luring mosquitoes into feeding on it, which is lethal. The 'Vectrax' formulation has shown promising results in suppressing malaria and other mosquito-borne diseases worldwide.
Researchers from Ohio University designed and built the Bobcat Nanowagon, a nanocar with a pseudorotaxane H-shaped frame and four wheels. It traveled 43nm on a gold track before getting stuck, earning a third-place showing in a competition that spurred interest in molecular machines.
Researchers develop microorganisms that convert human urine and CO2 into chemicals to make new plastics and nutrients. The goal is to reduce waste and reuse resources for long-duration space missions, which require minimizing fuel costs by conserving weight.
Researchers have developed a method using the coffee-ring effect to analyze multiple components in a single drop of water easily and quickly. The technique provides a cost-effective alternative to traditional methods, which can be overwhelming and expensive for individuals to conduct at home.
A new portable sensor developed by American Chemical Society researchers can detect food spoilage, contaminants and authenticate products. The sensor uses nanostructures to bind to compounds of interest, changing color with intensity indicating concentration.
Scientists have discovered a plethora of chemical compounds in avocado seed husks, which could be used to treat debilitating diseases. The researchers found compounds like behenyl alcohol, heptacosane, and dodecanoic acid, which may inhibit tumor cell growth and increase HDL levels.
Researchers used a portable macro X-ray fluorescence instrument to analyze an ancient Roman painting, revealing elements such as iron-based pigment and green earth pigment used in the underpainting. The study could help conservators restore the image and preserve ancient artistry for future generations.
Researchers have developed a mussel-inspired glue that can prevent premature labor and promote healthier futures for babies. The adhesive, infused with dihydroxyphenylalanine from mussel feet, has shown promise in preventing amniotic sac tears during fetal surgery.
Researchers tested TVs and tablets with quantum dots, finding they can leach into landfill water, but at low concentrations. The study suggests that the potential benefits of using safer nanomaterials may outweigh the costs.
Researchers have developed silk-based wearable body sensors with high sensitivity and flexibility, enabled by the use of N-doped carbon and graphene nanoparticles. These sensors can monitor various body functions in real time, enabling more rapid response times for medical professionals.
Researchers have identified a particular type of bacteria that may help break down lactic acid, leading to reduced muscle fatigue and soreness after intense exercise. The team also found niche microbiomes for different sports, suggesting potential benefits for various athletes.
A team of scientists is working on synthesizing a human genome from scratch, tackling the technical and ethical challenges that come with it. They have already made significant progress in building smaller genomes, such as those of microbes, but still face significant hurdles in constructing the complex human genome.
Researchers from the University of Copenhagen and Cornell University have discovered why certain iron-based materials exhibit fine superconducting properties. The findings suggest that individual modes of operation facilitate superconductivity in these materials.
Air quality in China is improving due to better monitoring and regulation, leading to increased demand for electric cars and pollution-fighting technologies. The government's efforts have made China a major market for these devices, with suppliers experiencing a boon as the country transitions to cleaner energy sources.
The first commercial CRISPR product is expected to debut in 2020: a waxy corn used for paper glue and food thickeners. Researchers can use CRISPR to identify genes in crops that may be good candidates for editing, potentially leading to improved cotton quality, non-browning mushrooms, drought-resistant corn, and grocery store tomatoes.
Researchers are using imaging mass spectrometry to improve drug development by visualizing how drugs interact with tissues and animals. This technique has been shown to help identify potential off-target effects and inform safety guidelines for children's treatments.
Researchers develop two-step process to consistently break lignin at one specific chemical bond using electrical potential and blue light, producing pharmaceuticals, plastics, and other household products. The method is cheaper, more environmentally friendly, and suitable for large-scale adoption in industry.
Researchers have developed a potential new diabetes treatment that uses a 'sugar sponge' to regulate glucose levels. The system, which consists of a lectin-coated polymer vesicle, can absorb glucose when levels are high and release it when levels are low. In laboratory tests and mouse studies, the treatment showed antidiabetic effects.
New ultrathin films with varying properties are being created, falling into five major groups: MXenes, Xenes, organic materials, transition metal dichalcogenides, and nitrides. These materials have flexible, transparent, and tunable properties, and some are electrical conductors or insulators.
The US Chemical Safety & Hazard Investigation Board has investigated over 130 accidents since its creation in 1998. The board's work has positively influenced industrial safety in the US and globally, producing over 90 accident reports and 40 safety videos with a budget of $12 million per year.
Researchers have developed a method to create stretchable holograms that can display multiple images, which can be switched depending on the stretching of the material. The technique uses metasurfaces and gold nanorods to generate holographic images with changing shapes.
Cosmetic makers are researching skin bacteria and active ingredients to promote helpful microbes and discourage harmful ones, but a baseline picture of a healthy skin microbiome is lacking. Companies have already marketed bacteria-based product lines, despite limited knowledge of the skin microbiome.
The March for Science drew hundreds of thousands of participants worldwide to show support for scientific research and demand continued government funding. The event highlighted the importance of collaborative initiatives in advancing scientific progress.
The Trump administration's proposed plan for the EPA includes defunding several programs related to climate change, public health, and pollution. The plan would cut $2.6 billion from the agency's budget, affecting more than 4,000 jobs and various research grants.
Scores of undocumented immigrant youth pursuing careers in chemical sciences and related fields face uncertainty due to potential repeal of the DACA policy. Currently, only marrying a U.S. citizen can legalize their status, with limited avenues for education and employment.
Researchers have developed a spectroscopic method using second harmonic generation to detect internal damage in metals. The technique uses green laser light to identify changes in metal properties, potentially distinguishing between intact and damaged parts.
Researchers discovered compounds in areca nuts that target addiction-related brain receptors, potentially treating nicotine cravings without side effects. The new molecules could offer a safer alternative to existing smoking cessation drugs like Chantix.
Researchers have created a self-healing material that can stretch up to 50 times its original size and automatically stitch itself back together within a day. The material, which uses ion-dipole interactions, could potentially be used to repair smartphones and other electronic devices.
Scientists identify a specific placental sugar that binds tightly to the Zika envelope protein, allowing it to cross the placenta and cause birth defects. Researchers are developing a strategy to block this interaction using a nanoparticle coated in the same sugar.
Researchers developed a handheld device to detect cyanide fishing, which can harm coral reefs and fish. The device uses porphyrins to bind thiocyanate, a metabolite secreted by fish exposed to cyanide.
A new system has been developed to sample, measure, categorize and control nuisance odors from sewage and wastewater treatment facilities. The technology uses a range of methods, including plastic bags, metal containers and electronic noses, to identify the sources of the smells and develop strategies for elimination.
Scientists have made a breakthrough in developing longer-lasting sunscreens by studying the behavior of molecular ingredients. By using lasers to simulate sunlight, researchers found that up to 10% of sunscreen molecules can become stuck in an excited state, leading to degradation and reduced protection.
The U.S. National Institutes of Health now requires funding applicants to consider sex as a variable in proposed research, aiming to address disparities in health outcomes. However, some scientists express concerns about the policy's potential impact on research costs and data quality.
The ACS Kavli Lectures will discuss recent advances in understanding polymer networks and their innovations, as well as the inspiration of CRISPR systems for powerful genome engineering tools. These lectures aim to address open challenges in materials science and provide new insights into the design and application of materials.
The American Chemical Society's president will focus on critical areas of chemistry, including energy sustainability and LGBT student research, at the annual meeting. The event features a symposium on sustainable energy and another on LGBT graduate and postdoctoral students in chemistry.
A second executive order has prompted foreign graduate students and postdoctoral researchers to look elsewhere for educational and job opportunities in the US. The move has raised concerns about the future prospects of these students and the impact on US competitiveness in science and engineering.
Scientists explore ways to improve health span by clearing out senescent cells and reprogramming them. Researchers also examine re-purposing existing drugs and using computer power to fight aging.
The high cost of drugs has soured public sentiment towards the industry. Industry experts argue that more transparency and perspective are needed to understand the complex reasons behind price hikes.
Researchers have developed a transparent heating pad with embedded conductive silver nanowires that allows users to see through it and monitor their skin's color. The device is flexible, biocompatible, and can heat quickly when applied with a coin-cell battery, making it a potential solution to prevent burns from thermotherapy.
Researchers are discovering new, eco-friendly catalysts in unexpected places, such as earthworm powder and plants that absorb high levels of metals from soil and water. This shift could reduce traditional animal and plant sources, decrease mining waste, and create more sustainable production methods for medicines, fuels, and electronics.
Despite breakthroughs in CRISPR technology, delivering the gene-editing tool directly into patients remains a challenge. Researchers are exploring multiple approaches to overcome the issue, and despite hurdles, the potential payoff is significant.
American Chemical Society reports on innovative methods for handling yogurt acid whey, including extracting valuable ingredients and producing methane for electricity. Companies are also developing products that incorporate acid whey back into dairy products.
The number of new therapeutic drugs approved by the FDA was significantly lower in 2016 compared to previous years, with only four cancer drugs receiving approval. Delays in pharmaceutical manufacturing plants and a reduction in cancer drug approvals contributed to this trend.
Despite enacted policies, China's smog remains due to climate change and uncertainty over pollution sources, with nitrogen dioxide and ammonia contributing significantly. Research suggests targeting volatile organic compounds from vehicles could help clean up the air.
Scientists analyzed 20 durian chemical ingredients to find that two compounds can re-create the overall smell. The strongest odor compounds were fruity ethyl and oniony 1-(ethylsulfanyl)ethanethiol, which combined effectively resembled the fruit's entire set of odoriferous and fragrant compounds.
The new Republican-led Congress and Trump's presidency may lead to changes in science policies, including energy and climate issues, research budgets, and trade. Expert predictions suggest rollback of programs and alterations in existing laws like the Toxic Substances Control Act.
Scientists have developed a new instrument capable of detecting life with unprecedented sensitivity, potentially uncovering signs of life on Mars and other planetary bodies. The method uses capillary electrophoresis to analyze soil or ice samples for specific amino acids that could serve as indicators of biological activity.
Researchers developed a portable sensor using engineered E. coli bacteria to detect environmentally relevant concentrations of endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs). The device can determine concentrations of known EDCs individually and overall mixtures in minutes, offering a cost-effective solution for detecting hormone disruptors.
Synthetic microfibers from clothing shed during washing, ending up in surface waters and affecting fish and wildlife. Researchers are working on solutions to reduce microfiber pollution.
A new review of scientific literature on curcumin finds limited evidence to support its therapeutic benefits for cancer and Alzheimer's disease. The compound is unstable under physiological conditions and not readily absorbed by the body, making it a poor therapeutic candidate.
Key findings from 2016 pharmaceutical industry news include the fight against Zika and rare diseases, as well as failed deals and new players. The industry's top stories set the stage for 2017 with a focus on innovative treatments and regulatory changes.
The FDA approved Exondys, a treatment for Duchenne muscular dystrophy, based on data from just 12 patients, raising concerns about scientific evidence and patient advocacy. Families of the boys involved attest to the drug's effectiveness, but critics argue that the agency bowed to pressure rather than making a decision based on evidence.
A portable breathalyzer has been developed to diagnose diabetes noninvasively in offices. The device traps and analyzes acetone levels in exhaled breath, with accuracy matching mass spectrometry readings.
A bipartisan probe into peer-review process and climate change research is chilling scientific pursuits, with over 2,000 scientists signing a letter urging an end to the probes. The investigation's scope has sparked concerns that it may protect oil companies and suppress science.
The US Food and Drug Administration is making surprise visits to heparin plants in China to verify animal origins. Researchers are also working on developing a synthetic version of the drug to diversify sources.
Researchers found that synthetic nucleosides can cause cell growth decrease and increase reactive oxygen species when exposed to near-visible light. This limitation could lead to unintended consequences for genetic material.
The global aviation industry aims to halve its net carbon emissions by 2050 through improved engines and biofuels, with over 2,500 flights using alternative fuels already completed. The transition is underway, but more funding and policy support are needed for biofuel production