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Fast-tracking endocrine assays

The EPA has shifted focus to high-throughput computational models to quickly identify chemicals that require more scrutiny, following a slow start in its previous approach. Researchers have made significant progress, including the development of estrogen and androgen receptor models.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalChemical & Engineering News·DateMar 14, 2018

An improved anti-addiction medication

Scientists developed a potent new medicine to fight addiction by blocking an enzyme, resulting in higher GABA levels and reduced dopamine release. The new compound, CPP-115, is 10 times more efficient than vigabatrin and has fewer side effects.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateFeb 21, 2018

Gorilla Glass debuts in car windshields

Chemically toughened glass is being explored for use in car windshields, providing strength and durability while reducing weight and cost. This new material has potential applications in wearable electronic devices, hurricane-resistant windows, and pharmaceutical vials.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalChemical & Engineering News·DateJan 17, 2018

'Sniffing' out counterfeit liquors

A portable device can identify liquors and determine if they've been altered, offering a strategy for liquor quality assurance. The device uses an advanced sensor array that can detect various scotch whiskies, bourbon, rye, brandy and vodka with greater than 99 percent accuracy.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalACS Sensors·DateJan 10, 2018

The biggest chemistry-related stories from 2017

The American Chemical Society reviews the most intriguing chemistry stories of 2017, including breakthroughs in computing and molecular machines. Chemists also demonstrated their support for science through marches and rallies, while environmental groups protested the Trump administration's TSCA implementation delays.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalChemical & Engineering News·DateDec 20, 2017

Is 3-D printing living up to the hype?

Industry is utilizing 3-D printing technology to reduce production time and costs, with companies like Volkswagen saving hundreds of thousands of dollars. However, material flaws and limitations continue to hinder the widespread adoption of 3-D printed products for consumers.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalChemical & Engineering News·DateOct 18, 2017

Chemists speak out on sexual harassment in academia

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.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalChemical & Engineering News·DateSep 20, 2017

Toward unbreakable encrypted messages

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.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalChemical & Engineering News·DateSep 13, 2017

Synthesizing the human genome from scratch

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.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalChemical & Engineering News·DateJul 12, 2017

First CRISPR crop could debut in 2020

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.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalChemical & Engineering News·DateJun 14, 2017

Sugar sponges sop up and release glucose as needed

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.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateMay 31, 2017

Chemical Safety Board faces uncertain future

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.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalChemical & Engineering News·DateMay 24, 2017