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What to expect from big pharma in 2017

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.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalChemical & Engineering News·DateFeb 1, 2017

What's behind the durian fruit's notorious stench

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.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalJournal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry·DateJan 18, 2017

What's really in your swimming pool?

Harmful disinfection by-products (DBPs) form when chlorine and other chemicals react with organic matter in pool water, causing respiratory problems like asthma among swimmers. Practicing good hygiene, such as taking showers before entering the pool, can help reduce DBP levels.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalChemical & Engineering News·DateAug 3, 2016

At attention, molecules!

Researchers at the University of Iowa found that molecules in ionic liquids reassemble without being prodded, taking time to complete. The team discovered a much thicker interfacial layer than previously known, with some layers reaching 1 micron thick.

SourceUniversity of Iowa·JournalLangmuir·DateMay 17, 2016

How to make a faster ski

Researchers found that skis with wide grooves and narrow plateaus perform faster on warm snow, while narrower grooves and wider plateaus excel on cold snow. The study could lead to improvements in ski surface preparation.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalACS Applied Materials & Interfaces·DateMay 11, 2016

Generating electricity with tomato waste

Researchers developed a microbial electrochemical cell that harnesses tomato waste to generate electric current. The process also helps purify the tomato-contaminated solid waste and associated wastewater. With an expected scale-up, the electrical output could be increased by several orders of magnitude.

How to tackle the Zika virus

Scientists struggle to study Zika due to low symptom visibility and lack of approved tests. Pharmaceutical companies are racing to develop vaccines, but a broader approach targeting multiple viruses could provide future protection

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalChemical & Engineering News·DateFeb 24, 2016