The lowdown on sports nutrition supplements
The sports nutrition market is growing, with $6.3 billion in sales in 2014, but clinical studies on supplements are still limited, raising questions about their safety and effectiveness.
Scientific Associations
Articles tagged with Scientific Associations
Pace of new drug approvals rise -- and so do their price tags
A record-breaking number of new drugs were approved last year, including biologics for rare diseases and cancer treatments. However, the high costs of these therapies pose a significant challenge for patients and the pharmaceutical industry.
Fun with Lego (molecules)
Scientists develop a system to assemble giant molecules with 'orthogonal' ends, allowing for precise control over superstructures ranging from cubes to wheels and sandwiches. This breakthrough enables potential applications in device creation and nano-architecture design.
What DuPont's deep R&D cuts mean for science
Private companies like DuPont have reduced their basic research units in response to business demands, shifting focus towards quicker return on investment. This change has implications for the scientific community, which may see a decrease in groundbreaking discoveries.
Toward consistently good pinot noir
Scientists have identified 49 main odor compounds in young and ripe Pinot Noir grapes, finding four consistently present in mature grapes. This breakthrough could help growers determine the optimal harvest time for improved wine quality.
Protecting workers with stiffer safety penalties
The new law allows OSHA to increase fines by 80% due to inflation, making maximum charges $12,600 for serious violations. The Departments of Justice and Labor are coupling worker safety with criminal penalties, including environmental and fraud charges.
Scientists call for new tools to explore the world's microbiomes
Scientists call for development of advanced tools in bioinformatics, high-resolution imaging and microbial sequencing to understand microbiome function. This would enable tackling medical and environmental challenges with greater agility.
Toward a faster, more efficient way to sniff out explosives
Scientists have developed a new, faster way to detect explosives using quantum dots. The approach can identify five dangerous compounds, including the 'shoe bomber' Richard Reid's explosive, within 10 seconds.
Healthful hemp poised to grow in US
The US hemp industry is expected to grow as the country's demand for healthful foods increases, thanks to the nutritional profile of hemp. The crop contains all nine essential amino acids, omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids, and has been shown to have potential health benefits.
Chemical safety board could halt new investigations while it reboots
The Chemical Safety & Hazard Investigation Board (CSB) plans to put its embattled past behind it by completing six delayed reports by the end of 2015. Under new leadership, the agency aims to increase transparency and adopt a cooperative tone.
Requiring drug makers to take back unused pharmaceuticals
Unused prescription drugs contribute to water pollution and drug abuse when flushed down toilets or left in medicine cabinets. Local governments are creating take-back programs to collect pharmaceuticals, requiring drug companies to install containers at pharmacies.
Paper-based test could diagnose hepatitis B and assess male fertility at low cost
A new paper device developed by scientists can rapidly and inexpensively diagnose hepatitis B and assess male fertility, making it a valuable tool for diagnosing people in low-income areas. The test, which costs less than $1 per device, can detect the hepatitis B virus in blood serum and determine sperm DNA integrity with high accuracy.
Chipping away at the secrets of ice formation
Researchers found that particle surfaces can impact ice crystallization and encourage different ice crystal orientations. This discovery could help improve understanding of climate science, air travel, and cryopreservation.
The dirty business of making new clothes tries to clean up
The textile industry is making efforts to clean up its act by using safer chemicals and natural alternatives, reducing water pollution caused by toxic compounds like dyes and solvents. Environmental groups are also calling for stricter practices to prevent illnesses among nearby residents and harm to local farms.
Unique breed of investors helps universities launch start-ups
A new model of investing has been developed to help bridge the funding gap between university labs and the marketplace, with some stunning successes reported. The traditional venture capital approach doesn't provide long-term investments necessary for early research development.
Soft robot changes color as it grips and walks (video)
A new advancement in soft robotics has been reported, enabling elastic material to change color when stretched. This feature can help robots camouflage themselves, indicating areas of vulnerability, while also allowing for potential applications in medicine delivery and repair.
Toward tires that repair themselves (video)
Scientists have created tire-grade rubber that can heal itself, potentially extending the lifespan of tires. The material, developed by Amit Das and colleagues, heals at room temperature and can withstand stresses of up to 754 pounds per square inch.
Challenges mount for common herbicide Roundup
The WHO classified glyphosate as a probable carcinogen, but a German review found it unlikely to pose a carcinogenic risk. Roundup's diminishing effectiveness has led to the development of resistance by weeds, prompting farmers to seek alternative methods and products.
Method could make hydrogen fuel cells more efficient
Scientists have developed a method to produce a palladium-based nanomaterial that can efficiently break down formic acid into hydrogen and carbon dioxide. The new process surpasses existing heterogeneous catalysts in efficiency, also eliminating the production of carbon monoxide.
Unlocking secrets of how fossils form
Researchers use large-field scanning electron microscopy to analyze a shrimp fossil from Brazil's Araripe Basin, discovering rare fossilization process and fractal characteristic. The study provides new insights into the formation of ancient fossils.
The influence of citizen science grows despite some resistance
The influence of citizen science is growing, with some states actively encouraging local residents' participation in environmental monitoring. However, not all states share this enthusiasm, with laws limiting or prohibiting citizen scientists from collecting data near agricultural sites.
Struggles ahead in China for chemical and pharmaceutical companies
Foreign chemical and pharmaceutical companies face challenges in China due to economic downturn, overcapacity, and tightening regulations. Despite uncertainty, company heads remain confident in their long-term success in the country, which represents 50% of the Asian chemical market.
Tackling the root cause of cystic fibrosis
Researchers found a small molecule, amphotericin B, that can substitute for a protein and restore a key cellular function related to cystic fibrosis and similar conditions. This approach shows promise as a therapeutic strategy for addressing the root cause of the disease.
New technology can expand LED lighting, cutting energy use and greenhouse gas emissions
Researchers have developed a more affordable and eco-friendly white LED that can cut down the world's energy consumption. By using common earth-abundant metals and organic luminescent molecules, they created a controllable white light from LEDs, reducing costs by up to 90%.
Change in process of disinfecting spinach, salad greens could reduce illness outbreaks
Researchers have developed an easy-to-implement method to eliminate or reduce cross-contamination in commercial processing facilities that prepare leafy greens for the market. The new approach uses a photocatalyst to kill bacteria, particularly E. coli, which is responsible for many outbreaks.
Better-tasting grocery store tomatoes could soon be on their way
Researchers developed a new process to improve the flavor of commercially sold tomatoes. By adding a hot water pre-treatment step, they found higher levels of flavor compounds and better taste. The approach is easy and inexpensive, and could be implemented in current commercial systems.
Mosquito-repelling chemicals identified in traditional sweetgrass
Researchers have identified phytol and coumarin as key compounds responsible for repelling mosquitoes in traditional sweetgrass. The study, presented at the American Chemical Society meeting, demonstrates a scientific basis for the folklore of using sweetgrass to deter biting insects.
How to preserve fleeting digital information with DNA for future generations
Researchers have demonstrated that DNA can preserve information for at least 2,000 years, and they're now working on a filing system to make it easier to navigate. DNA offers a potential solution to data loss in the digital age, with the ability to store unprecedented amounts of data in a fraction of an ounce.
A thin ribbon of flexible electronics can monitor health, infrastructure
A new type of flexible electronics can monitor health, stresses on aircraft wings, and vital signs through wearables. Researchers are developing hybrid systems for military and civilian use, including biosensor patches that can transmit biometric signals in real-time.
Glass paint could keep metal roofs and other structures cool even on sunny days (video)
Researchers have developed a new glass paint that can reflect all sunlight and passively radiate heat, keeping metal surfaces up to 70 degrees Fahrenheit cooler than ambient temperature. This coating has potential applications on naval ships, roofs, and playground equipment, offering environmental benefits and durability.
Color-changing polymer may signal traumatic brain injuries in soldiers, athletes (video)
A team of researchers has developed a color-changing polymer-based material that changes colors depending on the force applied to it. The goal is to detect head trauma immediately and provide an obvious indication of injury. In future studies, the team plans to develop materials that can indicate how quickly a force is applied.
Nicotine-eating bacteria could one day help smokers kick the habit
Researchers have identified a bacterial enzyme called NicA2 that breaks down nicotine in blood samples within 30 minutes. The enzyme also remained stable for several days and showed no observable side effects in mice, suggesting its potential as a new approach to help smokers quit.
A new CSI tool could pinpoint when fingerprints were left behind (video)
Scientists have developed a technique to estimate the age of fingerprints, which could help investigators determine relevance and exclude older prints. The method uses palmitic acid migration rate to predict fingerprint age, applying to prints up to four days old, with plans to expand that window.
Don't call them stiff: Metal organic frameworks show unexpected flexibility
Researchers have discovered that metal organic frameworks (MOFs) exhibit dynamic behavior, shifting between different geometries over time. This finding could lead to the synthesis of brand-new types of materials with enhanced flexibility in applications such as antimicrobial agents, hydrogen-storage materials and solar-cell components.
New chemistry makes strong bonds weak
Researchers at Princeton University have developed a new chemical reaction that breaks the strongest bond in a molecule instead of the weakest. Using a two-component catalyst system, they selectively activate the strongest bond through proton-coupled electron transfer (PCET), allowing access to previously inaccessible compounds.
New battery technologies take on lithium-ion
Two new battery technologies, sodium-ion and lithium-sulfur, are poised to compete with lithium-ion batteries in the electric car market. Faradion's sodium-ion version and Oxis Energy's lithium-sulfur technology aim to match lithium-ion performance, safety, and costs within the next two to four years.
How do fireflies glow? (video)
Researchers have recreated firefly bioluminescence in the lab using a chemical reaction between luciferin and oxygen. The discovery could lead to new applications in medicine, such as more efficient light therapy for patients with certain diseases.
The secret to the sea sapphire's colors -- and invisibility (video)
Researchers found that changes in reflectance depend on the thickness of crystal spacing, enabling copepods to disappear briefly. The study could inform the design of artificial photonic crystal structures with various applications in reflective coatings and optical displays.
Chemical & Engineering News celebrates 'The Talented 12': Young science trailblazers
The American Chemical Society is featuring 'The Talented 12' - a group of young researchers using chemistry to address global issues like climate change and disease. These innovators are developing more environmentally friendly methods for synthesizing molecules and investigating biochemical underpinnings of diseases.
Keeping the smells of onions, garlic and other stinky foods under wraps
Researchers create film using zeolites and cellulose to trap sulfur-containing compounds responsible for bad food smells. The material reduces odors to levels undetectable by humans, potentially solving issues with transporting and storing stinky edibles.
What makes fireflies glow? (video)
Fireflies produce light through a chemical reaction involving luciferin and ATP, but intermediate steps were unclear. Researchers explored enzyme luciferase, finding that a single electron transfer occurs during the final step, suggesting a unifying feature of bioluminescence.
Wine-making shortcut gives bubbly a fruitier aroma
Researchers found that adding certain yeast autolysates can enhance fruity aromas in sparkling wines without affecting foam quality or phenolic compound content. The study provides new insights into the impact of commercial yeast products on bubbly wines.
Probing what happens to plutonium in a nuclear explosion
Researchers at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory simulated a nuclear explosion using new experiments and computer modeling to analyze plutonium behavior. The results will help scientists perform forensic analyses in the case of an actual detonation, providing deeper insights into the element's properties.
Keeping astronauts in space longer with better air and water
Researchers have created a real-time monitoring system for air and water quality in space, reducing the need for sample collection and analysis. The system enables astronauts to test their surroundings more efficiently, making long-term space missions possible.
Why Americans can't buy some of the best sunscreens
The US market offers less effective sunscreens compared to European counterparts, which have approved eight superior formulations for better protection against UV-A and -B rays. Manufacturers are waiting for FDA approval since 2002, hindering product availability.
Expanding the code of life with new 'letters'
Two new nucleotides, 'Z' and 'P', have been found to form double helix structures similar to those made by the four natural bases C-G-A-T, opening up possibilities for creating new proteins with medical applications.
Toward 'green' paper-thin, flexible electronics
Scientists have created a light-emitting, transparent and flexible paper out of biocompatible materials, a significant step towards bendable electronics. The innovation uses wood flour and quantum dots made from zinc and selenium, offering a 'greener' alternative to traditional plastics.
The next step in DNA computing: GPS mapping?
Researchers build programmable DNA-based processor that calculates shortest routes on a map of six locations, offering cost- and time-savings over other DNA-based computers. The system may also help scientists understand the brain's internal GPS mechanism.
Transforming all donated blood into a universal type
Researchers successfully boost enzyme activity by 170-fold, rendering antigen-neutral and compatible with all patients regardless of blood type. This breakthrough advances blood transfusions and potentially organ and tissue transplants from mismatched donors.
Making robots more human
Researchers create ultra-sensitive wearable sensors that can detect subtle eye movements and facial expressions, allowing robots to understand human emotions. These advancements could lead to more intuitive interactions between humans and robots, improving their usability and user experience.
Can China sustain annual pollution reductions?
Despite plateauing emissions, China still faces energy challenges to sustain control over its carbon footprint. The country's transition towards renewable energy and service-oriented economy are key factors in achieving emission-cutting goals.
Engineering the P450 enzyme to perform new reactions
Scientists develop enzymes that can catalyze brand-new chemical reactions by mimicking natural evolution and optimizing active site amino acids. This breakthrough enables the creation of novel chemicals, such as aziridines, which have potential applications in pharmaceuticals.
Food additive could serve as a safer, more environmentally friendly antifreeze
Researchers have created a safer and more environmentally friendly antifreeze by combining propylene glycol with an additive that improves heat transfer. The new product is 60% more efficient than conventional formulations, making it suitable for smaller markets like the food industry.
PNNL team wins American Chemical Society award
The PNNL Hydrogen Catalysis team received the American Chemical Society's Catalysis Lectureship for Advancing Catalytic Science. Their breakthrough research revolutionized understanding of proton movement, enabling faster and more energy-efficient catalysts.
Kavli Lecture: Mining the secrets of carbohydrates for new leads on antibiotics (Video)
ACS researcher Laura Kiessling has discovered a way to target bacterial carbohydrates, potentially leading to new antibiotic strategies. Her team found that human proteins can recognize unique microbial carbohydrates, opening up possibilities for delivering targeted treatments.
New low-calorie rice could help cut rising obesity rates
Scientists developed a new way to cook rice that increases resistant starch content, potentially reducing calories absorbed by the body by over half. This simple cooking method can transform digestible starch into indigestible resistant starch, lowering usable calories and addressing obesity rates.
Kavli Lecture: Mimicking nature's chemistry to solve global environmental problems
The presentation focuses on developing novel materials that can prompt reactions in the lab, which could help reduce levels of greenhouse gases. The research aims to mimic nature's chemistry to solve global environmental problems and provide new solutions for industrial applications.
Sewage -- yes, poop -- could be a source of valuable metals and critical elements
Scientists are finding valuable metals in sewage, including gold, silver, and rare elements like palladium and vanadium. The discovery could reduce the need for mining and decrease environmental pollution by recovering these metals from treated solid waste.
Squid-inspired 'invisibility stickers' could help soldiers evade detection in the dark
Researchers have designed 'invisibility stickers' that could help soldiers disguise themselves even when detected by infrared cameras. The stickers use a protein found in squid skin and can be triggered to change their appearance under an infrared camera, making them ideal for camouflage operations.
A molecule from plants and trees could make our roads and roofs 'greener'
A molecule from plants and trees, lignin, could be used to create asphalt and sealant mixtures that are more environmentally friendly and durable. Lignin, a renewable resource found in trees, has been integrated into bitumen to improve its performance and reduce the amount of non-renewable oil needed.