English
Arabic
Chinese (Simplified)
Dutch
Esperanto
French
German
Greek
Italian
Japanese
Korean
Portuguese
Russian
Spanish
UrduA nontoxic separation process recovers critical minerals from electronic scrap waste.
Tag: Chemistry
DOE’s Office of Science Graduate Student Research Program Selects 86 Outstanding U.S. Graduate Students
The Department of Energy’s (DOE’s) Office of Science has selected 86 graduate students representing 31 states and Puerto Rico for the Office of Science Graduate Student Research (SCGSR) program’s 2023 Solicitation 2 cycle.
Study finds iron-rich enamel protects, but doesn’t color, rodents’ orange-brown incisors
Microscopic studies of rodent incisors revealed nano-sized pockets of iron-rich material that form a protective shield, a finding that could improve human dentistry, say researchers in ACS Nano.
Cell Biology: Molecular Code Stimulates Pioneer Cells to Build Blood Vessels in the Body
Cardiovascular diseases, including stroke and myocardial infarction, are the world’s leading causes of mortality, accounting for over 18 million deaths a year. A team of KIT researchers has now identified a new cell type in blood vessels responsible for vascular growth.
Waterproof ‘e-glove’ could help scuba divers communicate
Researchers reporting in ACS Nano have constructed a waterproof “e-glove” that wirelessly transmits hand gestures made underwater to a computer that translates them into messages. The new technology could someday help divers communicate better with each other and with boat crews on the surface.
Computational Chemistry Needs To Be Sustainable, Too
As new paradigms in advanced computing take shape, computational chemistry researchers are finding new ways to solve challenging chemistry problems.
Water-based paints: Less stinky, but some still contain potentially hazardous chemicals
Choosing paint for your home brings a lot of options: What kind of paint, what type of finish and what color? Water-based paints have emerged as “greener” and less smelly than solvent-based options. And they are often advertised as containing little-to-no volatile organic compounds (VOCs).
A simple way to harvest more ‘blue energy’ from waves
Researchers report in ACS Energy Letters that repositioning the electrode in a “blue energy” harvesting device — from the center of a see-sawing liquid-filled tube to the end where the water crashes with the most force — dramatically increased the amount of wave energy that could be harvested.
Testing environmental water to monitor COVID-19 spread in unsheltered encampments
To better understand COVID-19’s spread during the pandemic, public health officials expanded wastewater surveillance. These efforts track SARS-CoV-2 levels and health risks among most people, but they miss people who live without shelter, a population particularly vulnerable to severe infection.
Recyclable Reagent and Sunlight Convert Carbon Monoxide into Methanol
Scientists at the U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) Brookhaven National Laboratory and the University of North Carolina Chapel Hill (UNC) have demonstrated the selective conversion of carbon dioxide (CO2) into methanol using a cascade reaction strategy. The two-part process is powered by sunlight, occurs at room temperature and at ambient pressure, and employs a recyclable organic reagent that’s similar to a catalyst found in natural photosynthesis.
Crawfish could transfer ionic lithium from their environment into food chain
The increasing use of lithium-ion rechargeable batteries likely means more environmental contamination. Researchers have explored how lithium accumulates in crawfish, with implications for the environment and public health. They will present their results at ACS Spring 2024.
Hitting this stretchy, electronic material makes it tougher
Dropping wearable electronics, or hitting them really hard, usually breaks the devices. Now, researchers report on a flexible and electrically conductive material with “adaptive durability,” getting stronger when it is hit. They will present their results at ACS Spring 2024.
New model clarifies why water freezes at a range of temperatures
Though it’s known that tiny sites like soot and bacteria help water freeze, the fundamentals of how ice forms are vague. Scientists have now developed a theoretical model showing how structural details on surfaces influence water’s freezing point. They will present their results at ACS Spring 2024.
Cleaning up environmental contaminants with quantum dot technology
Quantum dot research just won a Nobel Prize, and now, the applications for nontoxic quantum dots are being expanded. One team of researchers has designed carbon- and sulfur-based dots to help clean up the environment. They will present their results at ACS Spring 2024.
Molecular crystal motors move like microbes when exposed to light
Rabih Al-Kaysi’s molecular motors look like tiny worms, but they’re actually crystallized molecules that move in response to light. These machines could someday solve real-world problems, like being used as drug-delivery robots. The researchers will present their results at ACS Spring 2024.
Is food waste the key to sustainable, plastic-free diapers and sanitary pads?
Many disposable diapers and sanitary pads contain plastic and need centuries to decompose. Now, researchers are replacing the plastic with parts made from food waste. That could lead to biodegradable diapers and pads that could be used as fertilizer. They’ll present their results at ACS Spring 2024.
Toxic metal particles can be present in cannabis vapes even before the first use
Vapes are thought to be a “safer” way to consume cannabis, but they present their own risks. Researchers have discovered toxic metal particles in vaping liquids even before first use of the device, and this toxicity was worse in illicit products. They will present their results at ACS Spring 2024.
Artificial mucus identifies link to tumor formation
Mucus is critical to human health. To explore how, researchers synthesized its major component, sugar-coated proteins called mucins, and discovered that changing the mucins of healthy cells to be more cancer-like made cells act more cancer-like. They will present their results at ACS Spring 2024.
New composite decking could reduce global warming effects of building materials
Building materials are major contributors to global carbon dioxide emissions. So scientists have designed a composite decking material that stores more carbon dioxide than is required to manufacture it, providing the first “carbon-negative” option. They will present their results at ACS Spring 2024.
Mimicking exercise with a pill
Could a pill replicate the benefits of exercise? Researchers have identified new compounds that seem to mimic some benefits of exercise in rodent cells. This discovery could help treat those with muscle wasting and other conditions. The scientists will present their results at ACS Spring 2024.
Better kombucha brewing through chemistry
These chemists are investigating ways to reliably minimize alcohol and tailor taste profiles during the kombucha fermentation process to help home and commercial producers optimize their funky brews. They will present their results at ACS Spring 2024.
The many flavors of edible ants
Ants are commonly eaten in some parts of the world, roasted and eaten whole or ground and used to add flavor and texture to dishes. Each species has its own unique flavor, and researchers now report the aroma profiles of four species of edible ants. They will present their results at ACS Spring 2024.
Animal hair structure changes from summer to winter to fend off freezing weather
Some animals can withstand frigid weather, thanks to the insulating properties of the hollow hairs that make up their coats. Little was known about the hairs, but researchers have now discovered that their inner structure changes with the seasons. They will present their results at ACS Spring 2024.
You don’t need glue to hold these materials together — just electricity
A study in ACS Central Science shows that applying voltage to certain objects forms chemical bonds linking the objects together. Reversing the direction of electron flow separates the materials. This could help create biohybrid robots, improve biomedical implants and enable new battery technologies.
Want fewer microplastics in your tap water? Try boiling it first
Want to remove microplastics from water? Try brewing it for a cup of tea or coffee! Research reported in Environmental Science & Technology Letters shows that by boiling then filtering tap water, up to 90% of the nano- and microplastics present could be removed.
Light stimulates a new twist for synthetic chemistry
Molecules that are induced by light to rotate bulky groups around central bonds could be developed into photo-activated bioactive systems, molecular switches, and more.
Tattoo inks don’t match the ingredients listed on the bottle
When you get a tattoo, do you know what you’re putting under your skin? According to new research from Binghamton University, State University of New York, the ingredient labels on tattoo ink don’t match the actual substances in the bottle.
C.M. Tokë Vandervoort selected as ACS General Counsel
The American Chemical Society (ACS) is pleased to announce the appointment of C.M. Vandervoort, who goes by Tokë, as its next General Counsel. She will succeed Flint Lewis, Secretary and General Counsel, who will retire on April 1 after nearly 30 years of service to ACS.
Compounds in female ginseng could lead to new osteoporosis treatments
Drugs for treating osteoporosis can be expensive and have side effects. In the search for alternative drug candidates, researchers reporting in ACS Central Science have discovered and fully replicated a compound from female ginseng that had potent anti-osteoporotic activity in cellular tests.
Mercury levels in tuna remain nearly unchanged since 1971, study says
Tuna can build up high levels of methylmercury from feeding on contaminated prey. Despite efforts to reduce mercury emissions, researchers report in ACS’ Environmental Science & Technology Letters that levels in tuna appear to be unchanged.
Highways through historically redlined areas likely cause air pollution disparities today
Historically “redlined” areas – neighborhoods with primarily Black or immigrant communities – are exposed to more air pollution than other urban neighborhoods. According to research published in ACS’ Environmental Science & Technology, the cause could relate to nearby highways or industrial parks.
Membrane Technology: Looking Deep into Smallest Pores
Membranes of vertically aligned carbon nanotubes (VaCNT) can be used to clean or desalinate water at high flow rate and low pressure. Recently, researchers of Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT) and partners carried out steroid hormone adsorption experiments to study the interplay of forces in the small pores. They found that VaCNT of specific pore geometry and pore surface structure are suited for use as highly selective membranes. The researchers report in Nature Communications. (DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-44883-2)
Plasma Technology for More Effective Lithium Extraction
Korea Institute of Fusion Energy(KFE) announced revealed that their researchers have successfully increased the lithium extraction rate by three times compared to pre-existing methods by applying CO2 microwave plasma technology.
Nanomedicine paves the way for new treatments for spinal cord injury
A Study by Politecnico di Milano and Istituto Mario Negri has been published in Advanced Materials.
Pesticides to help protect seeds can adversely affect earthworms’ health
Research published in ACS’ Environmental Science & Technology Letters reveals that worms are affected by small amounts of chemicals from pesticide-treated seeds.
New process allows full recovery of starting materials from tough polymer composites
In a win for chemistry, inventors at the Department of Energy’s Oak Ridge National Laboratory have designed a closed-loop path for synthesizing an exceptionally tough carbon-fiber-reinforced polymer and later recovering all of its starting materials.
Researchers uncover potential non-opioid treatment for chronic pain
Among the most difficult types of pain to alleviate is neuropathic pain, pain that is usually caused by damage to nerves in various body tissues, including skin, muscle and joints.
Device ‘smells’ seawater to discover, detect novel molecules
Researchers in ACS Central Science report a proof-of-concept device that “sniffs” seawater, trapping dissolved compounds for analyses. The team showed that the system could easily concentrate molecules that are present in underwater caves and holds promise for drug discovery in fragile ecosystems, including coral reefs.
A step to prevent opioid overdose deaths with light-activated naloxone treatment
In a proof-of-concept in ACS’ Nano Letters, a team has designed injectable nanoparticles that released naloxone ― which rapidly reverses opioid overdose effects ― when triggered by blue light. In experiments with mice, this system was activated a month after injection.
Incheon National University scientists develop new hydrogels for wound management
By leveraging the power of oxygen, these gelatin patches can act as effective tissue adhesives that accelerate the healing of wounds
Diapers can be recycled 200 times faster with light
Water and UV radiation rapidly and efficiently degrade crosslinked polymers of diaper liners without needing any chemicals – recycled plastic molecules can be used in various ways
Cathode active materials for lithium-ion batteries could be produced at low temperatures
Layered lithium cobalt oxide, a key component of lithium-ion batteries, has been synthesized at temperatures as low as 300°C and durations as short as 30 minutes.
Electrons are quick-change artists in molten salts, chemists show
In a finding that helps elucidate how molten salts in advanced nuclear reactors might behave, scientists have shown how electrons interacting with the ions of the molten salt can form three states with different properties.
Orange Photonics Unveils LightLab 3 Psy Analyzer, Revolutionizing Analytical Testing for Psychedelic Mushrooms and Infused Products
Orange Photonics, a pioneer in analytical testing solutions, is pleased to introduce LightLab 3 Psy Analyzer
AI identifies antimalarial drug as possible osteoporosis treatment
Artificial intelligence is being harnessed by some scientists to predict which molecules could treat illnesses. Researchers reporting in ACS Central Science have used one such deep learning algorithm, and found that an antimalarial drug could treat osteoporosis.
Transforming wastewater into valuable chemicals with sunlight
Researchers led by Prof. GAO Xiang from the Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology (SIAT) of the Chinese Academy of Sciences and Prof. LU Lu from the Harbin Institute of Technology have proposed a novel method to transform wastewater contaminants into valuable chemicals using sunlight, thus paving the way for sustainable and eco-friendly chemical manufacturing.
Novel catalyst for green production of fine chemicals and pharmaceuticals
Scientists from the National University of Singapore have developed an innovative catalyst that achieves a significantly lower carbon footprint, paving the way for greener chemical and pharmaceutical manufacturing processes.
‘Ultrashort’ PFAS compounds detected in people and their homes, study shows
Smaller, fluorinated compounds are becoming replacements for PFAS, though research suggests these versions could also be harmful. A study in ACS’ Environmental Science & Technology reports that levels of these substances indoor and human samples are similar to or higher than those of legacy PFAS.
Metal-organic frameworks could someday deliver antibacterial nitric oxide
Researchers still need to get a better understanding of how metal-organic frameworks function, especially when embedded in polymers. Reporting in ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces, researchers have now developed and characterized nitric oxide-storing MOFs embedded in a thin film with novel antibacterial potential.
Killer whales’ diet more important than location for pollutant exposure, study says
Killer whales are some of the oceans’ top predators, but even they can be exposed to environmental pollution. In the largest study to date on North Atlantic killer whales, researchers in ACS’ Environmental Science & Technology report the levels of pollutants in 162 individuals’ blubber.