Chemistry
We summarize the week's scientific breakthroughs every Thursday.
- Chemistry
Big jobs go to loyal proteins
Cells offload much of their nonessential work on enzymes that juggle a number of tasks.
- Tech
Unmixing oil and water
A new filter that separates the two substances only using gravity could help clean oil spills.
- Chemistry
Supersmall lab-on-a-chip is superfast
Two-chamber nanowire device that quickly finds diagnostic molecules in blood could be a lifesaver.
- Tech
Camera hack can spot cleaned-up crimes
Exploiting a standard tool of art conservation can help police find painted-over bloodstains.
- Chemistry
Method puts wrinkles in neat little rows
MIT researchers have discovered how to create perfect patterns of microscopic wrinkles.
- Chemistry
Scaffolding props up failing hearts
Hydrogel treatment stimulates cell repair and blood vessel regrowth in pig experiments.
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- Chemistry
Terminator termites have unique technique
Age intensifies likelihood of workers turning into tiny suicide bombers.
- Humans
Putting BPA-based dental fillings in perspective
A new study finds that children who have their cavities filled with a white composite resin known as bis-GMA appear to develop small but quantifiable drops in psychosocial function. To put it simply: Treated kids can become more moody, aggressive and generally less well adjusted.
- Physics
Old battery gets a high-tech makeover
Redesigned nickel-iron battery gives modern lithium-ion devices a run for their money.
- Humans
What’s in your wallet? Another ‘estrogen’
A chemical cousin of bisphenol A, a hormone mimic, has turned up on banknotes from around the world in addition to tainting 14 other types of papery products. Owing to the near ubiquity of BPS in paper, human exposure is likely also “ubiquitous,” conclude the study's authors. Oh, and a second new study shows that BPS behaves like an estrogen.
- Chemistry
Flerovium and livermorium debut on periodic table
New element names honor the contributions of Russian and American laboratories.
