Chemistry

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We summarize the week's scientific breakthroughs every Thursday.

  1. Chemistry

    Opioids’ molecular magic unmasked

    New 3-D structures of opiumlike drugs bound to the body’s proteins will aid the development of better painkillers and the battle against drug abuse.

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  2. Chemistry

    Better hydrogen storage process unveiled

    Scientists create a chemical switch that can catch and release the useful gas.

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  3. Chemistry

    Polymer power drives tiny reactions

    Applying pressure to a building block of plastic in water, researchers generate enough energy to make your Nikes glow and do other chemical work.

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  4. Chemistry

    Taste of fructose revs up metabolism

    The pancreas pumps more insulin in response to the sugar, potentially throwing the body’s energy-storage machinery out of whack.

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  5. Chemistry

    Muscle massage may speed healing

    Rubbing sore, overworked areas trips anti-inflammatory switches in the tissue that might speed healing and ease pain.

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  6. Chemistry

    Measuring what makes a medicine

    A new way to evaluate molecules offers a finer-grained picture of which ones could become drugs.

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  7. Earth

    ‘Nonstick’ pollutants may cut efficiency of vaccines in kids

    Antibodies from immunizations are halved among children with the highest exposure levels to common chemicals.

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  8. Humans

    Seaweed study fuels bioenergy enthusiasm

    Munched by a manipulated microbe, ocean algae readily yield ethanol.

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  9. Chemistry

    In a Squeeze

    Elements under pressure reveal secrets of extreme chemistry.

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  10. Chemistry

    Molecule ties itself in a complex knot

    Chemists synthesize a five-crossing structure centered on chloride.

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  11. Chemistry

    Deep-sea battery comes to light

    Microbes fuel a weak electrical current at hydrothermal vents.

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  12. Humans

    Saving the Last Supper

    Tourists and cosmetics seem to be threatening da Vinci’s masterpiece.

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