Chemistry

  1. Chemistry

    Too-young caterpillars like scent of sex

    Larvae respond to mate-attracting pheromones, raising evolutionary questions about what a very grown-up chemical signal could mean to them.

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  2. Chemistry

    Big jobs go to loyal proteins

    Cells offload much of their nonessential work on enzymes that juggle a number of tasks.

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  3. Tech

    Unmixing oil and water

    A new filter that separates the two substances only using gravity could help clean oil spills.

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  4. Chemistry

    Supersmall lab-on-a-chip is superfast

    Two-chamber nanowire device that quickly finds diagnostic molecules in blood could be a lifesaver.

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  5. Tech

    Camera hack can spot cleaned-up crimes

    Exploiting a standard tool of art conservation can help police find painted-over bloodstains.

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  6. Chemistry

    Method puts wrinkles in neat little rows

    MIT researchers have discovered how to create perfect patterns of microscopic wrinkles.

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  7. Chemistry

    Scaffolding props up failing hearts

    Hydrogel treatment stimulates cell repair and blood vessel regrowth in pig experiments.

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  8. Chemistry

    Heat Beaters

    Scientists seek enzymes that don’t mind working at high temperatures.

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  9. Chemistry

    Terminator termites have unique technique

    Age intensifies likelihood of workers turning into tiny suicide bombers.

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  10. 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.

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  11. Physics

    Old battery gets a high-tech makeover

    Redesigned nickel-iron battery gives modern lithium-ion devices a run for their money.

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  12. 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.

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