Chemistry
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Psychology
School-age lead exposures most harmful to IQ
New studies find lead exposure has greater potency in school-age children than in infants and toddlers, including effects on brain volume.
By Janet Raloff -
Chemistry
How RNA got started
Scientists identify chemical reactions that could be responsible for the origin of life.
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Chemistry
Nonstick chemical pollutes water at notable levels
Residues of nonstick chemicals — from unknown sources — appear to be approaching concentrations associated with adverse effects in laboratory animals.
By Janet Raloff -
Physics
Molecule turns red at breaking point
Materials made with a color-changing molecule may offer a red signal when under stress.
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Life
Function for green fluorescent protein
Scientists find that the glowing molecule also passes electrons, offering a new clue about the natural function of a protein that's become ubiquitous in molecular biology.
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Chemistry
Yeast bred to bear artificial vanilla
Researchers have co-opted fungi to produce the flavor more efficiently.
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Health & Medicine
Coming: Ersatz calorie restriction
Avocados may hold a key to longer, better health.
By Janet Raloff -
Humans
In teeth, more cracks are better than one
Cracks in tooth enamel, called tufts, distribute force and shield a tooth from fracture, researchers report.
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Chemistry
Another type of traffic stress
Scientists find signs of DNA damage from air pollutants spewed by cars and trucks.
By Janet Raloff -
Physics
Radioactive cigarettes
Polonium remains an underappreciated factor in the lung-cancer risk posed by cigarettes.
By Janet Raloff -
Chemistry
Leaden blood hikes granny’s heart risks
Featured blog: Even low concentrations of lead circulating in blood may pose lethal heart risks, a new study finds.
By Janet Raloff -
Chemistry
Bubbles turn on chemical catalysts
Mechanical force could help chemical compounds spur reactions when the time is right.