Chemistry

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We summarize the week's science breakthroughs every Thursday.

  1. 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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  2. 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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  3. Chemistry

    Yeast bred to bear artificial vanilla

    Researchers have co-opted fungi to produce the flavor more efficiently.

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  4. Health & Medicine

    Coming: Ersatz calorie restriction

    Avocados may hold a key to longer, better health.

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  5. 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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  6. Chemistry

    Another type of traffic stress

    Scientists find signs of DNA damage from air pollutants spewed by cars and trucks.

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  7. Physics

    Radioactive cigarettes

    Polonium remains an underappreciated factor in the lung-cancer risk posed by cigarettes.

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  8. 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.

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  9. Chemistry

    Bubbles turn on chemical catalysts

    Mechanical force could help chemical compounds spur reactions when the time is right.

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  10. Chemistry

    Prions are common, at least in yeast

    A new study of shape-shifting proteins in baker’s yeast reveals that prions are common and may help organisms survive in changing conditions.

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  11. Ecosystems

    Exxon Valdez: Tidal waters still troubled

    From birds and clams to herring, many species continue to show persistent impacts of an oil spill that occurred two decades ago.

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  12. Health & Medicine

    How herpes re-rears its ugly head

    Researchers identify a key player in the reactivation of herpes simplex virus type 1.

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