Chemistry
We summarize the week's science breakthroughs every Thursday.
- Ecosystems
Exxon Valdez killed future for some killer whales
An Alaskan oil spill disrupted family structure in killer-whale groups, with lasting and dramatic repercussions.
- Health & Medicine
Licorice may interfere with certain drugs
Studies in rats suggest that the active compound in licorice root can promote or hinder the availability of certain drugs.
- Humans
Otters and oil: Problems remain
The behavior of Alaska's southern sea otters may unwittingly expose them to toxic oil-spill residues.
- Chemistry
Exxon Valdez oil lingers, as does its toxicity
Even 20 years after a major oil spill, barely degraded pockets of the oil persist within some intertidal beaches, research shows.
- Agriculture
Fighting fungal weapons, not fungi
Scientists have engineered several compounds that target an enzyme that blackleg and black spot fungi use to thwart plant defense systems. The selective compounds are designed not to harm beneficial species while still protecting valuable crops.
- Chemistry
Helping molecules reach meta
Researchers find a simple way to get molecules into the meta position on an aromatic ring, opening fresh possibilities for making new compounds.
- Earth
Vitamin E shields lungs from smog effects
The "other" vitamin E shows promise in being able to shield the lungs and nasal passages from ozone damage.
- Plants
Plants reveal pollen-luring secrets
Scientists finally pin down the proteins one plant uses to lure pollen tubes to its plant ovaries.
- Health & Medicine
Bottled water may contain ‘hormones’: Glass
Some mineral water appears to have been tainted prior to bottling.
- Chemistry
Light could heal materials
Scientists have created a new material that repairs itself when exposed to ultraviolet light.
- Chemistry
Bottled water may contain ‘hormones’: Plastics
New concerns arise over the presence of hormonelike pollutants in plastic food packaging.
- Earth
Buckyballs do antimicrobial magic
A new study shows that soccer-ball–shaped carbon nanoparticles can prevent biofilm from gunking up water filters.
