Chemistry
We summarize the week's science breakthroughs every Thursday.
- Chemistry
Germ-killing plastic wrap
Scientists have developed biodegradable plastics that release natural germ-killing agents onto the foods wrapped inside.
- Chemistry
Toxic runoff from plastic mulch
Pesticide runoff from tomato fields covered with sheets of plastic can kill fish, clams, and other aquatic life.
- Chemistry
New solution for kitchen germs
Acidic electrolyzed water appears to kill foodborne germs more effectively than a bath of dilute bleach.
- Chemistry
Secret of strong silk
By controlling the amount of water in their glands, spiders and silkworms prevent their silk proteins from crystallizing prematurely.
- Chemistry
Catalyzing green chemistry
A recyclable catalyst promises to eliminate the waste generated during the manufacture of a wide range of chemicals, including drugs and ceramics.
- Chemistry
Amino acid lends a heavy hand
Scientists have identified a mechanism to explain how amino acids evolved to become exclusively left-handed in all living organisms.
- Chemistry
Amending the Genetic Code: Yeast adds new amino acids to its proteins
Researchers have created yeast cells that add one of five unnatural amino acids to their natural 20-piece construction set.
- Chemistry
Old Martian questions may have new answer
Researchers simulating Martian conditions in a test tube discover a likely reason why no organic molecules have yet been found on the surface of the Red Planet.
- Chemistry
Chemical rings act as a minirotor
Interlocked molecular rings form new minirotors, including some in which scientists can control the rotational direction.
- Chemistry
An inexpensive catalyst generates hydrogen
A new, inexpensive catalyst could make hydrogen generation cleaner.
- Chemistry
Additive gives improved mileage, less smog
A new fuel additive, polyisobutylene, decreases automobile emissions by 70 percent while increasing power and mileage.
- Chemistry
Danger Detection
Analytical chemists are exploring ways to improve chemical and biological weapons detection.
