Chemistry
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We summarize the week's scientific breakthroughs every Thursday.
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ChemistryChemical rings act as a minirotor
Interlocked molecular rings form new minirotors, including some in which scientists can control the rotational direction.
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ChemistryAn inexpensive catalyst generates hydrogen
A new, inexpensive catalyst could make hydrogen generation cleaner.
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ChemistryDanger Detection
Analytical chemists are exploring ways to improve chemical and biological weapons detection.
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ChemistryMultiple Motions: Applied electrons make molecules vibrate and move
A new technique enables scientists to choreograph individual molecules to vibrate, break bonds, and move on a surface in specified ways.
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ChemistryDetecting Lead: Sensor changes color for toxic metal
A new sensor using gold nanoparticles and tailor-made DNA strands offers simple and reliable detection of lead in paint.
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ChemistryDiamond in the rough
Researchers have found a collection of previously undiscovered diamondlike compounds in oil.
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ChemistryDrug smugglers leave cellular tracks
Imaging reveals where some experimental nanoscale capsules ferry drugs when they enter cells.
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ChemistryPlastic Electric
Scientists are finding new ways to improve the molecular order and electrical conductivity of a commercially important conducting plastic.
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ChemistryNanoscale Networks: Superlong nanotubes can form a grid
Researchers have made extraordinarily long carbon nanotubes and aligned them to create tiny transistors and sensors for detecting chemical and biological agents.
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ChemistryContacts could dispense drugs
Novel contact lens materials use nanoparticles to dispense drugs.
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ChemistryMatcha green tea packs the antioxidants
A green tea used in Japanese tea ceremonies contains much more of a beneficial antioxidant than ordinary green tea.
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ChemistryNuclear-waste monitoring gets close to the source
A new prototype device may make monitoring of radioactive contamination cheaper and easier.