Chemistry

  1. Chemistry

    Power cells find uses for fossil fuel

    A new fuel cell that runs on hydrocarbons such as natural gas, butane, and diesel instead of hydrogen could be an efficient, practical way to generate power without pollution.

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  2. Chemistry

    Where the Gems Are

    By using a novel tool to figure out an emerald’s oxygen-isotope ratio, gemologists can now determine which mine the precious stone came from and, possibly, gain insights into the formation and history of these coveted gems.

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  3. Chemistry

    Money Allergies: Two-toned euro coins shed metallic allergen

    The two-alloy composition of some euro coins makes them release large amounts of nickel, a common skin allergen.

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  4. Chemistry

    Rooting for new antimicrobial drugs

    A compound from a tree found throughout tropical Africa could prove useful as a topical antifungal medication.

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  5. Chemistry

    Wine Tasting: Instrument can sniff out vinegar in sealed wine

    A new system could determine whether a sealed bottle of wine has turned to vinegar.

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  6. Chemistry

    Germ Fighter: Lens coating may keep contacts in eye longer

    A new antibacterial coating may allow contact lenses to remain in a person's eyes for up to 3 months.

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  7. Chemistry

    Down to the bone

    A new method for making bone cement could simplify hip and knee replacements and improve the surgeries' outcomes.

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  8. Chemistry

    Power plants: Algae churn out hydrogen

    Green algae can produce hydrogen, a clean-burning fuel that could one day power pollution-free cars.

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  9. Chemistry

    Don’t eat the pepper-flavored paint

    A derivative of the spicy chemical in chili peppers could find its way into a variety of products, including veterinary sutures and fiber optic cables.

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  10. Chemistry

    Glowing bacteria gobble gook in soil

    A genetically engineered bacterium lights up as it breaks down organic contaminants in soil.

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  11. Chemistry

    Volcanoes aren’t a big source of CFCs

    Ozone-depleting chlorofluorocarbons in the atmosphere come mainly from human-made sources, not from volcanoes as some have suggested.

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  12. Chemistry

    Stopping batteries from starting fires

    A new flame-retardant substance could make rechargeable lithium-ion batteries practical for powering electric vehicles.

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