ACS Science Elements Archive: 2015

Science news podcasts from the American Chemical Society

A weekly digest of cutting edge research from the American Chemical Society

ACS Science Elements Archives: 2007 | 2008 | 2009 | 2010 | 2011 | 2012 | 2013 | 2014| 2015 | 2016 | 2017

Episode 586 – December 17, 2015

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Why collectors are drooling over a tiny box of elements

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Tiny tube is an element collector’s dream come true

Episode 585 – December 16, 2015

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How soft robots could help change the color of the world around us

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Soft robot changes color as grips and walks

Episode 584 – December 14, 2015

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New battery could enhance storage of wind, solar energy

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New low-cost battery could help store renewable energy

Episode 583 – December 10, 2015

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Scientists detect heart healthy secrets hidden in hibernating squirrels

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Scientists probe effects of hibernation to find better ways to prevent, treat heart disease

Episode 582 – December 09, 2015

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Infants exposed to more flame retardants than adults

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Study finds flame retardant exposure higher in infants than adults

Episode 581 – December 07, 2015

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Chewing gum stretches the limits of body sensors

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New stretchable, wearable sensor made with chewing gum

Episode 580 – December 03, 2015

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New device could help  marijuana users determine if newly legal drug meets expectations

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New handheld device could help consumers analyze cannabis potency

Episode 579 – December 02, 2015

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Scientific stick-to-itiveness could lead to better glues

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Spider webs yield clues to stickier glues

Episode 578 – November 30, 2015

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New rapid test could simplify detection of rotten meat

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Simple, rapid test could lead to safer meat

Episode 577 – November 19, 2015

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Does school really stink? Leave to it science to find the answer

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Study suggests students actually do don deodorant daily

Episode 576 – November 18, 2015

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Scientists try to determine health effects of secondhand marijuana smoke

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Scientists seek to perfect techniques to test for second-hand marijuana smoke

Episode 575 – November 16, 2015

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Computer capable of learning, remembering one step closer to reality

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Artificial brain synapses could lead to smarter electronics

Episode 574 – November 12, 2015

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Scientists find new suspect in the mysterious collapse of bee colonies

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Wildflowers on farms can expose bees to pesticides

Episode 573 – November 11, 2015

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Beaver revival in Europe could lead to higher levels of water contaminant

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A potential downside to the beaver’s comeback

Episode 572 – November 09, 2015

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Roving scientist drives home message about upgrading natural gas pipelines

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Improving infrastructure cuts methane emissions

Episode 571 – November 05, 2015

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New testing device could help screen shellfish for toxins

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Portable device can quickly detect toxics in shellfish

Episode 570 – November 04, 2015

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Scientists are hot on the trail of how ice forms

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Scientists chip away at the secrets of ice formation

Episode 569 – November 02, 2015

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How diamonds could help root out certain dental problems

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Microdiamonds could help teeth sparkle for years to come

Episode 568 – October 29, 2015

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How a tiny worm is helping scientists answer an age-old question

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What metabolism could reveal about aging and mortality

Episode 567 – October 28, 2015

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Researchers work to keep drug residues from contaminating drinking water

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Scientists find way to make pharmaceuticals degrade before they can contaminate drinking water

Episode 566 – October 26, 2015

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New process could help hydrogen fuel fulfill its promise

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Researcher seek to make more efficient hydrogen fuel cells

Episode 565 – October 22, 2015

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Distillers whisk a “space shot” into orbit

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Space-aged whisky comes down to Earth

Episode 564 – October 21, 2015

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Improved electronic ‘nose’ could help detect early-stage ovarian cancer

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Scientists close in on a way to sniff out cancer

Episode 563 – October 19, 2015

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Scientists detect how chili pepper ingredient could potentially help subdue certain cancers

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Chili pepper compound could help kill cancer cells

Episode 562 – October 15, 2015

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Blueberry extract could reduce risk of gum disease

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Blueberry extract could help fight gum disease, reduce antibiotic use

Episode 561 – October 14, 2015

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Scientists explore the trade-offs involved in controlling greenhouse gases

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Cutting carbon emission could have indirect effects on hunger

Episode 560 – October 12, 2015

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Hybrid solar cell converts both light and heat into useable energy

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Hybrid solar cell converts both light and heat into electricity

Episode 559 – October 08, 2015

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Nanoparticles could help ease allergy-related symptoms

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Nanoparticles could boost effectiveness of allergy shots

Episode 558 – October 07, 2015

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Scientists discover small molecule that could lead to better treatment of cystic fibrosis

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Scientist detect molecule that could tackle root cause of cystic fibrosis

Episode 557 – October 05, 2015

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New process could eliminate flat tires

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Why a flat tire could soon be a thing of the past

Episode 556 – October 01, 2015

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Gold nanoparticles could help improve breast cancer screening

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New approach could improve reliability of mammograms

Episode 555 – September 30, 2015

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Scientists discover a possible link between a common-used substance and miscarriages

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Exposure to phthalates could be linked to miscarriages

Episode 554 – September 28, 2015

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New bendable solar cell could lead the charge into flexible electronics

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All-plastic solar cell could help power flexible electronics

Episode 553 – September 24, 2015

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Researchers discover a microscopic ally that could help smokers kick the habit

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Nicotine-eating bacteria could help eventually help smokers quit

Episode 552 – September 23, 2015

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Scientists dig deep to discover how fossils form

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Scientist unlock secrets behind fossil formation

Episode 551 – September 21, 2015

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New technique could add a timely dimension to fingerprint analysis

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New CSI tool could pinpoint when fingerprints were left behind

Episode 550 – September 17, 2015

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Futuristic fighting robots get ready to rumble

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Titanic robot duel looms for U.S. company, foreign rival

Episode 549 – September 16, 2015

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Simple change in dinner ware could reduce exposure to potentially harmful substance

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Tableware switch could reduce exposure to potentially harmful substances

Episode 548 – September 14, 2015

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New self-sealing material could make spacecraft safer

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Self-healing material could seal life-threatening holes in spacecraft

Episode 547 – September 10, 2015

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Scientists give tomato lovers a reason to rejoice

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Better-tasting tomatoes could soon be on grocery store shelves

Episode 546 – September 09, 2015

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New method could help detect blood clots in single body scan

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New single-scan method could detect blood clots anywhere in the body

Episode 545 – September 07, 2015

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First-of-its-kind ‘green’ antenna could double solar cell efficiency, lower costs

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‘Green’ antenna could double solar cell efficiency

Episode 544 – September 03, 2015

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Scientist explore using DNA to save digital information

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Scientists seek to preserve digital information with DNA

Episode 543 – September 02, 2015

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‘Drinkable' book could save millions of lives

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New “Drinkable Book” purifies bacteria-ridden water

Episode 542 – August 31, 2015

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Glass paint could help metal roofs chill out

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Glass paint could keep metal roofs and other structures cool even on hot days

Episode 541 – August 20, 2015

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Unexpected twists and turns of chemistry careers

Episode 540 – August 13, 2015

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Painting by the numbers gets a scientific makeover

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Pipette artistry by the numbers

Episode 539 – August 12, 2015

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Researchers create cheap, portable diagnostic tool

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Portable ‘paper machine’ can diagnose disease for less than $2.

Episode 538 – August 10, 2015

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Scientists take steps toward an all-natural sunscreen derived from algae

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Scientists create all-natural sunscreen derived from algae

Episode 537 – August 06, 2015

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Chemists help chocolate maker’s banish an unsightly problem

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Researchers seek to eradicate chocolate lovers’ scourge

Episode 536 – August 05, 2015

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New process involving adult stem cells could lead to treatments for muscular dystrophy

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Scientists prod adult stem cells to turn into muscle cells

Episode 535 – August 03, 2015

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Could DNA drive the next great expansion of computer wizardry?

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Is GPS mapping the next step in DNA computing?

Episode 534 – July 30, 2015

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A common myth about e-cigarettes goes up in smoke

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E-cigarettes may be as addictive as traditional ones

Episode 533 – July 29, 2015

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Tiny particles could help reduce risk of cancer recurrence

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Nanoparticles target and kill cancer stem cells

Episode 532 – July 27, 2015

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New material could help you get more miles per gallon

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Turning engine heat into electricity could boost gas mileage

Episode 531 – July 23, 2015

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California advises residents to be wary of certain seafoods

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“Demonic” algae creates unforgettable havoc in California

Episode 530 – July 22, 2015

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Scientists unlock secrets hidden within “the most beautiful animal you’ve never seen"

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The secret behind sea sapphire’s colors – and invisibility

Episode 529 – July 20, 2015

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Fouled sand could make beach bathing a real bummer

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Attention beachgoers: Fecal contamination affects sand more than water

Episode 528 – July 16, 2015

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Blocking that unpleasant odor from garlic, onions, other foods

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Keeping the smells of onions, garlic and other stinky foods under wraps

Episode 527 – July 15, 2015

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A close look at a pesticide ingredient endangering honeybees

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Examining the neonicotinoid threat to honey bees

Episode 526 – July 13, 2015

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New use for cinnamon, peppermint oil: treating, healing stubborn wounds

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Peppermint oil and cinnamon could help treat and heal chronic wounds

Episode 525 – July 09, 2015

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Implantable ‘artificial pancreas’ could help certain people with diabetes

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‘Artificial’ pancreas could help diabetes patients control their blood sugar

Episode 524 – July 08, 2015

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Illuminating research helps explain why fireflies glow

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What makes fireflies glow?

Episode 523 – July 06, 2015

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Scientists gauge carbon release associated with fuel produced from Canadian oil sands

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Producing fuel from Canada oil sands emits more carbon than U.S. crude

Episode 522 – July 02, 2015

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Why you might soon be wearing something made from a common dessert ingredient

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Making cloth out of gelatin could reduce agricultural waste

Episode 521 – July 01, 2015

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Spray foam could curb blood loss, reduce death from traumatic injuries

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Spray form that slows bleeding could save lives

Episode 520 – June 29, 2015

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Scientists assess climate impacts of using natural gas to fuel heavy-duty trucks

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Scientists examine the climate effects of natural gas trucks

Episode 519 – June 25, 2015

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Wine-making shortcut gives sparkling wines fruitier aroma

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Scientists discover how to punch up aroma of sparkling wines

Episode 518 – June 24, 2015

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Swimming nano robots could improve disease treatment

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Scientist make progress toward swimming nanorobots capable of delivering drugs

Episode 517 – June 22, 2015

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Perfume researchers seek to dampen the odors associated with latrines

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Perfume researchers lend their noses to design less odorous latrines

Episode 516 – June 18, 2015

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Thermometer-like device could simplify heart attack diagnosis

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Thermometer-like device could help diagnose heart attacks

Episode 515 – June 17, 2015

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Discovery could help ‘smart’ electronics flex their muscles

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Researchers develop thin, ‘green’ flexible electronics

Episode 514 – June 15, 2015

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Key molecule might help prevent chronic sinus infections

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Scientists tackle what makes some sinus infections linger on and on

Episode 513 – June 11, 2015

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Electronic stent could help doctors better assess artery-clearing surgeries

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Scientists test new electronic, dissolvable artery stent

Episode 512 – June 10, 2015

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New “letters” could expand code of life

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Scientists expand the code of life with new “letters”

Episode 511 – June 08, 2015

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Export boom in China linked to air pollution-related deaths

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China’s export growth comes with hidden health costs

Episode 510 – June 04, 2015

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A June bride’s guide to fungal fashion

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The ultimate down-to-earth wedding dress

Episode 509 – June 03, 2015

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New compounds eradicate Ebola in mice

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Experimental Ebola treatment boost survival in mice

Episode 508 – June 01, 2015

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Artificial photosynthesis could propel future industrial growth

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Artificial photosynthesis could help drive future industrial growth

Episode 507 – May 28, 2015

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Cities take the plunge in fight against wet-wipes

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“To Flush or Not to Flush”

Episode 506 – May 27, 2015

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Scientists discover new way to potentially suppress appetite

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Possible obesity treatment focuses on the two sides of appetite

Episode 505 – May 25, 2015

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Healthy ingredients abound in coffee grounds

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Used coffee grounds could make some foods more healthful

Episode 504 – May 21, 2015

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How much is that Nobel in the window? The one with the chemistry tale

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How much is that Nobel Prize in the window?

Episode 503 – May 20, 2015

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Glowing super-cooled liquids could be used in biosensors

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Materials crystalize with surprising properties

Episode 502 – May 18, 2015

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Flame retardants could increase risk of hyperthyroidism in older cats

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flame retardants could increase risk of health problems in older cats

Episode 501 – May 14, 2015

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Could robots soon be able to read your facial expressions?

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Making robots more human

Episode 500 – May 13, 2015

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Scientists strive to make blood readily usable by all.

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Scientists make progress toward universal blood type

Episode 499 – May 11, 2015

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Experimental treatment could eventually save soldiers’ lives.

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Unique nanoparticles could save soldier’s lives after explosions

Episode 498 – May 07, 2015

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Discover could lead to better treatments for dental diseases.

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More effective carbon capture method could reduce greenhouse gas emissions

Episode 497 – May 06, 2015

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Oat cereals may contain surprisingly harmful substance.

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Oat breakfast cereals may contain common mold-related toxin

Episode 496 – May 04, 2015

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New material could help clamp down on greenhouse gas.

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More effective carbon capture method could reduce greenhouse gas emissions

Episode 495 – April 30, 2015

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Genetic defect could be linked to autism, cancer.

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Discovery reveals more about fragile protein linked to cancer, autism

Episode 494 – April 29, 2015

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Scientists seek natural, benign way to clean up oil spills.

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Common food additive could help clean up crude oil spills

Episode 493 – April 27, 2015

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Laboratory study offers new hope for Parkinson’s disease.

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Nanoparticle drug reverses Parkinson’s disease in rats

Episode 492 – April 23, 2015

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Scientists make a splash in the quest to find new treatments for drug-resistant tuberculosis.

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Fresh water compound could help fight drug-resistant tuberculosis

Episode 491 – April 22, 2015

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Say cheese: how one of France’s favorite foods could help explain the French paradox.

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Cheese wedges its way into the French paradox

Episode 490 – April 20, 2015

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Discarded CDs and DVDs could help trap greenhouse gases.

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Discarded CDs and DVDs could help cut carbon emissions

Episode 489 – April 16, 2015

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Scientists unveil tasty tidbit: more flavorful, healthier chocolate.

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More flavorful, healthier chocolate come be on its way

Episode 488 – April 15, 2015

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Allergies becoming more common, are air pollutants to blame?

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Air pollutants could boost potency of common airborne allergens

Episode 487 – April 13, 2015

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Squid-inspired ‘invisibility cloak’ could help soldiers evade detection.

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‘Invisibility stickers’ could help soldiers evade detection

Episode 486 – April 09, 2015

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Scientist create anti-obesity molecule.

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Special microbes make anti-obesity molecule in the gut

Episode 485 – April 08, 2015

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In their own words: Scientists share their work at the ACS Meeting.

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Archives of the ACS National Meeting press conferences in Denver
Opossum-based antidote to poisonous snake bites could save thousands of lives
New lead against HIV could finally hobble the virus’s edge
Sewage — yes, poop — could be a source of valuable metals and critical elements

Episode 484 – April 06, 2015

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Vitamin D could help slow or reverse growth of certain prostate cancers.

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Vitamin D may keep low-grade prostate cancer from becoming aggressive

Episode 483 – March 19, 2015

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Scientists detect changes in gluten after cooking.

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Scientists uncover effects of cooking, digestion on gluten and wheat allergens in pasta

Episode 482 – March 18, 2015

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‘Smart glue made from DNA might eventually be used to make body parts.

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DNA ‘smart glue’ could eventually be used to build tissues, organs

Episode 481– March 16, 2015

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Silk could be key material in next generation of sustainable batteries.

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New ‘green’ material could boost performance of lithum-ion batteries

Episode 480 – March 12, 2015

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New flexible cloth nano generator could make wearable electronics more practical.

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Energy-generating cloth could replace batteries in wearable devices

Episode 479 – March 11, 2015

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Music festival drug found in nearby rivers, streams.

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Levels of Illicit drug ‘molly’ spike in rivers, streams near music festivals

Episode 478 – March 09, 2015

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Scientists reveal secrets hidden in shipwrecked beer.

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Science helps beer makers replicate shipwrecked brew

Episode 477 – March 05, 2015

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What health officials and police are doing to crack down on counterfeit pharmaceuticals.

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Mircotags could help thwart production, sales of counterfeit medicine

Episode 476 – March 04, 2015

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Scientists close in on way to fend off a notorious ‘superbug’.

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Could an HIV drug help corral bacterial infections?

Episode 475 – March 02, 2015

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Where you live could help determine how far you can go in an electric car.

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Electric-car driving range, emissions depend on where you live

Episode 474 – Feb 26, 2015

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Health concerns about e-cigarettes on the rise.

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Surge in e-cigarette sales prompts calls for new health studies, regulation

Episode 473 – Feb 25, 2015

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New technique to root out hair dye could help police solve crimes.

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Hair dye ‘CSI’ could help police solve crimes

Episode 472 – Feb 23, 2015

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Smart phones could lead to more precise air pollution measurement.

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Smart phones can help measure air pollution levels

Episode 471 – Feb 19, 2015

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Edible satellites: an out-of-this-world dining experience.

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Scientist sculpts satellite models out of meat loaf, vegetables

Episode 470 – Feb 17, 2015

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Discovery could lead to better tires, lower auto emissions.

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Discovery could help improve tires, reduce air pollution

Episode 469 – Feb 12, 2015

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Is the medical eyedropper on its way out?

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An end to the medicine dropper for eye injuries?

Episode 468 – Feb 11, 2015

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Cleaner-burning wood chips may be on the horizon.

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Understanding air pollution from biomass burners used for heating

Episode 467 – Feb 09, 2015

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Tiny robotic “hands” may help diagnose cancer, deliver drugs.

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Tiny robotic 'hands' could improve cancer diagnostics, drug delivery

Episode 466 – Feb 05, 2015

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Telling your eyeglasses to change into sunglasses.

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Eyeglasses that turn into sunglasses — at your command

Episode 465 – Feb 04, 2015

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Beer hops could fight Alzheimer's and Parkinson's.

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Beer compound could help fend off Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases

Episode 464 – Feb 02, 2015

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Color-changing film could uncover chemical weapons.

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Detecting chemical weapons with a color-changing film

Episode 463 – Jan 29, 2015

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Vaccine could dampen urge to use cocaine.

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Scientists close in on cocaine vaccine

Episode 462 – Jan 28, 2015

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Orange juice might be healthier than we thought.

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Oranges versus orange juice, which is better?

Episode 461 – Jan 26, 2015

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Smart keyboard could help tighten online security.

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Smart keyboard recognizes users

Episode 460 – Jan 22, 2015

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New hospital gown keeps patients’ backsides covered.

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Designers create dignified, practical hospital gown

Episode 459 – Jan 21, 2015

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Consumers, EPA wrangle over proposed pesticide rule.

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Wrangling over pesticide ingredients reaches climax

Episode 458 – Jan 19, 2015

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Tattoo-like sensor could take the ‘stick’ out of blood sugar testing.

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Tattoo-like sensor capable of measuring glucose levels could eliminate painful finger-prick testing

Episode 457 – Jan 15, 2015

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Finding could help keep a man-made marvel white and bright.

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What’s in the grime tarnishing the Taj Mahal?

Episode 456 – Jan 14, 2015

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Innovative material could dampen pain caused by sensitive teeth.

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New biomaterial could help soothe sensitive teeth

Episode 455 – Jan 12, 2015

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New clothing material could help save energy while keeping us warm.

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Nanowire clothing could help keep us warm

Episode 454 – Jan 08, 2015

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Researchers develop potentially safer, more effective cancer-fighting molecules.

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Scientists discover new cancer-fighting molecules with fewer potential side effects

Episode 453 – Jan 07, 2015

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New evidence suggests hydraulic fracking might have lingering effects on drinking water.

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‘Fracking’ wastewater that is treated for drinking produces potentially harmful compounds

Episode 452 – Jan 05, 2015

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‘Electronic skin’ gets a major touch-up.

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New ‘electronic skin’ offers hope for greater touch sensitivity

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