ACS Spring 2024 Press Releases
Researcher Q&A Videos
Short interviews highlight researchers and results
being presented at ACS Spring 2024.
Meeting Dates
March 17-21
Theme
Many Flavors of Chemistry
Location
New Orleans & Hybrid
Hashtag
#ACSSpring2024
Press Releases
March 20, 2024
Crawfish could transfer ionic lithium from their environment into food chain
The increasing use of lithium-ion rechargeable batteries likely means more environmental contamination. Researchers have explored how lithium accumulates in crawfish, with implications for the environment and public health.
Cleaning up environmental contaminants with quantum dot technology
Quantum dot research just won a Nobel Prize, and now, the applications for nontoxic quantum dots are being expanded. One team of researchers has designed carbon- and sulfur-based dots to help clean up the environment.
New model clarifies why water freezes at a range of temperatures
Though it’s known that tiny sites like soot and bacteria help water freeze, the fundamentals of how ice forms are vague. Scientists have now developed a theoretical model showing how structural details on surfaces influence water’s freezing point.
Hitting this stretchy, electronic material makes it tougher
Dropping wearable electronics, or hitting them really hard, usually breaks the devices. Now, researchers report on a flexible and electrically conductive material with “adaptive durability,” getting stronger when it is hit.
March 19, 2024
Toxic metal particles can be present in cannabis vapes even before the first use
Vapes are thought to be a “safer” way to consume cannabis, but they present their own risks. Researchers have discovered toxic metal particles in vaping liquids even before first use of the device, and this toxicity was worse in illicit products.
Molecular crystal motors move like microbes when exposed to light
These molecular motors look like tiny worms, but they’re actually crystallized molecules that move in response to light. These machines could someday solve real-world problems, like being used as drug-delivery robots.
Is food waste the key to sustainable, plastic-free diapers and sanitary pads?
Many disposable diapers and sanitary pads contain plastic and need centuries to decompose. Now, researchers are replacing the plastic with parts made from food waste. That could lead to biodegradable diapers and pads that could be used as fertilizer.
March 18, 2024
New composite decking could reduce global warming effects of building materials
Building materials are major contributors to global carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions. So scientists have designed a composite decking material that stores more CO2 than is required to manufacture it, providing the first “carbon-negative” option.
Mimicking exercise with a pill
Could a pill replicate the benefits of exercise? Researchers have identified new compounds that seem to mimic some benefits of exercise in rodent cells. This discovery could help treat those with muscle wasting and other conditions.
Artificial mucus identifies link to tumor formation
Mucus is critical to human health. To explore how, researchers synthesized its major component, sugar-coated proteins called mucins, and discovered that changing the mucins of healthy cells to be more cancer-like made cells act more cancer-like.
March 17, 2024
Animal hair structure changes from summer to winter to fend off freezing weather
Some animals can withstand frigid weather, thanks to the insulating properties of the hollow hairs that make up their coats. Little was known about the hairs, but researchers have now discovered that their inner structure changes with the seasons.
The many flavors of edible ants
Ants are commonly eaten in some parts of the world, roasted and eaten whole or ground and used to add flavor and texture to dishes. Each species has its own unique flavor, and researchers now report the aroma profiles of four species of edible ants.
Better kombucha brewing through chemistry
Chemists are investigating ways to reliably minimize alcohol and tailor taste profiles during the kombucha fermentation process to help home and commercial producers optimize their funky brews.
March 12, 2024
Chemists of all flavors to present at ACS Spring 2024
Cutting-edge developments on a range of scientific topics will be featured at ACS Spring 2024.
February 29, 2024
ACS invites families to enjoy hands-on science in New Orleans
Explore the wonders of chemistry at the ACS Kids Zone, a free family science event.
January 25, 2024
Press registration opens for ACS Spring 2024
Journalists who register for ACS Spring 2024 will have access to nearly 12,000 presentations.