ACS Science Elements Archive: 2016
Science news podcasts from the American Chemical Society
A weekly digest of cutting edge research from the American Chemical Society
Episode 724 - December 22, 2016
Giving robots, prosthetics more of that human touch.
Articles available for this podcast:
Electronic 'hairy skin' could give robots a more human sense of touch
Episode 723 - December 21, 2016
Red cabbage microgreens: A potent bad cholesterol fighter.
Articles available for this podcast:
Red cabbage microgreens lower 'bad' cholesterol in animal study
Episode 722 - December 19, 2016
Copying the properties of bug eyes to make clothing, signs brighter.
Articles available for this podcast:
Mimicking bug eyes could brighten reflective signs and clothes
Episode 721 - December 15, 2016
Fast-cooking dry beans, quick way to better nutrition.
Articles available for this podcast:
Fast-cooking dry beans provide more protein, iron than 'slower' varieties
Episode 720 - December 14, 2016
Vaccines could one day reduce fatal opioid overdoses.
Articles available for this podcast:
Toward opioid vaccines that can help prevent overdose fatalities
Episode 719 - December 12, 2016
Baby teethers contain low levels of BPA.
Articles available for this podcast:
Baby teethers soothe, but many contain low levels of BPA
Episode 718 - December 08, 2016
Flavors in e-cigarettes could be a problem.
Articles available for this podcast:
Vapors from some flavored e-liquids contain high levels of aldehydes
Episode 717 - December 07, 2016
New urine test shows just how tired you are.
Articles available for this podcast:
Urine test for fatigue could help prevent accidents
Episode 716 - December 05, 2016
Smarter solar windows that can block light – and power devices.
Articles available for this podcast:
Solar smart window could offer privacy and light control on demand (video)
Episode 715 - December 01, 2016
Bike bandits, beware: this lock is so sick
Articles available for this podcast:
Giving bike thieves the heave
Episode 714 - November 30, 2016
Faster skis could be coming to a slope near you
Articles available for this podcast:
How to make a faster ski
Episode 713 - November 28, 2016
New lab technique could speed diagnosis of certain diseases
Articles available for this podcast:
New technology moves diagnostics out of the microwell
Episode 712 - November 17, 2016
Studying yawning cats could tell us about their brains
Articles available for this podcast:
Researchers links yawns to brain weight, neuron count
Episode 711 - November 16, 2016
Diagnosing diabetes could soon be just a breath away
Articles available for this podcast:
Handheld ‘breathalyzer’ could eventually diagnose diabetes
Episode 710 - November 14, 2016
The hidden environmental costs of hydroelectric power revealed
Articles available for this podcast:
Researchers links yawns to brain weight, neuron count
Episode 709 - November 10, 2016
New device could more accurately detect potentially harmful compounds in beer
Articles available for this podcast:
Detecting potentially harmful mycotoxins in beer
Episode 708 - November 09, 2016
Is this the end of the paper trail? The rewriting is on the wall.
Articles available for this podcast:
Rewritable material could help reduce paper waste
Episode 707 - November 07, 2016
How scrap metal could lead to better ways to store solar energy.
Articles available for this podcast:
Shoring up the power grid – with DIY scrap metal batteries
Episode 706 - November 03, 2016
Fruit protein could replace high-frutose corn syrup and sugar.
Articles available for this podcast:
How a protein could become the next big sweetener
Episode 705 - November 02, 2016
Magazine unwraps the truth behind the plastics conundrum.
Articles available for this podcast:
The buzz about edible bugs: Can they replace beef?
Episode 704 - October 31, 2016
New class of molecules could fend off drug-resistant bacteria.
Articles available for this podcast:
A step toward a UTI treatment that could thwart drug resistance
Episode 703 - October 27, 2016
Magazine unwraps the truth behind the plastics conundrum.
Articles available for this podcast:
Cutting food waste, but tossing more packaging: Our plastics conundrum
Episode 702 - October 26, 2016
Researcher use shadows to investigate how some insects walk on water.
Articles available for this podcast:
Shadows reveal how insects walk on water
Episode 701 - October 24, 2016
Scientists optimize biofuel production from algae using carbon dioxide emissions.
Articles available for this podcast:
Optimizing biofuel production from algae using carbon dioxide emissions
Episode 700 - October 20, 2016
New five pound note tests Britain’s legendary stick-to-itiveness
Articles available for this podcast:
Tacky currency leads to sticky problem
Episode 699 - October 19, 2016
New measuring technique could more accurately assess gluten levels in food
Articles available for this podcast:
Test improves detection of proteins in starch; aids gluten-free labeling
Episode 698 - October 17, 2016
Scientists detect possible connection between Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases
Articles available for this podcast:
How protein fragments linked to Alzheimer’s could trigger Parkinson’s
Episode 697 - October 13, 2016
New device could lead to faster, better detection of food borne bacteria in meat
Articles available for this podcast:
Speedy bacteria detector could help prevent foodborne illnesses
Episode 696 - October 12, 2016
Coffee-infused foam could help reduce lead in contaminated water
Articles available for this podcast:
Coffee-infused foam removes lead from contaminated water
Episode 695 - October 10, 2016
Laundry could be source of flame retardants in the environment
Articles available for this podcast:
A surprising way laundry adds flame retardants to surface waters
Episode 694 - October 06, 2016
Are we really prepared for the next bio-terror attack?
Articles available for this podcast:
Biodefense in a post-9/11 America
Episode 693 - October 05, 2016
Penguin feather discovery could lead to development of ice-proof material.
Articles available for this podcast:
What makes penguin feathers ice-proof
Episode 692 - October 03, 2016
New finding suggests why snake venom potency varies.
Articles available for this podcast:
Snake venom composition could be related to hormones, diet
Episode 691 - September 29, 2016
Nanoparticles could help reduce long-term effects of traumatic brain injury.
Articles available for this podcast:
Curbing the life-long effects of traumatic brain injury
Episode 690 - September 28, 2016
Evidence suggests drugs seeping into rivers and streams coming from multiple sources.
Articles available for this podcast:
Pharmaceuticals in streams may come from multiple sources
Episode 689 - September 26, 2016
Scientists seek to reduce gas flares from oil production.
Articles available for this podcast:
Reducing gas flares — and pollution — from oil production
Episode 688 - September 22, 2016
Scientific know-how keeps biochemist on course for an Olympic medal
Articles available for this podcast:
Biochemist helps U.S. women rowing team take gold medal in Rio
Episode 687 - September 21, 2016
New study sheds light on the limits of genetic code expansion
Articles available for this podcast:
Research sheds light on the limits of the expanded genetic code
Episode 686 - September 19, 2016
Could food waste be used to store solar and wind energy?
Articles available for this podcast:
Food waste could store solar and wind energy
Episode 685 - September 15, 2016
Injectable gels could help prevent heart failure
Articles available for this podcast:
Injectable gels could prevent future heart failure after heart attacks
Episode 684 - September 14, 2016
Scientists seek ways to stop scar formation
Articles available for this podcast:
Stopping scars before they form
Episode 683 - September 12, 2016
New device could lead to better tasting foods made with less fat, sugar and salt
Articles available for this podcast:
New device could help improve taste of foods low in fast, sugar and salt
Episode 682 - September 08, 2016
Citrus compounds could help fend off obesity
Articles available for this podcast:
Citrus fruits could help prevent obesity-related heart disease, liver disease, diabetes
Episode 681 - September 07, 2016
Scientists add a new twist to an old experiment to see what’s really going on in our brains
Articles available for this podcast:
Watching thoughts -- and addiction – form in the brain
Episode 680 - September 05, 2016
Targeting cold engine starts could lead to reduction in vehicle emissions
Articles available for this podcast:
How cars could meet future emissions standards: Focus on cold starts
Episode 679 - August 18, 2016
New technique could produce nail polish and generate fuel cells simultaneously
Articles available for this podcast:
Making nail polish while powering fuel cells
Episode 678 - August 17, 2016
Self-healing fabric could help rips and tears in clothing fade away
Articles available for this podcast:
Clothes that fix their own rips are closer to reality
Episode 677 - August 15, 2016
Scientists seek to prevent frankfurter fraud
Articles available for this podcast:
Frankfurter fraud: finding out what’s in your hot dog
Episode 676 - August 11, 2016
Scientists probe for harmful substances in e-cigarettes
Articles available for this podcast:
Toxins in e-cig vapor increase with heat and device use
Episode 675 - August 10, 2016
Pokemon invades labs nationwide
Articles available for this podcast:
Labs invaded by adorable Pokémon
Episode 674 - August 08, 2016
New skin patch could deter drunk driving
Articles available for this podcast:
Electronic skin patch could help detect blood alcohol levels
Episode 673 - August 04, 2016
Gene therapy could help prevent blindness
Articles available for this podcast:
Gene therapy in a droplet could treat eye diseases, prevent blindness
Episode 672 - August 03, 2016
Scientists seek more efficient way to harvest water from air
Articles available for this podcast:
Harvesting water from air with less energy
Episode 671 - August 01, 2016
Super-toasted bread used to create eco-friendly carbon foam
Articles available for this podcast:
Using bread to make multi-use, stiff carbon foam
Episode 670 - July 28, 2016
Scientists seek the confectionary holy grail: a tasty low-fat chocolate
Articles available for this podcast:
Creating a reduced-fat chocolate that melts in your mouth
Episode 669 - July 27, 2016
Animal study could lead to new treatment for spinal cord injuries
Articles available for this podcast:
Hydrogel scaffold helps repair injured spinal cord
Episode 668 - July 25, 2016
Egg proteins could be key to developing dissolvable sensors
Articles available for this podcast:
Researchers take stride toward dissolvable electronics for implants, sensors
Episode 667 - July 21, 2016
Study raises questions about new fuel-efficient engine’s impact on the climate
Articles available for this podcast:
Could more fuel-efficient engines lead to more global warming?
Episode 666 - July 20, 2016
Plastic packaging could soon be more water-resistant
Articles available for this podcast:
Graphene-infused packaging is a million times better at blocking moisture
Episode 665 - July 18, 2016
Scientists close in on way to harvest energy from body motion for use in biomedical devices
Articles available for this podcast:
Cellulose nanogenerators could eventually power implanted biomedical devices
Episode 664 - July 14, 2016
Transparent wood could allow natural light to shine through walls
Articles available for this podcast:
Transparent wood could one day help brighten homes and buildings
Episode 663 - July 13, 2016
Mouse study suggests endometriosis one day could be diagnose with a blood test
Articles available for this podcast:
Scientists close in on a diagnostic blood test for endometriosis
Episode 662 - July 11, 2016
Scientists investigate the potential aftereffects of a hydraulic fracturing spill
Articles available for this podcast:
What happens to hydraulic fracturing water on cropland
Episode 661 - July 07, 2016
How eating fewer calories could extend our lifespans
Articles available for this podcast:
How low-calorie diets could extend lifespan
Episode 660 - July 06, 2016
Researchers close in on fast, cheap test for Zika virus
Articles available for this podcast:
Portable test cheaply and rapidly detects Zika in saliva
Episode 659 - July 04, 2016
Scientist the next generation of materials to power smartphones, other modern technology
Articles available for this podcast:
Ensuring the future affordability of wind turbines, computers and electric cars
Episode 658 - June 30, 2016
Espresso machines could speed up, simplify chemical analysis in the lab
Articles available for this podcast:
Using espresso machines to do chemistry
Episode 657 - June 29, 2016
Discovery could lead to new anti-viral treatments for common diseases
Articles available for this podcast:
DNA ‘scrunching’ could be new target for antiviral drugs
Episode 656 - June 27, 2016
How a sponge could help lithium batteries soak up more energy
Articles available for this podcast:
Loofah-based material could give lithium batteries a boost
Episode 655 - June 23, 2016
Analyzing the air city cyclists breathe in
Articles available for this podcast:
Measuring the airborne toxicants urban bicyclists inhale
Episode 654 - June 22, 2016
Paper-making waste product could strengthen sunscreens
Articles available for this podcast:
Lignin from plants boosts the effectiveness of sunscreen
Episode 653 - June 20, 2016
Eating seaweed could help combat food allergies
Articles available for this podcast:
Seaweed could potentially help fight food allergies
Episode 652 - June 16, 2016
Resistance-proof antiviral could eventually be used to treat many diseases
Articles available for this podcast:
Scientists close in on a resistance-proof antiviral
Episode 651 - June 15, 2016
Researchers share appealing news about bananas and eye health
Articles available for this podcast:
Better understanding of bananas could help prevent blindness
Episode 650 - June 13, 2016
Scientists discover fast, inexpensive way to produce biofuel
Articles available for this podcast:
Scientists make biodiesel using cooking oil and a microwave
Episode 649 - June 09, 2016
Combined wind, solar energy device could propel development of ‘smart’ cities
Articles available for this podcast:
Harnessing solar, wind energy in one device could power the “Internet of Things’
Episode 648 - June 08, 2016
Researchers find potential cause of ‘chemo brain’
Articles available for this podcast:
Scientists explore how ‘chemo-brain’ develops in cancer patients
Episode 647 - June 06, 2016
New sensor could help prevent sunburns
Articles available for this podcast:
Scientists develop paper-based sun exposure monitor
Episode 646 - June 02, 2016
Concrete idea could lead to better lighting on roadways, sideways
Articles available for this podcast:
Unearthing light-emitting concrete
Episode 645 - June 01, 2016
3-D model could advance understanding, treatment of preeclampsia
Articles available for this podcast:
3-D bioprinted placenta could lead to new treatments for preeclampsia
Episode 644 - May 30, 2016
Food scientists close in on a way to determine if Parmesan cheese is the real deal
Articles available for this podcast:
Scientists seek to ensure Parmigiano Reggiano is the real deal
Episode 643 - May 26, 2016
Artist explores uses for ‘blackest-black’ shade
Articles available for this podcast:
Artist explores the blackest black
Episode 642 - May 25, 2016
Scientists detect hidden contaminants in hot tubs and swimming pools
Articles available for this podcast:
Hot tubs and swimming pools are not as clean as you may think
Episode 641 - May 23, 2016
See-though organs could make it easier to track nanoparticles’ journey through our bodies
Articles available for this podcast:
Three-Dimensional Optical Mapping of Nanoparticle Distribution in Intact Tissue
Episode 640 - May 19, 2016
Rock music gives cancer-fighting drugs a big boost
Articles available for this podcast:
Rock and roll chemotherapy
Episode 639 - May 18, 2016
Scientists develop recyclable polyurethane
Articles available for this podcast:
Scientists closing in on renewable alternative to traditional polyurethanes
Episode 638 - May 16, 2016
Tent campers could be breathing in flame retardant compounds
Articles available for this podcast:
Tent camping could lead to flame retardant exposure
Episode 637 - May 12, 2016
Saliva “fingerprints” could eliminate the need for invasive diagnostic tests
Articles available for this podcast:
Saliva testing could simplify diagnosis of certain diseases
Episode 636 - May 11, 2016
Bio-activated ceramics could help prevent gum disease
Articles available for this podcast:
How bioceramics could help fight gum disease
Episode 635 - May 09, 2016
Science and art come together to perfect Japanese porcelain
Articles available for this podcast:
The art and science behind treasured Japanese porcelain
Episode 634 - May 05, 2016
Rodents help doctors sniff out tuberculosis
Articles available for this podcast:
Training hero rats to sniff out TB
Episode 633 - May 04, 2016
Scientists close in on a way to make fragrances last longer
Articles available for this podcast:
Scientists seek longer-lasting fragrances
Episode 632 - May 02, 2016
New test could help prevent food poisoning
Articles available for this podcast:
Paper-based test could help prevent food poisoning
Episode 631 - April 28, 2016
Smart synthetic skins could make human-like robots even more realistic
Articles available for this podcast:
Robots could ‘touchy’ with self-powered smart skin
Episode 630 - April 27, 2016
Researchers try to crack open what causes cashew allergies
Articles available for this podcast:
Purified cashews proteins offer insights into allergic reactions
Episode 629 - April 25, 2016
Batteries get a charge from bacteria
Articles available for this podcast:
So long lithium, hello bacteria batteries?
Episode 628 - April 21, 2016
Vaccine dampens nicotine’s effects in laboratory mice
Articles available for this podcast:
Nicotine vaccine delays the drug’s effects in mice
Episode 627 - April 20, 2016
Newly developed blood test could detect cancer, other diseases earlier
Articles available for this podcast:
Scientists seek to improve early detection of cancer, other diseases earlier.
Episode 626 - April 18, 2016
Scientists seek to create LCD screens with more vivid colors
Articles available for this podcast:
Aluminum nanoparticles could improve electronic displays
Episode 625 - April 14, 2016
Doodles disclose much about Darwin’s home life
Articles available for this podcast:
Newly discovered Darwin doodles disclose human side of great scientist
Episode 624 - April 13, 2016
Engineered tissue could lead to better drug testing, liver disease treatments
Articles available for this podcast:
Lab scientists close in on ways to make liver tissue for drug screening, transplants
Episode 623 - April 11, 2016
Batteries in electric cars could lead to unforeseen environmental problems
Articles available for this podcast:
Electric-car battery materials could harm key soil bacteria
Episode 622 - April 07, 2016
Spongy graft material could expand possibilities in spinal replacement surgery
Articles available for this podcast:
Spongy material helps repair the spine
Episode 621 - April 06, 2016
Cellular ‘backpacks’ could precisely deliver drugs while minimizing side effects
Articles available for this podcast:
Cellular ‘backpacks’ could treat disease while minimizing side effects
Episode 620 - April 04, 2016
3-D printing could help restore appearance of ears, noses
Articles available for this podcast:
3-D printing could one day help fix damaged cartilage in knees, noses and ears
Episode 619 - March 31, 2016
New technique could help analyze lipstick smears found at crime scenes
Articles available for this podcast:
New forensic technique could identify specific lipstick brands found at crime scenes
Episode 618 - March 30, 2016
Adding eggshell fragments could strengthen bioplastics
Articles available for this podcast:
Eggshell nanoparticles could lead to expanded use of bioplastic in packaging materials
Episode 617 - March 28, 2016
Researchers seek to more accurately measure active ingredients in marijuana munchies
Articles available for this podcast:
New technique could more accurately measure dosages in marijuana munchies
Episode 616 - March 10, 2016
‘Molecular food engineering' gives popular cheese a boost
Articles available for this podcast:
What gives Parmesan cheese its unique taste?
Episode 615 - March 09, 2016
Too much salt linked to potential liver damage
Articles available for this podcast:
Too much salt could potentially contribute to liver damage
Episode 614 - March 07, 2016
Hope sprouts for purifying water using artificial leaf
Articles available for this podcast:
Leaf-mimicking device harnesses light to purify water
Episode 613 - March 03, 2016
Scientist crystalizes his vision in monumental structure
Articles available for this podcast:
Scientist builds world’s largest model of a crystal structure
Episode 612 - March 02, 2016
Salad dressing ingredient could help relieve symptoms of ulcerative colitis
Articles available for this podcast:
Vinegar could potentially help treat ulcerative colitis
Episode 611 - February 29, 2016
Squid inspires scientists to develop new, non-toxic printer ink
Articles available for this podcast:
Scientists create color printer that uses eco-friendly ink inspired by nature
Episode 610 - February 25, 2016
What went wrong in Flint? The chemistry behind the city’s water crisis explained
Articles available for this podcast:
Scientists investigate how lead contaminated Flint’s tap water
Episode 609 - February 24, 2016
Taming ‘punchy’ proteins could lead to better ways to deliver drugs in the body
Articles available for this podcast:
Punchy proteins could help advance drug delivery
Episode 608 - February 22, 2016
Scientists suggest out-of-this-world explanation for life’s building blocks
Articles available for this podcast:
Scientists explore how life’s building blocks may have formed in outer space
Episode 607 - February 18, 2016
Scientists create ‘greener’ wrinkle-free fabric
Articles available for this podcast:
New process produces ‘greener’ wrinkle resistant cotton fabric
Episode 606 - February 17, 2016
Cheap, easy-to-use test to quickly detect TB in developing countries
Articles available for this podcast:
Devising an inexpensive, quick TB test for developing regions
Episode 605 - February 15, 2016
New self-cleaning solar panels harvest light from almost any direction
Articles available for this podcast:
New solar cells designed to face almost any direction can clean themselves
Episode 604 - February 11 2016
Light-activated nanoparticle drug delivery system could reduce side effects
Articles available for this podcast:
Using light for targeted drug delivery could help fight tumors, infections
Episode 603 - February 10 2016
New technique could help roads de-ice themselves
Articles available for this podcast:
Could roads of the future de-ice themselves?
Episode 602 - February 08 2016
Changing ocean conditions could disrupt pearl production
Articles available for this podcast:
Ocean acidification and warming could affect the culturing of pearls
Episode 601 - February 04 2016
Scientists help wine vintners cope with a finicky grape
Articles available for this podcast:
Scientists seek to improve consistency of Pinot Noir
Episode 600 - February 03 2016
Exotic fruit, gut bacteria combination could lead to new ways to prevent or treat Alzheimer’s
Articles available for this podcast:
Gut bacteria make pomegranate metabolites that may protect against Alzheimer’s disease
Episode 599 - February 01 2016
New technique could help detect explosives faster.
Articles available for this podcast:
Scientists close in on better way to sniff out explosives
Episode 598 – January 28, 2016
“Red tides” can stir up trouble in household fish tanks
Articles available for this podcast:
Toxins related to ‘red tides’ found in home aquariums
Episode 597 – January 27, 2016
3D printer parts potentially could harm fish and other aquatic life
Articles available for this podcast:
3-D printed parts from some commercial devices toxic to zebrafish embryos
Episode 596 – January 25, 2016
Tiny pollutants found in commonly used seasoning
Articles available for this podcast:
Microplastics found in commercial sea salt samples purchased in China
Episode 595 – January 21, 2016
New test could help clamp down on drug doping in racehorses
Articles available for this podcast:
Rooting out doping on racehorses
Episode 594 – January 20, 2016
‘Motorized’ sperm could increase chances of conception
Articles available for this podcast:
‘Spermbots’ could help women trying to conceive
Episode 593 – January 19, 2016
Fish-flavored cat food linked to feline hyperthyroidism
Articles available for this podcast:
Fish-flavored cat food could contribute to feline hyperthyroidism
Episode 592 – January 14, 2016
Scientists, wine vintners go out on the limb to make a better grape
Articles available for this podcast:
Figuring out how to make tastier wines using fewer pesticides
Episode 591 – January 13, 2016
Researchers identify compounds in coffee that could help prevent type-2 diabetes
Articles available for this podcast:
Scientists find compounds in coffee that could help prevent type-2 diabetes
Episode 590 – January 11, 2016
Clothing resistant to chemical weapons moves a step closer to reality
Articles available for this podcast:
A step toward clothing that guards against chemical warfare agents
Episode 589 – January 07, 2016
Common drug, cosmetics additive detected in marine animals
Articles available for this podcast:
Common cosmetic preservative found in dolphins, other marine animals
Episode 588 – January 06, 2016
New, low-cost test could help detect hepatitis B, other conditions
Articles available for this podcast:
Low-cost, paper-based test could detect hepatitis B, male infertility
Episode 587 – January 04, 2016
Scientists dive into an oil and gas controversy
Articles available for this podcast:
How much water do U.S. fracking operations really use?
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