american chemical society

A team of researchers has developed a theoretical model explaining how specific structural details on surfaces influence water’s freezing point, paving the way for advancements in materials design for ice formation and enhanced weather prediction. Credit: SciTechDaily.comResearch unveils a mathematical model for ice nucleation, showing how surface angles affect water’s freezing point, with applications in snowmaking and cloud seeding.From abstract-looking cloud formations to roars of snow machines on ski slopes, the…

Boiling and filtering tap water rich in calcium can remove nearly 90% of nano- and microplastics, offering a simple, cost-effective solution to reduce plastic consumption and mitigate environmental pollution. This approach is effective in both hard and soft water, highlighting its potential as a widespread method for purifying drinking water from plastic contaminants. Credit: Eddy ZengNano- and microplastics are seemingly everywhere — water, soil, and the air. While many creative strategies have been attempted to get rid…

Glutenin, a wheat protein, shows promise for lab-grown meat production by supporting the cultivation of muscle and fat layers that mimic real meat’s texture and composition, offering a sustainable alternative to traditional meat as the global population increases.As the global population grows, lab-grown meat, which consists of animal muscle and fat cells cultivated in lab settings, presents a promising solution to meet the rising demand for protein. Additionally, affordable plant proteins could serve as a foundation for…

Delving into the chemistry of counterfeit detection pens, this video covers various experimental attempts to modify their reaction with starch. It also discusses the broader context of counterfeit money detection, underscoring the intricacies involved.Counterfeit detector pens use a starch-iodine reaction to identify fake bills. But could you fool them with chemistry? In today’s episode, we dive into the chemistry of iodine, its color and its clock reactions, all while making a little extra cash on the…

A new study reveals an efficient method for extracting uranium ions from seawater using a specially designed electrode material. This approach offers a sustainable alternative to traditional uranium mining, potentially turning the oceans into vast sources of nuclear fuel.Most of the Earth’s surface is covered by oceans, which are teeming with a wide variety of life. Interestingly, these vast bodies of water also contain a dilute distribution of uranium ions. Extracting these ions could potentially offer a renewable source…

Researchers have created leaf-shaped “power plants” that generate electricity from wind and rain, offering a new multi-source approach to clean energy production. Credit: SciTechDaily.comFake plants are moving into the 21st century! Scientists have created small, leaf-shaped devices that generate electricity from wind and rain. These literal “power plants” have been detailed in a study recently published in the journal ACS Sustainable Chemistry & Engineering.  The team tested the energy harvesters by incorporating…

Researchers have developed an optimal “space meal” for astronauts on extended missions, focusing on a nutrient-rich vegetarian salad. The meal balances astronauts’ increased nutritional needs in space with sustainable growth and minimal resource usage. Credit: SciTechDaily.comResearchers have created a vegetarian salad as the ideal space meal for male astronauts, balancing nutrition and sustainability. The meal, tested positively on Earth, could be a key component in long-term space missions.Imagine blasting off on a…

This cardboard-based foam reinforced with gelatin could make packaging materials more sustainable. Credit: Jinsheng GouEco-friendly cushioning foam made from recycled cardboard offers a stronger, more insulating alternative to traditional packaging materials, presenting a sustainable solution for the shipping industry.With the holiday season in full swing, gifts of all shapes and sizes are being shipped around the world. But all that packaging generates lots of waste, including cardboard boxes and plastic-based foam…

Researchers have developed a prototype system that replicates photosynthesis to generate methane from sunlight, water, and CO2. This innovation marks a significant step towards sustainable fuel production and lessening dependence on nonrenewable fossil fuels. Solar panels, harnessing the sun’s energy to produce electricity, are becoming more widespread. While humans are still mastering the conversion of solar energy into fuel, plants have long perfected this through photosynthesis. Recently, researchers reporting in ACS…

Wasabi is an essential element of sushi, but many sushi lovers have not experienced real wasabi. Even in upscale restaurants, a  European horseradish-based substitute is often served. Sushi wouldn’t be the same without wasabi. But odds are that even if you have dined at a nice sushi restaurant, you probably haven’t had real wasabi. That green paste may have a very real, very spicy kick, but it likely is made from a European horseradish. Speaking of Chemistry compares the real deal with the commonly used substitute found…