Accidental discovery produces durable new blue pigment for multiple applications

Chemistry / Biochemistry

Nov 16, 2009 | 4.5 / 5 (30) | 6

An accidental discovery in a laboratory at Oregon State University has apparently solved a quest that over thousands of years has absorbed the energies of ancient Egyptians, the Han dynasty in China, Mayan ...

One word: bioplastics

Chemistry / Materials Science

Nov 17, 2009 | 4.5 / 5 (10) | 4

(PhysOrg.com) -- Every year, more than 250 billion pounds of plastic are produced worldwide. Much of it ends up in the world's oceans, a fact that troubles MIT biology professor Anthony Sinskey.

Microbes to Take Over Ethanol Production?

Chemistry / Biochemistry

Nov 20, 2009 | 3.8 / 5 (5) | 0

(PhysOrg.com) -- Not too long ago, it seemed that ethanol production was the wave of the future. The use of trash, wood chips or different types of plants -- usually grass or corn -- to make ethanol was considered ...

New on-off 'switch' triggers and reverses paralysis in animals with a beam of light (w/ Video)

Chemistry / Biochemistry

Nov 18, 2009 | 5 / 5 (4) | 3

In an advance with overtones of Star Trek phasers and other sci-fi ray guns, scientists in Canada are reporting development of an internal on-off "switch" that paralyzes animals when exposed to a beam of ultraviolet ...

New research provides blueprint for molecular basis of global warming

Chemistry / Materials Science

Nov 17, 2009 | 4 / 5 (4) | 3

A new study indicates that major chemicals most often cited as leading causes of climate change, such as carbon dioxide and methane, are outclassed in their warming potential by compounds receiving less attention.