Chemistry
Red Fireworks Lose Cancer-Causing Potential
The red glow comes from carcinogenic compounds but chemists have found a safer substitute
Stories by Chemical & Engineering News
Chemistry
Newly Isolated Nutmeg Compound Out-Cools Menthol
Neolignan molecule is a potent activator of cold-sensitive neuron channel
Energy
Tiny Silk Batteries Dissolve within Weeks
Biodegradable power source could run medical implants deep in the body
Energy
Cold Fusion Lives: Experiments Create Energy When None Should Exist
The field, now called low-energy nuclear reactions, may have legit results—or be stubborn junk science
Biology
Edible Insects Have More Iron Than Sirloin Beef
Beetles, eaten in several parts of the world, amply supply this essential nutrient to a meat-poor diet
Biology
Poison Ivy’s Itch Can Be Calmed by a Protein
Blocking an immune system protein, interleukin-33, squelches itch signaling in mice
Engineering
Silkworms Spin Super-Silk after Eating Carbon Nanotubes and Graphene
The strong, conductive material could be used for wearable electronics and medical implants, researchers say
Public Health
Facing a Silent Liver Disease Epidemic
As nonalcoholic steatohepatitis, or NASH, stealthily becomes a leading cause of transplants, drug companies race to develop treatments
Chemistry
The Problem with Vanilla
After vowing to go natural, food brands face a shortage of the favored flavor
Chemistry
Chemistry Could Save Billions of Baby Male Chickens
Non-egg-layers are killed after they are born. A new technique detects sex in 3-day-old embryos, which can be dispatched before they feel pain
Chemistry
New Material Makes Coolest Clothing Around
Even cotton traps the skin's infrared radiation, making you sweat, but a new nanoporous fabric lets it out
Chemistry
Can Hungry Fungi Recycle Lithium Batteries?
Microbes produce organic acids that may help leach out valuable metals
Public Health
Beyond Lead: Flint Water Strongly Tied to Legionnaire's Disease
Corroded pipes full of nutrients for deadly Legionella bacteria; other cities at risk
Chemistry
New, Extremely Valuable Helium Deposit Discovered in Africa
The element, crucial for medical scanners and chemical analysis, has been vanishing but a giant new field may lie beneath Tanzania
Fitness
Ultrasound Implant Safely Opens Blood–Brain Barrier
New method could help anticancer drugs reach brain tumors
Chemistry
Landmark Chemical Safety Reform Passes Congress
President expected to sign law that strengthens some toxic chemical regulations
Public Health
Recreational Drug Kratom Hits the Same Brain Receptors as Strong Opioids
Chemists study the neurochemistry of alkaloids from the Mitragyna plant
Electronics
Nanosize Materials Help Electronics Compute Like Real Brains
Small size and new material go into devices that mimic the speed and efficiency of neurons
Environment
Fracking Wells Can Cut Their Toxic Chemical Use
Biocides, intended to protect pipes, are often not needed
Engineering
Rogue Nuclear Tests Could Be Spotted with New Method
Today's Nuclear Security Summit tackles proliferation, and scientists try a way to trace gases from secret bombs
