Science Elements

A study in the ACS Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry shows that the bark of the Scotch pine, a popular tree for holiday decorating, has anti-inflammatory compounds in its bark.

Myrrh is valued for its wonderful perfume-like aromas, though scientists suggest it also contains compounds that could one day lead to new ways for preventing and treating certain forms of cancer.

According to food scientists, the darker the chocolate, the better it is for your health.

A golden bullet that shows promise for killing a common parasite. Solving another mystery of an amazing water walker. Toward a Rosetta Stone for the secret language of microbes.

Converting pollution from coal mines into clean energy. An unusual plastic that biodegrades much faster than regular plastic. The bloody truth behind some ancient African sculptures.

Magnetic nanoparticles that detect and remove harmful bacteria. Using bark from the Magnolia tree to fight bad breath and tooth decay. How the world’s oceans could help slurp up carbon dioxide to fight global warming. New database screening criteria for improving the identification of anticancer drugs. Wiring up enzymes for producing hydrogen fuel cells. Developing a new generation of greener, environmentally friendly consumer products.

A new fluorescent label that sheds light on brain diseases. How a government plan to revive the “Dead Zone” in Gulf of Mexico could backfire. New insights into how natural antioxidants fight fat. A faster, more sensitive method for detecting anthrax. The rebound of the medical plastics industry.

Toward cancer drugs that penetrate 10 times deeper into the brain. Using “Dragon's blood” to quench stomach ulcer bacteria. How air pollution from ship smokestacks is linked to thousands of deaths annually. A breakthrough toward industrial-scale production of nanodevices; How the octopus and its kin are inspiring new camouflage strategies for military applications.

Microplastics may pose a previously unrecognized pollution threat. A Rosetta stone for traditional Chinese medicine; Boiled peanuts pack a big antioxidant punch. A more comprehensive test for dissolved phosphorus. Unlocking the secrets of ripening for better tasting fruits and veggies.

Excess female to male births in Canada linked to chronic dioxin exposure. Tiny capers pack big disease-fighting punch. Bacteria in the intestines can influence results of drug tests. Recycling of e-waste in China may expose mothers, infants to high dioxin levels. Chemistry of San Andreas Fault may offer clues to earthquake mysteries.

A quick, accurate test to reveal illegal use of steroids. A new treatment for health problems related to low testosterone levels. An ultrasensitive method for early detection of human papilloma virus. How fruits and veggies stay nutritious as they age. How consumers have become the bottleneck in efforts to recycle plastics.

Hyped-up hopes for hairy roots as biofactories. How targeting the body’s sugars could improve the treatment of bone diseases. Using human urine as a safe, inexpensive fertilizer for food crops. A new device that cleans up the air by capturing and storing carbon dioxide. Why Norway’s icy waters may be a ‘liquid goldmine’ in the quest for new drugs.

A promising treatment for fighting lupus. Pollution in subways could cause lung damage. How ginger may combat infant diarrhea. Even hydrogen-fueled vehicles pollute the air. Why new medications for migraine headaches may be only a breath away.

An intriguing new role for CDs and CD players. Whiter and brighter light-emitting diodes for homes and offices. How pomegranate juice plays a part in the fight against cancer. Printing with enzymes, not ink. The latest treatments against drug-resistant tuberculosis.

A new technology for finding builders of homemade bombs. Improvements in gene therapy and treating Alzheimer’s disease. A new method for creating integrated circuits for more powerful computers. A fast, portable test to help detect flammable liquids in arson; Protective coatings that could prevent bridge collapses.

How PCBs may threaten killer whale populations for 30-60 years. An advance toward new treatments for type 2 diabetes. Using magnets to boost production of ethanol for fuel. A discovery that promises more nutritional cassava for the developing world. A "lung on a chip" and other marvels from microfluidic devices.

Fingerprinting fake coffee. Nanomagnetic sponges to clean precious works of art. Tiny carbon nanotubes show big germ-fighting potential. Coated nanowires that may improve drug delivery. Use of memory enhancement drugs.

How some forms of good cholesterol can be bad for the heart. An advance toward a safer source of collagen. New evidence of an increased diabetes risk from high-fructose corn syrup. Pioneering odor tests on plastic water pipe. Current breakthroughs in solar power.

New evidence suggests that sodas sweetened with high-fructose corn syrup may increase the risk of diabetes, particulary in children. The study will be presented in August at the American Chemical Society national meeting in Boston.

In a quest for improved drinking water, Andrea Dietrich is conducting pioneering studies on how plastic pipes affect the odor and taste of water.