Chemicals
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Venus may be a hellscape, but there’s a chance some forms of life could evolve there. A new MIT study has now found that the building blocks of life are surprisingly stable in highly concentrated sulfuric acid – which Venus’ clouds are made of.
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Exposure to phthalates, a commonly used chemical in plastics, has been estimated to be the primary cause of one in 10 preterm births, according to a new study led by researchers from the New York University Grossman School of Medicine.
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A fascinating study has found that sniffing female tears significantly reduced male aggression and decreased activity in aggression-related brain networks. It’s suggested that the effect, which is also seen in rodents, serves a protective function.
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A new study has linked preconception exposure to phthalates to reduced odds of getting pregnant, adding to a growing body of evidence about the negative effects of these chemicals, commonly found in personal care products like soap and shampoo.
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The James Webb Space Telescope has made the first direct analysis of clouds on a nearby alien world. These aren’t just made of water vapor but also sand, which would move around the planet much like Earth’s water cycle.
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A study has found that sex toys are an overlooked source of microplastics and phthalates, both of which can be toxic to humans. The findings highlight the need for greater regulation of the sex toy industry to ensure consumer safety.
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A European study found that 90% of so-called eco-friendly paper straws contain “forever chemicals,” compounds that barely break down and can accumulate in our bodies, leading to health problems. The findings are consistent with previous US studies.
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A new study led by scientists at Harvard Medical School has identified chemical cocktails that can restore cells to a more youthful state, paving the way for aging reversal treatments that are more accessible than gene therapy.
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We've long known of a link between exercise and benefits to the brain, but there's a lot of mystery as to the precise processes involved. Scientists have unlocked another piece of the puzzle, showing how muscle cells fire up important neural pathways.
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The negative health effects of chemicals called PFAS continue to be uncovered. Scientists from North Carolina State University (NCSU) have now shown that some types of PFAS can disrupt vital functions of immune cells.
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Mosquito repellent is a key weapon to keep those biting bugs at bay, but it can be frustratingly fickle. Now researchers in Italy have developed new formulations that they say can last as long as eight hours, are odorless and boast other advantages.
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Greenhouse gases and plastic waste are two of the biggest environmental problems the world faces today. A new reactor from Cambridge tackles both at once, converting CO2 and used plastic bottles into useful materials, powered entirely by sunlight.
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