Polyacrylamide, a water‑soluble polymer widely used in industry, usually breaks apart when exposed to free radicals. Traditional studies assumed that the main reaction was chain scission, where long polymer chains split into shorter pieces. Recent experiments with persulfate as a radical source reve
The safety of medicines can be hurt by light and heat, so scientists must test how drugs stand up to these forces. Traditional tools like HPLC, DSC and GC‑MS take time, need extra steps, and often look at light damage and heat damage separately. A new approach called microwave plasma torch mass spec
Microplastics are tiny plastic pieces that are causing big problems in our environment. Scientists are working hard to find ways to break them down using a process called photocatalytic degradation. However, there is a big issue. There are no standard ways to test and compare these methods. This mak
Scientists studied 125 samples taken from five deep cores that reach 15 meters below the surface on the Qinghai‑Tibet Plateau. The samples spanned from the top active layer, where plants grow, down to the frozen permafrost below. Using DNA sequencing they looked at the bacteria living in each depth
The state is testing a new way to finish college faster. In March, the Board of Higher Education allowed schools to offer a three‑year bachelor’s degree. The move comes as people worry about rising tuition and long student debt. The idea is simple: cut the number of required credits so students
A CEO in Michigan is in hot water. Tamela Peterson, who ran centers for addiction and mental health treatment, is now facing health care fraud charges. This is on top of the second-degree murder charge she's already dealing with. Back in January 2026, she was arraigned on nine counts of health care
Plastic waste is a big problem in our oceans. To understand how it breaks down, scientists tested three common plastics: polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), and Nylon-6 (N6). They put these plastics in seawater with hydrogen peroxide and exposed them to UV light and heat. Over time, they checked
Older adults who develop depression might be showing early signs of brain diseases like Parkinson's or Lewy body dementia. This is what a recent study suggests. The study found that depression becomes more common in these seniors, starting about three years before they are diagnosed with these brain
A new type of pill could change how people take their medicine. This pill can send a signal when it's swallowed. It's meant for people who need to take their meds on time, like those with serious infections or after surgeries. The pill has a tiny radio antenna made of zinc and cellulose. These mate
The COVID-19 pandemic has left many people struggling with long-term health issues. One concerning effect is how it might be speeding up memory loss and brain problems, especially for those with Alzheimer's disease. Alzheimer's is a condition that slowly damages the brain, making it hard for people
