Did you know that old batteries could have a second life? Scientists have found a cool use for the graphite inside spent lithium-ion batteries (LIBs). This graphite is special because it has a lot of oxygen-rich groups on its surface. These groups help the graphite absorb microwaves really well. To
You might be familiar with the tiny, tricky organisms called mycoplasmas. These guys can sneak into cell cultures and cause big problems. Researchers often face up to 35% contamination in their cell lines. Cleaning up these cultures with antibiotics is usually a breeze, except when it comes to bacte
Bacteria talk to each other in many ways, and one of those conversations is about sharing or competing for iron. Iron is a big deal for bacteria, so they use special molecules called siderophores to grab it from their surroundings. These siderophores can either help or hinder other bacteria, dependi
Ever dreamed of making things on demand, just like in those sci-fi movies? Well, that dream is becoming a reality, thanks to major strides in chemistry and engineering. Hobbyists with 3D printers and industrial pros alike are getting a taste of this future through rapid prototyping and modular manuf
Scientists are looking into how tiny patterns on copper surfaces can make them even better at killing bacteria. They've found that by creating specific patterns on copper, they can control how bacteria stick to the surface and how well the copper kills them. This could lead to better ways to fight a
Ever had a little cut or scrape? It's like a welcoming sign for bad germs. Imagine if there was a tiny guard to keep these nasties out? Scientists have discovered just that: a tiny protein named TWPAL. Think of it as a bouncer for wounds. When combined with a special hybrid of hyaluronic acid and ge
Incredibly, a small twist in super-thin materials can make a big difference in how heat moves through them. Scientists found that rotating layers of materials like molybdenum disulfide, carbon, and boron nitride by just 1 to 4 degrees creates a barrier that hinders heat flow. It's like having a spec
You might be wondering, what's the best way to keep hearts beating steadily? Well, a group of experts got together to hash out some new rules for using gadgets like implantable cardioverter-defibrillators (ICDs), cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT), and pacemakers. They published these guideline
Government inspectors have found unsanitary conditions in several Boar’s Head deli meat factories, not limited to the Virginia plant that was closed following a deadly outbreak of listeria. Reports from plants in Indiana, Arkansas, and Virginia detailed problems like meat residue on equipment, mold,
Scientists are digging into a potential new way to fight high cholesterol in mice. They took a close look at lauric-acid-esterified octacosanol (LEO) and oleic-acid-esterified octacosanol (OEO). These are modified versions of octacosanol, a substance found naturally in foods like wheat germ and rice
