In this study, the authors investigate the crystallization kinetics of vanillin thin films from a solution or a melt, as well as how a silane coating on the glass surface affects these properties.
Read More...Crystallization kinetics of vanillin thin films
In this study, the authors investigate the crystallization kinetics of vanillin thin films from a solution or a melt, as well as how a silane coating on the glass surface affects these properties.
Read More...Optical anisotropy of crystallized vanillin thin film: the science behind the art
Microscopic beauty is hiding in common kitchen ingredients - even vanillin flavoring can be turned into mesmerizing artwork by crystallizing the vanillin and examining it under a polarizing microscope. Wang and Pang explore this hidden beauty by determining the optimal conditions to grow crystalline vanillin films and by creating computer simulations of chemical interactions between vanillin molecules.
Read More...The effect of common food preservatives on the heart rate of Daphnia magna
The authors test the effects of common food industry preservatives on the heart rate of the freshwater crustacean Daphnia magna.
Read More...Comparative analysis of CO2 emissions of electric ride-hailing vehicles over conventional gasoline personal vehicles
While some believe that ride-hailing services offer reduced CO2 emissions compared to individual driving, studies have found that driving without passengers on ride-hailing trips or "deadheading" prevents this. Here, with a mathematical model, the authors investigated if the use of electric vehicles as ride-hailing vehicles could offer reduced CO2 emissions. They found that the improved vehicle efficiency and cleaner generation could in fact lower emissions compared to the use of personal gas vehicles.
Read More...Effect of pH on the antibacterial properties of turmeric
Some spices have antimicrobial or antibacterial properties that people have already tested. Turmeric has a wide variety of uses and has even been implemented in alternative medicine as a treatment for cancer, inflammation, osteoarthritis, and other diseases. We tested the antimicrobial effects of turmeric under two different pHs to characterize this effect in vitro. Decreasing the pH of a solution of turmeric may increase antibacterial properties.
Read More...Using economic indicators to create an empirical model of inflation
Here, seeking to understand the correlation of 50 of the most important economic indicators with inflation, the authors used a rolling linear regression to identify indicators with the most significant correlation with the Month over Month Consumer Price Index Seasonally Adjusted (CPI). Ultimately the concluded that the average gasoline price, U.S. import price index, and 5-year market expected inflation had the most significant correlation with the CPI.
Read More...Detergent pollutants decrease nutrient availability in soil
Household detergents have surfactants that can potentially harm the soil and broader ecosystems. In this study, the authors investigate whether eco-friendly and less-eco-friendly detergents affect soil pH, phosphorus, nitrogen, and potassium levels.
Read More...A novel bioreactor system to purify contaminated runoff water
In this study, the authors engineer a cost-effective and bio-friendly water purification system using limestone, denitrifying bacteria, and sulfate-reducing bacteria. They evaluated its efficacy with samples from Eastern PA industrial sites.
Read More...Androgen Diffusion Patterns in Soil: Potential Watershed Impacts
Androgens are natural or synthetic steroid hormones that control secondary male sex characteristics. Androgens are excreted in cattle urine and feces, and can run off or seep into nearby waters, negatively impacting aquatic life and potentially polluting human water sources. Here, the authors investigated the effectiveness of soil as a natural barrier against androgen flow into vulnerable waterways. Their results, obtained by testing diffusion patterns of luminol, an androgen chemical analog, indicated that soil is a poor barrier to androgen diffusion.
Read More...Investigating the effects of mutations of amino acids on the protein expression of CDK2 cancer gene