Chemistry. (Science News of the year: the weekly newsmagazine of science).Hydrogen generation Researchers experimented with more sustainable ways to generate hydrogen, which burns cleanly but is typically made from fossil fuel fossil fuel: see energy, sources of; fuel. fossil fuel Any of a class of materials of biologic origin occurring within the Earth's crust that can be used as a source of energy. Fossil fuels include coal, petroleum, and natural gas. (162: 235 *). Self-sutures Surgical sutures made from a new biodegradable biodegradable /bio·de·grad·a·ble/ (-de-grad´ah-b'l) susceptible of degradation by biological processes, as by bacterial or other enzymatic action. bi·o·de·grad·a·ble adj. material tie themselves into a knot and tighten as the material warms to body temperature (161: 262). Nanotech concerns Scientists explored nanomaterials' possible negative consequences in the human body and the environment (161: 200 *). Better batteries A new material could make rechargeable lithium-ion batteries smaller, cheaper, and safer (162: 196 *). Money allergies Some of the new two-alloy European Union European Union (EU), name given since the ratification (Nov., 1993) of the Treaty of European Union, or Maastricht Treaty, to the European Community ex)ins release large amounts of nickel, a common skin irritant ir·ri·tant adj. Causing irritation, especially physical irritation. n. A source of irritation. irritant, n 1. an agent that causes an irritation or stimulation. 2. (162:163 *). Viral parts Researchers transformed viruses into potential building blocks for electronic circuits and tools for biomedical bi·o·med·i·cal adj. 1. Of or relating to biomedicine. 2. Of, relating to, or involving biological, medical, and physical sciences. therapies (161: 68). Minimotor A single molecule performed mechanical work--pulling and releasing a cantilever tip--when exposed to light (161: 292). Macro costs A new analysis revealed that the production of a single 2-gram microchip requires nearly 2 kilograms of chemicals and fossil fuels (162: 309). Questions of origin Two studies of inks and paper renewed controversy about the authenticity of a map that some scholars claim is the first depiction of North America North America, third largest continent (1990 est. pop. 365,000,000), c.9,400,000 sq mi (24,346,000 sq km), the northern of the two continents of the Western Hemisphere. (162: 109). Mimicking nature's binders A new technique made artificial receptors that differentiate among molecules that are similar to each other (162: 53). Icy birth Two experiments simulating the environment of interstellar space interstellar space See under space. Noun 1. interstellar space - the space between stars outer space, space - any location outside the Earth's atmosphere; "the astronauts walked in outer space without a tether"; "the first produced amino acids, the building blocks of proteins (161: 195 *). Molecular sorting A novel modification of polymer membranes gave researchers a means to tune certain filters to be more selective yet faster (161: 245). Other experiments suggested that a new membrane would make it easier to separate mixtures of the right-hand and left-hand versions of drug molecules (161: 388). A recently devised, metal-laced organic solid proved that it can act as a sieve for nanosize molecules (162: 213). * An asterisk indicates that the text of the item is available free on SCIENCE NEWS ONLINE (http://www.sciencenews.org). |
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