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Your next car hopefully won’t be a lemon. But it could be a pineapple, banana, or some other tropical fruit. That’s because scientists in Brazil are reporting an advance toward the long-awaited “bio-automobile” …. developed a convenient way to turn fruit fibers into nanoparticles to improve the performance and eco-friendliness of automobile plastics, including bumpers and dashboards. Scientists will describe the new method and materials at the 241st National Meeting and Exposition of the American Chemical Society in Anaheim, Calif.

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Producers and writers for several popular medical and science fiction television shows like House, Breaking Bad, and Zula Patrol — major sources of information about science and technology for millions of people — say they do strive for scientific accuracy. They appeared at a special symposium on “Hollywood Chemistry” at the 241st National Meeting & Exposition of the American Chemical Society.

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Nobel laureate Harold Kroto said that humanity’s age-old quest to understand what’s going on millions and billions of miles across the galaxy are having enormous and unexpected payoffs here on Earth, including the birth of a new, multibillion-dollar-per-year nanotechnology industry. His talk is part of a special symposium on the chemistry of natural resources during the 241st American Chemical Society (ACS) National Meeting.

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Scientists are reporting on a new material containing an ingredient used to make bricks that shows promise as a transparent coating for improving the strength and performance of plastic food packaging. Called “nano-bricks,” the coating could help foods and beverages stay fresh and flavorful longer and may replace some foil packaging currently in use, they said. Scientists will describe the new, eco-friendly material at the 241st National Meeting of the American Chemical Society in Anaheim.

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Those raging fires that destroy homes, ships, planes other structures could be suppressed in faster and more efficiently using technology now in development that uses an unusual source: Blasts of electrical waves. Scientists will describe the promising “flame-tamer” technology at the 241st National Meeting of the American Chemical Society in Anaheim.

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Scientists are reporting that walnuts have a combination of more healthful antioxidants and higher quality antioxidants than any other nut. They will describe their study on heart-healthy walnuts at the 241st National Meeting of the American Chemical Society in Anaheim.

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In a finding that could help meet the growing energy demands of billions of people worldwide in a simpler, more efficient and less-costly way, a noted scientist is reporting long-awaited development of the first practical “artificial leaf.” The solar-powered device mimics the chemical process, called photosynthesis, that plants use to convert sunlight into fuel, said chemist Daniel Nocera. He will describe the device at the 241st National Meeting of the American Chemical Society in Anaheim.

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Scientists are reporting for the first time that nicotine is the main culprit in diabetes complications among smokers. The tobacco chemical appears to cause elevated levels of a blood protein that increases the risk of diabetes complications, including heart attack, stroke, and blindness, the scientists say. Scientists will describe the finding at the 241st National Meeting of the American Chemical Society in Anaheim.

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Organizers of the technical program at the American Chemical Society’s 241st National Meeting & Exposition have identified these highlights from their own division or committee’s presentations. The technical program is a journalistic treasure trove for spot news, features, story ideas, background, and sources for future coverage. It includes almost 9,400 papers that span scientific topics from astronomy to zoology. Journalists can access abstracts of all the presentations, with time and location, via the searchable online program or on a disc available from the ACS Office of Public Affairs contacts.

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Five major scientific societies cautioned today that global production of phosphorus fertilizer could peak and decline later this century, causing shortages and price spikes that jeopardizing world food production. The white paper, Chemistry for a Sustainable Global Society, also cautioned about the supply of other natural resources where monopolies or political instability affect supplies or inflate prices.

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1) Walnuts are top nut for heart-healthy antioxidants; 2) Taming the flame: Electrical wave “blaster” could provide new way to extinguish fires; 3) “Green” cars could be made from pineapples and bananas; 4) First identification of nicotine as main culprit in diabetes complications among smokers; 5) New trash-to-treasure process turns landfill nuisance into plastic...

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For a week in March, the permanent home of Disneyland becomes the world capital of science as more than 13,000 scientists and others gather here for the 241st National Meeting & Exposition of the American Chemical Society (ACS). Press registration for onsite coverage of the meeting is open.

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With cholera on the rampage in Haiti and almost 40 other countries, scientists are reporting the development of a key advance that could provide a fast, simple test to detect the toxin that causes the disease.

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The enzyme that makes fireflies glow is lighting up the scientific path toward a long-sought new medical imaging agent to better monitor treatment with heparin, the blood thinner that millions of people take to prevent or treat blood clots, scientists are reporting.

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Brightly-lit Cowboys Stadium during Sunday’s Super Bowl XLV may symbolize one of the hottest new pieces of scientific intelligence about air pollution: Researchers have discovered — in a classic case of scientific serendipity — that the bright light from sports stadiums and urban street lights may boost daytime levels of ozone, a key air pollutant in many heavily populated areas.

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Scientists are reporting discovery of an environmentally friendly way to make a key industrial material — used in products ranging from paints to diapers — from a renewable raw material without touching the traditional pricey and increasingly scarce petroleum-based starting material.

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Cultivating coca bushes, the source of cocaine, is speeding up destruction of rainforests in Colombia and threatening the region’s “hotspots” of plant and animal diversity, scientists are reporting in a new study.

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In time for the chocolate-giving and chocolate-eating fest on Valentine’s Day, scientists are reporting discovery of how this treat boosts the body’s production of the “good” form of cholesterol that protects against heart disease. Polyphenols in chocolate rev up the activity of certain proteins, including proteins that attach to the genetic material DNA in ways that boost “good” cholesterol levels. Their report appears in the American Chemical Society’s Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry.

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Danish scientists, in a study published in American Chemical Society’s journal, Chemical Research in Toxicology, found that the invisible particles inhaled into the lungs from breathing wood smoke from fireplaces have multiple adverse effects.

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The American Chemical Society (ACS) entertainingly explores this unsettling premise of a world without chemistry in a new high-definition video released before the official launch of the International Year of Chemistry (IYC). A Day without Chemistry follows a person who sees more and more of his everyday necessities and conveniences disappear.

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The American Chemical Society (ACS) is offering students, teachers and others the chance to win monthly cash cards and grand prizes of an iPad, iPod Touch or iPod Nano in its “365: Chemistry for Life Contest,” celebrating the International Year of Chemistry (IYC).

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The latest episode in the American Chemical Society’s (ACS) award-winning podcast series, “Global Challenges/Chemistry Solutions,” focuses on development of a new ultra-light biodegradable foam plastic material made from two unlikely ingredients: The protein in milk and ordinary clay.

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In research described as “a stark warning” to those tempted to start smoking, scientists are reporting that cigarette smoke begins to cause genetic damage within minutes — not years — after inhalation into the lungs. Their report, the first human study to detail the way certain substances in tobacco cause DNA damage linked to cancer, appears in ACS’ Chemical Research in Toxicology, a monthly journal.

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News media now can apply for registration for the American Chemical Society’s (ACS’) 241st National Meeting & Exposition March 27-31, 2011, in Anaheim, Calif., one of the largest scientific conferences of the New Year. The meeting, held during the International Year of Chemistry, will take place at the Anaheim Convention and Exhibition Center and at area hotels.

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The American Chemical Society (ACS) today launched the International Year of Chemistry’s IYC 365: Chemistry for Life, a vibrant science calendar for 2011 highlighting the great intellects and epic events that have shaped modern society through the magic of chemistry.

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With “green” on the mind from holiday trees, wreaths, and garlands, here’s a package of ideas for keeping “green” — as in sustainable, eco-friendly — in your life throughout 2011 and beyond. They are gems on sustainability hand-picked from almost 38,000 scientific reports published in 2010 in the American Chemical Society’s 38 peer-reviewed scientific journals and its weekly newsmagazine, Chemical & Engineering News.

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Just in time for New Year’s Eve, a study in the American Chemical Society’s Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry may settle a long-standing disagreement over the best way to pour a glass of champagne: Scientists in France are reporting that pouring bubbly in an angled, down-the-side way is best for preserving its taste and fizz.

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Did life on Mars become life on Earth? What “behind the scenes” technology made the Human Genome Project possible? How did wisps of material barely 1/50,000th the width of a human hair become forerunners of a new genre of medicines? Those topics highlight the premier episode of a new video series, Prized Science: How the Science Behind ACS Awards Impacts Your Life, launched today by the American Chemical Society (ACS), the world’s largest scientific society.

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Tests of the potential vaccine against “Ich” ― the dreaded “white-spot” disease that plagues fish in commercial fish farms, public aquariums, pet fish retail outlets and home aquariums ― are raising hopes for finally controlling the disease, scientists reported here today at the 240th national Meeting of the American Chemical Society (ACS).

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Kissing a frog won’t turn it into a prince — except in fairy-tales ― but frogs may be hopping toward a real-world transformation into princely allies in humanity’s battle with antibiotic-resistant infections that threaten millions of people. Scientists reported that frog skin contains substances that could be the basis for a new genre of antibiotics. Their study is scheduled for presentation in August at the 240th National Meeting of the American Chemical Society (ACS) in Boston.

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When you fire up the Barbie for dinner this summer, you probably won’t be aware that you are using a technology that was created about 38,000 years ago. The charcoal wasn’t in neatly formed briquettes and there was no starter-in-a-can, but Cro-Magnon Man apparently did develop this means of cooking food, researchers told the American Chemical Society’s (ACS) 240th National Meeting and Exhibition here.

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Researchers in the United States and Australia are reporting a first-of-its-kind discovery of a new food additive that may safeguard some foods from intentional contamination with anthrax in the event of a bioterror attack. They’ll discuss the results at the 240th National Meeting of the American Chemical Society.

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Health conscious consumers who hesitate at the price of fresh blueberries and blackberries, fruits renowned for high levels of healthful antioxidants, now have an economical alternative. It is black rice, one variety of which got the moniker “Forbidden Rice” in ancient China because nobles commandeered every grain for themselves and forbade the common people from eating it. Scientists will present the study at the 240th National Meeting of the American Chemical Society in Boston.

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Imagine devices that capture electricity from the air ― much like solar cells capture sunlight ― and using them to light a house or recharge an electric car. Imagine using similar panels on the rooftops of buildings to prevent lightning before it forms. Strange as it may sound, scientists already are in the early stages of developing such devices, according to a report presented here today at the 240th National Meeting of the American Chemical Society (ACS).

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Scientists in the United Kingdom are reporting potential new uses for an unusual substance known as “dry water,” which resembles powdered sugar. The powder could provide a convenient and efficient way to absorb and store carbon dioxide, the major greenhouse gas that contributes to global warming, the scientists said. Their study is scheduled for presentation in August at the 240th National Meeting of the American Chemical Society (ACS) in Boston.

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Scientists are reporting development of new soy-based glues that use a substance in soy milk and tofu and could mean a new generation of more eco-friendly furniture, cabinets, flooring and other wood products. Their study is scheduled for presentation in August at the 240th National Meeting of the American Chemical Society (ACS) in Boston.

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Scientists at the 240th American Chemical Society (ACS) National Meeting & Exposition today described development and successful initial tests on a substance that acts as a sunscreen for the microscopic spores of a fungus, brightening prospects for wider use of the fungus as a means of wiping out insect pests that attack food crops.

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Scientists reported development of the first fuel cell designed to produce electricity with biochemical technology borrowed from the biological powerhouses that energize humans and other animals. This new type of fuel cell could be used to power a variety of electronics ranging from cell phones to stamp-sized explosives detectors, the scientists said. Their study is scheduled for presentation in August at the 240th National Meeting of the American Chemical Society (ACS) in Boston.

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In a finding that could lead to better estimates of smoker’s exposure to cigarette toxins and improved interventions to help them quit, scientists are reporting development of a non-invasive method for accurately measuring a person’s exposure to the toxins in cigarette smoke. The method involves measuring a substance abundant in discarded cigarette butts. Their study is scheduled for presentation in August at the 240th National Meeting of the American Chemical Society (ACS) in Boston.

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Blood hounds may soon have a new partner ― disease detector dogs ― thanks to an unusual experiment in which scientists trained mice to identify feces of ducks infected with bird flu. Reported at the American Chemical Society’s 240th National Meeting, the study may pave the way for development of biosensors-on-four-feet that warn of infection with influenza and other diseases.

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Continuous research and development of alternative energy could soon lead to a new era in human history in which two renewable sources — solar and wind — will become Earth’s dominant contributor of energy, a Nobel laureate said in Boston today at a special symposium at the American Chemical Society’s 240th National Meeting.

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Crafting a fragrance for detergents that leaves laundry smelling clean and fresh. Developing a room freshener, scented oil, or scented candle that whispers “cool spring air.” Giving toothpaste or mouthwash a refreshing aftertaste that lingers and lingers. The process for putting the smell that sells into thousands consumer products is much like composing a symphony, according to maestro fragrance designer Michael Papas, who spoke here today at the 240th National Meeting of the American Chemical Society (ACS).

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Scientists reported progress today in using a common virus to develop improved materials for high-performance, rechargeable lithium-ion batteries that could be woven into clothing to power portable electronic devices. They discussed development of the new materials for the battery’s cathode, or negative electrode, at the 240th National Meeting of the American Chemical Society (ACS), being held here this week.

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Researchers reported at the 240th National Meeting of the American Chemical Society (ACS) held here this week that drinking an 8-ounce glass of cranberry juice cocktail can prevent this number two most common infection in the body (H. Pylori, he cause of ulcers is number one), which affects one in every three women at some time in her life.

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In response to doubts about the causes and potential extent of global climate change, a panel of four climate experts will review the current state of climate science and discuss observed and predicted changes. The special forum, which will include conclusions from recent national and international climate change reports, will be part of the American Chemical Society’s 240th National Meeting & Exposition in Boston. The event takes place on Aug. 23.

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After decades of dreaming the drug developer’s impossible dream, scientists finally are reporting progress in making drugs that target the “untouchables” among the body’s key players in health and disease. The advances could lead to new treatments for cancer, diabetes, and other major diseases, they say. Scientists will describe advances toward these next-generation drugs during a special symposium, “Drugging the Undruggable,” during the 240th National Meeting of the American Chemical Society in Boston.

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Scientists are reporting results of a new clinical trial confirming that just two 8-ounce glasses of the water, taken before meals 3 times per day, enables dieters to shed pounds. Their study is scheduled for presentation in August at the 240th National Meeting of the American Chemical Society (ACS) in Boston.

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The era of personalized energy systems — in which individual homes and small businesses produce their own energy — took another step toward reality today as scientists reported discovery of a powerful new catalyst that is a key element in such a system. Scientists will describe the advance — which could end dependence on the electric company and gas station — in August at the 240th National Meeting of the American Chemical Society (ACS) in Boston.

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Scientists today reported the first evidence that eating blueberries, strawberries, and acai berries may help the aging brain stay healthy in a crucial but previously unrecognized way. Their study, presented at the 240th National Meeting of the American Chemical Society (ACS), concluded that berries, and possibly walnuts, activate the brain’s natural “housekeeper” mechanism, which cleans up and recycles toxic proteins linked to age-related memory loss and other mental decline.

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Scientists are reporting a new drug-discovery process called “Open-source drug discovery” that involves an online community of computer users, including students, from around the world working together to discover and develop much-needed new drugs. The process could lead to inexpensive drugs for tuberculosis, malaria, and other diseases, they say. A special symposium on this topic will take place on August 23 during the 240th National Meeting of the American Chemical Society (ACS) in Boston.