In the wake of recent off-shore oil spills, and with the growing popularity of “fracking” — in which water is used to release oil and gas from shale — there’s a need for easy, quick ways to separate oil and water. Now, scientists have developed coatings that can do just that. Their report on the materials, which also could stop surfaces from getting foggy and dirty, appears in the American Chemical Society's ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces.

New method opens window on invisible world.

When it comes to the brain, wiring isn’t everything. Although neurobiologists often talk in electrical metaphors, the reality is that the brain is not nearly as simple as a series of wires and circuits. Unlike their copper counterparts, neurons can behave differently depending on the situation.

Findings should help narrow the search for genetic contributions of autism and suggest new routes for therapy.

Technique might enable advances in display screens, solar cells, or other devices.

High resolution X-ray crystallography is an imaging technique in which X-ray beams are shot through purified, crystallized proteins. The beam scatters in different directions, allowing scientists to construct a detailed, 3-D model of the crystallized protein's molecular structure. Measuring the intensities and angles of the diffracted beams reveals the position of each atom in the protein.

At first, the students considered creating an app or a smart device. But when they got down to it, they decided simplicity really is bliss.

Sanford-Burnham Medical Research Institute (Sanford-Burnham) and Daiichi Sankyo Co., Ltd. (Daiichi Sankyo) today announced they have entered into a three-year comprehensive alliance to develop first-in-class therapeutics for the treatment of cardiovascular-metabolic diseases. The collaboration is built on an open-innovation model to bridge the gap between target discovery and pre-clinical drug development.

A team of clean energy researchers at the University of British Columbia has received a $500,000 grant to commercialize a new technology that converts excess carbon dioxide and wastewater from the oil and gas sector into reusable water and valuable chemicals. This development could serve the dual purpose of reducing global carbon dioxide emissions and addressing the issue of decreasing global water reserves.

In fruit flies, taste buds appear to help promote a long, healthy life.

Clemson University plant breeders released 21 new crop varieties that can help grow food, fiber and fuel.

North Dakota State University (NDSU) held a groundbreaking ceremony May 22 for the new STEM Classroom and Lab Building.