A single atomic swap in the molecular structure of #LSD results in a compound that excels in stimulating neuron growth, but does not cause hallucinations! #chemistry #brain #science https://cen.acs.org/pharmaceuticals/drug-discovery/LSD-atom-swap-tunes-hallucinations/103/web/2025/04
Microplastics have been in 'pristine streams' for half a Century — what could that mean for Human Health?
"The inclusion of plastic in the casing of a caddisfly means plastic is entering the food chain since the early 70’s," said lead study author [Auke-Florian Hiemstra].
Check my Image Description’s
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0048969725005820?via%3Dihub
![“Scientists are still working to understand exactly how microplastics and the chemicals within plastics [such as phthalates and per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS)] might affect our bodies”, Tracey Woodruff, a professor at the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) who studies how pollutants affect reproductive and developmental health, told.
<https://iris.who.int/bitstream/handle/10665/362049/9789240054608-eng.pdf>
Early research has linked plastic exposure to the risk of various health conditions, including heart disease, lung disorders, cancer and Alzheimer's disease. In each of these cases, the link is correlative, so it's not clear if or how the plastics might be contributing to the diseases. In addition, in lab-dish studies, some types of plastics appear to be relatively harmless, while others have been shown to kill human cells in vitro.
In 2024, Woodruff and her team at UCSF's Program on Reproductive Health and the Environment published a systematic review of nearly 2,000 studies on the health effects of microplastics as part of a California state-commissioned report aimed at guiding policy decisions. The review identified potential health effects on respiratory, digestive and reproductive health, and particularly on sperm.
<https://uccs.ucdavis.edu/sites/g/files/dgvnsk12071/files/media/documents/CalSPEC-Report-Microplastics-Occurrence-Health%20Effects-and-Mitigation-Policies.pdf>](https://nerdculture.de/system/media_attachments/files/114/427/173/159/679/953/original/ec6eda6a2229dac2.jpeg "“Scientists are still working to understand exactly how microplastics and the chemicals within plastics [such as phthalates and per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS)] might affect our bodies”, Tracey Woodruff, a professor at the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) who studies how pollutants affect reproductive and developmental health, told.
<https://iris.who.int/bitstream/handle/10665/362049/9789240054608-eng.pdf>
Early research has linked plastic exposure to the risk of various health conditions, including heart disease, lung disorders, cancer and Alzheimer's disease. In each of these cases, the link is correlative, so it's not clear if or how the plastics might be contributing to the diseases. In addition, in lab-dish studies, some types of plastics appear to be relatively harmless, while others have been shown to kill human cells in vitro.
In 2024, Woodruff and her team at UCSF's Program on Reproductive Health and the Environment published a systematic review of nearly 2,000 studies on the health effects of microplastics as part of a California state-commissioned report aimed at guiding policy decisions. The review identified potential health effects on respiratory, digestive and reproductive health, and particularly on sperm.
<https://uccs.ucdavis.edu/sites/g/files/dgvnsk12071/files/media/documents/CalSPEC-Report-Microplastics-Occurrence-Health%20Effects-and-Mitigation-Policies.pdf>")
![[ImageSource: Auke-Florian Hiemstra]
This caddisfly casing from 1971 has microplastic in it, the researchers found.
Microplastic pollution from industrial waste has been contaminating freshwater ecosystems for decades, with evidence pointing to this run-off starting in the 1950s to 1970s. Now, though, new evidence suggests the extent of that pollution might be even broader than once thought.
In a study published in the journal Science of The Total Environment, scientists examined the larvae of caddisflies, small insects that build protective casings around themselves using plant material, sand and small stones in their environment. These casings, gathered in the 1970s and 1980s, came from clear, spring-fed streams in the Netherlands that were considered pristine at the time.
⚠️However, the study revealed that the larvae were incorporating plastic particles into their protective casings as early as 1971 — in other words, microplastics had infiltrated even these seemingly untouched ecosystems.⚠️](https://nerdculture.de/system/media_attachments/files/114/427/173/870/042/116/original/12189f167a58a73a.jpeg "[ImageSource: Auke-Florian Hiemstra]
This caddisfly casing from 1971 has microplastic in it, the researchers found.
Microplastic pollution from industrial waste has been contaminating freshwater ecosystems for decades, with evidence pointing to this run-off starting in the 1950s to 1970s. Now, though, new evidence suggests the extent of that pollution might be even broader than once thought.
In a study published in the journal Science of The Total Environment, scientists examined the larvae of caddisflies, small insects that build protective casings around themselves using plant material, sand and small stones in their environment. These casings, gathered in the 1970s and 1980s, came from clear, spring-fed streams in the Netherlands that were considered pristine at the time.
⚠️However, the study revealed that the larvae were incorporating plastic particles into their protective casings as early as 1971 — in other words, microplastics had infiltrated even these seemingly untouched ecosystems.⚠️")
![[ImageSource: Pasquale Ciliberti and Isabel van der Velden]
A close-up of a caddisfly casing from 1986.
Microplastics are tiny fragments of synthetic polymers that can take anywhere from hundreds to thousands of years to degrade. They're defined as being between 1 micrometer and 5 millimeters long.
Today, they seem to be found virtually everywhere: in clouds, the air we breathe, food, drinking water and human blood and breast milk. These particles stem from the breakdown of larger plastics, and in some cases, they are intentionally manufactured for use in certain cosmetics and cleaning products.
<https://magazine.hms.harvard.edu/articles/microplastics-everywhere>
Research suggests that the human body clears out some larger microplastics measuring up to 150 micrometers long, while fragments smaller than 10 micrometers may be absorbed into tissues. But recent research suggests that some plastics in our bodies are even tinier than that.
<https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0160412024000308>
While what qualifies as "nanoplastic" is still under debate, these ultrasmall particles are typically considered to be any plastic fragments smaller than 1 micrometer (or 1,000 nanometers) in diameter. A human hair, by comparison, is around 80,000 nanometers wide. Nanoplastics are small enough to potentially pass through cell membranes, studies suggest.
<https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0278691521006426?via%3Dihub>](https://nerdculture.de/system/media_attachments/files/114/427/174/635/200/687/original/76e100bc273b3864.jpeg "[ImageSource: Pasquale Ciliberti and Isabel van der Velden]
A close-up of a caddisfly casing from 1986.
Microplastics are tiny fragments of synthetic polymers that can take anywhere from hundreds to thousands of years to degrade. They're defined as being between 1 micrometer and 5 millimeters long.
Today, they seem to be found virtually everywhere: in clouds, the air we breathe, food, drinking water and human blood and breast milk. These particles stem from the breakdown of larger plastics, and in some cases, they are intentionally manufactured for use in certain cosmetics and cleaning products.
<https://magazine.hms.harvard.edu/articles/microplastics-everywhere>
Research suggests that the human body clears out some larger microplastics measuring up to 150 micrometers long, while fragments smaller than 10 micrometers may be absorbed into tissues. But recent research suggests that some plastics in our bodies are even tinier than that.
<https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0160412024000308>
While what qualifies as \"nanoplastic\" is still under debate, these ultrasmall particles are typically considered to be any plastic fragments smaller than 1 micrometer (or 1,000 nanometers) in diameter. A human hair, by comparison, is around 80,000 nanometers wide. Nanoplastics are small enough to potentially pass through cell membranes, studies suggest.
<https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0278691521006426?via%3Dihub>")
Next Newsletter coming out tomorrow!
Yes, you are already following us here on mastodon. But honestly, we all miss a post from time to time because we can't be online 24/7.
So if you don't want to miss anything - our newsletter is just 2 clicks away.
My organization is probably paying thousands of dollars a year to license ChemDraw under a subscription model.
Five years ago: Flawless performance.
Today: Buggy, unstable, and somehow corrupts my Word files when I’m trying to finish a manuscript.
Thanks, Revvity, for the constant reminder that there must be better alternatives out there. Speaking of which—are there any (that don’t sabotage my work)? Preferably something actually professional?
Have you ever thought about seamless access to Open Cheminformatics?
We are excited to announce the release of Cheminformatics Microservice 3.1.0, featuring a new web application interface that makes cheminformatics tools accessible to everyone!
bit.ly/3S7YA6V
REMINDER
Thinking about working with an #ELN but don't know how to start?
Try our practical #Chemotion #ELN #workshop on 07.05.25
During the exercises, questions and problems can be discussed directly with the Chemotion trainers.
Online, free of charge,
is there any chemist left here? or did everyone move over to Bluesky? #chemistry
wonderful new #openscience #chemistry bot powered by @wikidata: https://mastodon.social/@daily_lotus/114353414005215812
Happy birthday to #biochemist Marie Maynard Daly (1921-2003), 1st Black woman to earn a PhD in #chemistry in the US! She made important research contributions to our understanding of the biochemisty of the cell nucleus & cardiovascular issues & the chemistry of histones & protein synthesis. She established that “no bases other than adenine, guanine, thymine, and cytosine were present in appreciable amounts” in DNA - 
#womenInSTEM #BlackInSTEM #histsci #printmaking #linocut #histmed #MastoArt
SAVE THE DATE
for the 4th Ontologies4Chem workshop:
11-14 Nov 25.
We have joined forces with @NFDI4Cat @BeilsteinInstitut and @PSDI to bring together all those interested in promoting ontologies.
#Chemistry #Data Days 25 
This year we have two clear topics: the first day is about ' #Research #Data #Management in #teaching’ with many practical contributions from lecturers who are successfully working in this field. The second day deals with ‘Tools for the entire digital life cycle’ and is aimed specifically at #chemists and related disciplines.
Mainz, 3 and 4 June 2025
Free of charge, register:
https://bit.ly/4hV4brK
Last week, our trainers Dr. Annett Schröter and @the_fair_elephant were at the CRC1333 in Stuttgart, where our participant Prof Juergen Pleiss is one of the PIs.
It was a basic workshop on #Research #Data #Management with local relevance.
If you are also interested in having a workshop for your team, get in touch with us!
are you blogging about chemistry? want to be more scholarly and get more recognition for your work? Please check our the "Chemical Sciences" corner of @rogue_scholar
https://rogue-scholar.org/communities/chemicalsciences/records
I love to see your blog included! You get for free:
- citations from journal articles to your blog (in progress)
- archiving of your posts
- DOIs for your blog posts
All major blog platforms are supported.
The next Stammtisch is coming up!
On 25 April, Dr Kai Moshammer-Ruwe will talk about ‘Unlocking insights – how a data base can drive progress in combustion #science ’
#Combustion is still important. It's good to know that scientists are still looking into it. And as with many other sciences, a lot of the focus these days is on data.
What a success 
Since our template for a #data #management #plans (DMP) went online, researchers have used the #template for #chemistry and have already created over 90 DMPs & 25 data policies. What a success for the researchers, who have saved a lot of time.
& for us, that our tool has been so well received.
Do you also need a DMP for your #research or third-party funding? Use our template according to DFG standards and create your DMP quickly and easily - for FREE.
Improving Aluminium-Ion Batteries with Aluminium-Fluoride Salt.
There are many rechargeable battery chemistries, each with their own advantages and disadvantages. Currently lithium-ion and similar [e.g. Li-Po] rule the roost due to their high energy density at least acceptable number of recharge cycles, but aluminium-ion [Al-ion] may become a more viable competitor.
![A published paper by Chinese researchers claims to have overcome some of the biggest hurdles. In the paper as published in ACS Central Science by [Ke Guo] et al. the use of solid-state electrolyte, a charge cycle endurance beating LiFePO4 (LFP) and excellent recyclability are claimed.
<https://pubs.acs.org/doi/10.1021/acscentsci.4c01615>
It’s been known for a while that theoretically Al-ion batteries can be superior to Li-ion in terms of energy density, but the difficulty lies in the electrolyte, including its interface with the electrodes.
<https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aluminium-ion_battery>](https://nerdculture.de/system/media_attachments/files/114/307/751/586/922/280/original/72d326c52b19e1f0.jpeg "A published paper by Chinese researchers claims to have overcome some of the biggest hurdles. In the paper as published in ACS Central Science by [Ke Guo] et al. the use of solid-state electrolyte, a charge cycle endurance beating LiFePO4 (LFP) and excellent recyclability are claimed.
<https://pubs.acs.org/doi/10.1021/acscentsci.4c01615>
It’s been known for a while that theoretically Al-ion batteries can be superior to Li-ion in terms of energy density, but the difficulty lies in the electrolyte, including its interface with the electrodes.
<https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aluminium-ion_battery>")
![[ImageSource: ACS Central Science]
The newly developed electrolyte (F-SSAF) uses aluminium-fluoride (AlF3) to provide a reliable interface between the aluminium and carbon electrodes, with the prototype cell demonstrating 10,000 cycles with very little cell degradation. Here the AlF3 provides the framework for the EMIC-AlCl3 electrolyte. FEC (fluoroethylene carbonate) is introduced to resolve electrolyte-electrode interface issues.
A recovery of >80% of the AlF3 during a recycling phase is also claimed, which for a prototype seems to be a good start. Of course, as the authors note in their conclusion, other frameworks than AlF3 are still to be investigated, but this study brings Al-ion batteries a little bit closer to that ever-elusive step of commercialization and dislodging Li-ion.](https://nerdculture.de/system/media_attachments/files/114/307/753/514/699/430/original/1d5b44dcb19485e1.png "[ImageSource: ACS Central Science]
The newly developed electrolyte (F-SSAF) uses aluminium-fluoride (AlF3) to provide a reliable interface between the aluminium and carbon electrodes, with the prototype cell demonstrating 10,000 cycles with very little cell degradation. Here the AlF3 provides the framework for the EMIC-AlCl3 electrolyte. FEC (fluoroethylene carbonate) is introduced to resolve electrolyte-electrode interface issues.
A recovery of >80% of the AlF3 during a recycling phase is also claimed, which for a prototype seems to be a good start. Of course, as the authors note in their conclusion, other frameworks than AlF3 are still to be investigated, but this study brings Al-ion batteries a little bit closer to that ever-elusive step of commercialization and dislodging Li-ion.")
Last week we had another successful course at the Universität des Saarlandes
It was first planned on site, but was then realised online on request 
We cater entirely to you!
Would you also like to offer a workshop for your working group/team/department?
Then get in touch
Missed us at "58. Jahrestagung Deutscher Katalytiker"?
Our recap is now online – including highlights from our workshop (with 100+ participants!), booth impressions, and links to presentations and materials.
Read the full article: 
https://nfdi4cat.org/rueckblick-auf-die-58-jahrestagung-deutscher-katalytiker-in-weimar/
AI research agents directory
This directory lists 38 research agent tools including Perplexity, Glean, NotebookLM, ChemCrow, Paramus, Consensus, GPT Researcher, etc.
gen 
