Chemistry

WSU researchers extract nicotine from ancient dental plaque for the first time

By Will Ferguson, College of Arts and Sciences PULLMAN, Wash. – A team of scientists including researchers from Washington State University has shown for the first time that nicotine residue can be extracted from plaque, also known as “dental calculus”, on the teeth of ancient tobacco users.

Global research team fills language gap in plant science

By Linda Weiford, WSU News PULLMAN, Wash. – To keep pace with the fast-evolving study of cellular plant science, an international team of researchers has created terminology and definitions likely to become everyday language in laboratories and university classrooms worldwide.

Major gift advances WSU thermodynamics research, careers

By Brett Stav, Voiland College of Engineering and Architecture PULLMAN, Wash. – Washington State University announced today the creation of the Alexandra Navrotsky Institute for Experimental Thermodynamics, made possible by a $1 million gift from Alexandra Navrotsky, Distinguished Interdisciplinary Professor of Ceramic, Earth and Environmental Materials Chemistry at University of California-Davis.

Experi-mint: Eucalyptus as alternative to dense jet fuel

By Brett Stav, College of Engineering and Architecture PULLMAN, Wash. – A research team led by Hongfei Lin, associate professor from Washington State University’s Gene and Linda Voiland School of Chemical Engineering and Bioengineering, has developed a novel process for synthesizing dense jet fuel from mint, pine, gumweed, eucalyptus or other plants.

New device could turn heat energy into a viable fuel source

By Will Ferguson, College of Arts and Sciences PULLMAN, Wash. – A new device being developed by Washington State University physicist Yi Gu could one day turn the heat generated by a wide array of electronics into a usable fuel source.

Alternative to wasteful methane flaring developed by WSU researchers

By Eric Sorensen, WSU News PULLMAN, Wash. – Jean-Sabin McEwen knocks out a Web search for “North Dakota,” “night sky” and “flaring,” and quickly finds a picture from space showing a glowing cluster bigger than Minneapolis. It’s from oil and gas fields burning off methane, producing as much greenhouse gas in a year as 1 […]

Algae cultivation technique could advance biofuels

By Tina Hilding, Voiland College of Engineering PULLMAN, Wash. – Washington State University researchers have developed a way to grow algae more efficiently — in days instead of weeks — and make the algae more viable for several industries, including biofuels.

WSU receives NIH grant to study heart problems at molecular level

By Tina Hilding, Voiland College of Engineering and Architecture PULLMAN, Wash. – Washington State University researchers have received a $1.57 million National Institutes of Health grant to understand the molecular-scale mechanisms that cause cardiomyopathy, or heart muscle disease.

WSU partnering with Japanese company in radiochemistry

By Maegan Murray, WSU Tri-Cities RICHLAND, Wash. – The U.S. Transuranium and Uranium Registries, operated by Washington State University, will sign a memorandum of understanding with Kyushu Environmental Evaluation Association of Japan on Tuesday, May 16, at WSU Tri-Cities in Richland to partner for research opportunities, student experiences and the general sharing of knowledge.