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American Chemical Society 1155 Sixteenth Street, N.W. Washington, D.C. 20036 T [202] 872 6042 F [202] 872 4370 www.acs.org #12-199 Released: 8/23/2012

Press Briefing Schedule American Chemical Society Office of Public Affairs

Contact: Michael Bernstein

[email protected] 215-418-2056 (Philadelphia Press Center, Aug. 17-23) 202-872-6042 Michael Woods [email protected] 215-418-2056 (Philadelphia Press Center, Aug. 17-23) 202-872-6293

EMBARGOED FOR RELEASE: Thursday, August 23, 2012, 3:45 p.m.

Eastern Time

Press Conference Schedule American Chemical Society National Meeting & Exposition

August 19-23, 2012 Attend in Person in Philadelphia or Access Live Audio & Video Online

ACS Press Center Room 304

Pennsylvania Convention Center Press Center Phone: 215-418-2056

See Instructions* below for joining live briefings from remote locations at

http://www.ustream.tv/channel/acslive

ALL TOPICS ARE STRICTLY EMBARGOED FOR THE TIMES INDICATED. NOTE THAT SOME PRESS BRIEFINGS TAKE PLACE BEFORE THE EMBARGO TIME,

INDICATED BY **

Embargoed press releases are available on EurekAlert! (http://www.eurekalert.org/acsmeet.php) and Newswise (http://www.newswise.com/articles/list?category=&search[billing_institution_id]=7)


Sunday, August 19

**8:30 a.m. Eastern Time EMBARGOED FOR RELEASE: Sunday, Aug.19, 2012, 10:45 a.m. Eastern Time Note to journalists: Please report that this research was presented at a meeting of the American Chemical Society.

New space-age insulating material for homes, clothing and other everyday uses

PHILADELPHIA, Aug. 19, 2012 — A major improvement in the world’s lightest solid material and best solid insulating material, described here today, may put more of this space-age wonder into insulated clothing, refrigerators with thinner walls that hold more food, building insulation and other products.

Mary Ann B. Meador, Ph.D. NASA Glenn Research Center

**9:00 a.m. Eastern Time EMBARGOED FOR RELEASE: Sunday, Aug. 19, 2012, 11:30 a.m. Eastern Time Note to journalists: Please report that this research was presented at a meeting of the American Chemical Society. Simple new test to combat counterfeit drug problem in developing countries

PHILADELPHIA, Aug. 19, 2012 — In a thrust against the major problem of counterfeit medicines sold in developing countries, which causes thousands of illnesses and deaths annually, scientists today described development of a simple, paper-strip test that people could use to identify counterfeit versions of one of the most-frequently faked medicines in the world.

Toni L. O. Barstis, Ph.D. Saint Mary's College Diana Vega Pantoja University of Notre Dame Liz Bajema University of Notre Dame

**10 a.m. Eastern Time EMBARGOED FOR RELEASE: Sunday, Aug. 19, 2012, 3 p.m. Eastern Time Note to journalists: Please report that this research was presented at a meeting of the American Chemical Society. “DNA wires” could help physicians diagnose disease

PHILADELPHIA, Aug. 19, 2012 — In a discovery that defies the popular meaning of the word “wire,” scientists have found that Mother Nature uses DNA as a wire to detect the constantly occurring genetic damage and

New flexible aerogels are 500 times stronger than earlier versions and will be used in everything from clothing insulation to building insulation. Credit: NASA Click here for a high-resolution version.

A new quick, simple test to identify counterfeit Panadol could save thousands of lives in Southeast Asia and Africa alone. Credit: iStock


mistakes that ― if left unrepaired ― can result in diseases like cancer and underpin the physical and mental decline of aging. That topic ― DNA wires and their potential use in identifying people at risk for certain diseases ― is the focus of a plenary talk here today during the 244th National Meeting & Exposition of the American Chemical Society, the world’s largest scientific society. Jacqueline K. Barton, Ph.D. California Institute of Technology Chad A. Mirkin, Ph.D. Northwestern University Buddy D. Ratner, Ph.D. University of Washington John T. Santini, Ph.D. On Demand Therapeutics

**10:30 a.m. Eastern Time EMBARGOED FOR RELEASE: Sunday, Aug. 19, 2012, 5:30 p.m. Eastern Time Note to journalists: Please report that this research was presented at a meeting of the American Chemical Society.

Meddling with male malaria mosquito “mating plug” to control an epidemic PHILADELPHIA, Aug. 19, 2012 — Using information about the unique mating practices of the male malaria mosquito ― which, unlike any other insect, inserts a plug to seal its sperm inside the female ― scientists are zeroing in on a birth-control drug for Anopheles mosquitoes, deadly carriers of the disease that threatens 3 billion people, has infected more than 215 million and kills 655,000 annually. Richard H. G. Baxter, Ph.D. Yale University

(TENTATIVE) 11:30 a.m. Eastern Time EMBARGOED FOR RELEASE: Sunday, Aug. 19, 2012, 8:45 a.m. Eastern Time Note to journalists: Please report that this research was presented at a meeting of the American Chemical Society. Red wine compound could help seniors walk away from mobility problems PHILADELPHIA, Aug. 19, 2012 — In a stride toward better health in later life, scientists reported today that resveratrol, the so-called “miracle molecule” found in red wine, might help improve mobility and prevent life-threatening falls among older people. The finding, believed to be the first of its kind, was presented today to some 14,000 scientists and others gathered at the 244th National Meeting & Exposition of the American Chemical Society, the world’s largest scientific society. Jane E. Cavanaugh, Ph.D. Duquesne University

“DNA wires” could help physicians diagnose disease. Credit: Comstock/Thinkstock

Mating of some disease-carrying mosquitoes would not result in births if scientists can disable the male’s mating plug.

Credit: University College London/Sam Cotton Click here for a high-resolution version.

Red wine compound could help seniors walk away from mobility problems. Credit: iStockphoto/Thinkstock


1:00 p.m. Eastern Time EMBARGOED FOR RELEASE: Sunday, Aug. 19, 2012, 6 a.m. Eastern Time Note to journalists: Please report that this research was presented at a meeting of the American Chemical Society

New American Chemical Society “Heroes of Chemistry”: Developed new drugs and technology that cuts heating and cooling bills PHILADELPHIA, Aug. 19, 2012 — The scientists behind three inventions that touch the lives of millions of people around the world will be inducted into a coveted scientific “Hall of Fame” today as the latest Heroes of Chemistry named by the American Chemical Society (ACS), the world’s largest scientific society. The ceremony, held at the 244th ACS National Meeting & Exposition, which continues here through Thursday, will confer public recognition on scientific teams. Novartis: Paul Manley, Ph.D., Gabriele Fendrich, Ph.D., Werner Breitenstein, Ph.D., and Sandra Jacob, Ph.D. Merck: Ashok Arasappan, Ph.D., Frank Bennett, Ph.D., Stéphane Bogen, Ph.D., F. George Njoroge, Ph.D., and Srikanth Venkatraman, Ph.D. Arkema, Inc.: Dave Russo, Ph.D., Jeff Stricker, Ph.D., Georg Lindner, Jeremy Nihart, Ryan Smith, Ph.D., Connie Lo, Jing Ming Mai and Clem McKown.

2:00 p.m. Eastern Time EMBARGOED FOR RELEASE: Sunday, Aug. 19, 2012, 9:15 a.m. Eastern Time Note to journalists: Please report that this research was presented at a meeting of the American Chemical Society.

Good mood foods: Some flavors in some foods resemble a prescription mood stabilizer PHILADELPHIA, Aug. 19, 2012 — New evidence reveals the possibility of mood-enhancing effects associated with some flavors, stemming at least in part from natural ingredients bearing a striking chemical similarity to valproic acid, a widely used prescription mood-stabilizing drug, scientists reported here today. This effect joins those previously reported for chocolate, teas and some other known comfort foods. Karina Martinez-Mayorga, Ph.D. Universidad Nacional Autonoma de Mexico Terry L. Peppard, Ph.D. Robertet Flavors Inc.

2:30 p.m. Eastern Time EMBARGOED FOR RELEASE: Sunday, Aug. 19, 2012, 11 a.m. Eastern Time Note to journalists: Please report that this research was presented at a meeting of the American Chemical Society.

New technology combats global pandemic of drug counterfeiting

PHILADELPHIA, Aug. 19, 2012 — Drug counterfeiting is so common in some developing countries that patients with serious diseases in Southeast Asia and elsewhere are at risk of getting a poor-quality drug instead of one with ingredients that really treat their illness, a scientist involved in combating the problem said here today. Facundo M. Fernández, Ph.D. Georgia Institute of Technology

Chocolate and some other foods may elevate mood. Other flavor substances may have similar effects due to chemical similarities to a popular mood-elevating drug. Credit: iStock

New methods that identify counterfeit drugs could save lives. Credit: Georgia Tech Photo: Rob Felt Click here for a high-resolution version.


Monday, August 20

**9:00 a.m. Eastern Time EMBARGOED FOR RELEASE: Monday, Aug. 20, 2012, 2:45 p.m. Eastern Time Note to journalists: Please report that this research was presented at a meeting of the American Chemical Society.

Cleaner fuel for cruise ships and other big vessels from ingredients in detergents, medicines PHILADELPHIA, Aug. 20, 2012 — Scientists today described development of a new fuel mixture to ease the major air pollution and cost problems facing cruise ships, oil tankers and container ships. These vessels tend to burn the cheapest and most highly polluting form of diesel fuel. Their report was part of the 244th National Meeting & Exposition of the American Chemical Society, the world’s largest scientific society, being held here this week. George N. Harakas, Ph.D. Maine Maritime Academy

**10 a.m. Eastern Time EMBARGOED FOR RELEASE: Wednesday, Aug. 22, 2012, 9:30 a.m. Eastern Time Note to journalists: Please report that this research was presented at a meeting of the American Chemical Society. First identification of a strong oral carcinogen in smokeless tobacco

PHILADELPHIA, Aug. 22, 2012 — Scientists today reported identification of the first substance in smokeless tobacco that is a strong oral carcinogen ― a health risk for the 9 million users of chewing tobacco, snuff and related products in the U.S. ― and called upon the federal government to regulate or ban the substance. Stephen Hecht, Ph.D. Masonic Cancer Center, University of Minnesota Silvia Balbo, Ph.D. Masonic Cancer Center, University of Minnesota

11:30 a.m. Eastern Time EMBARGOED FOR RELEASE: Monday, Aug. 20, 2012, 9 a.m. Eastern Time Note to journalists: Please report that this research was presented at a meeting of the American Chemical Society.

New biorefinery finds treasure in Starbucks’ spent coffee grounds and stale bakery goods

PHILADELPHIA, Aug. 20, 2012 — With 1.3 billion tons of food trashed, dumped in landfills and otherwise wasted around the world every year, scientists today described development and successful laboratory testing of a new “biorefinery” intended to change food waste into a key ingredient for making plastics, laundry detergents and scores of other everyday products.

Researchers are developing cleaner fuel for cruise ships and other big vessels from ingredients in detergents and medicines. Credit: iStockphoto/Thinkstock

Researchers report, for the first time, that a substance called (S)-NNN in smokeless tobacco products can cause oral cavity cancer in laboratory rats. Credit: iStockphoto/Thinkstock

A biorefinery (right) turns used coffee grounds and uneaten bakery items like those shown on the left into detergents and bio-plastics. Credit: (left) iStockphoto/Thinkstock; (right) Carol Lin, Ph.D. Click here for a high-resolution version of the biorefinery image.


Carol S. K. Lin, Ph.D. City University of Hong Kong

Noon Eastern Time EMBARGOED FOR RELEASE: Monday, Aug. 20, 2012, 8:45 a.m. Eastern Time Note to journalists: Please report that this research was presented at a meeting of the American Chemical Society.

The Innocence Project: Science helping innocent people proven guilty

PHILADELPHIA, Aug. 22, 2012 –– An unusual symposium showcasing chemistry’s role in righting some of the highest-profile cases of innocent people proven guilty unfolds today at the 244th National Meeting & Exposition of the American Chemical Society (ACS), the world’s largest scientific society. It features presentations by forensic scientists, attorneys and others who used science to right wrongs, freeing innocent people and saving the lives of prisoners on death row.

Bassam Z. Shakhashiri, Ph.D. President, American Chemical Society, Professor of Chemistry, University of Wisconsin-Madison Justin McShane, J.D. The McShane Firm Frederic Whitehurst, Ph.D. Former FBI Supervisory Agent John J. Lentini Scientific Fire Analysis Greg Hampikian, Ph.D. Boise State University Marissa Boyers Bluestine, J.D. Pennsylvania Innocence Project Barry Scheck, J.D. The Innocence Project, New York, N.Y. Ray Krone The Innocence Project, New York, N.Y. Raymond Santana The Innocence Project, New York, N.Y. Steven Barnes The Innocence Project. New York, N.Y.

1 p.m. Eastern Time EMBARGOED FOR RELEASE: Monday, Aug. 20, 2012, 8:30 a.m. Eastern Time Note to journalists: Please report that this research was presented at a meeting of the American Chemical Society.

Evidence that new biomimetic controlled-release capsules may help in gum disease

PHILADELPHIA, Aug. 20, 2012 — Scientists are trying to open a new front in the battle against gum disease, the leading cause of tooth loss in adults and sometimes termed the most serious oral health problem of the 21st century. They described another treatment approach for the condition in a report here today at the 244th National Meeting & Exposition of the American Chemical Society, the world’s largest scientific society. Steven Little, Ph.D.

The Innocence Project, focus of an American Chemical Society symposium, has helped in the release of numerous innocent prisoners. Credit: iStock

A new controlled-release system could treat and perhaps prevent bone resorption (shown here) in periodontal disease by balancing the local immune response to bacteria. Credit: Steven Little, Ph.D. Click here for a high-resolution version.


University of Pittsburgh

1:30 p.m. Eastern Time EMBARGOED FOR RELEASE: Monday, Aug. 20, 2012, 8:30 a.m. Eastern Time Note to journalists: Please report that this research was presented at a meeting of the American Chemical Society.

Celebrating the Silver Anniversary of National Chemistry Week PHILADELPHIA, Aug. 20, 2012 — The event that has introduced hundreds of thousands of young people to the wonders of science ― and helped launch careers in science, technology, engineering, medicine and other fields ― is being honored at a special symposium here today. The observance of the 25th

anniversary of National Chemistry Week (NCW) takes place during the 244th National Meeting & Exposition of the American Chemical Society (ACS), the world’s largest scientific society. Bassam Z. Shakhashiri, Ph.D. President, American Chemical Society, Professor of Chemistry, University of Wisconsin-Madison Alan Leshner, Ph.D. Chief Executive Officer and Executive Publisher, Science, American Association for the Advancement of Science Ira Flatow Executive Producer/Host, Science Friday®, National Public Radio (tentative) Theodore Gray Wolfram Research, Inc./Touch Press/Element Collection (tentative)

2 p.m. Eastern Time EMBARGOED FOR RELEASE: Monday, Aug. 20, 2012, 11 a.m. Eastern Time Note to journalists: Please report that this research was presented at a meeting of the American Chemical Society.

Nobel prize-winning scientist cites evidence of link between extreme weather, global warming

PHILADELPHIA, Aug. 20, 2012 — New scientific analysis strengthens the view that record-breaking summer heat, crop-withering drought and other extreme weather events in recent years do, indeed, result from human activity and global warming, Nobel Laureate Mario J. Molina, Ph.D., said here today. Molina, who shared the 1995 Nobel Prize in Chemistry for helping save the world from the consequences of ozone depletion, presented the keynote address at the 244th National Meeting & Exposition of the American Chemical Society, the world’s largest scientific society. Mario Molina, Ph.D. University of California, San Diego Bassam Z. Shakhashiri, Ph.D. President, American Chemical Society, Professor of Chemistry, University of Wisconsin-Madison

A symposium honoring 25 years of National Chemistry Week is among the special events during the 244th American Chemical Society National Meeting & Exposition in Philadelphia. Credit: American Chemical Society Click here for a high-resolution version.

A Nobel-Prize winning scientist cites evidence of link between extreme weather, global warming. Credit: Comstock/Thinkstock


2:30 p.m. Eastern Time EMBARGOED FOR RELEASE: Monday, Aug. 20, 2012, 11 a.m. Eastern Time Note to journalists: Please report that this research was presented at a meeting of the American Chemical Society.

New oil spill dispersant made from ingredients in peanut butter, chocolate, ice cream

PHILADELPHIA, Aug. 20, 2012 — With concerns about the possible health and environmental effects of oil dispersants in the Deepwater Horizon disaster still fresh in mind, scientists today described a new dispersant made from edible ingredients that both breaks up oil slicks and keeps oil from sticking to the feathers of birds. Lisa K. Kemp, Ph.D. University of Southern Mississippi Robert Lochhead, Ph.D. University of Southern Mississippi Sarah Morgan, Ph.D. University of Southern Mississippi

**3 p.m. Eastern Time EMBARGOED FOR RELEASE: Monday, Aug. 20, 2012, 5:45 p.m. Eastern Time Note to journalists: Please report that this research was presented at a meeting of the American Chemical Society.

A material to rejuvenate aging and diseased human vocal cords

PHILADELPHIA, Aug. 20, 2012 — A new made-in-the-lab material designed to rejuvenate the human voice, restoring the flexibility that vocal cords lose with age and disease, is emerging from a collaboration between scientists and physicians, a scientist heading the development team said here today. That’s just one of several innovations that Robert Langer, Sc.D., discussed in delivering the latest Kavli Foundation Innovations in Chemistry Lecture at the 244th National Meeting & Exposition of the American Chemical Society (ACS).

Robert Langer, Sc.D. Massachusetts Institute of Technology

4 p.m. Eastern Time EMBARGOED FOR RELEASE: Monday, Aug. 20, 2012, 11:30 a.m. Eastern Time Note to journalists: Please report that this research was presented at a meeting of the American Chemical Society.

Women could play key role in correcting crisis in clean drinking water and sanitation crisis PHILADELPHIA, Aug. 20, 2012 — People in ancient Rome 2,000 years ago had better access to clean water and sanitation that keeps disease-causing human excrement out of contact with people than many residents of the 21st century, a scientist said here today. Women in developing countries could play a major role in remedying the situation, if given the chance, he added.

Barry Liner, Ph.D. Water Environment Federation

New oil spill dispersant includes ingredients found in peanut butter, chocolate and ice cream. Credit: iStock

Robert Langer, Sc.D. Credit: Bachrach Photography Click here for a high-resolution version.

Women carrying drinking water bottles, which can weigh as much as 80 pounds each when full. Credit: iStock


**4:30 p.m. Eastern Time EMBARGOED FOR RELEASE: Tuesday, Aug. 21, 2012, 8 a.m. Eastern Time Note to journalists: Please report that this research was presented at a meeting of the American Chemical Society. In your future: More healthful foods to nourish the non-human you

PHILADELPHIA, Aug. 21, 2012 — The focus of nutrition for good health is quietly shifting to include consumption of food ingredients specifically designed to nourish the non-human cells that comprise 80 percent of the cells in the typical person, an authority on the topic said here today. He cited several factors driving these so-called “prebiotic” ingredients toward more foods.

Robert A. Rastall, Ph.D. University of Reading Arland Hotchkiss, Ph.D. U.S. Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service

Tuesday, August 21

**8:30 a.m. Eastern Time EMBARGOED FOR RELEASE: Tuesday, Aug. 21, 2012, 1:15 p.m. Eastern Time Note to journalists: Please report that this research was presented at a meeting of the American Chemical Society.

Scientists find protein that promotes cancers, heart disease; create substance to block its effects

PHILADELPHIA, Aug. 21, 2012 — Strong scientific evidence suggests that high levels of a blood protein called galectin-3 may increase the risk of heart attacks, cancer and other diseases, and help forecast the outcome of those diseases, a scientist reported here today at the 244th National Meeting & Exposition of the American Chemical Society, the world’s largest scientific society. Isaac Eliaz, M.D. Amitabha Medical Clinic & Healing Center

Onions and garlic, natural sources of “prebiotics” that nourish friendly bacteria in the GI tract, could be joined by a new genre of prebiotic food ingredients. Credit: iStockphoto/Thinkstock

A modified form of the white pulp inside oranges and other citrus peels can block galectin-3, a protein linked to disease. Credit: iStock


9 a.m. Eastern Time EMBARGOED FOR RELEASE: Monday, Aug. 20, 2012, 3:30 p.m. Eastern Time Note to journalists: Please report that this research was presented at a meeting of the American Chemical Society.

Toward a portable emergency treatment for stopping life-threatening internal bleeding

PHILADELPHIA, Aug. 20, 2012 — Progress toward a new emergency treatment for internal bleeding ― counterpart to the tourniquets, pressure bandages and Quick Clot products that keep people from bleeding to death from external wounds ― was reported here today at the 244th National Meeting & Exposition of the American Chemical Society, the world’s largest scientific society. Erin Lavik, Sc.D. Case Western Reserve University 9:30 a.m. Eastern Time EMBARGOED FOR RELEASE: Monday, Aug. 20, 2012, 2:45 p.m. Eastern Time Note to journalists: Please report that this research was presented at a meeting of the American Chemical Society Electrifying success in raising antioxidant levels in sweet potatoes PHILADELPHIA, Aug. 20, 2012 — Already ranked by some as number one in nutrition among all vegetables, the traditional sweet potato can be nutritionally supercharged ― literally ― with a simple, inexpensive electric current treatment that increases its content of healthful polyphenols or antioxidants by 60 percent, scientists said here today. Kazunori Hironaka, Ph.D. University of the Ryukyus

10 a.m. Eastern Time EMBARGOED FOR RELEASE: Monday, Aug. 20, 2012, 2 p.m. Eastern Time Note to journalists: Please report that this research was presented at a meeting of the American Chemical Society. Coconut water is an excellent sports drink ― for light exercise

PHILADELPHIA, Aug. 20, 2012 — Coconut water really does deserve its popular reputation as Mother Nature’s own sports drink, a new scientific analysis of the much-hyped natural beverage concluded here today at the 244th National Meeting & Exposition of the American Chemical Society (ACS).

Chhandashri Bhattacharya, Ph.D. Indiana University Southeast

Researchers reported the development of synthetic platelets (green), a new treatment that could stop internal bleeding resulting from trauma. (The scientists added color after the image was taken.) Credit: Erin Lavik, Ph.D. Click here for a high-resolution version.

Zapping sweet potatoes with electricity boosts their already-high content of healthful antioxidant levels. Credit: Kazunori Hironaka, Ph.D. Click here for a high-resolution version.

Coconut water is a good choice for a sports drink for lighter exercise. Credit: Benjamin J. Stillman Click here for a high-resolution version.


11 a.m. Eastern Time EMBARGOED FOR RELEASE: Tuesday, Aug. 21, 2012, 8:30 a.m. Eastern Time Note to journalists: Please report that this research was presented at a meeting of the American Chemical Society.

“CSI” technology holds potential in everyday medicine

PHILADELPHIA, Aug. 21, 2012 — A scientific instrument featured on CSI and CSI: Miami for instant fingerprint analysis is forging another life in real-world medicine, helping during brain surgery and ensuring that cancer patients get effective doses of chemotherapy, a scientist said here today. The report on technology already incorporated into instruments that miniaturize room-size lab instrumentation into devices the size of a shoebox was part of the 244th National Meeting & Exposition of the American Chemical Society. R. Graham Cooks, Ph.D. Purdue University Nathalie Agar, Ph.D. Harvard Medical School

**11:30 a.m. Eastern Time EMBARGOED FOR RELEASE: Tuesday, Aug. 21, 2012, 2:15 p.m. Eastern Time Note to journalists: Please report that this research was presented at a meeting of the American Chemical Society.

Targeting sugars in the quest for a vaccine against HIV — the virus that causes AIDS PHILADELPHIA, Aug. 21, 2012 — As a step toward designing the first effective vaccine against HIV, the virus that causes AIDS, scientists are reporting new insights into how a family of rare, highly potent antibodies bind to HIV and neutralize it — stop it from infecting human cells. The antibodies were isolated from people infected with HIV and work against a wide range of HIV strains. The researchers described the study today at the 244th National Meeting & Exposition of the American Chemical Society, the world’s largest scientific society. Ian Wilson, D.Sc. AVI Neutralizing Antibody Center, The Scripps Research Institute

Part of a human brain imaged with DESI-mass spectrometry. DESI and PaperSpray mass spectrometers can help cancer physicians analyze tumors and medication levels. Credit: R. Graham Cooks, Ph.D., Purdue University; Livia Eberlin, Ph.D., Purdue University; Nathalie Agar, Ph.D., Harvard Medical School; Dr. David Bennet, Harvard Medical School; and Dr. Philip DeJager, Rush University Click here for a high-resolution version.

Ian Wilson, D.Sc. Credit: The Scripps Research Institute Click here for a high-resolution version.


Noon Eastern Time EMBARGOED FOR RELEASE: Tuesday, Aug. 21, 2012, Noon Eastern Time Note to journalists: Please report that this topic was part of a meeting of the American Eating cool: What to eat to beat the heat PHILADELPHIA, Aug. 20, 2012 — The chill of today’s fudge-brownie cookie-crumble ice cream cone ― will it really last? Or can ice cream actually stoke the body’s metabolic furnace and make you feel even hotter? How about a few ice-cold brews? Or should you add a dash of the counter-intuitive to your summer menu with the sweat-inducing, mouth-on-fire, tear-provoking taste of chili peppers? With millions of people already weather-worn after a summer punctuated by record heat, and some of the hottest days still ahead, the American Chemical Society (ACS) today is hosting a special briefing, “What to Eat to Beat the Heat.” Shirley O. Corriher Biochemist and Author Sara Risch Science by Design

1 p.m. Eastern Time EMBARGOED FOR RELEASE: Tuesday, Aug. 21, 2012, 8:30 a.m. Eastern Time Note to journalists: Please report that this research was presented at a meeting of the American Chemical Society. New version of 150-year-old law could ease student debt and college funding cutback PHILADELPHIA, Aug. 21, 2012 — Members of a panel today commemorating the 150th anniversary of federal legislation that transformed college education for people in the 19th and 20th centuries said that a 21st century counterpart to the Morrill Act of 1862 could ease the staggering load of student debt and help colleges and universities cope with state funding cut-backs. Bassam Z. Shakhashiri, Ph.D. President, American Chemical Society, Professor of Chemistry, University of Wisconsin-Madison Gary Schuster, Ph.D. Georgia Institute of Technology Alan Marcus, Ph.D. Mississippi State University Mark Finlay, Ph.D. Armstrong Atlantic State University Amy Bix, Ph.D. Iowa State University Robert W. Seidel, Ph.D. University of Minnesota Stephen J. Weininger, Ph.D. Worcester Polytechnic Institute Alan Rocke, Ph.D. Case Western Reserve University (tentative)

Do some foods, such as chili peppers, help beat the summertime heat? Credit: John Foxx/Stockbyte/Thinkstock

New version of 150-year-old law could ease student debt and college funding cutbacks. Justin Smith Morrill is shown above. Credit: Library of Congress


1:30 p.m. Eastern Time EMBARGOED FOR RELEASE: Tuesday, Aug. 21, 2012, 8 a.m. Eastern Time Note to journalists: Please report that this research was presented at a meeting of the American Chemical Society.

Advances in decades-old dream of mining seawater for uranium PHILADELPHIA, Aug. 21, 2012 — Scientists today reported progress toward a 40-year-old dream of extracting uranium for nuclear power from seawater, which holds at least 4 billion tons of the precious material. They described some of the most promising technology and an economic analysis showing uranium from the oceans could help solidify nuclear energy potential as a sustainable electricity source for the 21st century. Their reports were part of a symposium at the 244th National Meeting & Exposition of the American Chemical Society, the world’s largest scientific society, being held here through Thursday. Robin Rogers, Ph.D. The University of Alabama Patrick Barber, Ph.D. The University of Alabama Chris Griggs The University of Alabama Steven Kelley The University of Alabama

2:30 p.m. Eastern Time EMBARGOED FOR RELEASE: Tuesday, Aug. 21, 2012, 9 a.m. Eastern Time Note to journalists: Please report that this research was presented at a meeting of the American Chemical Society. Looking one cell at a time in the brain to better understand pain, learning, memory PHILADELPHIA, Aug. 21, 2012 — Working with units of material so small that it would take 50,000 to make up one drop, scientists are developing the profiles of the contents of individual brain cells in a search for the root causes of chronic pain, memory loss and other maladies that affect millions of people. Jonathan Sweedler, Ph.D. University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

Decades-old dream of mining seawater for uranium takes leaps toward reality. Credit: iStockphoto/Thinkstock

Scientists are looking one cell at a time in the brain to better understand pain, learning, memory. Credit: Jonathan Sweedler, Ph.D.


3:30 p.m. Eastern Time EMBARGOED FOR RELEASE: Tuesday, Aug. 21, 2012, 9 a.m. Eastern Time Note to journalists: Please report that this research was presented at a meeting of the American Chemical Society.

New solar panels made with more common metals could be cheaper and more sustainable PHILADELPHIA, Aug. 21, 2012 — With enough sunlight falling on home roofs to supply at least half of America’s electricity, scientists today described advances toward the less-expensive solar energy technology needed to roof many of those homes with shingles that generate electricity. James C. Stevens, Ph.D. The Dow Chemical Company Harry A. Atwater, Ph.D. The California Institute of Technology

Wednesday, August 22

**9 a.m. Eastern Time EMBARGOED FOR RELEASE: Wednesday, Aug. 22, 2012, 1:45 p.m. Eastern Time Note to journalists: Please report that this research was presented at a meeting of the American Chemical Society. Toward medicines that recruit the body’s natural disease-fighting proteins

PHILADELPHIA, Aug. 22, 2012 — Like recruiters pitching military service to a throng of people, scientists are developing drugs to recruit disease-fighting proteins present naturally in everyone’s blood in medicine’s war on infections, cancer and a range of other diseases. They reported on the latest advances in this new approach here today at the 244th National Meeting & Exposition of the American Chemical Society, the world’s largest scientific society. David Spiegel, M.D., Ph.D. Yale University

New solar panels made with more common metals could be cheaper and more sustainable. Credit: iStock

Researchers make medicines that recruit the body’s natural disease-fighting proteins. Credit: William Zhao/ Yale Scientific Magazine


**10 a.m. Eastern Time EMBARGOED FOR RELEASE: Wednesday, Aug. 22, 2012, 6 p.m. Eastern Time Note to journalists: Please report that this research was presented at a meeting of the American Chemical Society. New device monitors schoolroom air for carbon dioxide levels that may make kids drowsy PHILADELPHIA, Aug. 22, 2012 — With nearly 55 million students, teachers and school staff about to return to elementary and secondary school classrooms, scientists today described a new hand-held sensor ― practical enough for wide use ― that could keep classroom air fresher and kids more alert for learning. The sensor detects the amount of carbon dioxide (CO2) in classroom air. Jennifer L. Maclachlan PID Analyzers, LLC

**11 a.m. Eastern Time EMBARGOED FOR RELEASE: Wednesday, Aug. 22, 2012, 1:30 p.m. Eastern Time Note to journalists: Please report that this research was presented at a meeting of the American Chemical Society.

Biorefinery makes use of every bit of a soybean PHILADELPHIA, Aug. 22, 2012 — Scientists today unveiled new technology intended to move soybeans, second only to corn as the top food crop in the U.S., along that same use-to-all path as a raw material for a wider portfolio of products. They described it ― a new integrated soybean biorefinery ― at the 244th National Meeting & Exposition of the American Chemical Society, the world’s largest scientific society, being held here. Ramani Narayan, Ph.D. Michigan State University

2 p.m. Eastern Time EMBARGOED FOR RELEASE: Wednesday, Aug. 22, 2012, 8:45 a.m. Eastern Time Note to journalists: Please report that this research was presented at a meeting of the American Chemical Society.

New era in camouflage makeup: Shielding soldiers from searing heat of bomb blasts

PHILADELPHIA, Aug. 22, 2012 — Camouflage face makeup for warfare is undergoing one of the most fundamental changes in thousands of years, as scientists today described a new face paint that both hides soldiers from the enemy and shields their faces from the searing heat of bomb blasts. Firefighters also could benefit from the new heat-resistant makeup, according to the report. Robert Lochhead, Ph.D. The University of Southern Mississippi

A new sensor analyzes classroom air. Credit: PID Analyzers, LLC Click here for a high- resolution version.

A biorefinery makes use of every bit of a soybean. Credit: iStock

A new camouflage face and hand makeup could protect soldiers from intense heat and severe burns on the battlefield. Credit: iStock


2:30 p.m. Eastern Time EMBARGOED FOR RELEASE: Wednesday, Aug. 22, 2012, 9:30 a.m. Eastern Time Note to journalists: Please report that this research was presented at a meeting of the American Chemical Society.

Good news for banana lovers: Help may be on the way to slow that rapid over-ripening

PHILADELPHIA, Aug. 22, 2012 — A solution finally may be at hand for the number one consumer gripe about America’s favorite fresh fruit ― bananas and their tendency to ripen, soften and rot into an unappetizing mush, seemingly in the blink of an eye. Scientists speaking here today at the 244th National Meeting & Exposition of the American Chemical Society described efforts to develop a spray-on coating that consumers could use to delay the ripening.

Xihong Li, Ph.D. Tianjin University of Science & Technology

3 p.m. Eastern Time EMBARGOED FOR RELEASE: Wednesday, Aug. 22, 2012, 11:45 a.m. Eastern Time Note to journalists: Please report that this research was presented at a meeting of the American Chemical Society.

First evidence from humans on how alcohol may boost risk of cancer

PHILADELPHIA, Aug. 22, 2012 — Almost 30 years after discovery of a link between alcohol consumption and certain forms of cancer, scientists are reporting the first evidence from research on people explaining how the popular beverage may be carcinogenic. The results, which have special implications for hundreds of millions of people of Asian descent, were reported here today at the 244th National Meeting & Exposition of the American Chemical Society. Silvia Balbo, Ph.D. Masonic Cancer Center, University of Minnesota

Thursday, August 23

**8:30 a.m. Eastern Time EMBARGOED FOR RELEASE: Thursday, Aug. 23, 2012, 3:45 p.m. Eastern Time Note to journalists: Please report that this research was presented at a meeting of the American Chemical Society.

“Smart catheters” for the major problem of catheter-related infections PHILADELPHIA, Aug. 23, 2012 — A new “smart catheter” that senses the start of an infection, and automatically releases an anti-bacterial substance, is being developed to combat the problem of catheter-related blood and urinary tract infections, scientists reported here today at the 244th National Meeting & Exposition of the American Chemical Society. The researcher said that the “smart catheter” technology is being developed for both catheters inserted into blood vessels and the urinary tract.

Spraying bananas with a new coating may slow down the all-too-fast ripening of America’s favorite fresh fruit. Credit: iStock.

For the first time, scientists are reporting evidence that a substance in alcohol causes precancerous damage in the human mouth. Credit: iStockphoto/Thinkstock

A “smart catheter” was developed for the major problem of catheter-related infections. Credit: iStockphoto/Thinkstock


Dipankar Koley, Ph.D. University of Michigan

9:30 a.m. Eastern Time EMBARGOED FOR RELEASE: Thursday, Aug. 23, 2012, 9:30 a.m. Eastern Time Note to journalists: Please report that this research was presented at a meeting of the American Chemical Society.

American Chemical Society’s Entrepreneurial Resources Center

PHILADELPHIA, Aug. 23, 2012 — The American Chemical Society’s Entrepreneurial Resources Center is on the agenda, with participants describing their experiences with the innovative program and program officials discussing the effort to advance chemical entrepreneurs and provide resources to members with a practical business plan and/or start-ups. Stephanie Davis, Ph.D. New York Institute of Technology, founder and CEO of NeoCell Michael Bigwood, Ph.D. Polymer Phases Michael Lefenfeld President and CEO of SiGNa Chemical, Chair of the ACS Entrepreneurial Initiative Advisory Board Ken Polk, J.D. Administrator, ACS, The Entrepreneurial Resources Center David Harwell, Ph.D. Coordinator, ACS Entrepreneurial Initiative


*Instructions for joining chat room sessions

Chat Room Sessions from ACS National Meeting in Philadelphia

The American Chemical Society (ACS) Office of Public Affairs is offering the news media the opportunity to join press briefings, whether covering the meeting onsite or from a remote location. This format will provide access for the increasing number of journalists who cover scientific meetings from their home bases during ACS’ 244th National Meeting, August 19-23 in Philadelphia. Borrowing the popular chat room concept from the Internet, we will provide news media with access to both real and virtual chat room sessions during the Philadelphia meeting. Reporters attending the meeting can gather with scientists in an informal setting in our Press Briefing Room at the ACS Press Center, Room 304, in the Pennsylvania Convention Center. The scientists will summarize their research and field questions. Offsite reporters can enter a virtual version of this chat room over the Internet. In addition to seeing and hearing the real-world activity, offsite reporters can submit questions. Like hosts of a traditional chat room, we never know how many participants will join a session. Each session will proceed, regardless of attendance, so that digital transcripts can be made and posted online as a resource for individuals who are unable to attend. Chat room sessions begin at 8:30 a.m. Eastern Time, on Sunday, August 19, and continue during the week. Get a head start by registering at Ustream.tv, a live, interactive online video site.

ACS’ Virtual Press Conference Room

To register with Ustream.tv, go to http://www.ustream.tv/login-signup?ref=%2Fdashboard. It’s free and only takes a minute or two to sign up. To join the chat room during one of our sessions, visit http://www.ustream.tv/channel/acslive and click the “Login” button at the top right of the Ustream


window. Ustream requires the latest version of Adobe Flash, which can be downloaded without charge here.

Use the built-in chat box to ask questions during the press conference (requires Ustream.tv registration).

Use the chat box to the right of the video window to submit questions to the researchers. To resolve connection problems, contact Adam Dylewski ([email protected]) or Mike Woods ([email protected]). Recorded versions of the sessions will be available at http://www.ustream.tv/channel/acslive after the press conference is complete.

The American Chemical Society is a nonprofit organization chartered by the U.S. Congress. With more than 164,000 members, ACS is the world’s largest scientific society and a global leader in providing access to chemistry-related research through its multiple databases, peer-reviewed journals and scientific conferences. Its main offices are in Washington, D.C., and Columbus, Ohio.

To automatically receive news releases from the American Chemical Society, contact [email protected].

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Documents

Press Briefing Schedule - American Chemical Society · Press Briefing Schedule American Chemical Society Office of Public Affairs Contact: ... Cotton Click here for a high-resolution