Early in the COVID-19 pandemic, doctors recognized that patients who developed a "cytokine storm" -- a surge of pro-inflammatory immune proteins -- were often the sickest. But a cytokine storm can also occur in other illnesses, such as influenza. Now, scientists report a sweat sensor that acts as an early warning system for an impending cytokine storm, which could help doctors more effectively treat patients. The researchers will present their results today at ACS Spring 2021.

Spiders are master builders, expertly weaving strands of silk into intricate 3D webs. If humans could enter the spider's world, they could learn about web construction, arachnid behavior and more. Now, scientists report they have translated the complex structure of a web into music, which could have applications ranging from better 3D printers, to cross-species communication and otherworldly musical compositions. The researchers will present their results today at ACS Spring 2021.

For those who have sickle cell disease, there are only a few treatment options, which include bone marrow transplants, gene therapy or other treatments that address a subset of symptoms. Now, researchers report discovery of a small molecule that could treat sickle cell disease by boosting levels of fetal hemoglobin, a healthy form that adults normally do not make. The researchers will present their results today at ACS Spring 2021.

On the surface, Parkinson's disease and melanoma do not appear to have much in common. However, for nearly 50 years, doctors have recognized that Parkinson's disease patients are more likely to develop melanoma than the general population. Now, scientists report a molecular link between the two diseases in the form of protein aggregates known as amyloids. The researchers will present their results today at ACS Spring 2021.

Polyurethanes are nearly everywhere, but these highly versatile materials can have a major downside. Derived from crude oil, toxic to synthesize, and slow to break down, conventional polyurethanes are not environmentally friendly. Now, researchers discuss devising what they say should be a safer, biodegradable alternative derived from fish waste -- heads, bones, skin and guts -- that would otherwise likely be discarded. The researchers will present their results today at ACS Spring 2021.

For centuries, people in Baltic nations have used ancient amber for medicinal purposes. Even today, infants are given amber necklaces that they chew to relieve teething pain, and people put pulverized amber in elixirs and ointments for its purported beneficial properties. Now, scientists have pinpointed compounds that help explain Baltic amber's therapeutic effects and that could lead to new medicines to combat antibiotic-resistant infections. The researchers will present their results today at ACS Spring 2021.