ACS Spring 2023

The cold blast of an air conditioner can be a relief as temperatures soar, but “A/C” units require large amounts of energy and can leak greenhouse gases. Today, scientists report an eco-friendly alternative — a plant-based film that cools when exposed to sunlight and comes in many textures and bright, iridescent colors. The material could someday keep buildings, cars and other structures cool without requiring power. The researchers will present their results at ACS Spring 2023.

Black women and others with curly or kinky hair encounter a confusing array of haircare options. Advice on the best products to use for a certain type of hair is often contradictory, and the results can be highly variable. Now, scientists are bringing order to this chaos by identifying hair properties that could help users pick the perfect product and achieve consistent results. The researchers will present their results today at ACS Spring 2023.