Computer modeling could solve the real-world problem of detecting designer drugs. These drugs are developed to replicate the effects of known drugs but evade law enforcement. The chemical structure variations that help these compounds avoid detection also make them unpredictable and potentially dangerous in the body. A research team has created a database of predicted chemical structures for improved designer drug identification. They will present their results at ACS Fall 2025.

Ice eventually melts into a puddle, but a new alternative called jelly ice won’t leave a mess. Researchers developed a one-step process to create the reusable, compostable material from gelatin — the same ingredient in jiggly desserts. And frozen jelly ice doesn’t leak as it thaws, ideal for food and medical transport. Now, they’re exploring other proteins for food-safe coatings and lab-grown meat scaffolds. The researchers will present their results at ACS Fall 2025.

Finishing techniques used to make cotton fabric smooth, water-resistant and less prone to wrinkling can contain formaldehyde or PFAS and be detrimental to the environment and the wearer. Now, researchers at North Carolina State University propose a method for using cottonseed oil as a greener and safer alternative to formaldehyde and PFAS when finishing cotton fabrics to make them more water-resistant. They will present their results at ACS Fall 2025.