Hundreds of thousands of people undergo corrective eye surgeries each year, including the laser-assisted technique known as LASIK. But the procedure involves cutting away tissue, which can result in negative side effects, prompting researchers to develop a less invasive technique that takes the laser out of LASIK by remodeling cornea tissue, rather than removing it, in initial animal tissue tests. 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.

Saliva is more than spit. It helps with chewing and swallowing, protects teeth and gums, and even has antimicrobial and digestive properties. However, certain conditions or medical treatments, such as hemodialysis, chemotherapy and radiation therapy, reduce natural saliva production. Now, researchers publishing in ACS Applied Polymer Materials have created a reusable hydrogel that releases artificial saliva over time, which could help provide sustained relief from dry mouth.