In a groundbreaking study conducted by scientists from King’s College London in partnership with Imperial College London, the active site of Acetyl-CoA Synthase (ACS) has been successfully recreated. This enzyme plays a crucial role in capturing carbon from the atmosphere, making it a key player in the fight against climate change. Led by Dr. Rebecca
Chemistry
Chemists at the National University of Singapore (NUS) have made groundbreaking progress in the field of drug discovery and pharmaceutical development by introducing a modular approach to create 1,2-arylheteroaryl ethanes. This innovative method utilizes basic feedstock chemicals such as ethylene, arenes, and heteroarenes to construct complex molecular structures that are essential for advancing organic synthesis,
The use of organic compounds as photocatalysts is gaining attention due to their sustainability and affordability compared to expensive metal-based alternatives. A recent report published by scientists from the University of St Andrews highlights the promising performance of a family of four organic compounds in replacing traditional metal photocatalysts. Professor Eli Zysman-Colman, a leading expert
The immune system plays a crucial role in protecting the body against pathogens and abnormal cells such as cancer cells. One of the key mechanisms by which the immune system identifies and eliminates diseased cells is through the presentation of antigens on the cell surface. Recently, a team of researchers in Germany has developed a
The BitterMasS tool, a novel advancement in the realm of taste prediction using mass spectrometry, is set to revolutionize the way bitterness in compounds is predicted. Developed by a team led by researchers from Hebrew University and Ohio State University, this tool promises enhanced precision and efficiency in taste perception research. Unlike traditional methods that
In a groundbreaking study published in the journal Applied Materials Today, Dr. Winston “Wole” Soboyejo and Dr. Tabiri Kwayie Asumadu from SUNY Polytechnic Institute introduced a new approach to reducing friction on metallic surfaces. Their research, titled “Robust Macroscale Superlubricity on Carbon-Coated Metallic Surfaces,” could potentially revolutionize various industries by significantly decreasing friction-related issues. The
Researchers at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL) have recently made a groundbreaking discovery that has the potential to revolutionize the efficiency of hydrogen production through water splitting. This research, which was published in ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces, sheds new light on the behavior of water reactivity and proton transfer under extreme confinement, offering valuable
Actinium, discovered at the beginning of the 20th century, remains a mystery in the world of chemistry due to its scarcity and radioactive nature. Researchers have faced challenges in unraveling the chemistry of actinium, hindering the development of cancer treatments utilizing this element. The Department of Energy’s Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory conducted a study to
Cholera infections caused by Vibrio cholerae bacteria are known to be life-threatening, primarily due to the cholera toxin produced by the bacteria. The toxin specifically binds to certain “sugar lipids” (GM1 gangliosides, GM1) on the surface of intestinal cells, allowing it to penetrate the cells and lead to rapid loss of fluid in the body.
In a groundbreaking discovery, a research team from the University Alliance Ruhr, Germany, has uncovered a catalyst that has the potential to transform the way ammonia is converted into the energy carrier hydrogen and the fertilizer precursor nitrite. Traditionally, the production of hydrogen and fertilizer have been separate chemical processes, but this new approach demonstrates
The Institute for Molecules and Materials at Radboud University in the Netherlands has made a significant breakthrough in the field of molecular computing. Researchers have successfully demonstrated that a complex self-organizing chemical reaction network can perform a variety of computational tasks, including nonlinear classification and predicting complex dynamics. This innovative approach to computing taps into
In the realm of biological chemistry, Professor Nathaniel Martin embarked on a fascinating journey to explore the potential of improving a well-known antibiotic using modern chemical tools. The antibiotic in question, bacitracin, has been a staple in the medical world for over 70 years. Despite not being widely used in certain regions, bacitracin holds significant
The world of organic chemistry was forever changed in 1887 when Sir Arthur Michael discovered the nucleophilic addition reaction to the β-position of α,β-unsaturated carbonyl compounds. This groundbreaking discovery led to extensive research on Michael addition reactions, which have since become a cornerstone of organic synthesis. However, achieving the reverse reaction, known as the anti-Michael
Recent studies conducted by researchers at The University of Texas at El Paso have shed light on the detrimental effects of nanoplastics and per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) on human health. These manmade compounds, commonly referred to as forever chemicals, have been found to disrupt biomolecular structure and function, potentially causing developmental issues downstream. Nanoplastics
The field of catalysis has long been dominated by noble metal catalysts, however, transition metal phosphides have emerged as a potential replacement. Cheaper and more readily available, these catalysts have shown promise. Despite this, challenges such as surface oxidation and complex synthesis have hindered their widespread use. Dr. Constanze Neumann and her team at the