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
Chemistry
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
In a groundbreaking study published in the journal Science, a team of chemists and materials scientists at Sichuan University in China have unveiled a new photoluminescent aerogel with a remarkable visible light reflectance of 104%. This new development could revolutionize passive radiative cooling materials and provide an innovative solution for combating the effects of global
Chemistry is an essential part of our everyday lives, playing a crucial role in the production of consumer and industrial products. However, the process of converting chemicals into these products often requires a significant amount of energy from non-renewable sources. In recent years, there has been a growing interest in using light to drive chemical
Have you ever wondered why a polyester T-shirt tends to smell worse than a cotton one after a workout? According to new research from the University of Alberta, the type of fiber that clothing is made from plays a significant role in how odors are absorbed and released. A study conducted by Rachel McQueen, a
The integration of small synthetic molecules inside protein crystals is proving to be a groundbreaking method for studying intermediate compounds formed during chemical reactions. Researchers at Tokyo Tech have successfully visualized reaction dynamics and rapid structural changes by combining this approach with time-resolved serial femtosecond crystallography. This innovative strategy has immense potential for advancing the
Proteins play a crucial role in a wide range of functions within the human body, from muscle contraction to immune response. The ability to engineer proteins, such as antibodies, with improved functions has the potential to revolutionize the development of drugs. However, the vast number of possible amino acid sequences poses a significant challenge in
In a groundbreaking development, chemists at Yokohama National University have fostered the creation of advanced catalysts that contain two noble metals. These catalysts exhibit exceptional efficiency in catalyzing ester-producing chemical reactions while relying solely on oxygen as the oxidant. This innovative technique significantly enhances the eco-friendliness and sustainability of the chemical process. Published in the