Chemistry

Recent advances in materials science have sparked renewed interest in perovskites, particularly for their ferroelectric properties. A team of researchers from Nagoya University in Japan has made a remarkable stride by synthesizing multilayered forms of this vital electrical material. The innovations presented in their study, published in the Journal of the American Chemical Society, unveil

For decades, scientists have been captivated by the complex behaviors of chemical reactions. Among these enigmas is a peculiar reaction involving graphite, which has stymied researchers for an astonishing half-century. Recent breakthroughs from Umeå University have illuminated the mysterious transformation of graphite into graphite oxide during electrochemical oxidation, shedding light on intermediate structures and unveiling

Helices play a pivotal role in various biological processes, primarily through their presence in proteins, which are essential for life. These coiled structures are not just visually appealing; they are fundamentally important to the shape and functionality of proteins. A helix is formed by the specific arrangement of amino acids, which are the basic building

The field of synthetic chemistry often grapples with the complexities surrounding the creation of essential molecules utilized in various sectors, from pharmaceuticals to personal care products. Recently, a team of chemists at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign has made significant strides in this area, taking cues from nature’s own catalysts—enzymes. This innovative approach not only

The potential of utilizing carbon dioxide (CO2) as a raw material for the synthesis of valuable chemicals has garnered significant attention in recent years. This is particularly true in light of the ongoing climate crisis, as harnessing CO2 offers a dual benefit: reducing greenhouse gas emissions and providing essential building blocks for a range of

A recent study conducted by scientists from the Leibniz Institute of Photonic Technology (Leibniz IPHT) along with researchers from the Universities of Jena and Ulm, has revealed interesting findings about the properties of iron compounds that can absorb light. These compounds, known as chromophores, have the potential to play a significant role in light-to-energy conversion

Ceramic manufacturing has always been an intricate process, with limitations in traditional additive manufacturing methods hindering the production of complex cellular ceramics. However, a recent study led by the School of Engineering at the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) has introduced a groundbreaking method that aims to revolutionize the design and processing

Chirality plays a crucial role in the functionality and effectiveness of various molecules, especially in the pharmaceutical industry. The mirror-image arrangement of molecules, known as enantiomers, can have vastly different effects on biochemical and chemical reactions. This distinction is similar to the uniqueness of a left and a right glove, where two molecules may have

Ribonucleic acid (RNA) has long been known as a critical player in the genetics of organisms, with its structure and function closely tied to the evolution of life on Earth. A recent study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences sheds light on the fascinating process of RNA folding at low temperatures,

MXenes, a class of materials with unique properties, have recently gained attention for their potential as catalysts in water splitting processes. A study led by HZB chemist Michelle Browne has shown that properly functionalized MXenes can outperform traditional metal oxide catalysts in the oxygen evolution reaction (OER) during electrolytic water splitting. This breakthrough could pave

The relationship between serotonin and depression has long been a topic of debate in the field of mental health. Diagnosis, treatment, and drug development in depression are all heavily influenced by the understanding of serotonin’s role in the disorder. Recently, a team of researchers from China set out to explore this connection further by developing

Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) are gaining recognition for their diverse applications in fields such as carbon dioxide capture, storage, and catalysis. In a recent study published in the journal Nature Synthesis, Professor Wonyoung Choe and his research team at Ulsan National Institute of Science and Technology (UNIST) in South Korea introduced a groundbreaking strategy known as

Chemotherapy has long been a staple in the fight against cancer, saving countless lives. However, the side effects and lack of selectivity associated with these treatments have pushed researchers to explore new avenues for more targeted therapies. A recent study published in Cell Reports Physical Science delves into the potential of molecular “cages” made of

Peptides, which are short chains of amino acids, play a crucial role in various biological processes such as building structures, accelerating chemical reactions, and supporting the immune system. In a recent study published in JACS Au, scientists from China delved into the aggregation of short peptide chains to gain a deeper understanding of this process.

Chemists at the University of Amsterdam have made a groundbreaking discovery in the field of chemical synthesis. They have developed a method that allows for the attachment of a trifluoromethyl group to molecules containing sulfur, nitrogen, or oxygen atoms. This method, published in the prestigious journal Science, does not rely on the use of PFAS