In a recent study conducted by computational scientists at the Department of Energy’s Oak Ridge National Laboratory, the conventional time step used in simulating molecular dynamics of water has been brought into question. The study, published in the Journal of Chemical Theory and Computation, challenges the long-accepted 2-femtosecond time step that has been considered standard
Chemistry
The recent letter to the editor in the journal Clinical Chemistry has brought new light to the mystery surrounding Ludwig van Beethoven’s cause of death. While it is widely believed that Beethoven’s health issues were a result of lead poisoning, the latest research disputes this long-standing theory. Lead Levels and Beethoven’s Health Beethoven faced numerous
Researchers at the University of Colorado Boulder and Princeton University have recently delved into a novel approach to detecting cancer cells using a technique commonly employed in the field of geology. This unique study aimed to uncover potential differences in the hydrogen atom composition of cancerous cells compared to healthy tissue. By investigating this atomic
Water disinfection is a crucial process to ensure the safety of drinking water for communities worldwide. Traditionally, chlorine has been the go-to method for treating water, but researchers are now exploring more sustainable alternatives. Electrochemical ozone production (EOP) has emerged as a promising technology that could replace chlorine treatments, offering efficient and environmentally friendly disinfection
Climate change is a pressing issue that requires innovative solutions to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Researchers at the University of Michigan have developed a catalyst material known as cobalt phthalocyanine that shows promise in converting carbon dioxide into renewable fuels such as methanol. This breakthrough could offer a sustainable method for reducing greenhouse gas emissions
Scientists at Tokyo Metropolitan University have developed a new model to investigate how amorphous materials resist stress. They treated groups of atoms and molecules as squishy spheres with varying softness, aiming to understand the behavior of force chains in such materials. By subjecting their model to external loads, they discovered unexpected disparities between harder regions
Star Wars Day, celebrated on May the 4th, serves as an opportunity to delve into the chemistry of the iconic galaxy far, far away. Professor Alex Baker from the University of Warwick has taken on the task of uncovering the real-world science that inspired the fantastical elements of the Star Wars universe. Through his research,
Terpenes are a diverse group of natural substances that can be found in a variety of sources including plants, insects, and sea sponges. These compounds have proven to be valuable in the field of medicine, with some terpenes showing promise in the treatment of conditions such as cancer, malaria, and epilepsy. However, the ability to
When it comes to enjoying alcoholic beverages, most people have specific preferences for the temperature at which they like to drink them. For example, beer and white wine are commonly enjoyed chilled, while red wine is often served near room temperature. The idea that the temperature of a drink can impact its taste is not
In a groundbreaking discovery, researchers at Kobe University have identified a novel method for inhibiting DNA-cleaving enzymes by utilizing the aggregation of a previously non-toxic molecule. This innovative approach holds promise for combating the growth of Streptococcus bacteria, which is responsible for causing toxic shock syndrome – a severe and life-threatening condition. Enzymes play a
A groundbreaking discovery in the field of material science has recently been made by a team of researchers led by Heriot-Watt University in Edinburgh, Scotland. This team, in collaboration with the University of Liverpool, Imperial College London, the University of Southampton, and East China University of Science and Technology in China, has developed a new
In a groundbreaking development, researchers at Purdue University have introduced a new method that could revolutionize the industrial applications of ceramics. By enhancing the plastic deformability of ceramics at room temperature, this patent-pending technique opens up a world of possibilities for the use of these materials in various industries. Ceramic materials are known for their
Light-driven molecular motors have been a topic of interest for scientists for nearly 25 years. The initial development of these motors by Professor Ben Feringa led to a Nobel Prize in Chemistry in 2016. However, challenges arose when attempting to make these motors perform practical tasks. A recent paper published in Nature Chemistry outlined a
The term “bookworm” may evoke thoughts of a passionate reader, but in reality, bookworms, microorganisms, and time all play a role in breaking down the flour-based glues commonly used in historic bookbinding. Recent research on the proteins found in wheat-based glues provides valuable insights into their adhesiveness and degradation, offering important information for book conservators
In a groundbreaking study, scientists have unveiled a new method for producing complex molecules that has the potential to transform the landscape of drug manufacturing. This innovative technique, which is significantly more efficient than previous methods, aims to address the issue of producing chiral molecules that can have disastrous side effects if not properly controlled.