Recent research conducted by the University of Texas at El Paso has shed light on the alarming impact 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 leading to serious developmental issues. The findings
Chemistry
Transition metal phosphides have long been considered a potential substitute for noble metal catalysts due to their cost-effectiveness and availability in large quantities. However, challenges such as surface oxidation and complex synthesis procedures have hindered their widespread adoption in industrial applications. Dr. Constanze Neumann and her research team at the Max-Planck-Institut have developed a novel
Recently, solar energy has been on the rise as a leading renewable energy source in the United States. With advancements in technology, the conversion of sunlight into electricity has become more efficient. However, there is a growing interest in using light to drive chemical reactions. Chemicals play a crucial role in our daily lives, from
A groundbreaking discovery by a team of chemists and materials scientists at Sichuan University in China has led to the development of a photoluminescent aerogel with an extraordinary visible light reflectance of 104%. This remarkable achievement could potentially revolutionize the way we think about cooling materials and their applications in various industries. As the global
Have you ever wondered why a polyester T-shirt tends to hold onto odor more than a cotton one, especially after a workout? New research from the University of Alberta sheds light on this issue. The study, conducted by Rachel McQueen and her colleagues, focused on analyzing different fibers soaked in a simulated sweat solution to
The integration of small synthetic molecules inside protein crystals has opened up a new realm of possibilities for studying intermediate compounds formed during chemical reactions. This game-changing technique has been highlighted by scientists from Tokyo Tech, who successfully visualized reaction dynamics and rapid structural changes occurring within reaction centers immobilized inside protein crystals. This groundbreaking
Ice as a Catalyst for Life Emergence Ice has long been believed to have played a crucial role in the emergence of life on Earth. One of the reasons behind this belief is the ability of ice to exclude organic molecules into the gaps between the crystal lattice. This orderly arrangement of water molecules leads
A recent breakthrough in the field of chemical engineering has paved the way for a revolutionary technique in separating well-mixed mixtures. A team of researchers from Pohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH), the Korea Research Institute of Chemical Technology, and Chonnam National University, led by Professor Jee-hoon Han, has developed a cutting-edge technology for
In a world where sustainability and environmental impact are becoming increasingly important, the field of chemistry is also evolving to meet these new challenges. Recent research from Yokohama National University has introduced a new catalyst that has the potential to revolutionize the way chemical reactions are carried out, moving towards greener and more sustainable practices.
The fashion industry has undergone significant changes in recent decades, with the rise of “fast fashion” leading to clothes being quickly discarded after a short period of use. This trend has not only contributed to increased waste but has also made textile recycling more challenging due to the use of multiple fiber blends in clothing
Proteins are incredibly versatile molecules that play essential roles in the human body, from muscle contraction to digestion to immune responses. In the field of protein engineering, scientists often aim to improve the function of proteins, such as antibodies, by tweaking the amino acid sequences that form their structure. However, the vast number of possible
The significant impact of carbon in the atmosphere on climate change has prompted researchers from McGill University to develop a new catalyst for converting carbon dioxide (CO2) into methane using copper nanoclusters. This innovative approach aims to produce a cleaner source of energy that does not contribute to the increase of CO2 emissions in the
Researchers at the University of Science and Technology of China have made a groundbreaking discovery in the field of photochemistry. Prof. Zhang Guoqing and his team have identified a highly reactive photo-induced charge-transfer complex (PCTC) between amine and imide molecules. This finding has significant implications for various applications in organic synthesis, energy conversion, and environmental
Biodegradable electronics have revolutionized the field of medical devices by allowing for devices such as drug delivery systems, pacemakers, and neural implants to safely degrade once they are no longer needed. However, one of the crucial factors that determine the effectiveness of these devices is the rate at which they degrade. If the devices degrade
The process of producing synthetic fuels from CO2 is not a simple task. It involves complex chemical reactions that can result in multiple products, making it difficult to achieve efficient and economically viable outcomes. However, researchers at Empa and the Paul Scherrer Institute (PSI) have been working tirelessly to overcome these challenges and find innovative