In a groundbreaking discovery, chemists at the Rijksmuseum and the University of Amsterdam (UvA) have unraveled the mystery behind the unique golden paint used by Rembrandt in his famous work, “The Night Watch.” Through the meticulous application of sophisticated spectroscopic techniques, they have identified the presence of special arsenic sulfide pigments – pararealgar (yellow) and
Chemistry
Peptides have gained recognition as valuable therapeutic agents due to their ability to target complex biological processes with precision. In comparison to small-molecule drugs, peptides are less complex and more cost-effective than large biological drugs such as antibodies. Over 100 FDA-approved peptide drugs are currently available, with around 40 of these drugs containing at least
Perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), commonly known as “forever chemicals,” have become a significant environmental and health concern. These chemicals, used since the invention of Teflon in 1938 for their stability and resistance to water and heat, pose a growing threat due to their persistence in the environment. PFAS accumulate in water, soil, and even human bodies,
In a groundbreaking discovery, a team of researchers at WashU has developed a novel technique known as EndoVIA that promises to revolutionize the identification of potential targets for cancer therapies. RNA editing plays a crucial role in maintaining the health of our cells, as it is responsible for translating our genetic code into proteins. However,
A groundbreaking new technique has been developed by Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL) researchers that allows for the streamlined and efficient synthesis of molecular compounds containing heavy elements such as americium, curium, and others. This innovative pathway opens up the possibility of performing serial chemistry with radioactive elements, which could significantly accelerate research and development
Photocatalytic hydrogen evolution from water is a crucial technology for sustainable hydrogen production. The microscopic structure of interfacial water molecules plays a significant role in the reactivity of photocatalysis, yet this area remains largely unexplored. A recent study published in the Journal of the American Chemical Society delves into the roles of interfacial hydrogen bond
In a groundbreaking collaboration between computer science and materials science researchers, a new AI-based method has been developed to streamline the process of gathering data for the discovery of new materials. This innovative approach, detailed in a recent publication in npj Computational Materials, paves the way for “self-driving experiments” that can significantly enhance the efficiency
In a groundbreaking study conducted by scientists from King’s College London in collaboration with Imperial College London, the active site of Acetyl-CoA Synthase, an enzyme crucial for capturing carbon from the atmosphere, was successfully recreated. This research not only enhances our understanding of this vital enzyme but also presents a promising solution for carbon capture
In a groundbreaking study published in Nature Chemistry, chemists from the National University of Singapore have introduced a novel modular approach to synthesizing 1,2-arylheteroaryl ethanes. These compounds play a crucial role in drug discovery and pharmaceutical development due to their diverse molecular structures and potential biological activities. Advancing organic synthesis in pharmaceuticals requires the strategic
In a recent report published on July 17, researchers from the University of St Andrews have revealed the potential of using organic compounds as replacements for expensive metal photocatalysts. These compounds, initially developed for organic light-emitting diodes, have shown comparable or even superior performance to traditional photocatalysts in various reactions. Many traditional photocatalysts contain rare
The process of antigen presentation is crucial for the immune system to detect and eliminate pathogens and cancer cells. However, the complex mechanisms involved in antigen processing and transport have remained largely unknown. In a groundbreaking study published in Angewandte Chemie International Edition, a team of researchers from Germany has introduced a novel approach to
The quest for efficient hydrogen production through water splitting has long been a goal of researchers in the field of electrochemistry. Recently, scientists at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL) have made a groundbreaking discovery that could potentially enhance the efficiency of this process. Their research, featured in ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces, explores the use
Dr. Winston “Wole” Soboyejo and Dr. Tabiri Kwayie Asumadu have made significant strides in the field of reducing friction on metallic surfaces with their paper, “Robust Macroscale Superlubricity on Carbon-Coated Metallic Surfaces.” This groundbreaking research, recently published in the journal Applied Materials Today, introduces a new approach to achieving superlubricity at the macroscale, rather than
BitterMasS is a groundbreaking tool that utilizes mass spectrometry to predict bitterness in compounds, offering a more precise and efficient approach compared to traditional methods. Developed through interdisciplinary collaboration, this novel tool has far-reaching implications in various industries, including food science and pharmaceuticals. BitterMasS marks a significant advancement in taste prediction and compound screening technologies.
Cholera infections caused by Vibrio cholerae bacteria are a serious public health concern due to the life-threatening nature of the disease. The key trigger in cholera infections is the cholera toxin produced by the bacteria, which binds to certain “sugar lipids” (GM1 gangliosides) on the surface of intestinal cells. This strong interaction between the toxin