The development of anion exchange membranes (AEMs) has reached a new milestone thanks to a team of researchers from the University of Science and Technology of China (USTC). Led by Prof. Xu Tongwen and Ge Xiaolin, this team has designed a groundbreaking spiro-branched polymeric membrane that has shown exceptional performance in flow battery applications. Traditionally,
Chemistry
Calcite, a crystalline form of calcium carbonate, is a mineral that is widely abundant on Earth. Its rhombohedral shape makes it easily recognizable, and it is a key component of limestone and marble. In comparison to other forms of calcium carbonate, such as aragonite and vaterite, calcite is known to be the most stable. Calcite
For many years, transmission electron microscopy (TEM) has been the standard method used to test for asbestos in various samples, particularly in construction sites. However, this method can be complex, costly, and time-consuming, requiring specialized labs and highly trained staff. A new study conducted by researchers at the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)
The food industry has been plagued by the problem of food recalls due to contamination. These recalls not only raise doubts about the safety and reliability of the food people consume but also lead to illnesses in consumers. Despite efforts to combat pathogens, the current methods of screening for harmful contaminants are not as effective
Hydrocarbazole plays a vital role in organic chemistry as a foundational compound for various biologically active substances, such as pesticides and anticancer drugs. The development of synthesis methods for hydrocarbazole compounds is a crucial area of research, and the Diels-Alder reaction has proven to be a reliable method for this purpose. Over the past decade,
DNA, often considered the blueprint of life, has taken on a new role in the field of materials science. Northwestern University researchers, led by Chad Mirkin, have shown that by manipulating DNA chemistry, they can alter its structure and flexibility to create new materials with applications in medicine and the life sciences. This groundbreaking study,
Water is a fascinating substance with many unique properties that make it stand out from other liquids. One of the most interesting aspects of water is the behavior of its molecules at the interface with air. A recent study published in Nature Communications by RIKEN scientists sheds light on how water molecules at the surface
Chemistry has always been a field that thrives on innovation and discovery. Recently, a team of chemists at the University of Bremen in Germany has made a groundbreaking development in the world of nitrenes. Nitrenes are typically known for their fast reactions, lasting only nanoseconds, which has limited their use in commercial applications. However, this
Somatostatin receptors (SSTRs) are a critical family of G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) that play a vital role in regulating hormone secretion and inhibiting tumor growth. Specifically, SSTR5, among its five subtypes, is highly expressed in the pituitary gland, governing the release of important hormones such as adrenocorticotropic hormone, prolactin, and growth hormone. This makes SSTR5
In a groundbreaking research collaboration between the University of Leiden in the Netherlands and the John Innes Centre in the UK, a new approach to antibiotic discovery has been unveiled. The project focused on repurposing existing drugs for their potential as antibiotics, leading to the identification of a highly promising candidate with a unique mechanism
Shooting a movie in the lab is no simple task, especially when the actors are molecules engaged in complex reactions invisible to the naked eye. Professor Emiliano Cortés, an expert in Experimental Physics and Energy Conversion at LMU, compares the challenge to capturing tiny lava flows during a volcanic eruption with just a smartphone camera
The challenges posed by cryogenic damage in organ preservation have long been a significant barrier to advancements in transplantation and medical treatments. The formation of ice crystals during freezing can compromise cellular structures, leading to irreversible damage and organ failure. This issue significantly impacts the potential success of organ preservation, affecting thousands of people worldwide
Tungsten pentaboride, also known as WB5-x, has been the focus of a recent study led by Professor Alexander Kvashnin from Skoltech’s Energy Transition Center. This substance is gaining attention for its potential use as a catalyst or co-catalyst in various applications such as industrial exhaust gas cleaning, precious metal mining, and hydrogen production through photocatalysis.
The process of breaking down esters to produce alcohols and other chemicals has traditionally been costly both financially and environmentally. Conventional methods require excess amounts of highly reactive and difficult to handle metal reductants, making the process inefficient and unsustainable in the long run. Researchers at the National Institutes of Natural Sciences (NINS) in Japan
Chemists at the National University of Singapore (NUS) have made a breakthrough in the field of chemical synthesis by developing hexavalent photocatalytic covalent organic frameworks (COFs). These frameworks have the potential to mimic natural photosynthesis to produce hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), a vital industrial chemical. The Need for Innovation Traditionally, the production of H2O2 has been