Actinium, a rare and radioactive element, has been the subject of scientific research for over a century. However, due to its limited availability and the challenges associated with working with radioactive materials, researchers have struggled to fully understand the chemistry of actinium. This lack of understanding has hindered progress in using actinium for emerging cancer
Chemistry
The importance of finding sustainable energy sources has never been more critical than it is today. A research team from the University Alliance Ruhr in Germany has made a groundbreaking discovery that could revolutionize the way we think about energy production. By converting ammonia into the energy carrier hydrogen and the fertilizer precursor nitrite, they
Molecular computing is an emerging field that seeks to leverage the computational power of chemical and biological systems. Researchers at the Institute for Molecules and Materials at Radboud University in the Netherlands have made significant strides in this area. They have recently demonstrated that a complex self-organizing chemical reaction network can be used to perform
Nathaniel Martin, a Professor of biological chemistry, embarked on a research journey to explore the possibilities of improving a 70-year-old antibiotic, bacitracin, using modern chemistry tools. Bacitracin, while not widely recognized by all, is a commonly used antibiotic worldwide, especially in North America. Unlike traditional antibiotics, bacitracin operates by attaching itself to specific parts of
The concept of nucleophilic addition reactions to β-position of α,β-unsaturated carbonyl compounds, known as Michael addition reactions, has been a widely explored area in chemistry since chemist Sir Arthur Michael reported it in 1887. However, achieving anti-Michael addition reactions, where the nucleophilic addition occurs at the α-position, has proven to be a challenging task. The
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
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