Chemistry

When we think of insects, the idea of eating them may not be the most appetizing thought. However, insects are not only a common food source in many parts of the world, but they are also considered delicacies in some regions. In particular, edible ants have gained attention for their flavorful, nutritious, and sustainable qualities.

As the world shifts its focus towards sustainable energy sources, fuel cells have emerged as a promising alternative to traditional fossil fuels. These devices work by converting the chemical energy of fuel directly into electricity, offering a clean and efficient way to power various applications. However, despite their potential, fuel cells face challenges related to

The relationship between lipid membrane fluidity and various cellular functions is a topic of great interest in the field of cellular biology. Scientists at Tokyo Institute of Technology and Kyushu University have made significant progress in this area by developing a new solvatochromic probe that offers enhanced stability, low toxicity, and exceptional fluorescent properties. This

The study conducted by a team of chemical engineers at the Norwegian University of Science and Technology, in collaboration with IA Murins Startups, delves into the complex world of odor generation. While previous research has shown that machine learning can be utilized to create molecules with specific odors, the researchers argue that these applications fall

Peptides are playing an increasingly important role in therapeutics, biomaterials, and chemical and biological research. However, one of the limitations in working with peptides is the ability to attach functional molecules to specific locations on the peptide without affecting its overall structure and function. Researchers have been focusing on modifying peptides at the N-terminus to

When it comes to studying batteries, most of the focus is usually on electrical properties such as voltage and current. However, recent research conducted by a team at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign has shed light on the importance of also considering how heat flows in conjunction with electricity to gain valuable insights into battery

Intercalation plays a crucial role in the functionality of many modern technologies, from lithium-ion batteries to superconductors. This physical property involves the reversible insertion of guests into hosts, such as 2D-layered materials, to enhance device performance. However, the challenge lies in determining the stability of intercalated materials, which has traditionally required extensive trial-and-error lab work.

Helicases are essential enzymes responsible for unwinding DNA and RNA strands within cells. These enzymes play a crucial role in various cellular processes including replication and transcription. However, when helicases malfunction, they can contribute to the development of certain cancers and aid in the replication of viruses and bacteria. Despite their significance, targeting helicases with

In a groundbreaking development, a team of chemists led by Prof. Albert Heck has redefined the way molecules are analyzed and understood. By enhancing existing measuring equipment, the team achieved a remarkable feat – the ability to trap and observe individual molecules for an extended period of up to 25 seconds. This significant improvement in

Temperature plays a crucial role in chemical reactions, affecting both thermodynamics and kinetics. The precise measurement of temperature inside catalyst particles is essential for understanding reaction mechanisms and kinetics. A recent study by researchers at the Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics introduced a novel technique for measuring temperature distribution inside industrial zeolite catalyst particles. Traditional

In a groundbreaking collaboration between researchers from the United States, China, and the Netherlands, Davidson School of Chemical Engineering’s Dr. Zhenhua Zeng and Professor Jeffrey Greeley have made significant strides in catalysis research and catalyst design by delving into the world of active sites. Their findings not only shed light on previous studies of catalytic

In the ever-evolving world of solar energy technology, researchers are constantly striving to enhance the efficiency of solar cells to make renewable energy more accessible and cost-effective. Traditionally, chalcopyrite-based solar cells have been limited to a maximum energy conversion efficiency of 23.35%. However, a recent breakthrough by researchers at Uppsala University and the First Solar

Photosystem II (PSII) is a critical protein complex in the process of photosynthesis, responsible for catalyzing the oxidation of water and producing dioxygen using sunlight. Despite extensive research in this field, there is still a lack of detailed information regarding the short timescale structural dynamics of PSII during the water-splitting reaction. Previous studies have focused

The synthesis of carbon-based chemicals through the electrochemical reduction of carbon dioxide (CO2) has been a major focus of energy research in recent years. While significant progress has been made in this field, many of the proposed methods lack energy efficiency and selectivity. One such example is the production of the hydrocarbon ethylene, which has

Chirality is a common structural feature of molecules, often resulting in mirror-image versions of each other. When it comes to the fundamental molecules of biology, such as proteins and DNA, they exist predominantly in a single chiral form. The question of how this homochirality emerged in biology has puzzled scientists for many years. Recent studies