Chemistry

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

The attachment of carbohydrates, or “glycans,” onto proteins or lipids plays a critical role in a wide array of physiological processes within the human body. Known as “glycosylation,” this process is fundamental for cell recognition, cell signaling, immune response, protein folding, and development. However, even the slightest alteration in the structure of glycans can lead

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,

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