The landscape of scientific research is constantly evolving, and the recent addition of the Versatile Neutron Imaging Instrument (VENUS) at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) epitomizes this transformation. The Spallation Neutron Source (SNS) is already a recognized leader in neutron science, and the deployment of VENUS marks a groundbreaking advancement in the realms of neutron
Chemistry
Recent advancements from a collaborative research effort involving the Fritz Haber Institute, Sorbonne University, and Uppsala University have provided significant insights into the complexities of ion behavior in solutions. Published in the esteemed journal *Nature Communications*, the paper titled “The solvation shell probed by resonant intermolecular Coulombic decay” introduces a novel technique designed to explore
Everyday products such as medicines and cosmetics have unwittingly become one of the significant pollutants in our water systems. The presence of pharmaceuticals and personal care products (PPCPs) in aquatic environments poses a serious risk to flora and fauna, not to mention the potential health hazards for humans who rely on these water sources. Even
In the ever-evolving world of skincare, an array of bizarre ingredients has made its way into beauty products, intriguing consumers and experts alike. While substances like snail mucin have gained popularity for their hydrating and antioxidant properties, researchers have now turned their attention to a more eccentric potential source: the bacteria residing in fish guts.
Photocatalysts, derived from nature’s method of photosynthesis, are a pivotal innovation in the field of sustainable chemistry. These substances harness light to instigate chemical reactions that would typically demand extreme conditions, such as high temperatures or corrosive environments. The challenge that remains for researchers is the need to boost the quantum efficiency of these reactions,
In recent years, the search for effective and sustainable hydrogen storage solutions has intensified. The renewable energy sector has long touted hydrogen as a clean alternative to fossil fuels, particularly in the context of reducing carbon emissions. However, inherent challenges loom over the practical utilization of hydrogen, chiefly revolving around its storage. Traditional methods are
The revolutionary realm of biotechnology is continually evolving, driven by the necessity to develop innovative therapeutics and enhance our comprehension of cellular processes. A significant obstacle has been the challenge of observing biomolecules within living cells, which is crucial for advancing drug development and biomanufacturing practices. A recent breakthrough by researchers at the National Institute
The pressing need to address climate change has incited considerable research into techniques that effectively reduce carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions. One of the most promising strategies is electrochemical reduction, a process that harnesses electrical energy to convert recaptured CO2 into valuable fuels and chemicals, including methanol and ethanol. However, achieving practical efficiency remains a hurdle,
The quest for clean energy has never been more urgent, leading researchers to focus on key reactions that enable sustainable energy storage and generation. The oxygen evolution reaction (OER) is a fundamental process in water electrolysis, which allows for the conversion of water into hydrogen fuel. Researchers are increasingly exploring ways to enhance the efficiency
The quest for sustainable manufacturing processes has intensified in recent years, primarily due to escalating environmental concerns and the global race for greener technologies. An innovative development led by researchers at Kyushu University has spotlighted the zeolite material known as Na-ZSM-5, offering a paradigm shift in the method used to convert biomass into olefins—critical precursors
Rare-earth metals, often shrouded in misconceptions, are neither rare nor inherently difficult to find. However, the real challenge lies in their extraction and purification. Rare-earth elements, particularly lanthanides, are crucial for various modern technologies, ranging from clean energy solutions and medical imaging to national security. With the increasing demand for these metals, enhancing the purification
As the world grapples with the escalating climate crisis and the ever-looming threat of fossil fuel depletion, hydrogen energy has emerged as a beacon of hope. Its potential as a green and renewable energy source sets it apart, providing a pathway toward sustainable energy solutions. The process of hydrogen production through water splitting has especially
Heavy metal contamination in water represents a significant environmental and public health issue. Elements such as cadmium and lead, when present in elevated concentrations, can have dire consequences for human health and the integrity of aquatic ecosystems. Such metals are not only persistent pollutants but also harmful toxins that can accumulate in living organisms, presenting
Cement production is recognized as a significant contributor to global carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions, accounting for roughly 8% of the world’s total CO2 emissions. As the urgent necessity to combat climate change becomes ever more pressing, innovative strategies for reducing CO2 emissions are attracting considerable attention. One promising avenue is the concept of carbonation in
Cryopreservation is a technique vital for preserving biological samples, including medicines and vaccines, especially in healthcare scenarios that demand expedited medical responses. The urgency for the development of more efficient cryoprotectants stems from the constraints posed by current preservation methods. Traditional practices in the field often revolve around labor-intensive trial-and-error approaches, which are both expensive