Chemistry

Helices are fundamental configurations observed in numerous biological molecules, especially proteins. Their unique spiral shape is intricately linked to the specific organization of their constitutive elements, primarily amino acids. These amino acids serve as the building blocks for peptides, which are smaller chains of proteins. The helical configuration of these peptides is not arbitrary; it

In the realm of chemistry, the quest for efficient and effective methods to synthesize compounds is an ongoing challenge. Among the numerous compounds of significance, ethers have emerged as crucial building blocks in a wide range of applications, from pharmaceuticals to everyday household products. Researchers at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign are making headway in

The relentless pursuit of sustainable practices within the chemical industry has reached a pivotal moment with groundbreaking research focused on carbon dioxide (CO2) electroreduction. A recent study, titled “Key intermediates and Cu active sites for CO2 electroreduction to ethylene and ethanol,” published in **Nature Energy**, highlights innovative methodologies that reveal the intricate mechanisms involved in

Researchers from the Leibniz Institute of Photonic Technology (Leibniz IPHT) and the Universities of Jena and Ulm have delved into the world of iron compounds and their ability to absorb light. In a groundbreaking study, they have demonstrated that even minor alterations in the chemical structure of these compounds can significantly influence their properties. Specifically,

Chirality in Molecules: A Critical Factor in Drug Development Chirality is a fundamental concept in chemistry that refers to the spatial arrangement of atoms in a molecule, particularly enantiomers that exist as mirror images of each other. This property has far-reaching implications, especially in the field of drug development. The disastrous repercussions of administering the

In a groundbreaking study conducted by the School of Engineering at the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST), researchers have developed a novel method to address the limitations of traditional additive manufacturing techniques in the production of geometrically complex cellular ceramics. This innovative approach not only simplifies the manufacturing process but also accelerates

Ribonucleic acid (RNA) is a crucial biological molecule that plays a key role in the genetics of organisms and is fundamental in the evolution of life on Earth. It is composed of ribose molecules linked to phosphate groups, along with four nitrogenous bases – adenine, guanine, cytosine, and uracil. The sequence of bases and the

In the realm of energy storage solutions, green hydrogen has emerged as a promising option for the future. The process of producing this climate-neutral gas involves electrolytic water splitting, where hydrogen molecules are generated at one electrode and oxygen molecules at the other. However, the efficiency of the oxygen evolution reaction (OER) is a critical

The relationship between serotonin and depression has long been a topic of discussion within the scientific community. A recent development by a team of researchers in China has led to the creation of a fluorescent probe that allows for the sensitive and selective imaging of serotonin processes. This breakthrough has the potential to revolutionize our

Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) have become essential materials for a variety of applications due to their customizable structure. Traditionally, MOF design has relied on either a bottom-up or top-down approach. However, a novel strategy called the “Up-Down Approach” merges these methodologies, allowing for a more comprehensive exploration of structures based on metal clusters before selecting suitable

Chemotherapy is a crucial treatment method for cancer patients, but it comes with its own set of challenges and limitations. Recent research has focused on developing innovative solutions to these obstacles. A study published in Cell Reports Physical Science suggests the use of molecular “cages” made of pseudopeptides to selectively target and eliminate cancer cells

Peptides, short chains of amino acids, play a crucial role in various biological functions such as building structures, speeding up chemical reactions, and supporting the immune system. The way in which these amino acids interact and aggregate into three-dimensional structures determines the specific function of the protein. Recently, a research team from China used molecular

Chemists at the University of Amsterdam have made significant strides in the development of a method to attach a trifluoromethyl group to molecules containing sulfur, nitrogen, or oxygen atoms. This method, outlined in a recent publication in Science, eliminates the need for PFAS reagents and offers a more sustainable approach to synthesizing pharmaceutical and agrochemical

In a groundbreaking study conducted by researchers from the University of Cincinnati College of Medicine and Cincinnati Children’s Hospital, a new method for drug discovery has been discovered. This study, which was published in the journal Science Advances on Aug. 30, has reignited hope for the future of drug discovery by significantly increasing both the

The pharmaceutical industry has long been plagued by the challenges of creating effective drugs in a timely manner. The traditional method of assembling drugs using alkyl building blocks has limitations due to the difficulty of combining different compounds. This has led to a lengthy process of research and development, with many failed drug candidates along