In a groundbreaking study published in Nature Sustainability, researchers from the University of Science and Technology of China (USTC) have made significant strides in the development of anion exchange membranes (AEMs). Led by Prof. Xu Tongwen and Ge Xiaolin, the team designed a novel spiro-branched polymeric membrane that boasts highly connected sub-nanometer microporous ion channels,
Chemistry
Calcite, a crystalline form of calcium carbonate, is a mineral that is commonly found in limestone and marble. It is recognized by its rhombohedral appearance, resembling a distorted cube under a microscope. While calcite is widely abundant on Earth, its properties and internal structure have significant implications in various fields of research. Calcite plays a
The safety and reliability of the food we consume are always at risk due to pathogens causing contamination. Consumers are often left wondering about the quality of what they eat and drink, especially when a recall is issued too late to prevent illness. Despite efforts made by the food industry to combat pathogens, contamination still
Over the years, the use of transmission electron microscopy (TEM) has been the standard practice for testing asbestos in samples taken from construction sites. However, this method can be costly and time-consuming, requiring specialized labs and trained staff. On the other hand, phase contrast microscopy, while easier and cheaper, may lack precision. Recently, researchers at
In the realm of organic chemistry, hydrocarbazole stands out as a crucial compound that serves as a building block for a variety of biologically active compounds. From pesticides like strychnine to anticancer drugs such as vinblastine and minovincine, the synthesis of hydrocarbazole is a key research topic that has the potential to revolutionize the field.
DNA, a molecule known for its genetic role, can also be a powerful tool in creating new materials for various applications. Recent research led by Chad Mirkin at Northwestern University has demonstrated how manipulating DNA chemistry can lead to the creation of unique materials useful in medicine and the life sciences. This study, published in
The behavior of water molecules at an interface with air has always been a topic of interest and significance in the scientific community. Water is known for its anomalous properties, such as having higher freezing and boiling points than expected, and being less dense as a solid compared to its liquid form. These properties are
A recent study conducted by a team of chemists at the University of Bremen in Germany has brought about a significant breakthrough in the field of nitrene research. Nitrenes, which are known for their fast reaction times, have posed a challenge for chemists due to their short-lived nature. However, this team of researchers has developed
In a groundbreaking research collaboration between the University of Leiden, the Netherlands, and the John Innes Centre, UK, a project aimed at repurposing existing drugs for their potential as antibiotics has identified a highly promising candidate with a unique mechanism for killing drug-resistant bacteria. Initially developed for cancer therapies, a chemical library of 352 small
Somatostatin receptors (SSTRs) are a crucial family of receptors that play a vital role in regulating hormone secretion and inhibiting tumor growth. Among the five subtypes, SSTR5 is highly expressed in the pituitary gland and controls the release of important hormones. A study published in PNAS by a research team from the Shanghai Institute of
Shooting a movie in a laboratory setting presents unique challenges, especially when the “actors” are molecules that are invisible to the naked eye. Professor Emiliano Cortés, an expert in Experimental Physics and Energy Conversion, highlights the difficulty of capturing the reactions of these molecules, comparing it to filming tiny lava flows during a volcanic eruption.
Organ preservation has long been hindered by cryogenic damage, which poses challenges to advancements in transplantation and medical treatments. The formation of ice crystals during freezing can lead to irreversible damage and organ failure, limiting the success of organ transplants. However, a new study led by researchers from the Hebrew University, in collaboration with other
Tungsten pentaboride, WB5-x, has recently gained attention as a potential catalyst due to its unique properties. A group of researchers led by Professor Alexander Kvashnin has conducted a study on the stable surfaces of the WB5-x crystal and discovered that it offers several advantages over traditional catalysts. This article delves into the findings of the
In a groundbreaking study by the National Institutes of Natural Sciences (NINS) in Japan, researchers have developed a novel approach to the reduction of esters using light as an energy source. Traditionally, the process of ester reduction has been costly and harmful to the environment, requiring excess amounts of highly reactive metal reductants. However, with
The production of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) is a crucial process in the industrial sector, often requiring energy-intensive methods and the use of costly catalysts. However, researchers at the National University of Singapore (NUS) have developed a groundbreaking approach to this process by harnessing the power of artificial photosynthesis. This innovative method involves the use of