The field of materials science is rapidly evolving, with computer-based methods playing a crucial role in the discovery of new materials for key technologies such as photovoltaics, batteries, and data transmission. Recent advancements by Prof. Dr. Caterina Cocchi and Holger-Dietrich Saßnick from the University of Oldenburg in Germany have paved the way for a high-throughput
Chemistry
Implantable medical devices have long relied on traditional batteries to function, leading to the need for frequent invasive surgeries for replacement. However, researchers in China have introduced a groundbreaking concept – an implantable battery that runs on oxygen within the body. This innovative approach could potentially transform the field of medical technology, eliminating the limitations
In the quest for sustainable energy solutions, researchers from the Universities of Tartu and Copenhagen have proposed a groundbreaking approach to address the challenges of oxygen electrocatalysis. This innovative method aims to revolutionize the field by introducing a new concept of geometry-adaptive electrocatalysis. Traditional catalysts often struggle to lower the high activation energies required for
As researchers continue to push the boundaries of metalworking with innovative techniques such as Shear Assisted Processing and Extrusion (ShAPE) and friction stir welding, the need to understand the performance and properties of resulting metals becomes paramount. Corrosion, a process that causes metals to degrade over time, presents a significant challenge in this field. Historically,
Polymer systems have the ability to induce emulsion or microdroplets through mechanical mixing, which serve as an intermediate state of macroscopic phase separation. However, the nonuniformity in size and random spatial arrangement of these droplets present a challenge in various applications. Researchers have attempted to stabilize the microdroplets by lowering the temperature rapidly, but this
Rabih O. Al-Kaysi and his team have developed molecular motors that possess the ability to perform coordinated movements when exposed to light. These tiny machines have the potential to revolutionize various fields, from medicine to engineering. The team’s innovative approach to creating these crystal-based devices opens up a world of possibilities for the future. The
Mucus has long been viewed as a mere waste material or a simple barrier in the human body. However, recent research has shed light on the multifaceted roles of mucus, particularly its major component, the sugar-coated proteins known as mucins. Studies have shown that mucus and mucins are not only barriers but also play crucial
Lignin, a complex organic polymer found in wood, is a crucial component that provides strength and rigidity to trees. When wood is processed into paper, lignin needs to be removed, resulting in it becoming waste material. However, Marcus Foston, an associate professor at Washington University in St. Louis, is researching ways to utilize lignin by
In a groundbreaking development, Prof Dr. Johannes Margraf and his team of scientists have revolutionized the field of electrocatalysts by utilizing simulations and artificial intelligence. Their innovative approach has led to the creation of a computer program capable of optimizing multiple properties of catalysts simultaneously. This cutting-edge research has recently been published in the prestigious
When we think of the strongest material known to man, diamond often comes to mind. However, there is a form of carbon that has been predicted to be even tougher – the eight-atom body-centered cubic (BC8) crystal. This unique carbon phase is not diamond, but it boasts remarkable similarities. It is believed that BC8 is
Insects, even though often seen as unwelcome guests at a picnic, might actually hold the key to a flavorful, nutritious, and sustainable addition to the menu. In certain regions of the world, consuming insects is a common practice, with some species even being considered delicacies. Ants, for example, can be roasted whole as a snack
Fuel cells have emerged as a promising carbon-free energy source as the world works towards transitioning away from fossil fuels. These cells consist of an anode, a cathode, and an electrolyte, all working together to convert the chemical energy of fuel directly into electricity. The process involves oxidation of fuel at the anode and reduction
The use of solvatochromic probes in studying lipid membrane fluidity is crucial for understanding various cellular functions. A recent study by scientists at Tokyo Institute of Technology and Kyushu University has introduced a new solvatochromic dye that offers exceptional stability, low toxicity, and remarkable fluorescent properties. This innovation opens up the possibility of visualizing dynamic
A team of chemical engineers at the Norwegian University of Science and Technology, in collaboration with IA Murins Startups, has paved the way for a groundbreaking method using machine learning to replicate odors. This innovative approach, as outlined in a recent paper published on the arXiv preprint server, involves the experimental quantification of perfume perception.
Peptides are short chains of amino acids that have a wide range of applications in the fields of therapeutics, biomaterials, and chemical and biological research. One of the key challenges in working with peptides is the ability to attach functional molecules to them in specific locations without affecting their overall structure and function. Researchers have