In a recent study by scientists from Tokyo Metropolitan University, a new model for disordered materials was created to investigate how amorphous materials resist stress. By treating groups of atoms and molecules as squishy spheres with varying softness, the researchers aimed to gain insights into the mechanisms behind force chain formation in these materials. This
Chemistry
The intersection of science fiction and actual scientific principles is a subject of fascination for Professor Alex Baker from the University of Warwick. On this Star Wars Day, May the 4th, Professor Baker delves into the chemistry behind the galaxy far, far away. By meticulously analyzing the elements that drive the Star Wars universe, Professor
Terpenes are natural substances that are essential in various industries, from cosmetics to pharmaceuticals. However, synthesizing these complex molecules has always been a challenge for chemists. A team of researchers at the University of Basel has recently introduced a new method of synthesis that could revolutionize the production of terpenes. Terpenes have shown promising potential
Alcoholic beverages have been consumed for centuries, and each type of drink has its own ideal serving temperature. Researchers have found that the taste of alcoholic beverages can be influenced by temperature, specifically in terms of how “ethanol-like” they taste. This study suggests that the formation of different clusters of water and ethanol molecules at
A groundbreaking discovery by Kobe University has brought a new approach to inhibiting DNA-cleaving enzymes that may hold the key to combating Streptococcus growth. Enzymes play a crucial role in facilitating various biological reactions within the body, but they can also be utilized by harmful bacteria like Streptococcus to cause serious conditions such as toxic
In a groundbreaking collaboration between Heriot-Watt University in Edinburgh, Scotland, and several other prominent institutions, a team of scientists has successfully developed a new type of porous material that shows promise in storing carbon dioxide and other harmful greenhouse gases. This innovative research, published in the prestigious journal Nature Synthesis, sheds light on the potential
Ceramics have long been prized for their mechanical strength, chemical inertness, and resistance to wear and corrosion. However, their lack of plastic deformability at room temperature has limited their industrial applications. Researchers at Purdue University’s College of Engineering have recently developed a groundbreaking method to enhance the plasticity of ceramics, opening up new possibilities for
The development of light-driven molecular motors has been a significant breakthrough in the field of chemistry, with Professor Ben Feringa’s work at the University of Groningen paving the way for new possibilities. However, despite the initial success of creating these molecular motors, making them efficient enough to be used in real-life applications has proven to
The use of wheat-based glues in historic bookbinding has long been a practice, dating back to Ancient Egypt. However, little was known about the protein makeup of these glues until researchers recently conducted a study on the proteins in wheat-based glues. The study, published in the Journal of Proteome Research, aimed to provide insights on
In a groundbreaking study, scientists have unveiled a new method for creating complex molecules that could revolutionize the landscape of drug manufacturing. This innovative approach is not only more efficient than previous techniques, but it also has the potential to significantly reduce the waste produced during the manufacturing process. This is a crucial development in
The ability to examine the inner workings of a single cancer cell and how it interacts with surrounding cells is a groundbreaking development in the field of cancer research. Scientists have recently celebrated the advent of a new technique that enables the analysis of the fatty components of cancer cells on an individual basis. Through
Imagine a world where plastic-like materials could absorb excess nutrients from water sources, helping to mitigate water pollution and provide a sustainable solution for agriculture. This vision is becoming a reality through the innovative work of researchers at the University of Saskatchewan (USask), who have developed a groundbreaking bioplastic material that not only absorbs phosphate
As researchers strive to create a more sustainable future for our energy grid, understanding the intricacies of how electrons move within small, natural systems has become a key focus. One particular area of interest lies in protein nanocrystals, where recent studies have shed light on electron behavior that challenges previous theories. Researchers from the Michigan
In a groundbreaking discovery, researchers have introduced an innovative method for detecting drug substances from fingerprints collected at crime scenes that could potentially offer new perspectives on unsolved cases. This research breakthrough, recently published in the esteemed journal Drug Testing and Analysis, showcases the remarkable abilities of analytical scientists from Loughborough University. Dr. Jim Reynolds
Pizza boxes have long been a staple of American culture, with millions of Americans enjoying a slice of pizza every day. However, the environmental impact of pizza box waste has been a growing concern. Due to contaminants like grease and cheese, traditional recycling methods are not effective. This has led to a buildup of pizza