Recent research conducted at the University of California, Irvine has shed light on the production of the critical light-absorbing molecule of the retina, 11-cis-retinal, in both humans and insects. The study revealed not only profound similarities but also surprising differences between the two species in how this molecule is synthesized. This new understanding is crucial
Chemistry
A recent study led by University College London researchers has successfully synthesized pantetheine in lab conditions that mimic early Earth environments. Pantetheine, a compound essential for all living things, is the active fragment of Coenzyme A and is crucial for metabolism. Previous attempts to synthesize pantetheine failed, leading some to believe it was not present
The discovery of a breakthrough class of molecular glue at the University of Dundee has the potential to revolutionize the field of drug development. This new class of “intramolecular bivalent glue” identified by Professor Alessio Ciulli and his research team could open doors for the creation of innovative drugs targeting cancers and neurodegenerative diseases. The
In a groundbreaking study conducted by researchers from Bochum and Dortmund, an artificial cell environment has been developed with the potential to enhance nerve regeneration. Traditionally, injuries to the brain or spinal cord have posed significant challenges for healing due to the formation of fluid-filled cavities and scars that impede tissue regeneration. To address this
Bananas are a widely consumed and beloved fruit around the world, but what if their peels could be the key to combating the ongoing plastic waste crisis? Srinivas Janaswamy, an associate professor of food chemistry at South Dakota State University, conducted a study on “Biodegradable packaging films from banana peel fiber,” which was published in
Catalysts play a crucial role in the chemical industry, with over 90% of processes relying on these substances for their efficiency. Researchers from the Harvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences (SEAS), Harvard Department of Chemistry & Chemical Biology, and Utrecht University have delved into a previously elusive method of improving the
Chemical synthesis plays a crucial role in the development of various products, from medicines to high-performance materials. Traditional synthesis methods involve the use of organic solvents, metal catalysts, and reagents that often result in waste and environmental harm. However, researchers from the University of Regensburg have introduced a game-changing approach to chemical synthesis that eliminates
Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) has become a pressing global public health crisis, as many modern drugs have become ineffective against drug-resistant bacteria. In response to this urgent challenge, a team of researchers from Harvard University has developed a groundbreaking antibiotic that overcomes various mechanisms of antimicrobial resistance. Led by Andrew Myers, a renowned professor of Chemistry
In a groundbreaking study, researchers from the University of Michigan have made an extraordinary discovery in plant biochemistry. This new research sheds light on the ability of plants to form cyclic peptides, a class of molecules with immense potential as pharmaceutical agents. Led by Lisa Mydy and Roland Kersten from the U-M College of Pharmacy,
The field of adhesives encompasses a vast array of applications, ranging from everyday uses such as sticking paper and fabric together to more specialized purposes like woodwork. However, one area where adhesives play a crucial role is in the medical field. From suturing internal wounds to attaching sensors and implanting medical devices, the use of
Supramolecular chemistry involves the study of how the self-assembly state of molecules affects their properties. Scientists have long been fascinated by the idea of controlling and manipulating the self-assembled state in order to design materials with desirable properties. A recent study published in the Journal of the American Chemical Society delves into the properties of
In a groundbreaking study, chemists have successfully determined the crystal structure of a key component of the monensin enzyme, offering valuable insights into its reaction activity and paving the way for the development of safer and more effective antibiotics. Led by Professor Chu-Young Kim from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign (UIUC), the research team unlocked
Photocatalysts with highly reducing or oxidizing properties are crucial in the field of photochemistry. The existing transition metal complexes that possess excited state oxidants, such as chromium, iron, and cobalt, necessitate high energy light for excitation and their oxidizing potential remains underutilized. Moreover, these photocatalysts rely on precious and expensive metals, which poses limitations on
In a groundbreaking development, engineers at the University of Cincinnati have revolutionized the process of converting carbon dioxide into valuable products, addressing climate change concerns while maximizing efficiency. Associate Professor Jingjie Wu and his team have successfully modified a copper catalyst, significantly enhancing the electrochemical conversion of carbon dioxide into ethylene. This innovation holds immense
Water is a fundamental molecule that plays a crucial role in numerous scientific fields, including astrochemistry and corrosion of metals. Understanding the ionization of water is of utmost importance for physical chemists, as it not only influences biological processes and radiation chemistry but also promotes corrosion at the interface between water and metals. In a