Chemistry

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

Protein synthesis is a fundamental process in cells that is essential for their survival. Ribosomes, which act as the cell’s “protein factories,” play a crucial role in this process. They are large molecules found in all living organisms. Ribosomes read the blueprint for a specific protein on a messenger molecule called messenger RNA (mRNA) and

In recent years, there has been a surge in the popularity of cleaning products labeled as “green” or environmentally friendly. Many consumers have embraced these products with the belief that they are safer for both their health and the environment. However, a groundbreaking study conducted by researchers from the University of York challenges this assumption.

Artificial intelligence (AI) is rapidly transforming the field of chemical research, offering innovative solutions to complex challenges that traditional approaches struggle with. Within AI, machine learning has emerged as a powerful tool in chemistry, utilizing algorithms and statistical models to make data-driven decisions and perform tasks beyond explicit programming. However, a key limitation of machine

The production of aluminum is not only a valuable industrial process but also a significant contributor to environmental waste. Every year, approximately 180 million tons of toxic red mud are generated from aluminum production. However, scientists at the Max-Planck-Institut für Eisenforschung have made a groundbreaking discovery. They have found a relatively simple way to produce

Plastic pollution has become a significant concern for our environment and human health as bits of plastic have been found everywhere, from the soil to the oceans and even in our bodies. In an effort to combat this growing issue, a team of molecular engineers from the University of Chicago, in collaboration with researchers from

In recent years, there has been a significant interest in the development of semiconductors based on organic molecules. Unlike traditional rigid semiconductors, organic molecules offer the potential for flexibility, ductility, and lightweight properties, which opens up new possibilities for the design of semiconductor devices. Additionally, organic semiconductors have the advantage of having a broad range

Engineers in Australia have recently developed a groundbreaking technology in the form of a small ammonia gas sensor that has the potential to revolutionize hydrogen storage and medical diagnostics. This simple yet highly effective proof-of-concept sensor, described in an article published in Advanced Functional Materials, is the result of collaborative research by experts from RMIT

In a groundbreaking development, Prof. Polshettiwar’s research group at Tata Institute of Fundamental Research (TIFR), Mumbai has successfully created a revolutionary “plasmonic reduction catalyst stable in air.” This remarkable catalyst defies the common instability issues faced by reduction catalysts when exposed to air. By combining platinum-doped ruthenium clusters with “plasmonic black gold,” the catalyst harnesses

In recent years, there has been a significant breakthrough in the modeling and understanding of intrinsically disordered proteins (IDPs). These proteins play crucial roles in various biological functions and are closely associated with diseases such as cancer and neurodegenerative disorders. However, studying and describing the process of phase separation, a key mechanism in subcellular organization,

The study conducted by R. Graham Cooks and Lingqi Qiu provides experimental evidence that challenges conventional understanding of protein formation. Published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, the research suggests that the key step in protein formation can actually occur in droplets of pure water. This revelation has important implications for our