Chemistry

For decades, the field of chemistry has grappled with a perplexing reaction—one that remained unexplained for 50 years. This bewildering riddle has finally found a solution, thanks to groundbreaking research from Umeå University. Researchers here have unlocked the mystery of how graphite undergoes a transformation into graphite oxide during electrochemical oxidation. Utilizing advanced techniques, they

In the realm of biochemistry, few structures are as intriguing or as fundamental to molecular function as helices. Commonly observed in proteins and peptides, these twisted formations are not merely aesthetic; they play a vital role in how biomolecules operate within the biological landscape. The structural intricacies of helices are dictated by the specific arrangement

The quest for efficient and sustainable chemical synthesis continues to drive innovation within the fields of chemistry and pharmacology. A noteworthy advancement comes from researchers at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, who have developed a novel catalyst designed to streamline the synthesis of ethers. Ethers are essential chemical compounds found in numerous products, including pharmaceuticals,

As the world grapples with the growing threat of climate change, the search for effective strategies to repurpose carbon dioxide (CO2) has become a critical undertaking. A recent study published in *Nature Energy* endeavors to illuminate the complex pathways through which CO2 can be transformed into valuable chemicals such as ethylene and ethanol. This research

Scientists at the Leibniz Institute of Photonic Technology, along with researchers from the Universities of Jena and Ulm, have delved into the properties of iron compounds that have the ability to absorb light. Their study has revealed that even small changes in the chemical structure of these compounds can have a significant impact on their

The School of Engineering at the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) has recently conducted a groundbreaking study that introduces a new method for producing complex cellular ceramics. This innovative approach, outlined in the journal Nature Communications, has the potential to transform the design and processing of ceramic materials, with implications for a

The development of new drugs requires a deep understanding of the molecular structures involved. One crucial aspect of this understanding is the chirality of molecules, which refers to the spatial arrangement of atoms. Some molecules, known as enantiomers, exist in pairs that are mirror images of each other, similar to a left and a right

Ribonucleic acid (RNA) plays a crucial role in the genetics of organisms and is essential for the origin and evolution of life on our planet. A recent study published in the journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences sheds light on how RNA folding at low temperatures can provide a new perspective on primordial

The use of MXenes as catalysts for the oxygen evolution reaction in electrolytic water splitting has opened up new possibilities in the field of green hydrogen production. The recent study led by HZB chemist Michelle Browne has demonstrated the superior stability and efficiency of MXene catalysts compared to traditional metal oxide catalysts. Electrolytic water splitting

The debate surrounding the correlation between serotonin and depression is ongoing and has significant implications for the diagnosis, treatment, and drug development of this mental health condition. A team of researchers from China recently developed a fluorescent probe that promises to shed light on this complex relationship. This probe, designed to be highly sensitive and

Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) have long been recognized for their versatility in various applications such as carbon dioxide capture, storage, and catalysis. However, the traditional methods of designing MOFs have been limited by predefined components and structural restrictions. The Up-Down Approach, introduced by Professor Wonyoung Choe’s research team at Ulsan National Institute of Science and Technology

Chemotherapy has been a crucial treatment method for cancer patients, but it comes with various side effects and limitations that have prompted researchers to explore new solutions. Recently, a study published in Cell Reports Physical Science introduced the concept of using molecular “cages” made of pseudopeptides to target and eliminate cancer cells in acidic microenvironments.

Peptides are short chains of amino acids that play crucial roles in the human body. They are involved in building structures, accelerating chemical reactions, and supporting the immune system. The specific function of a protein is determined by how its amino acids interact and aggregate into a three-dimensional structure. This interaction and folding process is

Chemists at the University of Amsterdam have developed an innovative method for introducing a trifluoromethyl group to molecules containing sulfur, nitrogen, or oxygen atoms. This breakthrough, detailed in a publication in Science, marks a significant advancement in the field of organic synthesis by eliminating the need for PFAS reagents. The environmentally friendly process offers a

In a groundbreaking study conducted by researchers at the University of Cincinnati College of Medicine and Cincinnati Children’s Hospital, a new method has been discovered that promises to revolutionize the field of drug discovery. Published in the journal Science Advances on Aug. 30, this research offers hope for accelerating the process of discovering new drugs,