In a groundbreaking study published in *Nature Communications*, a team of researchers led by Samuel Schwab at the Leiden Institute of Chemistry has reshaped our understanding of histones in single-celled organisms such as bacteria and archaea. For ages, the academic consensus suggested that histones—proteins crucial for DNA structure—were exclusive to more complex organisms. However, recent
Chemistry
Fish, chameleons, crabs, and even fictional characters like Walter White from “Breaking Bad” share an intriguing commonality—the ability to create crystals. While Walter White’s crystal-making venture revolves around illicit drug manufacturing, the crystals formed by fish and other animals serve essential biological functions such as communication, camouflage, and thermal regulation. A recent study from the
Cholesterol, often vilified in discussions of heart health, serves essential functions within the realm of cellular biology. A recent investigation led by Jason Hafner at Rice University has illuminated cholesterol’s intricate role in the architecture of cell membranes. This study, which has been published in the prestigious Journal of Physical Chemistry, seeks to demystify how
The modern world is grappling with an escalating climate crisis that not only threatens the environment but also imperils human health on a cellular level. Carbon dioxide (CO2), a well-known greenhouse gas, has become a focal point of environmental discussions; however, its impact on human biology was previously less understood. Recent research by Ohara Augusto
In an era marked by rapid advancements in cancer research, two neutron experiments conducted at the Department of Energy’s Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) have unveiled critical insights into the enzyme serine hydroxymethyltransferase (SHMT). These experiments, utilizing advanced neutron techniques at the Spallation Neutron Source and the High Flux Isotope Reactor, have provided unprecedented clarity
As the world grapples with the dire consequences of climate change, the search for clean and sustainable energy sources has intensified. Among these, hydrogen gas emerges as a leading candidate, primarily due to its remarkable energy density and the absence of carbon emissions during combustion. Despite being the most prevalent element in the universe, hydrogen
The escalating presence of pharmaceutical contaminants in freshwater resources poses a significant environmental challenge. With thousands of prescription medications used for human and animal health, many of these substances inevitably find their way into municipal wastewater systems. Flushed medications and unused prescriptions contribute to a cocktail of micropollutants that escape detection in conventional wastewater treatment
On October 9, 2024, the scientific community celebrated a remarkable milestone with the awarding of the Nobel Prize in Chemistry to three pioneering researchers—Demis Hassabis and John Jumper from Google DeepMind, alongside biochemist David Baker. Their groundbreaking work has significantly advanced our understanding of proteins, the essential molecules that play a crucial role in sustaining
For countless children, the exhilarating world of comic books and superhero movies stirs a desire to leap into action, emulating the feats of their favorite caped crusaders. One of the most iconic abilities is Spider-Man’s talent for swinging through the city atop silk-like webs, effortlessly subduing villains. This playful fantasy has made its way into
Covalent bonds are fundamental to the structure and function of organic chemistry, enabling the formation of a vast array of molecular configurations. These bonds involve the sharing of electron pairs between atoms, providing the connectivity necessary for complex biological and chemical systems. Although the theoretical basis for these bonds was laid down early in the
The textile industry has long been criticized for its significant contribution to environmental degradation. Millions of tons of clothing end up in landfills annually, with the average American discarding around 80 to 100 pounds of textiles each year. This alarming statistic underscores the urgent need for innovative solutions to reduce waste and shift toward more
Alkanes, which constitute a significant portion of fossil fuel reserves and are integral to the chemical industry, often present a significant challenge for chemists due to their inertness. Their robust carbon-carbon bonds render them stable, making the conversion of these essential compounds into more reactive and valuable derivatives difficult. These aliphatic hydrocarbons play a vital
In recent years, the urgency to mitigate harmful industrial emissions has reached critical levels. Among the most pressing pollutants are nitrogen oxides (NO and N2O), notorious for their adverse effects on human health and the environment. These gases are produced primarily during several industrial processes, including fertilizer manufacturing. Hence, finding effective ways to minimize their
Biofilms are complex assemblies of various microorganisms, predominantly bacteria and fungi, that adhere to surfaces and constitute a significant challenge in both clinical and industrial environments. These protective communities make bacteria more resilient and less susceptible to traditional antibiotic treatments, which primarily target active bacteria. In medical settings, biofilms are often associated with chronic wounds,
Plastic has become a ubiquitous element in our modern world, with staggering production rates that exceed 368 million metric tons annually. Of this massive output, over 13 million metric tons are discarded into terrestrial environments, constituting a significant threat to biodiversity and ecosystem health. The ramifications of this plastic waste stretch far and wide, leading