Chemistry

For half a century, the peculiar reactions involving graphite oxidation remained an intriguing mystery within the scientific community. Researchers at Umeå University have finally shed light on this decade-long enigma, revealing an unexpected dimension of chemical reactivity. This recent study unveils the transformation of graphite into graphite oxide during electrochemical oxidation, significantly enriching our understanding

Helices are ubiquitous in the realm of biochemistry, serving as fundamental structures within various biomolecules, particularly proteins. Their helical formations are not merely structural curiosities but are pivotal in influencing how proteins perform their complex functions within living organisms. The twist and turn of a helix are dictated by its constituent amino acids, which are

Ethers, a class of compounds that play crucial roles in pharmaceuticals, food production, and personal care products, have long been important in the field of organic chemistry. Their versatility stems from their functional properties, making them integral in formulations ranging from medicinal drugs to consumer goods. Despite their prevalence, the conventional methods for synthesizing ethers

In recent years, the quest for sustainable solutions to combat climate change has intensified, leading researchers to explore the conversion of carbon dioxide (CO2) into valuable chemicals. A pivotal study published in *Nature Energy* has employed cutting-edge spectroscopic techniques and theoretical analysis to illuminate the complex pathways involved in transforming CO2 into high-demand substances like

A recent study conducted by scientists from the Leibniz Institute of Photonic Technology (Leibniz IPHT) and the Universities of Jena and Ulm has revealed the significant impact that small changes in the chemical structure of iron compounds can have on their light-absorbing properties. Specifically, the researchers found that alterations in the second coordination sphere of

In a groundbreaking study conducted by the School of Engineering at the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST), researchers have developed a new method that promises to revolutionize the manufacturing of cellular ceramics. This innovative approach overcomes the limitations of traditional additive manufacturing (3D printing) and offers a simplified and accelerated production process

The chiral structure of molecules, which refers to the spatial arrangement of atoms, plays a crucial role in the development of new drugs. Molecules exist in pairs known as enantiomers, which are mirror images of each other, much like a left and right glove. The twisted structure of a molecule can be left-handed or right-handed,

Ribonucleic acid (RNA) is an essential biological molecule that plays a crucial role in the genetics of organisms. It shares a similar composition to DNA and is involved in various biological functions that are influenced by its spatial conformation. A recent study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences sheds light on

In the quest for sustainable energy sources, green hydrogen has emerged as a promising solution for storing renewable energy. Electrolytic water splitting, a process that produces hydrogen and oxygen gas using electricity, is a key technique in the production of green hydrogen. The efficiency of the oxygen evolution reaction (OER) is critical in this process,

The relationship between serotonin and depression has long been a topic of debate in the medical and scientific communities. A recent study by a Chinese research team has shed new light on this complex relationship by developing a highly sensitive and selective fluorescent probe for imaging serotonin processes. This probe has offered preliminary results from

The innovative “Up-Down Approach,” introduced by Professor Wonyoung Choe’s research team at Ulsan National Institute of Science and Technology (UNIST) in South Korea, is poised to revolutionize the creation of metal-organic frameworks (MOFs). MOFs, composed of metal clusters and organic molecules, have garnered attention for their diverse applications such as carbon dioxide capture, storage, and

Chemotherapy has long been a vital component in the treatment of cancer patients. However, the side effects and limitations of these treatments have led researchers to explore new avenues to improve cancer therapy. A recent study published in Cell Reports Physical Science highlights the use of molecular “cages” made of pseudopeptides to selectively target and

The investigation conducted by scientists from China sheds light on the intricate process of short peptide chains aggregating together. This research, recently published in JACS Au, delves into the interactions, folding, and functions of short proteins known as peptides. The implications of these findings are far-reaching, impacting medicine, material science, and biotechnology. Peptides, consisting of

Chemists at the University of Amsterdam have recently made a significant breakthrough in the synthesis of molecules containing a trifluoromethyl group attached to a sulfur, nitrogen, or oxygen atom. This innovative method, published in Science, offers a sustainable approach to the production of pharmaceutical and agrochemical compounds, without the use of PFAS reagents. Led by

In a groundbreaking study conducted by researchers from the University of Cincinnati College of Medicine and Cincinnati Children’s Hospital, a new method for increasing speed and success rates in drug discovery has been unveiled. Published in the journal Science Advances, this research presents a renewed hope for the pharmaceutical industry by significantly reducing the timeline