In a recent study published in Nature Sustainability, a team of researchers from the University of Science and Technology of China (USTC) achieved a significant breakthrough in the development of anion exchange membranes (AEMs). Led by Prof. Xu Tongwen and Ge Xiaolin, the researchers designed a novel spiro-branched polymeric membrane that demonstrated exceptional performance in
Chemistry
Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) has long been the standard method for testing asbestos in various samples, but it is expensive and requires highly trained staff. Recently, researchers at the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) have found that scanning electron microscopy (SEM) could be a viable alternative that is more cost-effective and convenient. This
When it comes to food safety, one of the biggest challenges faced by the industry is the detection of harmful pathogens. With the increasing globalization of food production and distribution, the risk of contamination is always present. The complex nature of these pathogens, their ability to thrive in different environments, and the presence of non-pathogenic
Hydrocarbazole is a crucial compound in organic chemistry, serving as a building block for various biologically active compounds, including pesticides such as strychnine and anticancer drugs such as vinblastine and minovincine. Consequently, the development of synthesis methods for these compounds is a crucial research topic that has garnered significant interest in pharmacological research. A research
The study published in Science Advances by Northwestern investigators, led by Professor Chad Mirkin, sheds light on the promising advancements in manipulating DNA chemistry to create new materials for medical and life sciences applications. The team’s experimental demonstration showcases how strategic design and preparation of DNA systems can lead to structures with varying shapes, flexibilities,
Water, a simple molecule with profound complexities, continues to intrigue scientists with its unique properties. One such property is the behavior of water molecules at an interface with air, where they lose their energy in a rather fascinating manner. Researchers at RIKEN have delved deep into this phenomenon to gain a better understanding of the
Chemistry has always been a field that requires precision and control over reactions. However, with the development of a new type of nitrene by a team of chemists at the University of Bremen, in Germany, the possibilities for slow reactions lasting up to three days have opened up new doors. This breakthrough could potentially revolutionize
In a collaborative research project between the University of Leiden and the John Innes Centre, a unique approach to developing antibiotics has yielded a highly promising candidate for combating drug-resistant bacteria. The project involved screening a library of 352 small molecules, some of which are currently used in cancer therapies, to test their antimicrobial properties
Somatostatin receptors (SSTRs) are an essential family of G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) responsible for controlling hormone secretion and preventing tumor growth. Within the five subtypes of SSTRs, SSTR5 plays a critical role in regulating the release of hormones like adrenocorticotropic hormone, prolactin, and growth hormone, particularly in the pituitary gland. A recent study published in
Capturing the interactions of molecules on camera is no easy feat, especially when the actors are microscopic and invisible to the naked eye. This challenge was met by Prof. Emiliano Cortés and his team at LMU, who embarked on a groundbreaking journey to film the synthesis of covalent organic frameworks (COFs). Despite two decades of
Organ preservation has long been plagued by the detrimental effects of cryogenic damage. The formation of ice crystals during freezing has been a significant barrier to effective organ preservation, leading to irreversible damage and organ failure. This issue has posed challenges to advancements in transplantation and medical treatments, impacting the success rates of organ transplants
Tungsten pentaboride, WB5-x, has recently been identified as a promising alternative to traditional catalysts due to its unique properties. A group of researchers led by Professor Alexander Kvashnin from Skoltech’s Energy Transition Center has published a new paper shedding light on the potential applications of this substance in various fields. In the study, researchers found
Esters, the compounds responsible for the sweet smell of fruits like strawberries, are widely used in various industries. However, the process of breaking down esters to produce alcohols and other chemicals can be costly and harmful to the environment. Traditional methods of ester reduction involve the use of highly reactive and difficult to handle metal
In a groundbreaking development, chemists at the National University of Singapore (NUS) have pioneered the creation of hexavalent photocatalytic covalent organic frameworks (COFs) that mimic natural photosynthesis for the production of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2). Unlike the traditional method of H2O2 production which relies on costly noble metal catalysts and hazardous solvents, this innovative approach utilizes
Vitamin B6 plays a crucial role in brain metabolism, and low levels of this vitamin have been linked to various mental illnesses, memory loss, and dementia in older individuals. While the importance of vitamin B6 in brain function has been recognized for decades, its exact role in mental disorders remains largely unclear. A research team