Chemistry

Researchers from North Carolina State University have developed a groundbreaking process for creating cellulose gels, inspired by the nest-making process of small birds. This nontoxic freeze-thaw method offers a simple and cost-effective solution for producing cellulose gels that have a wide range of applications, including tunable gels for timed drug delivery. Through this innovative approach,

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has wreaked havoc across the globe, resulting in millions of infections and deaths. To combat this viral outbreak, scientists at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) have been studying the structure and function of the virus’s ion channels, particularly the

In order to meet the ever-growing demands of society, chemists are constantly seeking new synthesis methods to obtain products that do not exist naturally. This includes the development of new pharmaceuticals, cleaner fuels, and biodegradable plastics. It is crucial for chemists to create complex organic chemical compounds from simpler reagents, a process known as organic

Researchers from the National University of Singapore (NUS) have made significant progress in developing a new class of catalysts that could potentially revolutionize sustainable manufacturing processes for fine chemicals and pharmaceuticals. The catalysts, known as heterogeneous geminal atom catalysts (GACs), promise to address the environmental issues plaguing these industries, such as air and water pollution.

Wastewater pollution is a pressing global issue that poses significant risks to both the environment and human health. With textile, cosmetic, ink, paper, and other industries discharging large quantities of dyes into wastewater, the need for effective treatment methods is paramount. These dyes are highly toxic and can contain potential carcinogens, making their removal essential.

Fluorinated gases, known for their hazardous properties, have long been a challenge when it comes to handling and usage. Not only are they flammable and toxic, but they also contribute to the depletion of the ozone layer upon release into the atmosphere. Recognizing the need for a safer and more efficient method for handling these

Searching for new ways to block the growth of cancer cells is an ongoing challenge in the field of cancer research. Tumor cells rely on numerous proteins to function properly, but identifying the specific proteins that can be targeted by drugs is a complex task. However, a recent study published in Nature Chemical Biology on

Polymer recycling is an essential process in the development of polymeric materials. It plays a significant role in reducing carbon emissions associated with materials production. However, recycling plastics and plastic-like materials is not a straightforward task. It requires the ability to effectively dissolve these materials using organic solvents. To overcome the limitations of experimental data,

Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) is a persistent environmental contaminant found in various consumer products and is known to have negative health implications. Despite its widespread use and potential harm, limited research has been conducted on the critical levels of PFOA exposure and its elimination from the human body. However, a recent breakthrough by a team of

In the realm of material science, the quest for precise control over structure formation has always been a challenging endeavor. One specific area of interest is the design and construction of tailored nanoscale windows in porous functional materials called metal-organic frameworks (MOFs). Inspired by a centuries-old technique for constructing arched stone windows, researchers have introduced

For the first time, researchers at Stanford University have successfully created and stabilized a rare form of gold, known as Au2+. This discovery was made possible through the use of a halide perovskite—a type of crystalline material that shows great promise in various applications, including solar cells, light sources, and electronics components. What makes this

Solid materials have traditionally been seen as rigid and immovable. However, scientists are challenging this notion by exploring the incorporation of moving parts into solids. This groundbreaking research opens up possibilities for the development of innovative materials, such as amphidynamic crystals. These crystals combine both rigid and mobile components, allowing for control over their properties

Organic synthesis is a fascinating art that involves creating molecules for various purposes, from pharmaceuticals to materials for cutting-edge technologies. This process can be compared to playing with microscopic LEGO bricks, where chemists connect simple building blocks to form complex molecules. However, one crucial challenge in this puzzle is bonding two carbon atoms together. Just

Glycosylation, the attachment of carbohydrates to proteins through enzymatic reactions, is a critical process that greatly influences protein structure, function, and stability. Glycoproteins, the proteins that undergo glycosylation, play essential roles in various biological processes. There are two commonly known types of protein glycosylation: N-glycosylation and O-glycosylation. Researchers at the Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian

Wood waste has long been a challenge in the paper and pulp industry. However, researchers have recently made a breakthrough by turning this abundant waste material, known as lignin, into bio-based transparent films. Not only does this offer a sustainable alternative to toxic synthetic materials, but it also has the potential to act as a