Chemistry

As technologies for removing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere continue to improve, the question of what to do with the captured carbon remains a challenge. However, researchers at Rice University have made significant progress in this area. Led by materials scientist Pulickel Ajayan, the team has developed a method to convert carbon dioxide into methane,

Glyphosate, a commonly used herbicide, poses a significant threat to the environment and human health. In response to this issue, researchers from São Paulo State University (UNESP) in Brazil have developed an innovative technique for removing glyphosate from water. Inspired by the concept of the circular economy, the method utilizes sugarcane bagasse, a waste material

Researchers have made a significant breakthrough in understanding the properties of zirconium nitride (ZrN), a material that holds promise in powering clean energy reactions. This discovery has the potential to revolutionize the design of transition metal nitrides and pave the way for the generation of cleaner energy. The study, featured as the front cover article

Enzymes play a crucial role in various biological processes, aiding in the efficient functioning of our bodies. Among these enzymes, copper amine oxidases have been found to be particularly essential in the healing of wounds and detoxification of harmful substances. However, fully understanding the structure and biochemical reactivity of these enzymes has presented challenges for

The rapid advancements in flexible electronic technology have paved the way for groundbreaking devices such as foldable displays, wearables, e-skin, and medical devices. These devices require the use of flexible adhesives that can recover their shape quickly while effectively connecting various components. However, conventional pressure-sensitive adhesives (PSAs) often struggle to find the right balance between

Spent coffee grounds (SCG) are a significant contributor to the global waste generated by coffee consumption. With approximately 6 million metric tons of waste produced annually, finding sustainable solutions for managing SCG is crucial. Scientists and researchers are continuously exploring innovative approaches to convert SCG into value-added products. One such approach involves transforming SCG into

Chronic electrode/neural interfacing is crucial for understanding the mechanisms underlying brain disorders and developing effective treatments. However, ensuring long-term stability and biocompatibility of neural electrode interfaces remains a challenge. Poly (3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) (PEDOT) has been widely used as a modified conductive polymer material due to its biocompatibility and low electrochemical impedance. Nevertheless, PEDOT films often experience

A group of scientists from the Department of Energy’s Oak Ridge National Laboratory has recently conducted a groundbreaking study on the potential use of hafnium oxide, or hafnia, in novel semiconductor applications. By exploring the behavior of hafnia, these researchers have opened doors to the development of nonvolatile memory technologies, which could revolutionize the computer

Indoor air pollution is a growing concern for individuals around the world, particularly those living in urban areas. With people spending approximately 90% of their time indoors, it is vital to understand the processes that impact air quality. Research conducted by the University of Birmingham has shed light on the role of surfactants in aerosols

A breakthrough in material science has led to the development of a revolutionary textile-based composite that has the potential to transform the way we produce and use personal protective equipment (PPE). The engineers at Rice University have created a material that not only effectively kills viruses like SARS-CoV-2 on its surface but also remains cool

Separating molecules plays a critical role in various industries, including petroleum refining and pharmaceutical production. However, traditional separation methods are highly energy inefficient, contributing to approximately half of U.S. industrial energy consumption. In a recent study published in Science, a team of chemical and biological engineers introduced a groundbreaking membrane technology that can efficiently separate

Nanoplastics (NPs) pose a significant threat to human health, causing a range of adverse effects such as physical damage, oxidative stress, impaired cell signaling, and developmental defects. However, monitoring the presence of NPs in the environment has proven to be a challenging task. This is mainly due to their small particle sizes, diverse shapes and

The modern world is teeming with synthetic polymers that have revolutionized countless fields. These long-chained molecules, meticulously engineered by scientists, have found applications in medicine, protein synthesis, protective coatings, and beyond. In a remarkable development, researchers at the FAMU-FSU College of Engineering have devised two closely related polymers that exhibit distinct responses to different temperature

Polyurethane foams are widely used in various products to enhance comfort, but their recycling has always been a challenge due to the complexity of the curing process. Conventional approaches have proven to be economically unviable and generate substandard byproducts, leading to a significant amount of waste ending up in landfills. However, a team of chemical

RNA molecules play diverse roles in cellular processes, including transferring genetic information, regulating gene activity, and catalyzing biochemical reactions. In a recent breakthrough, a team of researchers led by chemistry professor Claudia Höbartner from Julius-Maximilians-Universität (JMU) Würzburg discovered a novel ribozyme called SAMURI. Published in the journal Nature Chemistry, this ribozyme has the ability to