Biodegradable electronics have opened up new possibilities in the medical field by allowing devices such as drug delivery systems, pacemakers, and neural implants to safely degrade in the body. However, the challenge lies in controlling the dissolve rate of these devices to ensure that they remain functional for the required period of time. Researchers have
Chemistry
The process of converting CO2 back into synthetic fuels, also known as synfuels, presents numerous challenges. While the concept of reversing the combustion process to create fuel is intriguing, the actual implementation is far from simple. One of the main difficulties lies in the fact that CO2 electrolysis can lead to the formation of more
Carbohydrates, known as sugar chains or “glycans” in the body, play a crucial role in various biological processes by attaching themselves to proteins and lipids. However, when this process of glycosylation malfunctions, the risk of developing diseases such as cancer, diabetes, Alzheimer’s, and muscular dystrophy significantly increases. Researchers have recently made strides in understanding how
Calcite, a crystalline form of calcium carbonate, is a mineral with a rhombohedral appearance. It is commonly found in limestone and marble, making it one of the most abundant minerals on Earth. Calcite is known for its stability compared to other forms of calcium carbonate such as aragonite and vaterite. The study of calcite is
An exciting development has emerged from a team of researchers at the University of Science and Technology of China, led by Prof. Xu Tongwen and Ge Xiaolin, in the field of anion exchange membranes (AEMs). Their groundbreaking work has led to the design of a novel spiro-branched polymeric membrane with highly connected sub-nanometer microporous ion
Asbestos has been a persistent issue in the construction industry for many years, with testing procedures often being complex and costly. However, recent research conducted by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) has brought about a potential game-changer in the form of scanning electron microscopy (SEM) as a viable alternative to traditional methods.
Food recalls due to contamination are a common occurrence, causing concern among consumers about the safety of the products they consume. Despite efforts by the food industry to combat pathogens, outbreaks still happen, leading to illnesses in some cases. The existing tools for detecting harmful pathogens are often inadequate, leaving gaps in the screening process.
Hydrocarbazole is a key compound in organic chemistry, playing a crucial role as a building block for various biologically active compounds. These compounds include pesticides like strychnine and anticancer drugs such as vinblastine and minovincine. Given the importance of hydrocarbazole in the synthesis of such compounds, the development of efficient synthesis methods is a significant
DNA, often referred to as the blueprint of life, has now found a new purpose in material science. Northwestern investigators led by Chad Mirkin have uncovered the potential of manipulating DNA chemistry to create innovative materials with applications in medicine and the life sciences. In a study published in Science Advances, the team demonstrated how
The study published in Nature Communications by RIKEN scientists has shed light on the intricate process of water molecules losing energy at the interface with air. This new discovery provides a more profound understanding of the dynamics that take place at water surfaces, revealing the complexity of hydrogen bonding and relaxation mechanisms. Water, a substance
Nitrenes are a type of electrophile molecules that contain a neutral atom bonded to a single other substituent. Due to their structure with just six electrons in their valence level, they typically have very short reaction times, often in the nanosecond range. This quick reactivity has posed challenges for chemists looking to utilize nitrenes in
Somatostatin receptors (SSTRs) are a vital group of G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) that are responsible for regulating hormone secretion and suppressing tumor growth. Among the five subtypes of SSTRs, SSTR5 is particularly noteworthy due to its high expression in the pituitary gland, where it controls the release of essential hormones like adrenocorticotropic hormone, prolactin, and
The innovative project aimed at re-purposing existing drugs for their potential as antibiotics has resulted in the discovery of a highly promising candidate with a potent and unique way of killing drug-resistant bacteria. The collaboration between the University of Leiden, the Netherlands, and the John Innes Centre, UK, screened a chemical library of 352 small
Shooting a movie in the lab requires special equipment. Especially when the actors are molecules—invisible to the naked eye—reacting with each other. According to Prof. Emiliano Corté, the journey to capture the elusive chemistry on film is akin to trying to document tiny lava flows during a volcanic eruption with a smartphone camera. However, the
Organ preservation has long been hindered by cryogenic damage, which can lead to irreversible damage and organ failure. This issue has posed significant challenges to advancements in transplantation and medical treatments, ultimately impacting the success rates of organ transplants and leaving many patients on long waiting lists. A Promising Solution A recent study led by
