The recent publication by Dr. Winston “Wole” Soboyejo and Dr. Tabiri Kwayie Asumadu, titled “Robust Macroscale Superlubricity on Carbon-Coated Metallic Surfaces,” has brought to light an innovative approach to reducing friction on metallic surfaces. This breakthrough could potentially revolutionize multiple industries by significantly improving efficiency and durability. The study reveals that superlubricity, a state with
Chemistry
A research team from the University Alliance Ruhr, Germany, recently made a groundbreaking discovery. They found a catalyst that can be used to convert ammonia into hydrogen and nitrite, a key precursor for fertilizers. This innovative approach combines the production of energy carrier hydrogen and fertilizer on a laboratory scale, revolutionizing the way we think
Cholera infections, caused by Vibrio cholerae bacteria, are known to be life-threatening due to the production of the cholera toxin. This toxin binds to specific “sugar lipids” (GM1 gangliosides) on intestinal cell surfaces, creating one of the strongest interactions between a protein and sugar molecules. This bond allows the toxin to enter intestinal cells, leading
Actinium, a rare and radioactive element first discovered at the beginning of the 20th century, has always been shrouded in mystery due to its limited availability and hazardous nature. Researchers have been struggling to fully comprehend the chemistry of this element, hindering its potential applications in various fields, including medicine and nuclear energy. A recent
Chemical and biological systems have long been of interest to researchers in the field of molecular computing. The Institute for Molecules and Materials at Radboud University, Netherlands, recently conducted a study that demonstrated the capabilities of a complex self-organizing chemical reaction network to perform various computational tasks. Led by Prof. Wilhelm Huck, the research team
Antibiotics have been a crucial tool in fighting bacterial infections for decades. However, with the rise of drug-resistant bacteria, there is a constant need to improve existing antibiotics or develop new ones. Professor Nathaniel Martin, an expert in biological chemistry, set out to enhance the effectiveness of an antibiotic called bacitracin using cutting-edge techniques in
Recent research conducted at The University of Texas at El Paso has shed light on the destructive effects of nanoplastics and per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) on biomolecular structures and functions. These manmade compounds, commonly known as forever chemicals, have been linked to a range of negative health outcomes and developmental issues. The team of
In the world of organic chemistry, breakthroughs are rare and far between. However, a recent study has shed light on a new method that could potentially revolutionize the way we synthesize complex molecules. The anti-Michael addition reaction, which has long been elusive due to the higher electrophilicity of the β-position, has finally been achieved by
Transition metal phosphides have long been considered a promising alternative to noble metal catalysts due to their cost-effectiveness and abundance. However, challenges such as surface oxidation and complex synthesis processes have hindered their widespread adoption. Dr. Constanze Neumann, a leading researcher at the Max-Planck-Institut für Kohlenforschung, and her team have made significant strides in addressing
A recent study published in the prestigious journal Science has revealed a groundbreaking development by a team of chemists and materials scientists at Sichuan University in China. The researchers have successfully created a photoluminescent aerogel with a remarkable visible light reflectance of 104%. With the global climate crisis worsening, there is a growing demand for
Solar energy has been gaining momentum as the fastest growing renewable energy source in the United States, fueled by advancements in technology that enhance the conversion of solar light into electricity. However, researchers are also looking at harnessing light for chemical reactions. The chemical industry plays a critical role in producing everyday consumer and industrial
Have you ever noticed that your polyester workout gear tends to smell worse after a heavy sweat session compared to your cotton or viscose clothing? A recent study conducted by the University of Alberta sheds light on this phenomenon. The research analyzed various fibers soaked in a solution of simulated sweat to determine how different
The integration of small synthetic molecules inside protein crystals has emerged as a promising method for studying intermediate compounds formed during chemical reactions. Researchers from Tokyo Tech have successfully visualized reaction dynamics and rapid structural changes by employing this innovative approach with time-resolved serial femtosecond crystallography. Their findings, published in Nature Communications, signify a significant
A groundbreaking study conducted by a team of researchers from Pohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH), the Korea Research Institute of Chemical Technology, and Chonnam National University has led to the development of a revolutionary technique for separating well-mixed mixtures. Led by Professor Jee-hoon Han from the Department of Chemical Engineering at POSTECH, the
Proteins have long been essential in various biological processes, from muscle contraction to immune response. However, the process of engineering better proteins, such as antibodies, has been tedious and expensive. Scientists have traditionally relied on iterative mutation of amino acids to enhance protein function. This approach involves testing millions of different sequences to find the