Detection of toxic gases in industrial or domestic environments has been limited by systems that can only be used once or a few times. However, MIT researchers have recently introduced a new gas detector that promises continuous monitoring of gas presence at a low cost. This innovative system combines two existing technologies to offer a
Chemistry
Solid-state hydrogen storage has long been considered a key technology in the transition towards sustainable energy solutions. The use of hydrogen as a clean energy source has the potential to revolutionize the way we power our world, especially when sourced from renewable sources. Magnesium hydride (MgH2) has emerged as a promising material due to its
Prions are abnormal, transmissible agents that can induce the misfolding of normal cellular proteins, leading to a group of fatal neurodegenerative diseases known as prion diseases. These diseases, such as Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (CJD) in humans and chronic wasting disease (CWD) in animals, have devastating effects on both humans and wildlife populations. Understanding the mechanisms behind
The threat of antibiotic resistance continues to grow as pathogens evolve and become more adept at defending themselves against traditional treatments. This poses a serious public health concern, especially with certain bacteria being classified as critical by the World Health Organization due to their high levels of resistance. Finding new types of antibiotics is crucial
The field of computational science constantly evolves, challenging previously accepted norms and pushing the boundaries of knowledge. A recent study conducted by computational scientists at the Department of Energy’s Oak Ridge National Laboratory questions a fundamental aspect of molecular dynamics simulations: the time step used to simulate the dynamics of water molecules. This critical reevaluation
Recent research has shed new light on the long-standing speculation that Ludwig van Beethoven’s health issues and untimely death were caused by lead poisoning. It was commonly believed that the composer’s high lead levels, found in a lock of hair in 2000, were responsible for his various health problems. However, a new study published in
Cancer research has long been on the forefront of scientific innovation, constantly seeking new methods and tools to detect, study, and ultimately cure this deadly disease. In a groundbreaking study conducted by scientists at the University of Colorado Boulder and Princeton University, a unique approach was employed to detect the atomic fingerprints of cancer cells
The quest for sustainable water disinfection treatments has led researchers from the University of Pittsburgh, Drexel University, and Brookhaven National Laboratory to delve into the world of scalable electrochemical ozone production (EOP) technologies. With the potential to revolutionize water disinfection processes in both urban centers and rural communities, EOP presents a promising alternative to traditional
The University of Michigan researchers have made a groundbreaking discovery in the field of renewable energy by developing a catalyst material called cobalt phthalocyanine. This catalyst has the ability to convert carbon dioxide, a notorious contributor to climate change, into renewable fuels like methanol. This development has the potential to revolutionize the way we view
In a recent study conducted by scientists at Tokyo Metropolitan University, a new model has been developed to analyze how amorphous materials respond to stress. By considering groups of atoms and molecules as squishy spheres with different levels of softness, the researchers were able to uncover unexpected patterns in the distribution of forces within the
The intersection of science fiction and science fact becomes apparent when considering the chemistry behind the galaxy far, far away in the Star Wars universe. Professor Alex Baker from the University of Warwick delves into the captivating inspiration that real-world reactions have had on the iconic franchise. From the freezing of Han Solo to the
Terpenes are natural substances that have a wide range of applications, from fragrances in cosmetics to flavorings in food. They also play a crucial role in the development of new medications. Chemists at the University of Basel have recently introduced a new method of synthesis for terpenes, making it easier to produce these complex molecules
When it comes to enjoying different alcoholic beverages, the temperature at which they are consumed plays a significant role in how they are perceived. Whether it’s beer, white wine, red wine, baijiu, or sake, each beverage has its own ideal drinking temperature. A recent study published in the journal Matter sheds light on how the
A groundbreaking discovery by Kobe University researchers has opened up a new avenue for inhibiting DNA-cleaving enzymes by utilizing the aggregation of a previously non-toxic molecule. This discovery has the potential to revolutionize the fight against Streptococcus, a bacteria responsible for toxic shock syndrome – a life-threatening condition. The Problem Streptococcus bacteria deploy a DNA-cleaving
Ceramic materials have long been utilized in various industries, such as aerospace, transportation, and manufacturing, due to their remarkable mechanical and chemical properties. However, one major drawback of ceramics is their limited plastic deformability at room temperature. In a recent study conducted by researchers at Purdue University’s College of Engineering, a new method has been
