Almost three decades ago, an interesting discovery was made by scientists in the field of anticancer research. A group of unique molecules with potential anticancer properties were identified in a family of bryozoans, which are marine invertebrates commonly found in tropical waters. The complex chemical structures of these molecules have been a subject of interest
Chemistry
In a groundbreaking development, a team of researchers at the University of Dundee has identified a new class of molecular glue that could revolutionize drug development for targeting cancers and neurodegenerative diseases. Led by Professor Alessio Ciulli, the research team at the Centre for Targeted Protein Degradation (CeTPD) has defined a unique type of “intramolecular
Nerve regeneration is a complex process that is often hindered by the formation of fluid-filled cavities and scars in the brain or spinal cord. These obstacles prevent tissue regeneration and make it difficult for injuries to heal properly. Researchers from Ruhr University Bochum and TU Dortmund University in Germany have developed an artificial cell environment
The role of chiral compounds in drug development cannot be understated. These compounds exist in two mirror-image variants, also known as enantiomers, which can have vastly different properties and effects. Professor Andreas Gansäuer from the University of Bonn highlights the importance of chirality in the development of drugs, citing examples like carvone, where the right-handed
In a recent study published in Nature Catalysis, researchers from the Harvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences (SEAS), Harvard Department of Chemistry & Chemical Biology, and Utrecht University have introduced a groundbreaking method to enhance the selectivity of catalytic reactions. This new approach offers a promising way to boost the efficacy
Chemical synthesis plays a crucial role in the development of various products such as medicines, crop protection substances, and high-performance materials. Traditionally, this process involves the use of organic solvents, metal catalysts, and reagents that contribute to waste and environmental pollution. However, a team of researchers from the University of Regensburg led by Prof. Dr.
The demand for environmentally friendly packaging is at an all-time high due to the ongoing plastic waste crisis. Research conducted by Srinivas Janaswamy, an associate professor of food chemistry at South Dakota State University, has shed light on how banana peels can be utilized to create biodegradable films as a sustainable alternative to petroleum-based plastics.
The global public health crisis brought on by antimicrobial resistance has been a daunting challenge for medical professionals and researchers alike. However, a team of Harvard researchers led by Andrew Myers has developed a groundbreaking antibiotic that effectively overcomes these resistance mechanisms. Published in Science, their study introduces cresomycin, a synthetic compound that has proven
A team of researchers from the University of Michigan has made a groundbreaking discovery in the field of plant biochemistry. In a study published in the journal Nature Chemical Biology, the researchers have identified a new mechanism by which plants generate cyclic peptides. These molecules have the potential to be used in pharmaceuticals as they
Supramolecular chemistry explores the self-assembly state of molecules and its influence on their tangible properties. By understanding and controlling self-assembled structures, scientists can design materials with desired characteristics such as charge transport capability and fluorescence wavelength. Researchers have long sought to unravel how molecular organization affects the properties of supramolecular assemblies at the nano and
The field of adhesives is incredibly diverse, with applications ranging from everyday uses like paper and fabric to specialized needs such as woodwork. However, in the medical arena, adhesives play a crucial role in suturing internal wounds, attaching sensors, and implanting medical devices. Excitingly, a recent breakthrough in this field has opened up new possibilities
Chemists have made a groundbreaking discovery in the field of enzyme research, as they have successfully determined the crystal structure of a crucial component of the monensin enzyme. This significant breakthrough has provided new insights into the mechanism of the enzyme’s reaction activity, offering potential opportunities for the development of safer and more effective antibiotics.
Indoor air pollution is a major concern for human health, with volatile organic compounds (VOCs) being a significant contributor. Among the various VOCs, formaldehyde stands out as a common pollutant emitted by household items and can have adverse health effects. However, current sensors lack the sensitivity and selectivity to detect formaldehyde at low concentrations. In
In the field of photochemistry, the search for highly reducing or oxidizing photocatalysts has always been a significant challenge. Previous studies have mainly focused on transition metal complexes with precious metals, such as ruthenium and iridium. However, these complexes come with their limitations, including the need for high energy light for excitation and the high
Researchers at the University of Cincinnati have made significant progress in the conversion of carbon dioxide into valuable products. Led by Associate Professor Jingjie Wu, the team has discovered that by using a modified copper catalyst, the electrochemical conversion of carbon dioxide into ethylene can be enhanced. Ethylene is a vital component in the production
