The study of biological processes and the complex structures of proteins is a crucial field of research. One of the key concepts in this area is chemical diversification of proteins, which involves selectively modifying specific amino acids to create diverse variations of proteins. Cysteine, an amino acid, has been extensively studied and can currently be
Chemistry
In a surprising turn of events, scientists have discovered that a common carbon compound, graphene, when combined with copper in just the right proportion, can significantly enhance the performance of electrical wires. This groundbreaking finding challenges conventional wisdom about metals and their ability to conduct electricity. The implications of this discovery are far-reaching and have
In a recent study published in the Chemical Engineering Journal, researchers in Brazil have developed a groundbreaking strategy to tackle the growing concern of emerging pollutants in groundwater. These pollutants, including various drugs such as antidepressants, pose a significant threat to both human health and the environment. The research team, consisting of scientists from the
Hydrogen, being carbon dioxide free, is often considered as a potential source of clean energy. However, transitioning to a hydrogen-based society requires overcoming several technical challenges. To develop advanced materials for hydrogen-related applications, researchers need a deep understanding of hydrogen behavior in alloys. Current technology falls short in this area. Detecting atomic state hydrogen, the
The building envelope plays a critical role in protecting occupants from external environmental factors such as sun, rain, snow, wind, and pollution. This multilayer component not only contributes to the energy efficiency of a building but also ensures the health and comfort of its residents. However, issues such as air leakage, heat transfer, and moisture
Throughout history, Rembrandt has been recognized as one of the greatest painters of all time. His masterpiece, “The Night Watch,” continues to captivate audiences with its exceptional composition and technique. However, recent research has shed light on a previously unnoticed aspect of Rembrandt’s creative process – the use of lead-based impregnation in the canvas. This
Anodes used for the electrolytic splitting of water typically rely on iridium-based materials. However, the stability of iridium catalysts in this process is a concern due to the increasing dissolution of iridium in the acidic environment of the electrolysis cell. To address this issue, researchers at HZB and HI-ERN have conducted a study to investigate
Over the years, researchers at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign have been at the forefront of groundbreaking studies in the field of solvation and ion binding. In their latest publication in JACS Au, these researchers have shed light on a new pathway for electrochemically controlling ion selectivity by manipulating solvation. By expanding on their previous
In today’s world of rapidly advancing technology, we often find ourselves faced with the challenge of effectively interfacing hard and soft materials. Whether it’s a laptop charger that breaks at the cable-adapter junction or the need to optimize the interface between man-made materials, the limitations of existing methods have sparked the curiosity of researchers. In
In the quest for sustainable alternatives to petroleum-based plastic films, researchers at North Carolina State University have made significant progress. Through innovative research, they have combined chitosan, a biopolymer derived from crab shells, with agarose, a biopolymer extracted from seaweed, to create unique biopolymer composite films. These films possess exceptional strength, biodegradability, antibacterial properties, water
A groundbreaking discovery has been made by RIKEN chemists, who have successfully developed a highly active catalyst capable of synthesizing drug molecules within the body. This catalyst has shown promising results in mice, where it assembled an anticancer drug near tumors and effectively suppressed tumor growth. The potential implications of this development are immense, as
In the field of metal-catalyzed C–H functionalization, the Chirik Group at the Princeton Department of Chemistry has been making significant strides. Their latest breakthrough involves the use of a cobalt catalyst that can differentiate between bonds in fluoroarenes based on their intrinsic electronic properties, allowing for meta-selective borylation. This groundbreaking research, published in Science, showcases
Traditional medical adhesives used in surgical procedures have significant limitations, such as limited bio-absorbability, high toxicity, and lack of customizability. These limitations often lead to suboptimal surgical outcomes. However, recent advancements in synthetic biology have paved the way for the development of a promising alternative – tailored biocompatible and biodegradable adhesives designed specifically for internal
Every wine has its own unique character, attributed to the complex blend of thousands of molecules that make it up. These molecules’ concentrations are influenced by various factors, such as the composition of grapes, soil structure, grape variety, and winemaking practices. Even small variations in these factors can significantly impact the taste and sensory qualities
The quest for more energy and cost-efficient heat transfer methods continuously drives researchers to explore dynamic phenomena. Among the diverse range of cooling operations, water remains the go-to resource for large-scale applications such as data centers and nuclear power plants. Associate professor Jonathan Boreyko, together with his team at the Nature-Inspired Fluids and Interfaces Lab,