Ceramics have long been admired for their unique properties, including resistance to high temperatures, corrosion, and surface wear. However, their inherent brittleness has limited their practical applications. Fortunately, a breakthrough study led by engineers at the University of California San Diego has discovered a way to make ceramics tougher and more resistant to cracking. By
Chemistry
During the Battle of Flanders in July 1917, a shocking event took place. German soldiers unleashed sulfur mustard-containing artillery shells on unsuspecting British and Canadian troops, which marked the first instance of “mustard gas” being used as a chemical warfare agent in war. This devastating incident set a precedent, as sulfur mustard has since been
The DNA double helix, with its intricate structure and complementary sequences, has long fascinated scientists. Researchers at the University of Vienna have now taken this fascination to a whole new level, by creating fluorescent duplexes that can generate an astounding 16 million colors. This breakthrough not only surpasses the previous limitation of 256 colors, but
Cellulose, a versatile and abundant material, holds great potential for various applications, including hydrogel production for drug delivery, wound care, and contact lenses. However, the conventional methods of creating cellulose hydrogels often involve toxic or unstable solvents, making it challenging to develop eco-friendly and non-toxic processes. Inspired by the nest-building techniques of swift birds, researchers
The SARS-CoV-2 virus, responsible for the COVID-19 pandemic, encodes various proteins, with one of them being an ion channel called E. This ion channel, known to transport protons and calcium ions, triggers an inflammatory response within infected cells, leading to tissue damage and the manifestation of COVID-19 symptoms. In an effort to understand the mechanism
For chemists, developing new synthesis methods to obtain novel products is essential to meet society’s ever-growing needs. This involves creating complex organic chemical compounds from simpler reagents through a series of precise reactions. However, achieving better control and simpler operation of these reactions remains a significant research challenge. In a groundbreaking study, a research group
Fine chemical and pharmaceutical manufacturing processes have long been criticized for their significant negative environmental impacts. In fact, recent studies have shown that the carbon footprint of the pharmaceutical industry surpasses that of the automotive industry, making it a major contributor to air pollution. Furthermore, these industries are responsible for water pollution caused by the
Wastewater treatment is a critical process that aims to remove harmful pollutants and chemicals from water sources, ensuring clean and safe water for consumption and environmental protection. However, the removal of dyes, such as those discharged by textile, cosmetic, ink, and paper manufacturers, has posed a significant challenge for traditional treatment methods. These dyes, known
Fluorinated gases, known for their hazardous nature and ozone-depleting effects, have long posed a challenge in terms of safe handling and storage. However, a recent study conducted by chemists from Cornell University, the Korea Institute of Science and Technology, and Southern Methodist University has discovered a groundbreaking solution. By utilizing metal organic frameworks (MOFs), the
In the battle against cancer, scientists face the daunting task of identifying effective drug targets amidst the vast complexity of tumor cells. These cells rely on thousands of proteins to function, but only a fraction of them can be specifically targeted by drugs to treat cancer safely and efficiently. However, a groundbreaking study led by
In the pursuit of sustainable materials development and reducing our carbon footprint, the recycling of plastic waste plays a crucial role. Dissolving polymers with organic solvents is an essential process in various applications such as polymer synthesis, refining, painting, and coating. However, determining the miscibility of polymers with solvent candidates has always been a challenge
The presence of perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) in the human body has raised concerns due to its potential health risks. A team of scientists from the A*STAR’s Singapore Institute of Food and Biotechnology Innovation (SIFBI) and the A*STAR Skin Research Labs (A*SRL) has made a significant breakthrough in understanding the processing of PFOA in the human
The field of material science constantly seeks new ways to design structures with precise control and tailor-made properties. In the realm of metal-organic frameworks (MOFs), a groundbreaking technique has been developed inspired by the ancient art of constructing arched stone windows. This innovative method employs a molecular version of an architectural arch-forming template to shape
In a groundbreaking study, researchers from Stanford University have achieved a scientific feat previously thought to be impossible. For the first time ever, they have successfully created and stabilized a highly elusive form of gold known as Au2+ using a halide perovskite. What makes this discovery all the more remarkable is the simplicity and speed
Solid materials have traditionally been viewed as rigid and immobile. However, scientists are challenging this notion by exploring ways to incorporate moving parts into solids. This groundbreaking approach opens up opportunities for the development of exotic new materials, including amphidynamic crystals, which contain both rigid and mobile components. By controlling molecular rotation within the material,
