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
Chemistry
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,
In the pursuit of combating climate change, scientists at the Department of Energy’s Oak Ridge National Laboratory have taken a significant step forward in understanding the process of direct air capture (DAC) of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. DAC aims to achieve negative emissions, where the amount of carbon dioxide removed from the Earth’s envelope
Catalysts play a crucial role in chemical reactions by speeding up the reaction rate. Basic oxide catalysts, in particular, have been widely used in the synthesis of chemicals, pharmaceuticals, and petrochemicals. Efforts to enhance the catalytic power of these catalysts have been ongoing, with researchers exploring various strategies such as doping and substitution. In a
The COVID-19 pandemic has wreaked havoc across the globe, leading to widespread sickness and multiple national lockdowns. While certain countries are starting to experience a decline in infection rates, cases still persist, emphasizing the need for a deeper understanding of the mechanisms that sustain the virus within the body. Researchers at Kanazawa University have delved
In a breakthrough collaboration, two brothers who are scientists in unrelated fields have joined forces to address a chemical problem concerning the use of silicon in electronic devices. Dr. Tamim Darwish, leader of the National Deuteration Facility (NDF), proposed the idea of deuterating silicon to his brother, Dr. Nadim Darwish, a Senior Lecturer specializing in
For over 200 years, scientists have been grappling with a perplexing geology mystery known as the “Dolomite Problem.” Dolomite, a common mineral found in various geological formations, has been notoriously difficult to grow in laboratory settings under conditions believed to mimic its natural formation. However, a breakthrough study conducted by researchers from the University of
For over two centuries, scientists have grappled with the challenge of growing dolomite, a common mineral found in various geological formations. Dolomite is abundant in older rocks but remarkably absent in younger formations. However, a team of researchers from the University of Michigan and Hokkaido University in Japan has finally managed to grow dolomite in
The cost of cancer drugs is exorbitant, leaving patients burdened with immense financial strain. However, a group of groundbreaking chemists at UCLA, led by organic chemistry professor Ohyun Kwon, have created a solution that may revolutionize the pharmaceutical industry. By implementing a process known as “aminodealkenylation,” these researchers have discovered a cost-effective method for producing
Aspergillosis, caused by the fungal pathogen Aspergillus fumigatus, poses a significant threat to the lives of over 300,000 individuals annually. To address this medical concern, investigators at the University of Kansas have made groundbreaking advancements in deciphering a cluster of genes responsible for the production of sartorypyrones, a chemical associated with Aspergillosis. Their findings, published