Chemistry

Alkylbenzene is a crucial component in the manufacturing of detergents, including soap, toothpaste, laundry detergent, and industrial cleaners. However, traditional methods of alkylbenzene production generate harmful halogen byproducts. In an effort to develop a more sustainable and cost-effective manufacturing process, researchers have devised a new technique using alkanes directly as alkylating agents. This groundbreaking approach

The arid regions of the world pose significant challenges when it comes to accessing fresh water. However, nature has provided us with remarkable examples of plants and animals that have adapted to these harsh conditions and developed efficient water-harvesting mechanisms. In a recent study conducted by a team of scientists from NYU Abu Dhabi, a

Next-generation solar materials have shown great promise in terms of cost-effectiveness and sustainability compared to traditional silicon solar cells. However, one significant challenge remains – developing solar cells that are durable enough to withstand real-world conditions. In a groundbreaking study published in the journal Nature Energy, a team of international scientists, including Nelson Dzade from

Chemists from Oxford University and IBM Research Europe-Zürich have achieved a significant milestone in the field of chemistry. In their recent study published in the esteemed journal Nature, the researchers successfully synthesized a doubly anti-aromatic C16 carbon allotrope. This breakthrough opens up new avenues for exploration and experimentation in molecular chemistry, as well as potential

In our relentless pursuit of net-zero carbon emissions, scientists at the University of Houston (UH) have made significant progress in harnessing the hidden potential of algae. Led by Venkatesh Balan, an associate professor of engineering technology in UH’s Cullen College of Engineering’s Division of Technology, their groundbreaking research promises to revolutionize various industries and potentially

Every year, more than 100,000 tons of diapers are discarded in Germany alone, leading to a colossal waste management problem. Within these diapers lie valuable resources, such as diaper liners, that end up in landfills or incineration facilities. A significant component of these liners is superabsorbers, which comprise special polymers. Until now, recycling these polymers

Dispersions of polymer particles in a liquid phase, known as latexes, have diverse applications in various fields such as coatings technology, medical imaging, and cell biology. A recent breakthrough by a team of French researchers has led to the development of a method for producing stable polystyrene dispersions with unprecedentedly large and uniform particle sizes.

Scientists from the Department of Energy’s SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory have recently made significant progress in understanding and producing nitroxide, a molecule with promising potential in the biomedical field. While the physiological effects of nitric oxide (NO) have been widely studied, its lesser-known cousin, nitroxide (HNO), has remained largely unexplored. This research, published in the

Imagine if your houseplant could warn you when your water is contaminated. This vision is no longer just a concept, as scientists have made significant progress in engineering plants to sense and react to toxic chemicals. Researchers at UC Riverside have successfully developed a plant that turns beet red in the presence of a banned

Plastic waste has become a global crisis, with the majority of consumer plastics ending up in landfills or being incinerated, causing negative environmental impacts. Conventional recycling methods have struggled to effectively recycle mixed plastics due to the complexity of separating the different polymers. However, a team of scientists at the Department of Energy’s Oak Ridge

In a groundbreaking study, researchers from the University of California San Diego have developed soft and durable materials that have the extraordinary ability to glow when subjected to mechanical stress. Inspired by the mesmerizing bioluminescent waves observed during red tide events at San Diego’s beaches, this study brings forth new possibilities in the field of

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

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