Chemistry

Helices are prevalent structural motifs found in a multitude of biological molecules, particularly in proteins. These spiral shapes are not merely aesthetic; they play a vital role in determining how these molecules behave and interact within our bodies. The precise arrangement of constituent elements gives rise to a helical structure, and understanding this arrangement is

In the ever-evolving field of chemistry, the quest for more efficient synthesis methods is continuous. Recently, researchers from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign have made significant strides toward this goal, focusing on the synthesis of ethers—essential components found in a myriad of products ranging from pharmaceuticals to personal care items. Spearheaded by Professor M. Christina

Recent advancements in the electrochemical reduction of carbon dioxide (CO2) herald a new era in sustainable chemical manufacturing. A pivotal study published in Nature Energy reveals significant insights into how CO2 can be efficiently transformed into high-value chemicals, such as ethylene and ethanol. This research is crucial for deconstructing the traditional chemical production paradigm, enabling

Iron compounds have been shown to absorb light differently based on small changes in their chemical structure. Specifically, the second coordination sphere, which is not directly bound to the iron atom, plays a crucial role in influencing the behavior of these compounds. By adding protons, the reaction of the iron complexes to absorbed light is

The groundbreaking collaboration between researchers from Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT) and Voxalytic GmbH has led to the development of a novel method that has the potential to revolutionize the elucidation of the chiral structure of molecules. This method, utilizing nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy, marks a significant advancement in the chemical and pharmaceutical industries.

Ribonucleic acid (RNA) is a crucial biological molecule that plays an essential role in the genetics of organisms and the evolution of life on Earth. A recent study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences sheds light on how the process of RNA folding at low temperatures can offer new insights into

The School of Engineering at the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) has made groundbreaking strides in the field of additive manufacturing with the development of a new method for producing geometrically complex cellular ceramics. This method, known as the Surface Tension-Driven Route Toward Programmed Cellular Ceramics, has the potential to transform the

The use of MXene materials as catalysts for the oxygen evolution reaction in electrolytic water splitting has recently been demonstrated by an international team of researchers. Led by HZB chemist Michelle Browne, the team has shown that functionalized MXenes are superior to traditional metal oxide catalysts in terms of stability and efficiency. This discovery has

The debate surrounding the correlation between serotonin and depression is crucial for advancing our understanding of this complex mental health disorder. A recent study conducted by a team of researchers from China has introduced a novel fluorescent probe that can provide valuable insights into the role of serotonin in the pathophysiology of depression. By unveiling

Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) have long been a promising area of research due to their versatile properties and potential applications. Traditionally, MOFs have been designed using either a bottom-up or top-down approach. The bottom-up approach involves selecting metal clusters and organic ligands to explore potential structures. On the other hand, the top-down approach begins with a

Chemotherapy has been a cornerstone in the treatment of cancer, saving countless lives. However, the side effects and limitations of these treatments have led researchers to seek new innovative ways to improve cancer therapy. A recent study published in Cell Reports Physical Science has shed light on the use of molecular “cages” made of pseudopeptides

Peptides, short chains of amino acids, play a crucial role in various biological processes such as building structures, speeding up chemical reactions, and supporting the immune system. The specific function of a protein is determined by how its amino acids interact with each other and aggregate into a three-dimensional structure. Scientists from China have conducted

Recent advancements in organic chemistry have allowed chemists at the University of Amsterdam to develop a new method for incorporating a trifluoromethyl group into molecules without the use of PFAS reagents. This breakthrough, published in Science, offers an environmentally friendly approach to synthesizing pharmaceutical and agrochemical compounds that require the presence of a trifluoromethyl group.

In a groundbreaking study published in the journal Science Advances by researchers from the University of Cincinnati College of Medicine and Cincinnati Children’s Hospital, a new method has been discovered to enhance the speed and success rates of drug discovery processes. This innovative approach holds immense promise for revolutionizing the field of pharmaceutical research. The

In the pharmaceutical industry, the development of effective drugs has always been a time-consuming and costly process. However, a recent breakthrough in organic chemistry has the potential to change the game entirely. A team of chemists has discovered a stable nickel complex that can be used to create new chemical bonds with alkyl fragments, allowing