In a recent study conducted by researchers at the University of Liverpool, a groundbreaking discovery has been made in the realm of sustainable fuel production. The team has successfully developed a plasma-catalytic process for the conversion of carbon dioxide (CO2) into methanol at room temperature and atmospheric pressure. This innovative approach addresses the inherent limitations
Chemistry
The recent research conducted by scientists at the University of Rochester, led by Shauna Paradine, has introduced a groundbreaking method to achieve precision in chemical reactions. This method involves using a chemical “helper” to guide reactions in an extremely precise manner, ultimately leading to more efficient drug development and advancements in material creation. In chemical
Organofluorine compounds, often referred to as “forever chemicals,” have been a growing concern due to their presence in drinking water, oceans, and human blood, posing risks to both the environment and human health. Researchers at The University of Texas at Austin have made significant progress in developing a new technique to fingerprint these chemicals, enabling
The concept of growing functional human organs outside of the body has long been considered the “holy grail” of organ transplantation medicine. While this idea remains a challenge, recent research from Harvard’s Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering and John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Science (SEAS) has taken a significant step forward
A ground-breaking development in explosives detection technology has been achieved by a team of scientists. They have devised a method to detect trace amounts of hard-to-detect explosives from distances of over eight feet, eliminating the need for close contact or physical contact with suspicious materials. This innovative method, outlined in the journal Talanta, has the
In a rapidly evolving technological landscape, the demand for rare earth elements (REEs) is expected to soar. These metals, such as dysprosium and neodymium, play a crucial role in modern electronics due to their unique properties. While they are not as scarce as precious metals like platinum or gold, their extraction and purification pose significant
Organic semiconductors have always held promise for use in electronic devices, and now, researchers at Cavendish have uncovered two groundbreaking methods to improve these materials. Through the removal of more electrons than ever before and the utilization of non-equilibrium states, the performance of organic semiconductors has been significantly enhanced. These new insights have the potential
Gas separation, a crucial process for both manufacturing and research purposes, is responsible for a significant portion of U.S. energy consumption and carbon emissions. However, there is hope on the horizon for a more efficient and environmentally friendly approach to gas separation. A recent study conducted by a team of chemical and mechanical engineers and
Engineers at the University of Bath have devised an innovative approach to rid water of health-damaging ‘forever chemicals’ through the use of 3D printing technology. By leveraging ceramic-infused lattices, also known as ‘monoliths,’ researchers have successfully eliminated at least 75% of perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), a prevalent example of perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), from water
An exciting breakthrough in molecular physics has been made by an international team of scientists, led by Profs. Daniel Strasser and Roi Baer from The Hebrew University of Jerusalem. Their research has uncovered unexpected symmetry-breaking dynamics in ionized carbon dioxide dimers, shedding light on structural changes induced by extreme ultraviolet (EUV) radiation. This groundbreaking study,
Solar energy has long been hailed as a promising solution to our energy needs, but the efficiency and cost of solar panels have often been barriers to widespread adoption. However, a recent breakthrough in the field of solar cell technology may change all that. A research team has discovered that a coating of special organic
Clathrate hydrates are unique structures that consist of water molecules forming a lattice around guest molecules. These complex formations play a crucial role in material science research due to their ability to alter physicochemical properties. One particular type of clathrate hydrate, known as Frank-Kasper (FK) phases, exhibits a geometric arrangement of close-packed tetrahedra, making their
The relationship between “strength” and “elongation” in metallic materials has long been a topic of interest in materials science and engineering. Typically, as the strength of a material increases, its elongation decreases, and vice versa. This conflict poses a challenge for researchers looking to enhance both properties simultaneously. However, a recent collaborative effort between researchers
Research programs from the Center for Integrated Technology and Organic Synthesis of the University of Liège (Belgium) have unveiled the potential of micro/mesofluidic technologies in exploring new reaction spaces. The compression of spatiotemporal frameworks through these technologies opens up avenues for increased productivity and the discovery of novel reaction pathways. While continuous flow technology and
A recent breakthrough in bioenergy and bioproduct innovation at the Center for Advanced Bioenergy and Bioproducts Innovation (CABBI) has paved the way for the development of more environmentally friendly agricultural chemicals and everyday products. Through the use of natural enzymes and light, researchers at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign have found a way to efficiently