Researchers developed nanosized capsules compatible with various substances for medicine and energy applications. The capsules can carry anticancer drugs or medical-imaging agents to specific locations within the human body. A highly sensitive oxygen sensor was also created, detecting minute amounts of oxygen in confined spaces.
Researchers are rediscovering the achievements of Arabic-speaking scientists who made groundbreaking advancements in chemistry during the 8th to 13th centuries. Their work, which was previously overlooked in the Western world, is now being recognized as a major contributor to the emergence of modern science and medicine.
Researchers at Caltech have identified epoxides as a key player in atmospheric chemistry, finding that these chemicals can form secondary organic aerosol. This process has significant implications for human health and climate change.
Researchers find that nitrogen oxides combine with hydrochloric acid to create chlorine atoms, speeding up smog formation and contributing to corrosion indoors. This phenomenon should be added to atmospheric models to better predict air pollution levels.
Scientists at the University of York have developed a technique to recover polyvinyl-alcohol from discarded TV screens, transforming it into a substance suitable for use in tissue scaffolds that aid body regeneration. The recovered material can also be used in pills and dressings designed to deliver drugs to specific parts of the body.
Researchers create highly stable chemical compounds that can bind to proteins with high affinity and selectivity, replacing traditional antibodies used in medical diagnostic tests. The technique involves a stepwise approach using in situ click chemistry, allowing for the creation of complex molecules in a relatively simple process.
The US Environmental Protection Agency announced the 2009 Presidential Green Chemistry Challenge Award winners, recognizing research that can make significant contributions to pollution prevention. The award winners developed innovative methods for producing greener chemicals, fuels, and materials.
Lin Ma's project aims to understand turbulent combustion using advanced laser diagnostics, contributing to energy security and environmental sustainability. The research will improve the efficiency of devices such as engines, boilers, and power plants.
George M. Whitesides has won the inaugural Dreyfus Prize in Materials Chemistry for his pioneering work in creating new materials and systems. His research has advanced the field of chemistry with significant societal benefits.
Researchers analyze chlorotrinitromethane molecule to reveal extremely short carbon-clorine single bond of 1.69 Angstroms, breaking previous measurements. Theoretical calculations confirm electrostatic interactions between atoms contribute to this unusual bond length.
Chemists have developed a catalyst to produce hydrogen and electricity simultaneously in existing gas power plants with minimal investment. The technology could ease the transition to a hydrogen economy by repurposing existing infrastructure.
Udayan Mohanty, a physical chemist at Boston College, received a 2009 Guggenheim Fellowship to study rare chemical reactions using new computational models. He aims to discover unknown reaction pathways, particularly those surrounding DNA and RNA behavior.
James Crivello, a prominent polymer researcher at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, has been awarded the Herman F. Mark Senior Scholar Award by the ACS. His groundbreaking research on novel polymers and innovative applications in energy conservation, coating, and composites has earned him this prestigious recognition.
The study reveals the precise orientation of the Fenna-Matthews-Olson (FMO) antenna protein on the membrane, allowing for efficient energy transfer. The 'taco shell' protein plays a crucial role in connecting the peripheral chlorosome antenna complex to the reaction center.
The University of Oregon's GEMs database has doubled in size, now featuring over 100 items on green chemistry strategies across various disciplines. The database allows educators to search by concept and contribute to threaded discussions, capturing the iterative process of greening laboratory activities.
The National Centre of Excellence for Green Chemistry, funded by $9.1 million, will develop cleaner alternatives for chemical and manufacturing industries. It aims to commercialize 50 Green Chemistry technologies, leading to at least 10 licence agreements and creating over 250 jobs.
A new method of synthesizing peptides using simple reagents has been discovered by McGill University researchers. The technique allows for the creation of multiple peptides with minimal equipment and expense, revolutionizing biological research.
Researchers at Iowa State University are working to improve high school chemistry education, including surveying teachers and developing laboratory experiments using household items. The team aims to address concerns about teacher certification and laboratory access, with the goal of enhancing student understanding of chemistry concepts.
Researchers develop a new general chemistry curriculum, CLUE, using the emergence and evolution of life as context for introducing chemistry concepts. The curriculum aims to improve students' problem-solving abilities and deepen their understanding of fundamental principles.
Biochemist David Deamer explores the molecular self-assembly processes that led to the first protocells nearly 4 billion years ago. He proposes a combinatorial chemistry approach to understanding how life began, suggesting complex systems of molecules assembled on early Earth.
Dr. Dennis Hall's research reveals new ways to activate organic molecules, leading to significant uses for compounds like amides in pharmaceutical drugs. His work contributes to making chemistry more environmentally friendly by increasing efficiency and reducing waste.
Robin Clark will receive the prize for his groundbreaking use of Raman microscopy, enabling the authentication of art and artifacts without damaging them. This award recognizes his significant contributions to the field of chemistry and its impact on the preservation of cultural heritage.
B. Montgomery Pettitt, a UH chemistry professor, has been recognized as an American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) Fellow for his distinguished work in computational and theoretical chemistry. He is one of only three researchers at UH to receive this honor.
Wake Forest University chemistry professors Mark Welker and Dilip Kondepudi were elected as 2008 AAAS Fellows for their significant contributions to the fields of non-equilibrium chemistry and organometallic chemistry. The recognition highlights their scientifically distinguished efforts to advance science.
Researchers have discovered a way to produce brilliant white light using zinc oxide and sulfur, with potential applications for energy-efficient and safe illumination. The new material has been shown to convert invisible ultraviolet light into natural white light, offering advantages over current fluorescent bulbs and LEDs.
The University of Adelaide is set to become a global leader in photonics and advanced sensing technologies thanks to a $28.8 million government investment. Researchers will utilize state-of-the-art facilities to develop breakthroughs in various fields, including physics, chemistry, biology, and environmental science.
A chemist at the University of Chicago has developed a new method to predict many-electron chemistry using only two electrons, allowing for faster and more accurate chemical reaction predictions. This breakthrough could lead to significant advances in fields such as atmospheric ozone depletion, greenhouse gas reduction, and drug design.
The RSC/ChemSpider InChI Resolver will enable scientists to share and search compound data using the InChI standard, promoting standardization in chemistry. The service will also provide tools for creating standard InChI data and depositing it for future use.
A team of Boston College and MIT scientists has discovered a new class of exceptionally effective catalysts that promote the powerful olefin metathesis reaction, opening up a vast new scientific platform. The new catalysts provide unprecedented control and selectivity for complex chemical reactions.
A new study analyzing historic samples from a classic origin-of-life experiment by NASA and university researchers found 22 amino acids, 10 of which were never seen before. The team discovered that volcanic eruptions could provide the necessary chemistry for life to emerge.
Scientists will explore chemical reactions in extreme space conditions using a new research center combining laboratory experiments, theoretical studies, and radio-telescope observations. The Center for Chemistry of the Universe aims to expand our understanding of molecule formation that may seed young planets with life.
The world's oceans are becoming more acidic due to increased carbon dioxide levels, causing sounds to travel farther underwater. This change could improve communication for marine mammals but increase background noise, affecting their behavior.
Researchers at the University of Hawaii created a photochemical reactor built into a surfboard to perform green reactions with sunlight and sea water. The system efficiently dissipates excess thermal energy using ocean currents, enabling scalable production of vitamin A variants.
Researchers at Virginia Tech have created a new class of stable molecules that could revolutionize the field of molecular semiconductors. The discovery involves replacing one atom in a carbon fullerene with nitrogen, creating a unique electronic bond that could improve the sensitivity of MRI and NMR technologies.
The American Chemical Society has inducted 25 scientists into its Heroes of Chemistry hall of fame, including Bruce Roth, inventor of Lipitor, the world's largest selling drug. The honorees are being recognized for their groundbreaking research and contributions to humanity.
A $20 million award from the NSF will help Caltech scientists, led by Harry Gray, advance their research on developing nanoscale materials for solar-fuel power plants. The project aims to create efficient catalysts for the oxidation of water to oxygen.
A Royal Society of Chemistry survey reveals British people take excessively long showers, with women being particularly guilty. Adults in Western Europe typically shower for two to five minutes, but the French and Spanish demonstrate greater restraint in water conservation and concern about washing contaminants into the system.
Researchers confirm the 'divide and protect' bonding structure in metallic gold nanoclusters, finding stability due to surface-chemical bonds and a filled electron shell. The study reveals distinct electronic properties and potential applications for nanoparticle chemistry.
Thomas E. Smith, associate professor of chemistry at Williams College, has been awarded a $217,710 three-year grant by the National Cancer Institute to develop new methods for synthesizing pyran-based anticancer compounds. The research will focus on natural products with promising medicinal value, including acutphycin and tedanolide C.
Paul T. Anastas, Yale Professor of Green Chemistry, received the Leadership in Science award from the Council of Scientific Society Presidents for his pioneering work in 'green chemistry.' His research focuses on safer chemicals, bio-based polymers, and sustainable chemical synthesis.
A 14-year-old CEO has created a chemistry trading card game called Elementeo that teaches chemical elements and compounds through interactive gameplay. The game's unique mechanics aim to combine fun and learning, with the goal of reducing opponents' electrons to zero.
The Global Innovation Imperatives (Gii) project aims to combat global health, environmental and societal issues through chemistry-based solutions. Key focus areas include advancing science breakthroughs and addressing pressing water concerns, such as cleanliness, availability and sustainability.
Gabor A. Somorjai has been recognized with the 2008 Priestley Medal for his pioneering work in surface science and catalysis, driving significant advancements in materials science and nanoscience. His research has led to thousands of publications over 40 years.
A University of Missouri researcher has developed a program that keeps girls interested in science, with a recent study showing an 81% success rate. The Magic of Chemistry program provides hands-on, inquiry-based workshops on campus, encouraging girls to ask questions and think critically about scientific applications.
The research successfully created designer enzymes for a chemical reaction known as the Kemp elimination, a non-natural chemical transformation in which hydrogen is pulled off a carbon atom. The researchers also designed an active site for the aldol reaction, involving at least six chemical transformations.
Researchers at the University of Leicester have discovered how TB bacteria becomes resistant to isoniazid, a key treatment for the disease. The study reveals that mutations in bacterial enzymes protect it from the treatment, highlighting the importance of understanding drug resistance.
Researchers at University of York characterize mechanism used by bacteria to evade the human immune system, using an 'invisibility cloak' to move about the body without risk of attack. The discovery of a novel enzyme and its role in capturing sialic acid offers hope for developing novel antimicrobials against these bacteria.
UCLA chemists have developed a new class of materials called zeolitic imidazolate frameworks (ZIFs) that can selectively capture carbon dioxide, storing it like a reservoir. ZIFs outperform current porous carbon materials, capturing five times more carbon dioxide and requiring less energy.
Fourteen US colleges have won the Merck/AAAS Undergraduate Science Research Program, receiving up to $60,000 in funding. The program supports research collaborations and stipends for undergraduate students
The Chemical Heritage Foundation will present Leroy Hood with the seventh annual Pittcon Heritage Award for his contributions to instrumental chemistry and genomics. The award recognizes Hood's pioneering work in developing key instruments for modern molecular biology, including the DNA sequencer.
A team of chemists led by Chad Mirkin aims to mimic nature's finely controlled chemical processes to develop materials and devices with high sensitivity and selectivity. The researchers will focus on creating supramolecular structures for environmental remediation, power generation, and detection systems.
The job situation for 2006 chemistry graduates is 'reasonably good' according to the American Chemical Society. The median salary for full-time, permanent employment for bachelor's graduates remained at $35,000. However, salaries for master's and Ph.D. graduates experienced significant declines.
Scientists are discovering that aquatic nanoparticles influence natural and engineered water chemistry differently than similar materials of a larger size. The review considers nanoparticles formed by natural processes in water and as unintended consequences of human activity, such as mining or water treatment.
A CU-Boulder study suggests that individual brain chemistry and genes play a key role in determining nicotine addiction. The researchers found that the effects of nicotine diminish at night due to genetic differences and melatonin recognition. Higher levels of stress hormone corticosterone during the day enhance nicotine sensitivity.
Researchers at UCLA will use a new super-resolution stimulated emission depletion (STED) microscope to investigate molecular assemblies and biological processes, including chromatin structure and cell signaling. The instrument will also enable the development of new family of STED probes based on semiconductor nanocrystals.
Berkeley researchers have created a copper-free version of click chemistry, allowing for the first time to label and image glycans, proteins, and lipids in live cells. The technique, developed by Carolyn Bertozzi and her team, proceeds at physiologically acceptable temperatures without toxic copper catalysts.
Chris Culbertson has received a 2007 Masao Horiba Award for his work on rapid analysis of individual T-lymphocyte cells using microfluidic devices. This honor recognizes the future potential and originality of his research, which could lead to unique measurement instruments.
A Duke University professor developed an instructional tactic to boost science knowledge in high school students, teaching them about the chemistry of cocaine addiction and methamphetamine harm. The 'stealth learning' method increased basic science knowledge by 16 percent among 7,210 students.
A team of researchers has created a method to assemble wire-like structures only a single molecule wide, paving the way for the development of smaller, faster electronic devices. The new template enables the creation of one-dimensional wires with minimal loss of electricity conductivity.
Researchers at The Origins Project aim to understand which molecules and chemical reactions led to the emergence of life on Earth. They will investigate the formation of lifelike polymers and their evolution into life as we know it.