Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Integrating sulfur into crystalline nanostructures fuels catalytic activity

Researchers from Northwestern University developed a novel approach to integrate metal-sulfur active sites into metal-organic frameworks, which significantly outperformed their non-sulfur counterparts in hydrogenation catalysis. The study provides a powerful new strategy to design and study metal-sulfur catalysts for various applications.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalNature Chemistry·DateJul 24, 2025

Affordable hydrogen fuel production using surface reconstruction strategy

Researchers at Tohoku University developed a surface reconstruction pathway to produce durable non-noble metal-based cathodes for efficient hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) performance, paving the way for affordable commercial production.

SourceAdvanced Institute for Materials Research (AIMR), Tohoku University·JournalAdvanced Energy Materials·DateApr 25, 2025
GQ GMC-500Plus Geiger Counter

GQ GMC-500Plus Geiger Counter logs beta, gamma, and X-ray levels for environmental monitoring, training labs, and safety demonstrations.

A new take on the abilities of hydrogen binding energy for use in single atom catalysts

A new study emphasizes the importance of pushing metal site design limits to optimize hydrogen evolution reaction in single atom catalysts. Researchers found that hydrogen binding energy calculation can serve as a good predictor of activity, and neighboring nitrogen atoms can host catalytic activity to negate poisoning effects.

SourceAdvanced Institute for Materials Research (AIMR), Tohoku University·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateApr 17, 2025

Researchers reveal role of zeolite zcid site accessibility in syngas conversion

Researchers investigated MOR zeolite's unique pore structure, finding acid sites within 8-membered ring side pockets as active sites for syngas-to-ethylene conversion. A critical threshold of 60 nm was identified for 12MR channel length, optimizing ZnAlOx-MOR bifunctional catalysts with high CO conversion and ethylene selectivity.

SourceDalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy Sciences·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateMar 18, 2025

Novel catalyst development for sustainable ammonia synthesis

Researchers unveil Ba-Si orthosilicate oxynitride-hydride as a transition metal-free catalyst, offering a more sustainable approach to ammonia production. The novel catalyst demonstrates exceptional stability and higher activity than conventional ruthenium-loaded MgO catalysts.

SourceInstitute of Science Tokyo·JournalNature Chemistry·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 17, 2025

Trimetallic synergy and defects: a catalyst for climate action

Researchers introduce a trimetallic catalyst supported on defective ceria, achieving extraordinary efficiency in CO2 reduction. The unique metal-support interaction fine-tunes the electronic structure, enabling optimal performance and setting new benchmarks in catalysis.

SourceTata Institute of Fundamental Research·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 27, 2025
Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 Binoculars

Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 Binoculars deliver bright, sharp views for wildlife surveys, eclipse chases, and quick star-field scans at dark sites.

Pioneering new tool will spur advances in catalysis

Researchers developed an automated analytical method to analyze single atom catalysts, which could lead to more efficient fuel production and sustainable energy. The new tool, called MS-QuantEXAFS, automates the analysis process, reducing time from days to months.

SourceDOE/SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory·JournalChemistry - Methods·DateJan 9, 2025

Reaction conditions tune catalytic selectivity

Chemists at Brookhaven Lab develop new theoretical framework to accurately predict catalyst behavior, revealing how conditions like temperature and pressure can change a catalyst's structure, efficiency, and products. The study highlights the significant impact of reaction environment on catalytic performance.

SourceDOE/Brookhaven National Laboratory·JournalChem Catalysis·DateOct 22, 2024

Transition-metal-free zeolite catalyst for direct conversion of methane to methanol

Researchers have discovered a novel transition-metal-free aluminosilicate ferrierite zeolite catalyst that enables direct conversion of methane to methanol. The new process achieves 305 π mol gˑ minǘ methanol production rate with high selectivity, presenting an environmentally friendly solution for converting greenhouse gases into valu...

SourceTokyo Institute of Technology·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateJun 3, 2024
Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro)

Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro) powers local ML workloads, large datasets, and multi-display analysis for field and lab teams.

A novel multifunctional catalyst turns methane into valuable hydrocarbons

A novel multifunctional catalyst has been developed to convert methane into valuable hydrocarbons, reducing greenhouse gas emissions and energy consumption. The catalyst's spatial distribution of Cu and acid sites determines the final products, with uniform distribution leading to stable and efficient methanol production.

SourceTokyo Institute of Technology·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 15, 2024

Single-atom catalysis: In search of “holy grails” in catalysis

Researchers evaluate the latest applications of single-atom catalysts in five challenging 'holy grail' reactions, achieving selective production of valuable chemical products. Advanced spectroscopic techniques and DFT calculations help understand reaction mechanisms and structure-activity relationships.

SourceDalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy Sciences·JournalChinese Journal of Catalysis·DateOct 22, 2023
Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2 Weather Station

Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2 Weather Station offers research-grade local weather data for networked stations, campuses, and community observatories.

Defects can be good and help combat climate change

A novel Cu-based catalyst with improved catalytic performance for CO2 reduction has been developed by leveraging strong metal-support interactions and defect sites cooperativity. The DFNS/TiO2-Cu catalyst showed excellent activity and stability, outperforming other copper-based thermal catalysts.

SourceTata Institute of Fundamental Research·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateApr 6, 2023

Structure of 'oil-eating' enzyme opens door to bioengineered catalysts

Researchers at Brookhaven National Laboratory have produced the first atomic-level structure of an enzyme that selectively breaks carbon-hydrogen bonds, suggesting ways to engineer it for producing desired products. The detailed structure reveals how the enzyme operates under ordinary conditions and produces few unwanted byproducts.

SourceDOE/Brookhaven National Laboratory·JournalNature Structural & Molecular Biology·DateMar 30, 2023

Unwinding the world’s smallest biological rotary motor by degrees

Scientists studied F1-ATPase function in bacteria to clarify the angle of rotation during ATP hydrolysis. The study revealed three sets of short and long dwells associated with different intervals per revolution, resolving a long-term debate over the ATP-cleavage shaft angle.

SourceTokyo University of Science·JournalBiophysical Journal·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 9, 2023

Researchers reveal synergistic interplay mechanism of dual active sites on bimetallic oxide for syngas conversion

A research team at Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics reveals the synergistic interplay mechanism of dual active sites on bimetallic oxide for efficient syngas conversion. They identified key intermediates and proposed a catalytic mechanism using advanced solid-state NMR technologies.

SourceDalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy Sciences·JournalChem·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateFeb 19, 2023

Electrocatalysis – Iron and Cobalt Oxyhydroxides examined at BESSY II

Scientists at Helmholtz-Zentrum Berlin examined the chemistry of Cobalt-Iron Oxyhydroxides using X-ray absorption spectroscopy. They discovered that iron is present in higher oxidation states than previously thought, which could lead to improved electrocatalysts for water splitting and carbon dioxide reduction.

SourceHelmholtz-Zentrum Berlin für Materialien und Energie·JournalAdvanced Energy Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 17, 2023
Rigol DP832 Triple-Output Bench Power Supply

Rigol DP832 Triple-Output Bench Power Supply powers sensors, microcontrollers, and test circuits with programmable rails and stable outputs.

Effect of an autism-associated mutation on protein movements

A germline mutation of topoisomerase II B affects the movement of proteins in the nuclei of cells with this mutation. The study reveals that the mutation impacts nuclear dynamics and provides a platform to understand the biological relevance of such mutations.

SourceKumamoto University·JournalScientific Reports·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 18, 2023

Atomically dispersed bimetallic iron–cobalt electrocatalysts developed for green production of ammonia

Scientists developed a method to control the synthesis of single-atom catalysts, enabling the creation of bimetallic Fe-Co electrocatalysts with desired properties. These catalysts showed superior ammonia yield rates and faradaic efficiency under electrocatalytic nitrogen reduction reaction conditions.

SourceChinese Academy of Sciences Headquarters·JournalNature Sustainability·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 14, 2022
SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB

SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB transfers large imagery and model outputs quickly between field laptops, lab workstations, and secure archives.

THERACAT Project: hitting cancer bull's-eye

The THERACAT project aims to deliver drugs only to tumor sites using bio-orthogonal catalysis, a promising approach for targeted cancer treatment. Researchers developed nanoparticles bearing metal catalysts to efficiently convert inactive pro-drugs into active drugs at the tumor site.

SourceInstitute for Bioengineering of Catalonia (IBEC)·DateOct 26, 2022

First structure of key COVID enzyme at human body temperature

Researchers used x-ray crystallography to study the main protease of SARS-CoV-2 at various temperatures, revealing subtle conformational changes and potential targets for drug design. These findings may inspire the development of new antiviral drugs to counteract COVID-19 and prevent future pandemics.

SourceDOE/Brookhaven National Laboratory·JournalIUCrJ·TypeImaging analysis·DateAug 16, 2022
Creality K1 Max 3D Printer

Creality K1 Max 3D Printer rapidly prototypes brackets, adapters, and fixtures for instruments and classroom demonstrations at large build volume.

New artificial enzyme breaks down tough, woody lignin

A new artificial enzyme has successfully degraded lignin, a stubborn polymer in woody plants, offering hope for developing a new renewable energy source. The enzyme, developed by mimicking natural enzymes that break down lignin in nature, shows promise for producing valuable products from lignin.

SourceDOE/Pacific Northwest National Laboratory·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 31, 2022

Methane-eating bacteria convert greenhouse gas to fuel

Researchers at Northwestern University discovered key structures controlling methane conversion in methane-eating bacteria, enabling potential human-made biological catalysts. The findings may lead to biotechnological applications such as harnessing methane from fracking sites or cleaning up oil spills.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalScience·DateMar 17, 2022

Catalyst for a greener future

Researchers at the University of Delaware have developed a novel catalytic technology that converts non-edible plants into renewable fuels, chemicals and plastics. By pulsing hydrogen gas on and off, they increase the population of active sites on catalysts, allowing reactions to occur up to 10 times faster.

SourceUniversity of Delaware·JournalNature Catalysis·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 16, 2022

Migrating holes help catalysts be productive

Researchers at Rice University have developed a theory showing how manipulating quasiparticles could help improve chemical reactions. By applying electric fields, holes can be made to migrate across the surface of catalyst particles, activating neighboring sites and increasing the efficiency of the reaction.

SourceRice University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 10, 2022

Researchers reveal mechanism of processive substrate degradation by Lon Protease

A research team led by Prof. ZHANG Kaiming uncovered a previously unrecognized mechanism for processive substrate degradation by the Lon protease. The study reveals that the protein degradation occurs at each individual proteolytic active site, following a C-to-N processive cleavage mechanism.

SourceUniversity of Science and Technology of China·JournalScience Advances·DateDec 1, 2021
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter is a trusted meter for precise measurements during instrument integration, repairs, and field diagnostics.

Converting methane to methanol -- with and without water

A team at Brookhaven National Laboratory has identified a common industrial catalyst that can efficiently convert methane to methanol with or without water. The findings suggest strategies for improving the water-free conversion, achieving 30% selectivity in the absence of water, and 80% selectivity with water.

SourceDOE/Brookhaven National Laboratory·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 8, 2021

Study unveils dynamic behavior of Cu-N-C single-atom catalyst in electrocatalysis

Researchers synthesized a uniform Cu-N-C single-atom catalyst that exhibits comparable alkaline ORR activity to Pt/C. The active site structure undergoes dynamic changes during the reaction, transforming into HO-Cu-N2 under reaction conditions.

SourceDalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy Sciences·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateSep 8, 2021

On the road to faster and more efficient data storage

Researchers have discovered a way to induce magnetic waves in antiferromagnets using ultrafast laser pulses, potentially leading to faster and more efficient data storage. This technology could endow materials with new functionalities for energy-efficient and ultrafast data storage applications.

SourceUniversity of Konstanz·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateAug 17, 2021

Stanford researchers develop tool to drastically speed up the study of enzymes

A new technique called HT-MEK enables the simultaneous performance of thousands of enzyme experiments, allowing scientists to deeply probe into enzyme functions and structure. This could reveal clues about how enzymes work together to achieve their remarkable reactivity, enabling researchers to 'do enzymatic tricks' themselves.

SourceStanford University·JournalScience·DateJul 22, 2021
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

Apple iPhone 17 Pro delivers top performance and advanced cameras for field documentation, data collection, and secure research communications.

Toward one drug to treat all coronaviruses

Researchers have identified highly conserved sequences in viral proteins that could make them effective drug targets. The study found two promising sites: one overlapping the RNA binding site of nsp13 and another containing the catalytic site of nsp12, both involved in viral RNA replication and transcription.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalJournal of Proteome Research·DateJul 21, 2021

Binding of a second CO molecule observed

Researchers at University of Freiburg discover how vanadium-dependent nitrogenase binds two CO molecules simultaneously, enabling reductive process for industrial applications. This breakthrough sheds new light on the mechanistic principles behind nitrogenase's ability to reduce toxic gas carbon monoxide.

SourceUniversity of Freiburg·JournalScience Advances·DateJun 10, 2021
Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount

Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount provides precise tracking capacity for deep-sky imaging rigs during long astrophotography sessions.

Hydrogen-producing enzyme protects itself against oxygen

Researchers discovered a unique molecular mechanism in CbA5H that shields the catalytic cofactor from oxygen attack, allowing it to repeatedly survive and resume activity. This protective function is provided by a thiol group binding directly to the substrate coordination site of the catalytic cluster.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·JournalNature Communications·DateFeb 2, 2021

Researchers discover mechanism behind most severe cases of a common blood disorder

Researchers have uncovered the mechanism behind severe cases of G6PD deficiency, identifying a chain of amino acids that warps the shape of the condition's namesake protein. This breakthrough could pave the way for new treatments and therapeutics for Class I patients, who currently rely on blood transfusions.

SourceDOE/SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 19, 2021
CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock

CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock simplifies serious desks with 18 ports for high-speed storage, monitors, and instruments across Mac and PC setups.

Bacterial cellulose degradation system could give boost to biofuels production

Researchers from Japan's Institute for Molecular Science have described a bacterial cellulose degradation system in detail, revealing its similarities and differences with the fungal system. The study found that the bacterial system exhibits higher processivity, enabling faster cellulose degradation.

SourceNational Institutes of Natural Sciences·JournalJournal of Biological Chemistry·DateOct 8, 2020
Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only)

Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only) delivers reliable low-light performance and rugged build for astrophotography, lab documentation, and field expeditions.

Closing the carbon cycle to stop climate change

Researchers at TIFR create metal-free catalyst that converts CO2 to methane with excellent productivity and selectivity. The catalyst is recyclable and shows significant increase in production rate after regeneration cycles.

SourceTata Institute of Fundamental Research·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 18, 2020
AmScope B120C-5M Compound Microscope

AmScope B120C-5M Compound Microscope supports teaching labs and QA checks with LED illumination, mechanical stage, and included 5MP camera.

A novel technique to produce cheaper and more efficient chlorine

Researchers at UNIST have developed a novel catalyst for electrochemical chlorine generation, overcoming the drawbacks of existing metal oxide-based catalysts. The new catalyst, Pt1/CNT, exhibits high efficiency and selectivity for chlorine ions, enabling more efficient and affordable production.

SourceUlsan National Institute of Science and Technology(UNIST)·JournalNature Communications·DateMar 11, 2020

Growing carbon nanotubes with the right twist

Scientists have developed a method to synthesize carbon nanotubes (CNTs) with a selectivity of 90%, challenging existing theories. The new approach allows for the production of specific types of CNTs, such as (2n, n) CNTs, which are ideal for electronic applications.

SourceInstitute for Basic Science·JournalScience Advances·DateDec 13, 2019
GoPro HERO13 Black

GoPro HERO13 Black records stabilized 5.3K video for instrument deployments, field notes, and outreach, even in harsh weather and underwater conditions.

Modified enzyme can increase second-generation ethanol production

Researchers discovered a modified enzyme produced by fungus Trichoderma harzianum that increases glucose release from biomass for fermentation. The modified protein proved 300% more efficient than the wild-type enzyme in terms of glucose release, making it suitable for industrial application.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalScientific Reports·DateJun 14, 2019

Scientists discover a new class of single-atom nanozymes

Researchers developed a new class of single-atom nanozymes with intrinsic enzyme-like active sites, overcoming conventional nanozyme drawbacks. The discovery provides a new perspective on catalytic mechanism and rational design of nanozymes.

SourceChinese Academy of Sciences Headquarters·JournalScience Advances·DateMay 9, 2019
DJI Air 3 (RC-N2)

DJI Air 3 (RC-N2) captures 4K mapping passes and environmental surveys with dual cameras, long flight time, and omnidirectional obstacle sensing.

How bacteria build an enzyme that destroys climate-changing laughing gas

Researchers from University of East Anglia discovered a protein called NosL that helps assemble the copper-sulfide cluster active site in nitrogenase reductase, an enzyme that destroys N2O. The team's findings may help pave the way for strategies to mitigate the damaging effects of nitrous oxide on the environment.

SourceUniversity of East Anglia·JournalChemical Science·DateApr 17, 2019