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Paving the way for safer, smaller batteries and fuel cells

Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania have developed a new solid polymer electrolyte with twice the proton conductivity of current state-of-the-art material. This breakthrough could enable faster recharge times and improved safety in energy storage devices.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania·JournalNature Materials·DateMay 31, 2018

Developing a method for synthesizing a novel polyester with alternating arrangement

Researchers at Toyohashi University of Technology developed a method to synthesize a novel polyester with an alternating arrangement of L- and D-lactic acids, leading to improved productivity and crystallization rate. This achievement is expected to facilitate the development of polyesters with unprecedented characteristics.

SourceToyohashi University of Technology (TUT)·JournalPolymer Chemistry·DateMay 10, 2018
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Chemical octopus catches sneaky cancer clues, trace glycoproteins

Researchers at Georgia Institute of Technology have developed a chemical trap that exhaustively catches trace glycoproteins, including those produced by cancer. This new method has proven effective in lab tests and could lead to early disease detection and targeted cancer treatments.

SourceGeorgia Institute of Technology·JournalNature Communications·DateMay 7, 2018

Study reveals how antiepileptic drug causes problems during pregnancy

A recent study reveals that valproic acid can cause lower levels of transporters for essential compounds in the placenta, leading to impaired fetal growth and development. The research suggests a possible link between valproic acid exposure and adverse outcomes such as major congenital malformations and autism.

SourceWiley·JournalEpilepsia·DateApr 19, 2018

Long-term obeticholic acid treatment leads to reversal or stabilization of fibrosis/cirrhosis in patients with PBC

The study confirms that long-term OCA treatment leads to reversal or stabilization of fibrosis/cirrhosis in patients with primary biliary cholangitis (PBC) who have had an incomplete response to ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA). The majority of patients improved or maintained their histological stage, while two patients deteriorated.

SourceEuropean Association for the Study of the Liver·DateApr 13, 2018

Taking the jab (and the chill) out of vaccination

A team of researchers from James Cook University and Cardiff University have created a fully synthetic flu vaccine that protects mice from swine flu and works on human cells in the laboratory. The vaccine is hyper-stable, meaning it can survive stomach acid and human blood, making it suitable for oral administration.

SourceJames Cook University·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateMar 12, 2018
Anker Laptop Power Bank 25,000mAh (Triple 100W USB-C)

Anker Laptop Power Bank 25,000mAh (Triple 100W USB-C) keeps Macs, tablets, and meters powered during extended observing runs and remote surveys.

Vitamin C in the body can be tracked by fluorescence

Researchers at The University of Tokyo's Institute of Industrial Science have developed a new probe to track vitamin C levels in the body using fluorescence. This breakthrough allows for precise monitoring of ascorbic acid concentrations, which has potential applications in cancer treatment.

SourceInstitute of Industrial Science, The University of Tokyo·JournalScientific Reports·DateJan 24, 2018

Chemists discover plausible recipe for early life on Earth

Researchers at Scripps Research Institute develop theory that chemical reactions supporting life today could have occurred with ingredients likely present on early Earth. The citric acid cycle's precursor, glyoxylate, is identified as a key molecule in these reactions.

SourceScripps Research Institute·JournalNature Communications·DateJan 8, 2018
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.

A radical approach to methane oxidation into methanol

Researchers at Osaka University have created a radical reaction that converts methane into methanol and formic acid using a clean, low-temperature process. The process achieves this goal without the need for high temperatures or pressures, converting over 99% of methane into the target products.

SourceOsaka University·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateDec 18, 2017

Microbes help turn Greek yogurt waste into fuel

Researchers use bacteria to convert leftover sugars and acids from Greek yogurt into molecules that can be used in biofuels or safe feedstock additives. The process produces valuable chemicals, including green antimicrobials and potential drop-in biofuels for jet fuel.

SourceCell Press·JournalJoule·DateDec 13, 2017

Diesel vehicles in oil sands operations contribute to regional pollution

Recent studies have identified off-road diesel vehicles in oil sands production as a major contributor to regional levels of isocyanic acid pollution. Laboratory experiments show that these vehicles release up to 6 kilograms of the compound per hour, with secondary emissions potentially being up to four fold larger.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology·DateDec 6, 2017

Biologists taught infusoria to fight poisons

Biologists found a new substance, isocitric acid, with anti-oxidant properties that increased the survival rate of infusoria by 25-31 times compared to untreated cells. The compound also surpassed the effects of ascorbic acid, offering a promising solution for protecting living organisms from various toxic compounds.

SourceLomonosov Moscow State University·JournalPreparative Biochemistry & Biotechnology·DateNov 29, 2017
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.

New study backs up earlier findings -- Omega-6 fatty acids do not promote low-grade inflammation

A new study from the University of Eastern Finland supports earlier findings that omega-6 fatty acids do not increase inflammatory responses. The research found that a high serum linoleic acid level is associated with lower CRP levels, suggesting that linoleic acid may actually alleviate inflammation.

SourceUniversity of Eastern Finland·JournalEuropean Journal of Clinical Nutrition·DateNov 13, 2017

Nutrition is key to increasing productivity in intensive breeding

Researchers investigate alternatives to address ruminal acidosis, a serious disease affecting intensive farming systems. Feed additives, such as ionophores, can control lactic acid production, reducing the risk of acidosis and improving animal productivity.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·DateSep 29, 2017
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.

Ancient glycans and evolutionary histories

Researchers discovered N-glycolyl groups in ancient fossils, suggesting a link between glycans and the evolutionary history of Homo genus in Africa. The study also found degradation of sialic acid led to selective incorporation into chondroitin sulfate in human tissues.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 11, 2017

Acid zone in Chesapeake Bay identified

A 'pH minimum zone' of acidic water has been discovered at depths of 10-15 meters in the Chesapeake Bay. This increase in acidity is attributed to toxic hydrogen sulfide and ammonia produced when bottom waters mix upward, threatening shellfish like oysters and clams.

SourceUniversity of Delaware·JournalNature Communications·DateAug 28, 2017

New ways to create and deliver medications for immune-medicated neuropathies

Researchers at LSTM have created synthetic alternatives to IVIg therapy for conditions like CIDP and Guillain-Barré syndrome. The new treatments, enriched with sialic acids, can be produced at a fraction of the cost and may offer relief to millions of people globally.

SourceLiverpool School of Tropical Medicine·JournalJournal of Biological Chemistry·DateJul 6, 2017
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.

Biologists find missing link for the 'safe' signal in plants

Plant biologists at Utrecht University have discovered how the plant metabolises jasmonic acid, issuing the signal 'safe'. The discovery of four related enzymes that break down jasmonic acid reveals a crucial mechanism for controlling its levels.

SourceUtrecht University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 30, 2017

Unveiling nasty act of trans-fatty acids in blood

Trans-fatty acids directly activate ASK1 kinase by enhancing extracellular ATP, promoting cell death in a more direct manner than previously thought. The study identifies several trans-fatty acid types that stimulate cell death, but not their corresponding cis-fatty acids, which have health benefits.

SourceTohoku University·JournalJournal of Biological Chemistry·DateMay 17, 2017

New insights into the tumor metabolism

A team from the Technical University of Munich has developed a pH sensor that renders pH values visible through magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) - in a non-invasive, radiation-free manner. This method could provide insights into tumor metabolism and help evaluate the efficacy of tumor treatments.

SourceTechnical University of Munich (TUM)·JournalNature Communications·DateMay 11, 2017
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.

Probing into the molecular requirements for antioxidant activity

Phenolic compounds exhibit antioxidant activity through two distinct mechanisms: breaking free radical chains and chelating abilities. The ANN model identified chemical features contributing to high DPPH* scavenging activity, including alcohol groups, molecular size, and flexibility.

SourceBentham Science Publishers·JournalCombinatorial Chemistry & High Throughput Screening·DateApr 21, 2017

Broad advance from TSRI chemists dramatically simplifies olefin synthesis

Researchers at TSRI have developed a decarboxylative alkenylation method that turns carboxylic acids into olefins in relatively few steps, enabling the discovery and development of new drugs and chemical products. This approach simplifies traditional methods, allowing for better control over molecule geometry and synthesis logic.

SourceScripps Research Institute·JournalNature·DateApr 19, 2017
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

Chemical engineers boost bacteria's productivity

Researchers designed a novel genetic switch that shuts down competing metabolic pathways in bacteria, allowing for increased production of glucaric acid and other chemicals. The switch uses quorum sensing to autonomously control the cells' growth, enabling efficient production without adding new chemicals or changing process conditions.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalNature Biotechnology·DateFeb 13, 2017

New design strategy for longer lasting batteries

A new computational design strategy identifies promising cathode coatings to protect lithium-ion batteries from degradation, extending device lifespan. Northwestern University researchers developed the approach using a massive materials database, ranking top candidates and accelerating experimental testing.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalNature Communications·DateJan 20, 2017

Bacterial Pac Man molecule snaps at sugar

Researchers discovered a bacterial protein that uses a Pac Man-like chewing motion to grab and hold onto sugar molecules, allowing pathogens to evade the immune system. This understanding could lead to the development of new therapeutics targeting this protein.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalBiophysical Journal·DateJan 10, 2017
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.

New aspect of atom mimicry for nanotechnology applications

Scientists create arrays of nanocontainers with tailored interaction strengths by mimicking electron valency in atoms. The approach enables plasmonic sensors and electrocatalysts, showcasing a new aspect of atom mimicry for nanotechnology applications.

SourceTokyo Institute of Technology·JournalScience Advances·DateDec 2, 2016

Perfluorinated compounds found in African crocodiles, American alligators

Two studies find high levels of perfluorinated alkyl acids (PFAAs) in the blood of African crocodiles and American alligators, suggesting exposure to long-lived industrial chemicals. PFAA levels were higher at sites with past use of firefighting foams, indicating potential environmental contamination.

SourceNational Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)·JournalEnvironmental Toxicology and Chemistry·DateAug 25, 2016
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.

Disregarded plant molecule actually a treasure

Research by Salk Institute scientists reveals phaseic acid's unexpected role as a plant hormone crucial for drought resistance and survival traits. The study suggests that phaseic acid may inform the development of new, hardier crops to weather climate change-induced natural disasters.

SourceSalk Institute·JournalCell·DateAug 11, 2016

Lichens' secret symbiotic threesome

A new study has revealed that lichens form a complex symbiotic relationship involving three species, including yeast and fungi, which produces the toxic substance vulpinic acid. The research found that the yeast cells are vital to the lichen's health and may play a crucial role in its shape.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateJul 21, 2016

Unveiling the distinctive features of a promising industrial microorganism

KAIST researchers deciphered the genome and proteome profiles of C. tyrobutyricum, revealing its unique metabolic features and energy conservation mechanisms. The bacterium shows higher tolerance to toxic compounds like 1-butanol, enabling efficient production of chemicals including butyric acid.

SourceThe Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST)·JournalmBio·DateJun 17, 2016
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.

Chemicals from wood waste

A research team at ETH Zurich has developed a new manufacturing method for succinic acid, a major basic chemical product, using bacteria that convert cellulose from wood waste into glucose. The process is more cost-effective and eco-friendly than traditional oil-based methods.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalEnergy & Environmental Science·DateJun 13, 2016

New molecular design to get hydrogen-powered cars motoring

Researchers have designed a molecular catalyst that produces only hydrogen and carbon dioxide when formic acid is decomposed at a low temperature. This breakthrough could pave the way for hydrogen-powered cars by overcoming one of the major challenges: efficient production of clean energy.

SourceUniversity of Melbourne·DateJun 6, 2016

Clouds and climate in the pre-industrial age

Researchers found that organic compounds from trees in pre-industrial times formed aerosols that counteracted greenhouse gas effects. The CLOUD experiment discovered a process where these low-volatility substances efficiently form new particles under atmospheric conditions, even without sulphuric acid.

SourceGoethe University Frankfurt·JournalNature·DateMay 30, 2016

From Jungfraujoch Station: How new atmospheric aerosols form

Researchers at a high-altitude research station in Switzerland used state-of-the-art instruments to study new particle formation and its role as cloud condensation nuclei. They found that highly oxygenated organic compounds contribute to nucleation for a short window after vertical transport from the planetary boundary layer.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateMay 25, 2016
Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4)

Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4) runs demanding GIS, imaging, and annotation workflows on the go for surveys, briefings, and lab notebooks.

Cool combination produces easier carbon bonds

Researchers create efficient way to form carbon-carbon bonds with high chiral selectivity for nitrogen-containing heterocyclic molecules. The breakthrough uses century-old techniques and a copper catalyst, offering a more efficient process for drug discovery and development.

SourceUniversity of Groningen·JournalScience·DateApr 21, 2016

Capturing the acid-base reactions in alcohol

A team of Korean scientists has developed a new framework for understanding acid-base reactions in organic chemistry. The study revealed that hydrogen-bonded clustering plays a critical role in enhancing the reactivity of alcohols and promoting the formation of an effective Brønsted base.

SourceUlsan National Institute of Science and Technology(UNIST)·JournalChemistry - A European Journal·DateMar 18, 2016

Getting closer to using beer hops to fight disease

Scientists are developing a synthetic route to produce humulones and lupulones, two key compounds with anticancer and anti-inflammatory properties, from commercially available phloroglucinol. The researchers aim to create medicines without extracting them from plants, improving human health.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·DateMar 13, 2016
Meta Quest 3 512GB

Meta Quest 3 512GB enables immersive mission planning, terrain rehearsal, and interactive STEM demos with high-resolution mixed-reality experiences.

From backyard pool chemical to nanomaterial

Researchers at McGill University discover that cyanuric acid can coax DNA into forming a triple helix, unlike the familiar double helix. This breakthrough could lead to the creation of new DNA structures with unique properties.

SourceMcGill University·JournalNature Chemistry·DateMar 1, 2016

Keeping older muscles strong

Researchers at the University of Iowa have identified a protein that causes age-related muscle weakness and loss. They also discovered two natural compounds, found in apples and green tomatoes, which reduce this protein's activity and can restore muscle mass and strength.

SourceUniversity of Iowa Health Care·JournalJournal of Biological Chemistry·DateSep 8, 2015
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.

Finding a way forward in the fight against prion disease

Researchers have found that two bile acids, ursodeoxycholic acid and tauroursodeoxycholic acid, can slow the progression of prion disease when given early in the disease process. These compounds bind to proteins causing disease and prevent them from spreading.

SourceUniversity of Alberta Faculty of Medicine & Dentistry·JournalJournal of Virology·DateSep 3, 2015

Uric acid may lessen women's disability after stroke

A new study found that 42% of women treated with uric acid therapy had little to no disability after 90 days compared to 29% of those treated with a placebo. Uric acid also helped reduce dead tissue resulting from lack of blood supply.

SourceAmerican Heart Association·DateJul 9, 2015
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.

Aromatic couple makes new chemical bonds

Researchers at ITbM have developed a novel, relatively inexpensive synthetic strategy using nickel catalyst to form useful compounds. Esters have been identified as a clean coupling partner for the carbon-carbon bond forming cross-coupling reaction.

SourceInstitute of Transformative Bio-Molecules (ITbM), Nagoya University·JournalNature Communications·DateJun 29, 2015