Articles tagged with Astrochemistry
Researchers used ancient lunar crystals brought back from the Moon to determine its minimum possible age, pushing back its formation by 40 million years to at least 4.46 billion years old. The discovery sheds light on the Moon's role in stabilizing Earth's rotation and tidal patterns.
Scientists have discovered a simple test for signs of past or present life on other planets, using artificial intelligence to distinguish between biological and abiotic samples with high accuracy. The method has the potential to revolutionize the search for extraterrestrial life and deepen our understanding of Earth's earliest life.
High-energy electrons from Earth's plasma sheet contribute to weathering processes on the Moon's surface, aiding in the formation of water. The discovery may help explain the origin of lunar water ice and provide insights into the Moon's evolution.
Researchers at Hokkaido University have discovered a mechanism for carbon atoms to come together on the surface of interstellar ice grains, producing complex organic molecules. This process occurs at temperatures above 30 Kelvin and may have played a role in the origin of life on Earth.
Scientists using ALMA have discovered the most compelling chemical evidence to date of protoplanet formation. The discovery provides an alternate method for detecting and characterizing protoplanets, particularly those embedded in their parental circumstellar disks.
Researchers found tiny salt crystals in an asteroid sample, indicating the presence of liquid water. The discovery challenges previous assumptions that ordinary chondrite asteroids lack hydrated minerals.
A team of astronomers using the James Webb Space Telescope has detected complex organic molecules in a galaxy over 12 billion light-years away. The discovery suggests that the presence of these molecules does not necessarily indicate star formation, contradicting a long-held assumption.
Scientists conducted computational simulations to clarify the origin of life on Earth. The study suggests that chiral asymmetry may have originated in space through CP Lyman-α emission line, influencing the production of biological amino acids.
Researchers found that metal-poor stars, with fewer heavy elements, emit less intense ultraviolet radiation into space. This allows their planets to form a protective ozone layer, making conditions more life-friendly. The study suggests that as the universe ages, it becomes increasingly unfavourable for complex life on new planets.
Researchers Jennifer Bergner and Darryl Seligman suggest that 'Oumuamua's acceleration can be explained by the outgassing of hydrogen gas as the comet warmed up in the sunlight. The comet's small size allowed for a significant effect, with the tiny push from hydrogen spurted out of ice altering its gravitational deflection around the sun.
Researchers from ETH Zurich, Harvard, and Cambridge join forces to study chemical and physical processes of living organisms and environmental conditions for life on other planets. Synthetic cells enable scientists to deconstruct complex systems, understand basic principles of life and evolution.
Researchers found that a small molecule called ortho-benzyne can drive the chemical evolution of molecules in cosmic stellar nurseries. This discovery provides new insights into the complex chemistry happening in these environments.
A new study suggests that an orbiting space probe could provide definitive answers about the presence of life on Enceladus' ocean. The team mapped out how a hypothetical mission could gather data from the moon's plumes, which are thought to contain organic molecules and methane.
Researchers at HKU-CAS Joint Laboratory have developed a protonation process to enhance the efficiency of photocatalysts in generating hydrogen using visible solar light. The discovery could lead to more efficient and stable solar energy utilization, paving the way for 'net-zero' green hydrogen production.
Scientists at Tel Aviv University have developed a method to create the thinnest possible ladder steps made of distinct electric potentials, which can be used as independent information units. The discovery enables the creation of novel devices with potential applications in electronics and optomechanics.
Researchers from the University of Arizona suggest that dying stars can forge carbon nanotubes in the envelopes of dust and gas surrounding them. This process involves the spontaneous formation of carbon nanotubes, which are highly structured rod-like molecules consisting of multiple layers of carbon sheets.
Methane may be the first detectable indication of life beyond Earth, according to a new study that establishes conditions for biological activity. The researchers found that atmospheric methane is more likely to be considered a strong indication of life if it co-exists with carbon dioxide and lacks carbon monoxide.
Researchers detected dimethyl ether, the largest molecule identified in a planet-forming disc, using ALMA in Chile. The discovery suggests that complex molecules like dimethyl ether are available to feed forming planets, shedding light on the origin of life.
Researchers have discovered a giant gas planet, TOI-2180 b, with a diameter comparable to Jupiter's and a mass nearly three times that of Earth. The planet is also believed to contain 105 times the mass of elements heavier than helium and hydrogen.
The FAST telescope detected accurate magnetic field strength in molecular cloud L1544, suggesting an early transition to supercriticality. The HINSA Zeeman effect revealed a coherent magnetic field structure throughout the interstellar medium.
A new UNSW Sydney-led study has finally confirmed the mechanism behind comet tails never being green. The team recreated the galactic chemical process in a vacuum chamber and used lasers to break apart dicarbon molecules, proving physicist Gerhard Herzberg's theory correct after 90 years.
A new study found that krypton isotopes in the deep mantle reveal a clearer picture of Earth's formation, contradicting the popular theory of volatile elements arrival. The research suggests that planetesimals from the cold outer solar system bombarded the Earth early on.
Scientists from Niigata University, Academia Sinica Institute of Astronomy and Astrophysics, and the National Astronomical Observatory of Japan detected a newborn star and its surrounding cocoon of complex organic molecules in the extreme outer Galaxy. The discovery reveals the hidden chemical complexity of our Universe.
A new study suggests that atmospheric conditions in the stratosphere pose a challenge to generating sulfuric acid, a crucial component of a proposed geoengineering strategy to mitigate climate change. Researchers found that solar radiation causes HOSO2 to quickly photolyse, breaking it down into harmful sulfur dioxide, which may reduce...
Scientists study potential for life around M-dwarf planets with new telescope, finding atmospheres may be dried out due to intense radiation. The James Webb Space Telescope can detect gases in heavy carbon dioxide or oxygen-dominated atmospheres.
Researchers used ALMA to observe distant galaxies and discovered two new, dusty galaxies near original targets, challenging our understanding of early galaxy formation. The discovery suggests that a significant portion of early galaxies may be hidden from view due to cosmic dust.
A study using ALMA revealed that protoplanetary disks around five young stars are factories of organic molecules, including nitriles implicated in the origins of life. The discovery provides insights into planetary system formation and whether these systems have what it takes to host life.
Researchers found significant reservoirs of large organic molecules in protoplanetary disks, providing a potential pathway for life to form elsewhere. The presence of these molecules suggests basic chemical conditions that led to life on Earth could exist more widely across the Galaxy.
A new Science article assesses the technological progress of colloidal quantum dots, which have become industrial-grade materials for a range of technologies. Advances include first demonstration of colloidal quantum dot lasing, discovery of carrier multiplication and pioneering research into LEDs and luminescent solar concentrators.
This study introduces a Zr-doped Na3V2(PO4)2F3 coated with N-doped carbon, which improves SIB performance by increasing reversible capacity and rate capacity. The optimized electrode demonstrates excellent cycling stability.
Researchers detect HCCP and CH2=C=PH, unusual phosphorus-containing molecules in interstellar clouds. The discovery paves the way for studying their properties and potential extraterrestrial detections, advancing our knowledge of astrochemistry.
Researchers investigate the chemistry of the earliest fluids in the Solar System by studying the framboidal magnetite grains in the Tagish Lake meteorite. They propose that a lack of amino acids may be due to insufficient precursor materials.
Astronomers using ALMA have imaged a cosmic pretzel, a network of gas and dust surrounding two young binary stars. The structure is similar to the asteroid belt in our Solar System, with spiral shapes displaying complex dynamics.
Researchers improved mixed tin-lead perovskite solar cells using guanidiinium thocyanate, enhancing carrier lifetimes and optoelectronic properties. This led to all-perovskite tandem solar cells achieving efficiencies of up to 25% with over 88% efficiency maintained after 100 hours of continuous operation.
The American Chemical Society has announced its 2018 Talented 12, a group of young scientists working to solve the world's most pressing problems. These innovators are deciphering life on Earth, exploring molecules in space, and developing gene editing technology.
A team of scientists has solved a puzzle in astrochemistry by developing a way to measure magnetic fields in space using methanol. The new method, published in Nature Astronomy, gives astronomers a new tool to investigate how massive stars form.
Using lasers, MSU scientists have replicated a mechanism forming H3+, the universe's most abundant ion, revealing 'phantom mechanisms' in astrochemistry. The team discovered roaming chemistry plays a crucial role in this process.
Dr. Ewine van Dishoeck is awarded the Albert Einstein World Award of Science for her groundbreaking research on interstellar molecules, while Dr. Milton Masciadri receives the Leonardo da Vinci World Award of Arts for his exceptional contributions to music and education.
Scientists at The University of Manchester have created a new star-shaped molecule consisting of two molecular triangles entwined about each other three times into a hexagram. This complex structure is the most advanced of its kind ever produced and has potential applications in creating light, flexible, and strong materials.
Recent research from the Cassini-Huygens mission provides insights into the evolution of life on Earth from Titan, Saturn's moon. The findings shed light on the origin of life and the potential for life beyond Earth, with organic chemicals present on Titan's surface being influenced by sunlight and energy sources.
Researchers find that icy dust specks on interstellar clouds can speed up chemical reactions, forming complex organic molecules. This discovery sheds light on the origins of life in the Universe, suggesting that these dust grains may play a crucial role in seeding galaxies with chemical potential for life.
A new type of detector uses a CCD image sensor chip in an off-the-shelf X-ray camera to measure both particle energy and spatial location. The device successfully detects molecules containing carbon and hydrogen at energies above 1 MeV, opening up new avenues for complex molecule research
Professor Benoît Marsan's research solved two long-standing issues in solar cell development: a corrosive electrolyte and expensive platinum cathode. His innovative solutions use new molecules and cobalt sulphide, increasing photovoltage and stability.
Researchers have discovered complex organic molecules in interstellar space using powerful radio telescopes. Detailed images of protoclusters reveal a complex mix of stars in different stages of formation.
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.
Researchers at Iowa State University are working on a project to improve the performance of thin-film solar cells by 40-50% using non-crystalline silicon wafers. The discovery could result in several patents and give companies like PowerFilm Inc. a significant advantage in the market.
Researchers at Rice University have created nanoparticles called nanostars, which exhibit strong spectral signals and can be used to discern the three-dimensional orientation of molecules. This discovery has significant potential for 3D molecular sensing applications.
Researchers develop a new method to fabricate optoelectronic devices using Fullerenes and positively charged polymers, generating a current from a negatively charged Fullerene and a positively charged polymer. This process creates a photovoltaic device without the use of toxic solvents or expensive instruments, under ambient conditions.
Chemist Richard L. Hahn's work with solar neutrinos reveals insights into the sun's behavior and duration. His research uses giant tanks to detect neutrino collisions, which may lead to a re-evaluation of fundamental theories.
Historian Alan J. Rocke presents a symposium on the history of futurism in chemistry, exploring divergent visions of science in the year 2000. The event highlights the accuracy of 19th-century predictions about the 20th century and showcases the evolution of chemistry.
The American Chemical Society's national meeting will feature discussions on topics such as environmental health risks, antibiotic resistance, and the origin of elements in the solar system. More than 5,600 papers are scheduled for presentation to an expected 12,000 scientists.
Dr. Jack Stocker discusses his new book, Chemistry and Science Fiction, at the American Chemical Society's national meeting. The presentation highlights the relationship between science and its depiction in science fiction, a common theme in works like Star Wars and Star Trek.
Researchers developed a new technique using combinatorial chemistry to screen thousands of catalysts simultaneously, reducing time by fractions. The method enables potential improvements in fuel emission controls, solar energy harvesting, drug preparation, and converting natural resources into useful products.