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More ancestral enzyme

The study reports the crystal structures of aconitase X enzymes from bacteria and archaea, providing novel insights into their catalytic mechanisms. The findings suggest that ancestral active sites in aconitase superfamily are conserved across different species.

SourceEhime University·JournalCommunications Biology·DateJul 8, 2021

Scientists home in on recipe for entirely renewable energy

Researchers from Trinity College Dublin have made significant progress in developing a recipe for entirely renewable energy by splitting water to produce green hydrogen. The team has identified nine earth-abundant metal combinations as highly promising leads for experimental investigation, with chromium, manganese, and iron standing ou...

SourceTrinity College Dublin·JournalCell Reports Physical Science·DateJul 7, 2021
Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation, USB-C)

Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation, USB-C) provide clear calls and strong noise reduction for interviews, conferences, and noisy field environments.

New game-changing zeolite catalysts synthesized

Researchers at Pohang University of Science & Technology (POSTECH) have synthesized two new thermally stable zeolites with improved catalytic activity. PST-32 and PST-2 exhibit higher activity than zeolite Y in producing ethylene and propylene, key raw materials for chemical products.

SourcePohang University of Science & Technology (POSTECH)·JournalScience·DateJul 6, 2021

How ethane-consuming archaea pick up their favorite dish

Researchers discovered ethane-eating microbes at hydrothermal vents, which use the same enzyme as methane-eaters to break down ethane. The enzyme's unique structure was visualized with unprecedented precision, revealing a larger catalytic chamber and additional methyl groups, allowing for efficient recognition of ethane.

SourceMax Planck Institute for Marine Microbiology·JournalScience·DateJul 2, 2021

Catalyzing the conversion of biomass to biofuel

Research finds that water molecules in zeolites enhance chemical reactions for biomass conversion to biofuel. By optimizing pore sizes and water concentrations, the process can be made more efficient, saving energy.

SourceTechnical University of Munich (TUM)·JournalScience·DateJul 1, 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.

Buttoned up biomolecules

Researchers have introduced a novel click reaction suitable for living cells and organisms, enabling the labeling of biomolecules without affecting physiological processes. The reaction uses linear, terminal alkynes and N,N-dialkylhydroxylamines to form biocompatible enamine-N-oxides.

SourceWiley·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateJun 30, 2021

New 2D alloy combines five metals, breaks down CO2

Researchers have developed a new 2D alloy material combining five metals that acts as an excellent catalyst for reducing CO2 into CO. The high-entropy transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDCs) alloy has potential applications in environmental remediation, transforming carbon dioxide into a hydrocarbon.

SourceWashington University in St. Louis·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateJun 29, 2021
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.

Light-harvesting nanoparticle catalysts show promise in quest for renewable carbon-based fuels

A study by University of Illinois researchers has shown that small quantities of hydrocarbons can be produced when CO2 and water react in the presence of light and a silver nanoparticle catalyst. The findings demonstrate a viable technology for renewable energy generation and chemical manufacturing.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalNature Communications·DateJun 24, 2021
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope combines portable Schmidt-Cassegrain optics with GoTo pointing for outreach nights and field campaigns.

Quantum dots keep atoms spaced to boost catalysis

Rice University engineers developed a strategy to increase the number of transition-metal single atoms that can be loaded onto a carbon carrier using graphene quantum dots. The new technique showed significant improvement in electrochemical reduction of carbon dioxide compared to lower metal loading catalysts.

SourceRice University·JournalNature Chemistry·DateJun 24, 2021

Four-component, and asymmetric radical 1,4-oxy-trifluoromethylation to olefins

Researchers at NTHU and IU developed a novel four-component coupling strategy for olefins, resulting in asymmetric radical trifluoromethylation. The reaction utilizes chiral VO species as catalysts under aerobic conditions, offering high diastereo-/enantio-controls and potential applications for biomedical compounds.

SourceIbaraki University·JournalACS Catalysis·DateJun 22, 2021
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.

Hydrophobic copper catalyst to mitigate electrolyte flooding

Scientists developed a new copper catalyst with sharp needle structures, enhancing CO2 reduction reaction efficiency by mitigating electrolyte flooding and increasing selectivity. The study published in Journal of the American Chemical Society showcases the stability and productivity of the hierarchical Cu electrode.

SourceUniversity of Science and Technology of China·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateJun 16, 2021

From milk protein, a plastic foam that gets better in a tough environment

Researchers at KTH Royal Institute of Technology developed a high-performance plastic foam from whey proteins that can withstand extreme temperatures. The material, which improves its mechanical performance after days of exposure to high temperatures, has potential applications in filtration, thermal insulation, and fluid absorption.

SourceKTH, Royal Institute of Technology·JournalAdvanced Sustainable Systems·DateJun 11, 2021

Active platinum species

Researchers investigated individual platinum atoms and small clusters on special zeolite supports, finding they are significantly more active than larger clusters in splitting oxygen. Platinum clusters also dominate CO oxidation, while individual atoms enable efficient methane combustion.

SourceWiley·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateJun 10, 2021

How catalysts age

Scientists at the Paul Scherrer Institute have developed a new experimental method to investigate the ageing process of vanadium phosphorus oxides (VPO) catalysts. The method allows for precise measurement of chemical properties in three dimensions, revealing changes in the material's structure and chemistry over time.

SourcePaul Scherrer Institute·JournalScience Advances·DateJun 9, 2021
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

New single-atom catalysis boots reductive amination reaction

Researchers developed Ru1/NC SAC, showcasing improved catalytic activity and selectivity in reductive amination reactions. The single-atom dispersion and coordination environment play crucial roles in determining the catalytic performance.

SourceDalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy Sciences·JournalNature Communications·DateJun 7, 2021
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.

Bioinspired acid-catalyzed C2 prenylation of indole derivatives

A bioinspired approach to C2 prenylation of indoles has been developed, enabling the regioselective synthesis of tryptophol and tryptamine derivatives. The method uses cheap tert-prenol as a precursor and Lewis acid AlCl3 as a catalyst, demonstrating high selectivity.

SourceDalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy Sciences·JournalChinese Journal of Catalysis·DateJun 7, 2021

A new water treatment technology could also help Mars explorers

A team of engineers at UC Riverside has developed a catalyst that removes perchlorate from water, which is abundant in Martian soil. The new technology could help produce oxygen for human explorers on Mars.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateJun 3, 2021

Passing the acid test: New low-pH system recycles more carbon into valuable products

Researchers at the University of Toronto have developed a new electrochemical system that converts more than 50% of CO2 into valuable products. The system runs under acidic conditions, which reduces undesired side reactions and enhances efficiency, making it an economically viable solution for carbon capture and utilization.

SourceUniversity of Toronto Faculty of Applied Science & Engineering·JournalScience·DateJun 3, 2021
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.

Nanomaterials with laser printing

Researchers develop a laser-driven method to synthesize nanoparticles, enabling efficient conversion of solar energy into electricity. The technology also promotes the production of green hydrogen by employing photoelectrodes that use sunlight directly.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalNature Communications·DateJun 2, 2021

Scientists demonstrate a better, more eco-friendly method to produce hydrogen peroxide

Researchers have developed a more efficient and environmentally friendly method to produce hydrogen peroxide by using palladium-gold nanoparticles as a catalyst. The new process produces almost 100% hydrogen peroxide with minimal water formation, making it a promising alternative to traditional methods.

SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Liberal Arts & Sciences·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateJun 1, 2021

Solar energy-driven sustainable process for synthesis of ethylene glycol from methanol

Researchers developed a novel solar energy-driven method to produce ethylene glycol (EG) from methanol, offering a sustainable and clean alternative. The catalyst, nitrogen-doped tantalum oxide, demonstrated high activity and stability for EG production, making it an environmentally friendly candidate for industrial applications.

SourceDalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy Sciences·JournalChinese Journal of Catalysis·DateJun 1, 2021

Isolating an elusive missing link

Researchers from ICIQ's Lloret-Fillol group have isolated and fully characterised an elusive intermediate in the Water Oxidation Reaction (WOR), a key reaction for producing atmospheric oxygen. The breakthrough provides direct evidence of the oxygen-oxygen bond formation mechanism, opening doors for efficient catalyst design.

SourceInstitute of Chemical Research of Catalonia (ICIQ)·JournalNature Chemistry·DateMay 31, 2021

Ganoderic acid increases radiosensitivity of cancer cell

Researchers discovered that Ganoderic acid can increase the radiosensitivity of cancer cells, making them more susceptible to radiation therapy. This breakthrough provides new hope for cancer treatment and could lead to improved patient outcomes.

SourceHefei Institutes of Physical Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalToxicology Research·DateMay 31, 2021
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.

Study reveals degradation of antibiotics in water by iron-based fenton catalytic

Researchers develop an iron-based catalyst that rapidly removes sulfadiazine antibiotic residues from water by activating H2O2 to generate free radicals. The catalyst shows high efficiency and stability, making it a potential solution for tackling micro-pollutants in water.

SourceHefei Institutes of Physical Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalJournal of Colloid and Interface Science·DateMay 31, 2021

Graphene-based nanozyme helps to detect L-cysteine in serum

A novel graphene-based nanozyme was developed using Ganoderma lucidum extract polysaccharides, enabling high sensitivity and selectivity detection of L-cysteine in serum. The study published in Analytical and Bioanalytical Chemistry demonstrated improved stability and dispersion of the nanozyme in water.

SourceHefei Institutes of Physical Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalAnalytical and Bioanalytical Chemistry·DateMay 31, 2021

Cheap alloy rivals expensive platinum to boost fuel cells

A team of researchers from USTC developed a novel Ni-W-Cu alloy, demonstrating 4.31 times higher efficiency than traditional platinum-based catalysts in alkaline medium hydrogen oxidation. The alloy maintains high activity for up to 20 hours and shows excellent resistance to CO poisoning.

SourceUniversity of Science and Technology of China·JournalNature Communications·DateMay 28, 2021

New insights into switchable MOF structures

Researchers studied DUT-8, a switchable MOF structure that changes shape in response to guest molecules. The findings improve understanding of switching processes and gas exchange reactions in MOFs, paving the way for targeted development of functional materials.

SourceHelmholtz-Zentrum Berlin für Materialien und Energie·JournalNature Chemistry·DateMay 28, 2021

Recruiting bacteria to build catalysts atom by atom

Scientists have discovered a way to synthesize highly active single-atom catalysts using iron-breathing bacteria, promising a cheap and reliable method for hydrogen production. The innovation utilizes the bacterium's metal-reducing ability to conduct electrons and produce single atoms of catalytically active metals.

SourceKing Abdullah University of Science & Technology (KAUST)·JournalAdvanced Functional Materials·DateMay 27, 2021
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.

Tuning the intermediate reaction barriers by a CuPd catalyst for CO2 electroreduction to C2 products

Researchers designed a Cu-Pd bimetallic electrocatalyst that lowers the energy barrier of C2 product generation, resulting in a 50.3% C2 Faradaic efficiency. The catalyst exploits the benefits of both Cu (low energy barrier) and Pd (ultrafast kinetics), addressing CO2 conversion limitations.

SourceDalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy Sciences·JournalChinese Journal of Catalysis·DateMay 25, 2021

Nanoparticles: The complex rhythm of chemistry

Research at TU Wien reveals that individual facets of nanoparticles can form oscillations of different frequencies when exposed to oxygen and hydrogen. This complex behavior can lead to more effective catalysts and insights into non-linear reaction kinetics.

SourceVienna University of Technology·JournalScience·DateMay 21, 2021

An updated understanding of how to synthesize value-added chemicals

A team of researchers has proposed a revised mechanism for adding functional groups onto simple hydrocarbons like methane, highlighting the essential role of chlorine atoms. This new understanding is crucial for designing next-generation catalysts and finding scalable approaches to turn greenhouse gases into value-added chemicals.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania·JournalScience·DateMay 20, 2021
Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm)

Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm) tracks health metrics and safety alerts during long observing sessions, fieldwork, and remote expeditions.

AI-aided search for single-atom-alloy catalysts yields more than 200 promising candidates

Researchers at Skoltech developed a new algorithm to identify over 200 previously unknown single-atom-alloy catalysts with improved stability and performance. The AI-powered approach uses machine learning models to extract key parameters from computational data, providing a recipe for finding the best SAACs for specific applications.

SourceSkolkovo Institute of Science and Technology (Skoltech)·JournalNature Communications·DateMay 19, 2021

New catalyst proved efficient to electrosynthesis of ammonia

Researchers have discovered a new oxygen-coordinated molybdenum single atom catalyst that exhibits high nitrogen reduction reaction activity and stability in producing ammonia. The catalyst, anchored on activated carbon, shows promising results for efficient electrosynthesis of ammonia.

SourceHefei Institutes of Physical Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalChemical Communications·DateMay 18, 2021

Toward overcoming solubility issues in organic chemistry

A team of four scientists from Hokkaido University developed a rapid and efficient protocol for cross-coupling reactions using ball milling, expanding the pool of chemicals usable in organic synthesis. They successfully applied this method to mostly-insoluble aryl halides, yielding desired products.

SourceHokkaido University·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateMay 18, 2021
Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

New technology converts waste plastics to jet fuel in an hour

Researchers at Washington State University have developed a catalytic process to efficiently convert polyethylene to jet fuel and high-value lubricants. The process converts 90% of plastic to usable products within an hour, offering a promising approach to reducing waste plastics.

SourceWashington State University·JournalChem Catalysis·DateMay 17, 2021

Engineering catalysts that turn seawater into fuel

Scientists from the University of Pittsburgh and University of Rochester aim to improve seawater-to-fuel technology by refining a crucial step in the process. The researchers seek to design catalysts that can efficiently convert carbon dioxide into usable fuels, making the process more energy efficient and safer.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh·DateMay 11, 2021

MOF metallic mastery

KAUST researchers have developed a robust catalyst that converts carbon dioxide into carbon monoxide gas with 100% selectivity, overcoming the limitations of precious metals. The innovative method uses MOFs to create mixed metal catalytic nanoparticles in a homogenous mixture.

SourceKing Abdullah University of Science & Technology (KAUST)·JournalChem Catalysis·DateMay 11, 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.

Bone-deep: Mineral found in human bone can help fight toxic organic compounds

Scientists have discovered that hydroxyapatite, a mineral present in human bones, can efficiently decompose hazardous organic compounds when activated using mechanical stress. This breakthrough could lead to the development of cheap, noble-metal-free catalysts for controlling volatile organic compounds.

SourceNagoya Institute of Technology·JournalScientific Reports·DateMay 11, 2021

Understanding aromaticity in catalysis to unlock new opportunities

Researchers at KAUST developed a new family of catalysts that leverage aromaticity for improved performance in reactions such as hydrogen production and ester formation. The PN3(P) pincer complexes exhibit high catalytic activity, but more importantly, provide insights into the role of aromaticity in catalysis.

SourceKing Abdullah University of Science & Technology (KAUST)·JournalChemical Communications·DateMay 2, 2021

CO2 catalysis made more accessible

Researchers have discovered a new aerogel electrocatalyst formed from inexpensive metal alloys, enabling highly efficient electrochemical conversion of carbon dioxide. The process achieves an efficiency of 93% with minimal byproducts.

SourceWiley·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateApr 30, 2021
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.

How acidic are atoms?

Researchers at Vienna University of Technology have developed a new microscopy technique that allows for the measurement of atomic acidity on surfaces. This breakthrough enables analysis of catalysts on an atomic scale, which is crucial for improving chemical reactions.

SourceVienna University of Technology·JournalNature·DateApr 28, 2021

Improved catalyst may translate to petrochemical production gains

Researchers have developed a new method for synthesizing zeolite catalysts that improves catalytic performance by up to five-fold. The improved hierarchical zeolite catalysts show unprecedented improvement in stability and selectivity, potentially reducing the need for costly turnarounds.

SourceUniversity of Houston·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateApr 27, 2021

Hydrocracking our way to recycling plastic waste

University of Delaware researchers report a breakthrough process that can convert hard-to-recycle plastics into usable molecules. The hydrocracking process requires less energy than other technologies and can treat various plastics, even when mixed together.

SourceUniversity of Delaware·JournalScience Advances·DateApr 26, 2021
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.