Researchers have identified a new light-driven enzyme, fatty acid photodecarboxylase (FAP), that converts fatty acids into alkanes and alkenes under blue light. The enzyme's complex photocycle drives this transformation, and its structure has been elucidated using serial femtosecond crystallography.
SourceDOE/SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory·JournalScience·DateApr 22, 2021
Scientists develop new catalyst to efficiently synthesize aziridines with high enantiopurity, a crucial step towards creating novel medicines. The reaction method also shows potential for other stereo-selective synthetic reactions.
SourceNagoya Institute of Technology·JournalOrganic Letters·DateApr 20, 2021
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Researchers have created a new catalyst that allows for more efficient and sustainable production of aromatic hydrocarbons using renewable sources like woody biomass. The catalyst reduces the need for high temperatures and pressures, minimizing energy costs and emissions.
SourceUniversity of Tokyo·JournalNature Catalysis·DateApr 19, 2021
Researchers create nanostructured bimetallic catalysts with enhanced activity and stability, offering a cost-effective alternative to noble metal-based catalysts. The new material is stabilized on a conductive surface using a polymeric material, enabling predictable catalysis performance.
SourceInstitute of Physical Chemistry of the Polish Academy of Sciences·JournalNanoscale Advances·DateApr 18, 2021
A recent study has unveiled a new principle that active charge transfer at the interface between non-noble metals can enhance the catalytic performance of complex oxide catalysts. The researchers found that CeO2-deposited spinel oxide nanocubes exhibited a 12-times higher CO oxidation rate than pristine Co3O4 NCs.
SourceUlsan National Institute of Science and Technology(UNIST)·JournalACS Catalysis·DateApr 14, 2021
Researchers from Boston College and Yale University found a mechanistic switch in the oxygen evolution reaction that uses water to produce hydrogen gas. The switch occurs when applying voltage to the catalyst surface, enabling efficient electrocatalysts to be chosen or optimized depending on the potential regime.
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Researchers developed a photo-oxygenation catalyst that destabilizes and removes amyloid plaques, enhancing immune system clearance. The treatment significantly reduced amyloid protein in mouse brains, with human brain samples supporting its potential use in humans.
Researchers at St Petersburg University have synthesized polymers from biomass, making them recyclable and potentially replacing traditional plastics. The new polymers are based on terpenols, natural compounds found in plants like mint and white fir trees, and can be recycled at moderate temperatures.
SourceSt. Petersburg State University·JournalGreen Chemistry·DateApr 12, 2021
A recent X-ray study clarifies the reaction mechanism of lithium manganese oxide (Li2MnO3) and finds it suitable as a catalyst for high-energy electrode materials. The discovery paves the way for exploring alternative battery technologies, including lithium-air and lithium-carbon dioxide batteries.
SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalJoule·DateApr 9, 2021
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Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope combines portable Schmidt-Cassegrain optics with GoTo pointing for outreach nights and field campaigns.
A team at the Indian Institute of Science developed a catalytic version of the Fischer indole synthesis that primarily produces one enantiomer. The reaction involves a dynamic kinetic resolution mechanism with a chiral catalyst, resulting in moderate yields and good to excellent enantiomeric selectivity.
SourceWiley·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateApr 8, 2021
Researchers designed a nanodendrite Pt-Cu alloy electrocatalyst with high-index surfaces and graded composition, achieving excellent mass and area activities for oxygen reduction reaction. The catalyst's unique morphology and composition provide a high specific surface area to improve Pt utilization and enhance ORR activity.
SourceDalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy Sciences·JournalChinese Journal of Catalysis·DateApr 7, 2021
Researchers at KIST have created a large-scale CO2 conversion system using a sea urchin-shaped nano copper catalyst, which increases catalytic activity and yields ethylene by over 50%. The findings suggest that increasing copper hydroxide content is key to enhancing efficiency.
SourceNational Research Council of Science & Technology·JournalNano Energy·DateApr 7, 2021
Osaka University researchers have developed an air-stable and highly active single-crystal cobalt phosphide nanorod catalyst for the reductive amination of carbonyl compounds. The catalyst overcomes limitations of conventional cobalt catalysts, retaining high activity after multiple uses.
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Researchers have developed a zeolite-based nanocatalyst that achieves 2.5-times higher ammonia decomposition performance than conventional commercial catalysts while using only 40% of ruthenium metal. This new catalyst overcomes stability issues and enables large-capacity hydrogen transport via ammonia decomposition.
SourceNational Research Council of Science & Technology·DateApr 6, 2021
Researchers at Oak Ridge National Laboratory have developed a refractory metal alloy that can withstand extreme temperatures and is viable for additive manufacturing. The team also created an electrocatalyst that enables the conversion of water and carbon dioxide into higher weight hydrocarbons, set to reduce fuel costs.
SourceDOE/Oak Ridge National Laboratory·JournalConstruction and Building Materials·DateApr 5, 2021
Researchers at Chinese Academy of Sciences developed a method to deposit high-dispersed Fe species into ZSM-5 micropores, resulting in high selectivity of cyclohexanone (92%-97%) and improved catalyst activity. The Fe content can be precisely controlled by varying ALD cycles.
SourceScience China Press·JournalScience China Chemistry·DateApr 2, 2021
Researchers at Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics developed a dual-bed catalyst that achieves highly efficient and selective conversion of syngas to gasoline-range liquid hydrocarbons. The catalyst showed excellent stability, with selectivities of C5-11 and C3-11 in the hydrocarbon products reaching 80.6% and 98.2%, respectively.
SourceDalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy Sciences·JournalChem Catalysis·DateApr 2, 2021
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Researchers at MIT have created synthetic mucins with a polymer backbone that mimic the structure and function of naturally occurring mucins, effectively neutralizing the bacterial toxin that causes cholera. This breakthrough could lead to new treatments for infectious diseases and potentially less resistance to antibiotics.
SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalACS Central Science·DateMar 30, 2021
Researchers at Ruhr-University Bochum and University of Duisburg-Essen developed a stable copper catalyst for CO2 conversion using boron. The catalyst's selectivity and long-term stability were improved, enabling the formation of larger carbon compounds that can be used as base chemicals or fuels.
Scientists at the DOE/Pacific Northwest National Laboratory have successfully demonstrated a biocrude conversion process that can operate continuously for over 2,000 hours without losing effectiveness. The process converts various types of biocrude from wastewater and food waste into high-quality renewable diesel fuel.
SourceDOE/Pacific Northwest National Laboratory·DateMar 25, 2021
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Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition is a durable star atlas for planning sessions, identifying targets, and teaching celestial navigation.
Researchers discovered that the potato toxin α-solanine is biosynthesized from the spirosolane α-tomatine found in tomatoes. The conversion involves a dioxygenase enzyme called DPS, which can be suppressed with an inhibitor, offering a potential basis for suppressing poisonous compound synthesis in potatoes.
SourceKobe University·JournalNature Communications·DateMar 25, 2021
Researchers at RUDN University found that fluorine-containing compounds can simplify the purification of catalysts from reaction products, making them reusable. This technology could improve ruthenium-based catalysts for pharmaceutical and industrial applications.
SourceRUDN University·JournalRussian Chemical Reviews·DateMar 24, 2021
Scientists successfully achieved homogeneous catalyst by dissolving electrocatalytic metals in molten gallium, improving formic acid selectivity and reducing hydrogen evolution. The new method brings a significant breakthrough for synthesizing heterogeneous catalysts with enhanced stability.
SourceUniversity of Science and Technology of China·JournalNature Catalysis·DateMar 24, 2021
Researchers have developed a Sn/reduced graphene oxide catalyst for efficient formic acid synthesis from CO2 through electrochemical reduction. The catalyst achieved a Faradic efficiency of 98% and significantly reduced overpotential, enabling the production of high-purity formic acid.
SourceKanazawa University·JournalACS Catalysis·DateMar 24, 2021
Researchers at Northwestern University have developed a new method for producing propylene, a key component of plastics, that uses less energy. The technique, which involves the use of two catalysts, produces yields up to 30% higher than traditional methods, making it a promising solution for more energy-efficient plastics production.
SourceNorthwestern University·JournalScience·DateMar 22, 2021
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CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock simplifies serious desks with 18 ports for high-speed storage, monitors, and instruments across Mac and PC setups.
Researchers have developed a new catalyst for the low-temperature hydrogenation of CO2 to methanol with high activity and selectivity. The sulfur vacancy-rich few-layered MoS2 catalyst achieves 94.3% methanol selectivity at 180°C, outperforming commercial catalysts.
SourceDalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy Sciences·JournalNature Catalysis·DateMar 22, 2021
Cu-based small-pore zeolites have been demonstrated to be promising candidates for NH3-SCR catalysts due to their unique structural features and physicochemical properties. The latest advances in Cu-SSZ-13 applied to the NH3-SCR reaction highlight the significant opportunity presented by zeolite-based catalysts.
SourceScience China Press·JournalNational Science Review·DateMar 17, 2021
Researchers have developed a dual-functioning catalyst that breaks down common drugs in wastewater while efficiently converting water into hydrogen for fuel. The catalyst, composed of cobalt oxide and titanium dioxide with platinum nanoparticles, showed promise in degrading antibiotics and producing substantial amounts of hydrogen.
SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalACS ES&T Engineering·DateMar 17, 2021
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Apple iPhone 17 Pro delivers top performance and advanced cameras for field documentation, data collection, and secure research communications.
Researchers from Osaka University have developed a sustainable method for synthesizing vicinal diamines, crucial in medications for influenza and colorectal cancer. The process uses molecular iodine as a catalyst, reducing the need for rare and toxic metals.
SourceOsaka University·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateMar 15, 2021
Scientists from Tokyo Metropolitan University have developed a scalable method to create ordered porous metallic oxide thin films using a range of transition metals. The process enables the production of highly ordered nanohole arrays ideal for various industrial applications.
SourceTokyo Metropolitan University·JournalElectrochemistry Communications·DateMar 13, 2021
Researchers at Hong Kong University of Science and Technology have developed a novel approach to synthesize chiral tetraarylmethanes, a type of spherical molecule. The new method enables efficient access to this previously underexplored chemical space, with promising activity against cancer cells and enterovirus.
SourceHong Kong University of Science and Technology·JournalNature Catalysis·DateMar 11, 2021
Researchers at Pohang University of Science & Technology (POSTECH) have discovered the mechanism behind catalyst transformation, revealing a pathway for improved fuel cell performance. The study found that PBMO catalysts exhibit enhanced stability and conductivity when transforming from perovskite to layered structures.
SourcePohang University of Science & Technology (POSTECH)·JournalEnergy & Environmental Science·DateMar 10, 2021
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Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2 Weather Station offers research-grade local weather data for networked stations, campuses, and community observatories.
Researchers at the UAB have designed minimalist biostructures that imitate natural enzymes, carrying out two differentiated and reversibly regulated activities. These peptides can be used to create 'intelligent' nanomaterials with tailor-made combinations of catalytic functions for practical applications.
SourceUniversitat Autonoma de Barcelona·JournalACS Catalysis·DateMar 8, 2021
Scientists from China create a Turing structure on inorganic materials, exhibiting efficient oxygen evolution electrocatalytic activity. The study showcases the potential for designing cheaper catalysts with higher performance.
SourceUniversity of Science and Technology of China·JournalAngewandte Chemie·DateMar 8, 2021
Thomas Schwartz is advancing his dissection of the Lebedev process, a multi-step chemical reaction used to make butadiene from biomass-derived ethanol. Understanding this process will help create new catalysts for increased butadiene yield.
Researchers at BESSY II discover that low-intensity blue light can alter the properties of MoS2 layers, making them metallic and catalytically active. This finding could enable the production of hydrogen as an energy carrier with no CO2 emissions.
SourceHelmholtz-Zentrum Berlin für Materialien und Energie·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateMar 5, 2021
Researchers found that minute amounts of zinc oxide in intimate contact with copper significantly improve the methanol production process. The study reveals how the choice of support material affects the behavior of active catalyst components, leading to changes in reaction selectivity.
SourceFritz Haber Institute of the Max Planck Society·JournalNature Communications·DateMar 4, 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.
Researchers have identified the metallic state of Ag nanoclusters during oxidative dispersion, revealing a transitional state at high temperatures. The study used in situ imaging methods to demonstrate the dynamic dispersion and redispersion of supported metal catalysts.
SourceDalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy Sciences·JournalNature Communications·DateMar 4, 2021
Japanese researchers create simulation method for theoretical estimation of catalytic reaction efficiency, enabling forecasting of reactant conversion and product selectivity. The method can be applied to various catalyst systems, contributing to a carbon-free society.
SourceJapan Science and Technology Agency·JournalACS Catalysis·DateMar 4, 2021
Scientists have discovered that covering metal catalyst surfaces with thin two-dimensional oxide materials can significantly enhance chemical reactions. The new method uses partially covered palladium surfaces with silica films to boost carbon dioxide production by 20%. This approach allows for more efficient and effective catalytic co...
SourceDOE/Brookhaven National Laboratory·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateMar 2, 2021
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Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4) runs demanding GIS, imaging, and annotation workflows on the go for surveys, briefings, and lab notebooks.
Researchers developed gold-phosphorus nanosheets that selectively oxidize methane to methanol with high efficiency. The nanosheets enable mild oxidation of methane into CH3 species, followed by oxidation via hydroxyl groups into methanol.
SourceUniversity of Science and Technology of China·JournalNature Communications·DateMar 2, 2021
Scientists at KAUST create an efficient catalyst that converts CO2 and hydrogen into methane using photothermal energy, reducing the need for external heat sources. The reaction achieves nearly 100% selectivity and impressive efficiency, offering a sustainable way to convert harmful greenhouse gases into valuable fuel.
SourceKing Abdullah University of Science & Technology (KAUST)·JournalAdvanced Functional Materials·DateMar 1, 2021
Researchers create a 'ship-in-a-bottle structure' by slowly moving reactive components to the surface, where they form stalagmite-like spikes of metal oxides. This process enables purification and recovery of pure and precious metals from alloys in electronic waste.
SourceIowa State University·JournalMaterials Horizons·DateMar 1, 2021
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.
Researchers at North Carolina State University have developed a new catalyst that significantly increases styrene manufacturing yield, reducing energy use by 82% and carbon dioxide emissions by 79%. The catalyst achieves a single-pass yield of 91%, outperforming conventional technologies.
SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalNature Communications·DateFeb 26, 2021
Researchers have developed novel Bi-BiVO4 Mott-Schottky heterostructure catalysts for efficient urea synthesis under ambient conditions. The spontaneous charge transfer at the heterointerfaces promotes targeted adsorption and activation of CO2 and N2 molecules, effectively suppressing CO poisoning.
SourceChinese Academy of Sciences Headquarters·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateFeb 26, 2021
Researchers from USTC establish bridges between atoms and make catalysts of high quality. They apply substitutional doping method to prepare Co-doping MoS2 monolayer, which shows dramatically increased exchange current density during electrochemical hydrogen evolution reaction.
SourceUniversity of Science and Technology of China·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateFeb 25, 2021
Scientists from GIST have developed a novel catalyst material that improves the longevity and performance of lithium-sulfur batteries. The CoC2O4 catalyst enables efficient electric transportation systems, including drones and large-scale energy storage devices.
SourceGIST (Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology)·JournalChemSusChem·DateFeb 22, 2021
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Rigol DP832 Triple-Output Bench Power Supply powers sensors, microcontrollers, and test circuits with programmable rails and stable outputs.
Researchers have synthesized a rare metal complex of nitrous oxide, demonstrating its strong binding ability to metals, potentially opening new avenues for using it in synthetic chemistry. The findings could also help degrade N2O to harmless substances, mitigating its impact on the atmosphere.
SourceUniversity of Jyväskylä - Jyväskylän yliopisto·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateFeb 22, 2021
Researchers developed a two-step amination strategy to enhance the intrinsic activity of M-N/C catalysts, leading to improved current density and Faraday efficiency. The new method enabled CO2 electrocatalytic reduction at an industrial level, with a remarkable current density of over 400 mA cm−2.
SourceChinese Academy of Sciences Headquarters·DateFeb 19, 2021
Researchers have developed a computational model to improve the production of polyisobutenyl succinic anhydrides (PIBSAs) for auto industry formulations. The study reveals the detailed mechanism of Lewis acid-catalyzed reactions, enabling faster and more efficient synthesis with reduced energy input.
SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh·JournalIndustrial & Engineering Chemistry·DateFeb 17, 2021
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Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter measures wind, temperature, and humidity in real time for site assessments, aviation checks, and safety briefings.
Researchers from Ruhr-Universität Bochum and University of Copenhagen developed an approach to predict optimal composition and confirm accuracy with high-throughput experiments. The strategy enables identification of complex mechanisms at surfaces consisting of five chemical elements, overcoming limitations of previous catalysts.
SourceRuhr-University Bochum·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateFeb 17, 2021
Researchers have developed a method to synthesize N-C axially chiral compounds, which have promising applications in medicine and agriculture. The team's breakthrough enables the creation of highly enantioselective syntheses using chiral catalysts, leading to potentially useful compounds with therapeutic properties.
SourceShibaura Institute of Technology·JournalAccounts of Chemical Research·DateFeb 16, 2021
Scientists have developed a platinum-gold alloy catalyst that enables efficient hydrogen peroxide production from hydrogen and oxygen at room temperature. The new process achieves a selectivity of 95%, reducing the formation of unwanted water byproducts.
SourceNational Research Council of Science & Technology·JournalActa Materialia·DateFeb 16, 2021
Scientists have developed a method to estimate the temperature of chemical reactions activated by plasmons, revealing that properties of plasmons depend on thermal effects and other factors. The study used organic molecules as ultra-small sensors, showing different temperatures for two molecules triggered by plasmon energy.
SourceTomsk Polytechnic University·JournalChemical Science·DateFeb 15, 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.
Scientists at TU Dresden have discovered that the dried flowers of St. John's Wort can catalyze photochemical reactions, showcasing a promising green and sustainable method for chemical synthesis. The discovery utilizes the plant compound hypericin as an active compound in chemical reactions without prior chemical processing.
SourceTechnische Universität Dresden·JournalGreen Chemistry·DateFeb 12, 2021
The Spinning Disc Mesh Reactor (SMDR) creates chemicals by reacting enzymes on a spinning cloth-covered plate, like a vinyl record. It offers flexibility and scope for batch production, making pharmaceutical companies more responsive to emerging health issues.
Researchers developed a new approach to modifying coal combustion behavior, reducing unburnt carbon in ash residue and CO content in gaseous products. The method uses copper salts to intensify combustion and reduce emissions, improving fuel efficiency and minimizing energy use.
SourceNational University of Science and Technology MISIS·JournalFuel Processing Technology·DateFeb 10, 2021
Researchers at Nagoya University have found catalysts that improve an important industrial reaction, producing high yields of a compound used in various industries without toxic compounds or high temperatures. The approach offers a practical and sustainable solution for industrial (meth)acrylate ester synthesis.
SourceNagoya University·JournalACS Catalysis·DateFeb 10, 2021
Researchers uncovered dynamic details of a platinum-based catalyst's active site, resolving earlier conflicting reports. They found that only certain platinum atoms play an important role in the chemical conversion, which may lead to designing more efficient and cost-effective catalysts.
SourceDOE/Brookhaven National Laboratory·JournalNature Communications·DateFeb 10, 2021
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Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount provides precise tracking capacity for deep-sky imaging rigs during long astrophotography sessions.
Researchers created a 'defective' catalyst that simplifies the generation of hydrogen peroxide from oxygen, with 100% Faradaic efficiency. The process is simpler and cheaper than existing methods, with potential to replace expensive and toxic chemicals in various industries.
SourceRice University·JournalACS Catalysis·DateFeb 9, 2021