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A team of researchers has developed a strategy to produce renewable lubricant base oils from non-food biomass and fatty acids, offering a more efficient and environmentally friendly alternative to traditional lubricants. The new method uses catalysis to synthesize the base-oils with tunable properties, making them suitable for a wide r...

SourceUniversity of Delaware·JournalScience Advances·DateFeb 7, 2019
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.

Scientists develop metal-free photocatalyst to purify pathogen-rich water in minutes

Researchers from Yangzhou University and the Chinese Academy of Sciences create a metal-free photocatalyst that can purify pathogen-rich water in 30 minutes with over 99.9999% disinfection efficiency under visible light irradiation. The catalyst's high activity and low ecotoxicity make it a promising approach for global clean water sca...

SourceChinese Academy of Sciences Headquarters·JournalChem·DateFeb 7, 2019

Developed self-controlling 'smart' fuel cell electrode material

A team of researchers led by Professor Kang Taek Lee developed a new electrode material that uses nickel to improve the oxidation reaction efficiency of hydrogen. The material exhibits high-performance and high-durability due to the controlled exsolution of nano metal catalysts, which helps stabilize the fuel cell's performance.

SourceDGIST (Daegu Gyeongbuk Institute of Science and Technology)·JournalACS Catalysis·DateFeb 6, 2019

Optimized binding cavity

Researchers developed a designer enzyme with an unnatural aniline side chain, increasing its activity by a factor of 90. Directed evolution led to variants with higher conversion rates, showing the potential for this method in producing highly effective enzymes.

SourceWiley·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateFeb 1, 2019

Green alternative to PET could be even greener

Researchers at the University of Groningen have developed an enzyme-based polymerization method to create a more environmentally friendly alternative to traditional polyethylene terephthalate (PET). By using a commercially available enzyme, they successfully produced furan-based copolyesters with improved properties.

SourceUniversity of Groningen·JournalChemSusChem·DateJan 30, 2019

Scientists use Nobel-prize winning chemistry for clean energy breakthrough

Researchers at the University of Manchester have developed a new technique to map elemental distributions in metal nanoparticles, potentially leading to more efficient catalysts for energy converting systems. The breakthrough uses spectroscopic single particle reconstruction to reveal atomic-scale chemistry in metal nanoparticles.

SourceUniversity of Manchester·JournalNano Letters·DateJan 30, 2019
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

UH researchers report new class of polyethylene catalyst

Researchers at UH have reported a new class of polyethylene catalyst with exceptional turnover frequency and potential for high-strength plastics in medical and other applications. The nickel-based catalyst has the potential to produce ultra-high-weight polyethylene, but further work is needed to improve its commercial viability.

SourceUniversity of Houston·JournalNature Communications·DateJan 25, 2019
Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach

Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach provides rugged GNSS navigation, satellite messaging, and SOS for backcountry geology and climate field teams.

Chemists develop new synthesis method for producing fluorinated piperidines

Chemists at the University of Münster have developed a new synthesis method for producing fluorinated piperidines, a breakthrough that could lead to more efficient pharmaceutical production. The new method involves two consecutive steps in one vessel and uses easily accessible starting molecules.

SourceUniversity of Münster·JournalNature Chemistry·DateJan 22, 2019

Researchers find new ways to harness wasted methane

Researchers have developed a high-performance catalyst for converting methane to formaldehyde using nanomaterials and a core-shell structure. The catalyst has a stable structure and high reactivity at high temperatures, increasing efficiency by more than twice as much as before.

SourceUlsan National Institute of Science and Technology(UNIST)·JournalJournal of Catalysis·DateJan 18, 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.

Ammonia by phosphorus catalysis

Researchers have discovered black phosphorus as an excellent catalyst for the electroreduction of nitrogen to produce ammonia. The material exhibits high selectivity and efficiency in this process, making it a promising alternative to traditional methods. However, further improvements are needed to prevent degradation over time.

SourceWiley·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateJan 16, 2019

Power stations driven by light

The study imitates the structure and interaction of natural photosystems I and II to create efficient solar cells. The new modules, composed of light-absorbing crystals and water-oxidising catalysts, have an efficiency of over 40% and minimal losses.

SourceFriedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg·JournalNature Chemistry·DateJan 15, 2019
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.

L-proline catalyzed synthesis

Researchers from Mumbai Institute of Chemical Technology developed a simple and efficient method to synthesize unsymmetrical N,N'-disubstituted urea and N-substituted urea derivatives using L-proline as a catalyst. The methodology enables the synthesis of various phenylurea derivatives with excellent yield at mild conditions.

SourceBentham Science Publishers·JournalLetters in Organic Chemistry·DateJan 12, 2019

Discovery adapts natural membrane to make hydrogen fuel from water

Researchers at Argonne National Laboratory have adapted a chemical reaction pathway from plant biology to convert water into hydrogen fuel using solar energy. The new process combines two membrane-bound protein complexes, Photosystem I and II, to perform a complete conversion of water molecules to hydrogen and oxygen.

SourceDOE/Argonne National Laboratory·JournalChemical Science·DateJan 10, 2019

2D materials may enable electric vehicles to get 500 miles on a single charge

Researchers at the University of Illinois Chicago have developed 15 new types of 2D transition metal dichalcogenides that can act as catalysts in lithium-air batteries. These materials enable batteries to store up to 10 times more energy and charge faster, potentially increasing electric vehicle range to 400-500 miles on a single charge.

SourceUniversity of Illinois Chicago·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateJan 10, 2019

Researchers diversify drug development options with new metal catalyst

A University of Illinois team has created a synthetic manganese catalyst that can oxidize aliphatic scaffolds in the presence of aromatics, enabling chemists to produce new drugs from old ones. The discovery could expedite the drug discovery process and identify metabolites without requiring new syntheses.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalNature Chemistry·DateJan 9, 2019
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 synthesis strategy for chiral drugs -- versatile chiral chemical species from aldehydes

Researchers at Kanazawa University have developed a new synthesis strategy for chiral drugs by harnessing the potential of aldehyde-derived chiral hydroxycarbanions. This breakthrough enables the selective production of one enantiomer of chiral molecules, paving the way for the creation of complex drugs with desired chirality.

SourceKanazawa University·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateJan 9, 2019

The new green alternative for drug production

Scientists at University of Gættingen have developed an environmentally friendly strategy for drug and pesticide production, leveraging the properties of naturally occurring non-toxic metal manganese. The new approach reduces waste and uses water instead of toxic solvents.

SourceUniversity of Göttingen·JournalNature Catalysis·DateJan 8, 2019

Green catalysts with Earth-abundant metals accelerate production of bio-based plastic

Scientists at Tokyo Institute of Technology have developed a novel catalyst using manganese dioxide (MnO2) that accelerates the oxidation of 5-hydroxymethyl furfural, generating new raw materials for bio-based plastics. The team found that the crystal structure of MnO2 is crucial for catalytic activity.

SourceTokyo Institute of Technology·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateJan 7, 2019

See invisible into HER catalysis

Researchers from the University of Science and Technology of China have developed an advanced characterization technique to study the realistic structure of catalysts in water electrolysis. The team used operando synchrotron radiation XAFS technology to identify the atomic-level structure and dynamic evolution of active sites in cobalt...

SourceUniversity of Science and Technology of China·JournalNature Catalysis·DateJan 2, 2019
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.

A catalytic flying carpet

Researchers at Pitt develop a two-dimensional, shape-changing sheet that wraps, flaps and creeps in a reactant-filled fluid. The team introduces a coating of catalysts on the flexible sheet, initiating motion and reconfiguration through catalytic chemical reactions.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh·JournalScience Advances·DateJan 2, 2019

Illuminating nanoparticle growth with X-rays

Researchers developed a new catalyst composed of platinum and nickel, which is more efficient than pure platinum. The study used ultrabright x-rays to reveal the growth pathway and chemical characterization of the nanoparticles in real time.

SourceDOE/Brookhaven National Laboratory·JournalNature Communications·DateDec 26, 2018

'Frozen' copper behaves as noble metal in catalysis: study

Researchers have found that copper's electron structure can be altered, enabling it to act as a noble metal in catalyzing the preliminary hydrogenation of dimethyl oxalate into methyl glycolate with high selectivity. The 'frozen' state of copper at zero valence is crucial for this process.

SourceChinese Academy of Sciences Headquarters·JournalScience Advances·DateDec 21, 2018

A lung-inspired design turns water into fuel

Scientists at Stanford University have developed an electrocatalytic mechanism that mimics the mammalian lung's gas exchange process, enabling more efficient conversion of water into hydrogen fuel. The design uses a thin membrane to separate oxygen and hydrogen gases, reducing energy costs and increasing current density rates.

SourceCell Press·JournalJoule·DateDec 20, 2018
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.

Enzyme's unfrozen adventure: In crystallo protein thermodynamics

A team from Osaka University has made a groundbreaking discovery using non-cryogenic crystals to analyze protein conformational changes and thermodynamic properties. This breakthrough technique allows for precise temperature control, providing valuable insights into the structure and function of enzymes.

SourceOsaka University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 20, 2018

The vanished mirror image

A team from the Technical University of Munich has achieved photochemical deracemization of chiral compounds, converting a mixture into a single enantiomer with high concentrations up to 97 percent. This method saves time and energy by utilizing all molecules in the process.

SourceTechnical University of Munich (TUM)·JournalNature·DateDec 18, 2018
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.

Greener days ahead for carbon fuels

Researchers at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory have discovered a copper catalyst that can efficiently convert carbon dioxide into valuable chemicals and fuels without wasteful byproducts. This breakthrough could enable the production of renewable fuels, reducing dependence on fossil fuels and lowering greenhouse gas emissions.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalNature Catalysis·DateDec 18, 2018

Nature's sweets

Researchers at Harvard University have developed a new method for glycosylation, using a precisely designed hydrogen-bond-donor catalyst to attach sugars to molecules. This breakthrough could lead to the creation of crucial biomedical benefits such as new vaccines and drugs to treat human disorders and diseases.

SourceHarvard University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 17, 2018

Researchers use jiggly Jell-O to make powerful new hydrogen fuel catalyst

Researchers developed a cheap and effective new catalyst that can split water just as efficiently as costly platinum. The catalyst is made from nanometer-thin sheets of metal carbide and is manufactured using a self-assembly process that relies on gelatin, similar to Jell-O.

SourceUniversity of California - Berkeley·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateDec 14, 2018
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.

Obtaining polyester from plant oil

Researchers developed a method to obtain polyester from plant oil by functionalizing polymerization, preventing loss of Undecenol and disrupting molecular chain-building process. The concept has potential transfer applications for other renewable resources.

SourceUniversity of Konstanz·JournalAngewandte Chemie·DateDec 12, 2018

Carnegie Mellon researchers probe hydrogen bonds using new technique

Researchers at Carnegie Mellon University used nuclear resonance vibrational spectroscopy to probe the hydrogen bonds that modulate the chemical reactivity of enzymes, catalysts, and biomimetic complexes. The study provides valuable information on how systematic changes to hydrogen bonds within the secondary coordination sphere influen...

SourceCarnegie Mellon University·JournalAngewandte Chemie·DateDec 7, 2018

Interactive size control of catalyst nanoparticles

Researchers developed a novel method to adjust catalyst nanoparticle size during continuous flow, optimizing chemical reactions and reducing testing time. The technique improved the performance of metal-carrier catalysts, producing desired compounds with specific properties.

SourceInstitute of Physical Chemistry of the Polish Academy of Sciences·JournalChemCatChem·DateDec 6, 2018
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Researchers advance biomass transformation process

Scientists developed a strategy to transform 70% of carbon in ABE fermentation mixture to 4-heptanone with high selectivity using tin-doped ceria. The catalyst achieves excellent performance despite the presence of water, which is detrimental to most catalysts.

SourceChinese Academy of Sciences Headquarters·JournalNature Communications·DateDec 5, 2018

New catalyst achieves unprecedented activities

Researchers have developed a new efficient catalyst to synthesise aromatic amines, which are central building blocks in many drugs and pesticides. The system is more active than conventional catalysts, enabling faster and more efficient production of these compounds.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateDec 4, 2018

New catalyst produces cheap hydrogen

A new composite material enables electrochemical water splitting into hydrogen and oxygen without emissions. The catalyst uses cobalt, nickel oxide, and gold nanoparticles to produce cheap, clean hydrogen for fuel cells. This innovation has the potential to store renewable energy on a large scale.

SourceQueensland University of Technology·JournalAdvanced Functional Materials·DateNov 29, 2018

Insight into the catalytic activity of MXenes for hydrogen evolution reaction

The article explores the catalytic activity of MXenes for hydrogen evolution reaction, revealing that Ti2NO2 and Nb2NO2 possess ultra-high HER activity. A Fermi-abundance model is proposed as a good descriptor to understand variation in different Mxenes, highlighting the importance of occupied p electronic states of surface O atoms.

SourceScience China Press·JournalScience Bulletin·DateNov 29, 2018
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.

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.

Affordable catalyst for CO2 recycling

Researchers from Ruhr-University Bochum have developed a new catalyst using mineral pentlandite to convert carbon dioxide into valuable source materials. The catalyst's stability and ability to produce synthetic gas mixtures make it a promising approach to combat climate change.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·JournalChemical Science·DateNov 16, 2018

Metallic nanoparticles light up another path towards eco-friendly catalysts

Scientists at Tokyo Institute of Technology have created subnano-sized metallic particles that can perform 50 times higher catalytic activity than well-known Au-Pd bimetallic nanocatalysts. These particles are cost-effective and environmentally friendly, making them a promising solution for reducing pollution.

SourceTokyo Institute of Technology·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateNov 15, 2018

Catalyzing CO2

Researchers at Harvard University have developed a new system that captures CO2 from power plants and heavy industry, converting it into industrial fuels with high efficiency. The improved system uses renewable electricity to reduce carbon dioxide into carbon monoxide, addressing the two main challenges of cost and scalability.

SourceHarvard University·JournalJoule·DateNov 8, 2018

Metallic nanocatalysts imitate the structure of enzymes

A team of researchers has successfully replicated the internal channel structures of natural enzymes in metallic nanoparticles, resulting in three times greater catalytic activity. The study focused on the oxygen reduction reaction and found that active centers within the channels enhanced reaction efficiency.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateNov 8, 2018
Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition

Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition is a durable star atlas for planning sessions, identifying targets, and teaching celestial navigation.

Trash more treasured with new conversion method

Researchers at the University of South Florida have developed a groundbreaking process that converts biogas from landfills into liquid diesel fuel, offering a sustainable alternative to traditional fossil fuels. This innovative method has the potential to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and increase energy independence.

SourceUniversity of South Florida·DateNov 8, 2018

Interdisciplinary interactions inspire new discovery

Researchers at Tohoku University have found new good catalysts using unique Heusler alloys, enabling the replacement of expensive Pd-based catalysts. The discovery also offers insight into the mechanisms of catalysis on alloys, paving the way for further investigation.

SourceTohoku University·JournalScience Advances·DateNov 7, 2018