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Hope for new catalysts with high activity

Researchers at Osaka University have elucidated the activation mechanism of nanoporous gold catalysts, making poisonous CO gas harmless. The study used atomic-scale resolution environmental transmission electron microscopy and computer simulations to reveal the role of residual impurities in catalyzing chemical reactions.

SourceOsaka University·JournalNature Communications·DateJul 2, 2018

Study shows machine learning can improve catalytic design

A new study shows that combining machine learning and quantum chemistry can help chemical engineers at Rice University and Penn State find fundamental correlations in large amounts of data. This allows them to narrow down their search and design more efficient catalysts, which can translate into millions of dollars for companies.

SourceRice University·JournalNature Catalysis·DateJul 2, 2018

Researchers report novel hybrid catalyst to split water

A new hybrid catalyst made of iron and dinickel phosphides on commercially available nickel foam can produce both hydrogen and oxygen from water, reducing energy requirements and costs. This breakthrough could lead to a significant increase in the production of clean energy from hydrogen.

SourceUniversity of Houston·JournalNature Communications·DateJun 29, 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.

Carbon dioxide-to-methanol process improved by catalyst

Researchers have developed a new catalyst that increases the rate of methanol formation by three times over palladium alone and four times over copper alone. The catalyst combines palladium and copper in a precise atomic ratio, creating an ideal surface structure for efficient CO2-to-methanol conversion.

SourcePenn State·JournalACS Catalysis·DateJun 28, 2018

New catalyst upgrades carbon dioxide to fuels found by USTC

Researchers have developed a catalyst that converts CO2 into liquid alcohols like ethanol and propanol, offering a potential solution for renewable transportation fuels. The new catalyst design enhances CO2 reduction by incorporating sulfur atoms and copper vacancies, inspiring more efficient catalysts.

SourceUniversity of Science and Technology of China·JournalNature Catalysis·DateJun 25, 2018
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Efficient, eco-friendly production of fine chemicals

Researchers at ETH Zurich have developed a solid catalyst for a major chemical reaction, reducing waste and increasing efficiency by 20 times compared to traditional soluble catalysts. The new palladium-carbon-nitrogen material is more stable and cost-effective, making it suitable for commercial-scale production.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalNature Nanotechnology·DateJun 25, 2018
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.

Modern alchemists are making chemistry greener

Researchers at Princeton University have found a revolutionary approach using cobalt and methanol to produce an epilepsy drug, replacing toxic rhodium and dichloromethane. The new reaction is faster, cheaper, and more environmentally friendly, offering distinct advantages over traditional methods.

SourcePrinceton University·JournalScience·DateJun 14, 2018

Inequality: My unfair disadvantage, not your unearned privilege

A new study from Duke University's Fuqua School of Business found that how inequity is presented can influence individuals' willingness to rectify it. Participants were more likely to give up part of a bonus when told a specific black colleague was unfairly disadvantaged, rather than being told they had an unfair advantage.

SourceDuke University·JournalJournal of Experimental Social Psychology·DateJun 12, 2018

Approaching an ideal amino acid synthesis using hydrogen

Osaka University researchers have developed a practical and environmentally innocuous method for functionalizing multiply substituted amines. Their reductive alkylation approach uses hydrogen directly, generating only water as a byproduct and efficiently synthesizing a wide variety of amines, including amino acids.

SourceOsaka University·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateJun 11, 2018
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.

From face recognition to phase recognition

Scientists have developed a neural network that can recognize features in x-ray absorption spectra sensitive to atomic arrangement at fine scales. This method helps reveal details of atomic-scale rearrangements during iron's phase transition, and could be applied to study nanoparticles, catalytic materials, and other materials.

SourceDOE/Brookhaven National Laboratory·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateMay 31, 2018

Lego-like chemical building blocks self-assemble into catalyst for hydrogen fuel cells

Researchers have designed a new material that uses self-assembly to create an efficient catalyst for hydrogen fuel cells. The catalyst is made from a combination of cobalt and ruthenium molecules that assemble themselves into the desired structure, allowing for large-scale production at a lower cost than current platinum-based catalysts.

SourceUniversity at Buffalo·JournalChemistry - A European Journal·DateMay 31, 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.

Magic in metal could help put excess carbon dioxide to good use

Researchers have discovered a way to harness bismuth's unique property, called catalytic plasticity, to convert carbon dioxide into liquid fuels and industrial chemicals. This approach could potentially provide sustainable routes to making fuels and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

SourceUniversity of Delaware·JournalACS Catalysis·DateMay 30, 2018

Change the face of nanoparticles and you'll rule chemistry!

Scientists create nanoparticles that can change their surface topography under light control, enabling precise control over chemical reactions. This breakthrough allows for more efficient and selective catalysis, with potential applications in multistage reactions and simplified post-reaction processing.

SourceInstitute of Physical Chemistry of the Polish Academy of Sciences·JournalACS Catalysis·DateMay 23, 2018

Designer cells: Artificial enzyme can activate a gene switch

Researchers developed an artificial metalloenzyme that can penetrate a mammalian cell and accelerate hormone release, activating a gene switch to create a fluorescent protein. This breakthrough enables the modification of cell functions on a genetic level or the creation of drugs from harmless precursors.

SourceUniversity of Basel·JournalNature Communications·DateMay 22, 2018

Technique doubles conversion of CO2 to plastic component

A new technique doubles the conversion of carbon dioxide to an essential plastic component, ethylene. The approach uses copper coated with polyacrylamide to increase efficiency, offering a promising method for recycling CO2 and reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

SourceUniversity of Nebraska-Lincoln·JournalACS Catalysis·DateMay 22, 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.

Computer redesigns enzyme

University of Groningen biotechnologists successfully redesigned aspartase enzyme using computational method, producing kilograms of pure building blocks for pharmaceuticals and other bioactive compounds.

SourceUniversity of Groningen·JournalNature Chemical Biology·DateMay 21, 2018

New catalyst upgrades greenhouse gas into renewable hydrocarbons

A University of Toronto engineering team has designed a most efficient and stable process to convert climate-warming carbon dioxide into ethylene, a key chemical building block for plastics. The breakthrough catalyst uses a thin copper-based material and improves energy efficiency and selectivity.

SourceUniversity of Toronto Faculty of Applied Science & Engineering·JournalScience·DateMay 17, 2018
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.

Astonishing effect enables better palladium catalysts

Researchers at TU Vienna found that support materials can significantly impact chemical reactions on large palladium grains. The discovery could lead to the development of more effective automotive catalytic converters by reinforcing the weak point of the grain, where carbon monoxide poisoning starts.

SourceVienna University of Technology·JournalNature Materials·DateMay 15, 2018

New molecule to improve pharmaceuticals draws inspiration from nature's toolbox

Scientists have developed a new catalyst that can integrate fluorine atoms into organic molecules, improving pharmaceuticals and medical imaging technology. The catalyst is specifically tuned to perform the same function as biological enzymes but is more widely applicable and has been designed using computational analysis.

SourceColorado State University·JournalScience·DateMay 14, 2018

Simple equation directs creation of clean-energy catalysts

Nebraska researchers have identified a simple equation to design less costly and more efficient catalysts for producing renewable hydrogen fuel. The team found that surrounding certain transition metals with specific environments can elevate their performance, making them viable alternatives to precious metals.

SourceUniversity of Nebraska-Lincoln·JournalNature Catalysis·DateMay 14, 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.

Mimicking a sweet solution to mop up pollution

Scientists at KAUST have created a 3D porous material with repeating patterns of interconnected pores using a simple method. The film, made from polystyrene-b-poly(tertbutyl acrylate), shows promise for applications such as virus filtration and biological scaffolds.

SourceKing Abdullah University of Science & Technology (KAUST)·JournalScience Advances·DateMay 11, 2018

Elucidation of vibration energy of a single molecule in an external force field

Scientists investigate vibration energy of a single molecule on a surface, measuring the current generated by applying voltage between a probe tip and the surface. The study uses a classical model to reproduce experimental results, shedding light on interaction between molecules and surfaces.

SourceKanazawa University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 10, 2018

Punching holes in graphene to boost hydrogen production

Scientists at the University of Tsukuba have created an electrode based on 'holey' graphene that efficiently catalyzes the hydrogen evolution reaction in acidic electrolyte, making it cheaper and more effective. The new system outperforms regular non-holey graphene electrodes in acid conditions.

SourceUniversity of Tsukuba·JournalACS Catalysis·DateMay 10, 2018
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

No corners or edges

Peter Wasserscheid receives second Advanced Investigator Grant from European Research Council to explore fundamental new concept in catalysis based on metal droplets with low melting point. This research has the potential to replace expensive precious metals with cost-effective alternatives.

SourceFriedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg·DateMay 2, 2018

Novel reaction could spark alternate approach to ammonia production

Researchers at Oak Ridge National Laboratory have discovered a new type of catalytic reaction that generates ammonia from nitrogen and water using an electric field and nanoscale carbon spikes. The process occurs at room temperature and could lead to more energy-efficient and environmentally friendly methods for fertilizer production.

SourceDOE/Oak Ridge National Laboratory·JournalScience Advances·DateMay 2, 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.

New catalyst turns ammonia into an innovative clean fuel

Researchers at Kumamoto University developed a new catalyst that improves NH3 combustibility and suppresses NOx generation. The catalyst allows for the decomposition of NH3 into H2 with low ignition temperature and purification through oxidation.

SourceKumamoto University·JournalJournal of Catalysis·DateApr 27, 2018

New natural gas catalyst would boost clean transportation

A new natural gas catalyst aims to reduce methane emissions from vehicle exhaust, a potent greenhouse gas. The US Department of Energy-funded project will develop and optimize a lower-cost, more efficient catalyst to eliminate unreacted methane, making natural gas a cleaner-burning fuel option.

SourceUniversity of Houston·DateApr 25, 2018

New theory shows how strain makes for better catalysts

Researchers have developed a new theory to explain why stretching or compressing metal catalysts can make them perform better. The theory suggests that applying a strain to a catalyst's atomic lattice can tune its reactivity, enabling fine-tuning of catalyst performance throughout different reaction steps.

SourceBrown University·JournalNature Catalysis·DateApr 20, 2018

Faster, cheaper wastewater treatment through improved oxidation reactions

UCR researchers have developed a cost-effective way to improve the removal of pollutants from wastewater using Advanced Oxidation Processes. By adding a co-catalyst, they can dramatically reduce the amount of hydrogen peroxide and ferrous catalyst needed, preventing the formation of an iron-containing sludge.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalChem·DateApr 12, 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.

Swansea scientists discover greener way of making plastics

Researchers at Swansea University's Energy Safety Research Institute have found a way to convert CO2 into ethylene, the basis of making plastics, at room temperature. This process has the potential to offset global carbon emissions and utilise half a billion tonnes of emitted CO2 annually.

SourceSwansea University·JournalACS Catalysis·DateApr 11, 2018

Robust and inexpensive catalysts for hydrogen production

Researchers developed alternative catalysts made of cheaper and more readily available materials with equally high efficiency. The study found that the structure and composition of iron-nickel sulphide influence its electrocatalytic properties.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateApr 10, 2018

Notre Dame researchers developing renewable energy approach for producing ammonia

Researchers at the University of Notre Dame are developing a renewable energy approach for synthesizing ammonia, which is essential for fertilizers and food production. The new process utilizes plasma in combination with non-noble metal catalysts to generate ammonia at milder conditions than the traditional Haber-Bosch process.

SourceUniversity of Notre Dame·JournalNature Catalysis·DateApr 4, 2018
Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount

Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount provides precise tracking capacity for deep-sky imaging rigs during long astrophotography sessions.

Diverse metals mix it up in novel nanoparticles

Scientists have developed a method to combine up to eight different metals in a single nanoparticle, creating stable alloys with useful applications in the chemical and energy industries. The new technique uses shock waves to heat and cool the metals, producing homogeneous nanoparticles with broad catalytic properties.

SourceJohns Hopkins University·JournalScience·DateApr 4, 2018

Scientists mix the unmixable to create 'shocking' nanoparticles

Scientists at the University of Maryland have created nanoparticles composed of up to eight distinct elements, greatly expanding the landscape of nanomaterials. This breakthrough enables a wide range of applications in catalysis, energy storage, and bio/plasmonic imaging.

SourceUniversity of Maryland·JournalScience·DateMar 29, 2018
Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

Edges and corners increase efficiency of catalytic converters

Researchers at DESY's NanoLab found that nanoparticles with a large number of edges are more efficient in catalytic reactions. The study revealed that the different facets of the nanoparticles become inactive due to growing oxide islands, leaving active sites for the reaction.

SourceDeutsches Elektronen-Synchrotron DESY·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateMar 26, 2018

Custom sequences for polymers using visible light

The team developed a process to make sequential polymers by switching light on and off, allowing precision control over physical properties. This method simplifies existing synthesis methods and has potential for creating new polymers with desired functionality.

SourceTokyo Metropolitan University·JournalOrganometallics·DateMar 22, 2018

Design approach developed for important new catalysts for energy conversion and storage

Northwestern University researchers have discovered a new design approach for creating catalysts that can accelerate chemical reactions and processes, including clean energy conversion and storage. The method has the potential to impact various industries such as pharmaceuticals, optical data storage, and petroleum products.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 21, 2018

Blue holes bring forgotten chemical element back on stage

Researchers found that bonds based on antimony yield powerful new catalysts, enabling precise molecular transformations and opening up untried prospects. The discovery puts antimony back into the spotlight, highlighting its exceptional qualities for molecular transformation.

SourceUniversité de Genève·JournalAngewandte Chemie·DateMar 21, 2018
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.

USTC reports diamond ring architecture of a protein complex

The researchers used cryo-electron microscopy to provide a high-resolution view of the NuA4/TIP60 complex. The structure reveals that Tra1/TRRAP serves as a scaffold for NuA4/TIP60 assembly and that human TRRAP mutations are largely centered on interaction surfaces mediating this assembly.

SourceUniversity of Science and Technology of China·JournalNature Communications·DateMar 20, 2018

Turbocharging fuel cells with a multifunctional catalyst

A new catalyst developed by Georgia Institute of Technology researchers can significantly improve the efficiency of fuel cells by speeding up oxygen processing. This breakthrough could enable the widespread adoption of clean energy technology and reduce costs associated with producing hydrogen fuel, a key ingredient for fuel cells.

SourceGeorgia Institute of Technology·JournalJoule·DateMar 14, 2018
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.

A catalyst with self-defense against oxygen

Researchers at Ruhr-University Bochum have developed a new catalyst with a self-defense mechanism against oxygen damage, using DuBois-type complexes based on abundant metals. The protection system involves an immobilization matrix that electrically disconnects the catalyst from the electrode surface.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·JournalNature Communications·DateMar 14, 2018

Glass matters

The chemical topology of silica surfaces can significantly impact the effectiveness of various chemical processes, including catalysis, filtration, and nanofabrication. Researchers found that hydrophilic silanol groups attract water molecules, forming a barrier that reactants must overcome to proceed with the desired process.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 12, 2018

A new cross-coupling simplifies the synthesis of drug-like molecules

Researchers at TSRI have developed a new desulfonylative cross-coupling reaction that simplifies the synthesis of drug-like molecules, including alkyl-fluorinated compounds. This method paves the way for creating new types of compounds and facilitating the synthesis of pharmaceuticals.

SourceScripps Research Institute·JournalScience·DateMar 12, 2018
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.

Researchers convert CO to CO2 with a single metal atom

Scientists at Washington State University and Tufts University have demonstrated that a single metal atom can act as a catalyst in converting carbon monoxide into carbon dioxide. This breakthrough could lead to more efficient and cost-effective catalytic converters, essential for reducing harmful emissions from car exhaust.

SourceWashington State University·JournalNature Catalysis·DateMar 5, 2018

Metal-free catalyst extends the range of ester synthesis

A team at Nagoya University developed a metal-free catalyst, tetramethylammonium methyl carbonate (TMC), that expands the substrate range of trans-esterification. TMC reacts with alcohols to form alkoxide ions, which attack esters to produce complex target esters in high yields.

SourceNagoya University·JournalGreen Chemistry·DateMar 5, 2018