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Successful synthesis of gamma-lactam rings from hydrocarbons

A team of researchers has developed a novel reaction to insert nitrogen into C-H bonds, creating useful ring-shaped molecules. The breakthrough synthesis uses inexpensive feedstock hydrocarbons as substrates, offering a new solution to the long-standing challenge in pharmaceutical and chemical industries.

SourceInstitute for Basic Science·JournalScience·DateMar 1, 2018

Converting CO2 into usable energy

Researchers at Brookhaven National Laboratory have identified a new electrocatalyst that efficiently converts carbon dioxide into carbon monoxide, a highly energetic molecule. Single nickel atoms were found to catalyze the reaction with up to 97% efficiency, paving the way for recycling CO2 for usable energy and chemicals.

SourceDOE/Brookhaven National Laboratory·JournalEnergy & Environmental Science·DateMar 1, 2018

Rice U. sleuths find metal in 'metal-free' catalysts

Researchers at Rice University have found that graphene catalysts contain trace amounts of manganese, which activates the oxygen reduction reaction and improves fuel-cell efficiency. The study used inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry to detect manganese atoms in samples made by the Rice lab.

SourceRice University·JournalCarbon·DateFeb 26, 2018

Newly designed molecule binds nitrogen

A newly designed borylene molecule has been found to bind nitrogen at room temperature and normal air pressure, surpassing the capabilities of traditional catalysts like iron and molybdenum. This breakthrough may pave the way for a more energy-efficient method to convert nitrogen into ammonia.

SourceUniversity of Würzburg·JournalScience·DateFeb 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.

New symmetry-breaking method opens way for bioactive compounds

Researchers at EPFL have developed a new desymmetrization strategy to access chiral building blocks containing urea sub-structures. The method uses a non-chiral cyclopropane precursor and an engineered copper catalyst to selectively form the desired enantiomer.

SourceEcole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateFeb 22, 2018

Chemical waves guide scientists to catalysts of the future

Researchers at TU Wien observed chemical waves on polycrystalline catalyst surfaces, creating fascinating spiral wave structures. The team learned that the orientation of crystal grains determines the frequency and movement of these waves, providing insights into superior catalytic characteristics.

SourceVienna University of Technology·JournalNature Communications·DateFeb 19, 2018

Precision experiments reveal gaps in van der Waals theory

Researchers performed synchrotron X-ray diffraction experiments on titanium disulfide and compared results with theoretical calculations. They found that interlayer interactions are stronger than theory indicates, involving significant electron sharing.

SourceUniversity of Tsukuba·JournalNature Materials·DateFeb 16, 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.

Ultra-efficient removal of carbon monoxide using gold nanoparticles on a molecular support

Researchers from Tokyo Metropolitan University have created a way to mount gold nanoparticles on a molecular support, achieving nearly 100% conversion of carbon monoxide over a wide temperature range. The discovery reveals the crucial role of water in catalysis, promising new applications for gas purification and industrial filtration.

SourceTokyo Metropolitan University·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateFeb 9, 2018

Light and copper catalysis improves amine synthesis

A new method has been developed for synthesizing alkyl amines using photocatalysis alongside copper catalysis, overcoming the challenge of alkyl group synthesis. The approach allows for high selectivity and compatibility with functional groups, and can be carried out at ambient temperatures.

SourceEcole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne·JournalNature Catalysis·DateFeb 8, 2018

Highly efficient ammonia synthesis catalyst developed

Researchers at Tokyo Institute of Technology have discovered a highly efficient ammonia synthesis catalyst that functions at low temperatures, exceeding the efficiency of conventional ruthenium and iron catalysts. The catalyst's unique structure expands surface area to improve performance.

SourceTokyo Institute of Technology·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateFeb 7, 2018

Army research leading to materials of the future wins national award

Researchers at Cornell University developed a novel analytical technique to visualize polymer chain growth in real-time. By combining magnetic tweezers, optical microscopy, and spectroscopic techniques, they discovered that individual polymer chains undergo consecutive wait-and-jump steps.

SourceU.S. Army Research Laboratory·DateFeb 7, 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.

Reducing the footprint of a greenhouse gas more potent than carbon dioxide

Scientists at USC Loker Hydrocarbon Research Institute have developed a more efficient pathway for converting methane into basic chemicals. The new catalyst, H-SAPO-34, converts methane directly into ethylene and propylene, reducing greenhouse gas emissions and replacing traditional processes.

SourceUniversity of Southern California·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateFeb 5, 2018

New method could open path to hydrogen economy

Researchers at Washington State University have developed a simple method to generate high-quality hydrogen from water using inexpensive nickel and iron. The technique could be scaled up for large-scale testing and store renewable energy generated by solar and wind sources.

SourceWashington State University·JournalNano Energy·DateFeb 1, 2018
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

New, low cost alternative for ethylene production

Scientists at Waseda University have developed a novel reaction mechanism for the oxidative coupling of methane, enabling the efficient synthesis of ethylene at a lower temperature. This breakthrough could significantly reduce production costs and make the process more accessible to small-scale manufacturers.

SourceWaseda University·JournalThe Journal of Physical Chemistry C·DateJan 28, 2018

Making fuel cells for a fraction of the cost

Researchers at the University of California, Riverside, have created a new, highly efficient catalyst material that could significantly reduce the cost of producing fuel cells. The material, made from porous carbon nanofibers embedded with cobalt, outperforms industry-standard platinum-carbon systems but at a fraction of the cost.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalSmall·DateJan 22, 2018

New catalyst for hydrogen production is a step toward clean fuel

A new carbon-based nanocomposite with embedded metal ions has shown impressive performance as a catalyst for electrolysis of water to generate hydrogen. The material's high catalytic activity and stability could lead to low-cost and efficient hydrogen production, a key step towards clean fuel.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Cruz·JournalChemSusChem·DateJan 16, 2018

Ultrathin black phosphorus for solar-driven hydrogen economy

Researchers at Osaka University have developed a novel catalytic system to split water and make hydrogen using normal sunlight. The new catalyst combines nanostructured black phosphorus for water reduction and bismuth vanadate for water oxidation, achieving an ideal 2:1 ratio of hydrogen and oxygen production.

SourceOsaka University·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateJan 16, 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.

An efficient approach of conjugated tetraenes from butadiene and alkynes

Researchers at Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology have developed a one-pot approach to synthesizing conjugated tetraenes from inexpensive reagents, eliminating waste production and simplifying the process. The new method has potential applications in electronic materials, natural products, and pharmaceutical molecules.

SourceTokyo University of Agriculture and Technology·JournalOrganometallics·DateJan 15, 2018

Bio-based compound offers a greener carbon fiber alternative

Researchers have developed a new process to manufacture acrylonitrile, the precursor to carbon fiber, from renewable biomass. The bio-based process produces less heat and toxic byproducts than traditional methods.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin, Texas Advanced Computing Center·JournalScience·DateJan 9, 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.

New catalyst for making fuels from shale gas

Researchers at UCL and Tufts University developed a platinum-copper alloy catalyst that breaks carbon-hydrogen bonds in methane with reduced energy consumption. The new catalyst is resistant to coking, rendering it more effective than traditional materials.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalNature Chemistry·DateJan 8, 2018

Rice U.'s one-step catalyst turns nitrates into water and air

Researchers at Rice University's NEWT Center have discovered a catalyst that converts nitrates into nitrogen and water, effectively removing the toxic pollutant from drinking water. This breakthrough offers a promising solution for addressing nitrate pollution in agricultural communities and improving public health.

SourceRice University·JournalACS Catalysis·DateJan 4, 2018

Locating the precise reaction path: Methane dissociation on platinum

An international team of researchers has combined experiments with quantum theory to explore methane dissociation reactions in minute detail. They found that dissociation reactions are at least two orders of magnitude more efficient on steps than on terraces, providing new insights for optimizing catalysts.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalThe Journal of Chemical Physics·DateJan 2, 2018

Exploring electrolysis for energy storage

Researchers at Kyushu University have developed a novel electrolytic flow cell that can produce glycolic acid (GC) from oxalic acid, offering a promising solution for energy storage. The device uses a polymer membrane and porous TiO2 catalyst to achieve high efficiency and capacity.

SourceKyushu University, I2CNER·JournalScientific Reports·DateJan 2, 2018

From C-H to C-C at room temperature

Researchers develop novel method for selective C-H arylation at room temperature, overcoming harsh reaction conditions. The proposed mechanism involves iridium catalyst activation, arylsilane attack, and oxidation of the intermediate to achieve low-energy reaction.

SourceInstitute for Basic Science·JournalNature Chemistry·DateDec 27, 2017
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 catalytic balancing act

Researchers create a new catalyst by alloying iridium with osmium and then removing the osmium to achieve a balanced structure that supports chemical reactions. The resulting material exhibits enhanced catalytic stability and electron conductivity.

SourceDOE/Argonne National Laboratory·JournalNature Communications·DateDec 21, 2017

New catalyst meets challenge of cleaning exhaust from modern engines

Researchers at the University of New Mexico and Washington State University have created a catalyst capable of reducing pollutants at lower temperatures expected in advanced engines. The new catalyst uses smaller amounts of platinum, the most expensive component of emission-control catalysts, while maintaining high temperature stability.

SourceUniversity of New Mexico·JournalScience·DateDec 19, 2017
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Bristol scientists turn beer into fuel

Scientists from the University of Bristol have developed technology to convert widely-available ethanol into butanol, a more efficient fuel alternative. The breakthrough uses catalysts to convert beer's ethanol content into butanol, paving the way for sustainable petrol production.

SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalCatalysis Science & Technology·DateDec 6, 2017

Superior hydrogen catalyst just grows that way

Researchers at Sandia National Laboratories and University of California Merced developed a new catalyst that uses molybdenum disulfide to increase surface area and handle higher temperatures than platinum. The innovative design allows for more efficient hydrogen production, reducing the cost of fuel cells.

SourceDOE/Sandia National Laboratories·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateDec 5, 2017
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.

Catalyzing carbon dioxide

Researchers at Harvard's Rowland Institute have developed a system that uses renewable electricity to electrochemically transform carbon dioxide into carbon monoxide, with an energy conversion efficiency of up to 12.7%. The device has the potential for industrial applications and could be scaled up to scrub CO2 from the atmosphere.

SourceHarvard University·JournalChem·DateDec 5, 2017

Activity descriptors for electrocatalysts in energy storage applications

Scientists developed adsorption-energy-based activity descriptors to improve electrocatalytic activity in energy storage. The descriptors are linked to interfacial electronic coupling, providing a new method for selecting high-activity catalysts and understanding structure-activity relationships.

SourceScience China Press·JournalNational Science Review·DateNov 27, 2017
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

Five Brookhaven Lab scientists named 2017 American Physical Society Fellows

Brookhaven Lab scientists Anatoly Frenkel, Morgan May, Rachid Nouicer, Eric Stach, and Peter Steinberg were elected 2017 American Physical Society Fellows for their exceptional contributions to physics. The fellows were recognized for their innovative research in materials physics, astrophysics, and nuclear physics, including discoveri...

SourceDOE/Brookhaven National Laboratory·DateNov 22, 2017

Bridging the gap

A team of UCSB researchers has developed a single-step method to convert methane into hydrogen while preventing the formation of carbon dioxide, a greenhouse gas. The process uses molten metals and results in a solid form of carbon that can be readily transported and stored indefinitely.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalScience·DateNov 21, 2017

Artificial photosynthesis gets big boost from new catalyst

Researchers at the University of Toronto have developed a new catalyst that increases the efficiency of artificial photosynthesis to 64%, converting electrical energy into chemical energy. This innovation addresses two major challenges in renewable energy production, capturing carbon emissions and storing energy from solar or wind power.

SourceUniversity of Toronto Faculty of Applied Science & Engineering·JournalNature Chemistry·DateNov 20, 2017
Creality K1 Max 3D Printer

Creality K1 Max 3D Printer rapidly prototypes brackets, adapters, and fixtures for instruments and classroom demonstrations at large build volume.

New catalyst controls activation of a carbon-hydrogen bond

Chemists at Emory University have developed a new catalyst that selectively activates a carbon-hydrogen bond without using a directing group. The breakthrough holds promise for the pharmaceutical industry and could lead to new classes of drugs.

SourceEmory Health Sciences·JournalNature·DateNov 20, 2017

Surrey develops new 'supercatalyst' to recycle carbon dioxide and methane

The University of Surrey has developed a cost-effective catalyst to recycle carbon dioxide (CO2) and methane (CH4) into fuels and valuable chemicals. The new 'supercatalyst' could make chemical CO2 recycling more widely available across industry, reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

SourceUniversity of Surrey·JournalApplied Catalysis B Environment and Energy·DateNov 17, 2017

RUDN chemists synthesized a new catalyst for oil and gas processing

A team of scientists created a new catalyst that activates oxidation processes in low-reactive components of oil and gas, producing valuable products such as acids and alcohols. The researchers discovered the possibility of targeted production of pentanuclear products, which are stable in both solid and solution states.

SourceRUDN University·JournalJournal of Organometallic Chemistry·DateNov 17, 2017

An update on the road to better plastics for a sustainable future

Scientists have made progress in creating more sustainable plastics from plants, but developing recyclable materials remains a challenge. Degradable plastics face difficulties degrading in natural environments due to varying factors such as humidity and microorganisms.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateNov 16, 2017
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.

Volatility surprises arise in removing excess hydrogen

The study reveals that the carbon-hydrogen bonds in the molecule play a key role in its volatile behavior. The optimal conditions for removal of excess hydrogen are below 175 degrees Fahrenheit, done in a good vacuum. This discovery can help chemists identify ideal operating temperatures and environments.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalThe Journal of Chemical Physics·DateNov 15, 2017

Biocatalysts are a bridge to greener, more powerful chemistry

Researchers have developed enzymes that can perform complex chemical reactions with improved selectivity and efficiency. These catalysts show promise for building molecules with important biological activity and reducing waste in the process. The discovery opens up new practices for chemists to create more powerful tools.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalNature Chemistry·DateNov 13, 2017

Breaking the chain: Catalyzing a green future for chemistry

Researchers at Osaka University have developed a new catalyst to produce valuable chemicals from biomass, allowing for the creation of green raw materials for manufacturing. The catalyst enables the production of important chemicals like 2-butanol and cyclohexanol without emitting CO2.

SourceOsaka University·JournalScientific Reports·DateNov 6, 2017
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.

Autonomously growing synthetic DNA strands

Researchers at Harvard's Wyss Institute have developed a method to autonomously grow synthetic DNA strands, enabling the creation of programmable molecular devices. The 'Primer Exchange Reaction' (PER) cascades allow for diverse functions such as self-building DNA-origami and sensing environmental signals.

SourceWyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering at Harvard·JournalNature Chemistry·DateNov 6, 2017

Cobalt and tungsten -- the key to cheaper, cleaner hydrogen

Researchers have designed a new catalyst made of cobalt and tungsten that reduces the cost of electrolytic hydrogen production by splitting water molecules at very low voltages. This process avoids the use of expensive and scarce precious metals like iridium.

SourceInstitute of Chemical Research of Catalonia (ICIQ)·JournalNature Chemistry·DateOct 30, 2017
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.

Research aims to help renewable jet fuel take flight

University of Delaware researchers have developed catalysts that transform lignocellulosic biomass into high-carbon molecules suitable for jet fuel, enabling cost-competitive and sustainable production. The process operates at low temperature and is scalable, addressing the need for non-petroleum-based fuels for aviation.

SourceUniversity of Delaware·JournalChemSusChem·DateOct 30, 2017

Dynamic catalytic converters for clean air in the city

Researchers developed a dynamic catalytic converter concept that optimizes exhaust gas treatment by adjusting platinum particle size and oxidation state in response to engine operation. This improves catalytic performance and reduces noble metal consumption, increasing economic efficiency.

SourceKarlsruher Institut für Technologie (KIT)·JournalAngewandte Chemie·DateOct 26, 2017

UNIST researchers introduce novel catalyst for rechargeable metal-air batteries

The study presents a novel catalyst for metal-air batteries with excellent electrochemical performance, close to that of precious metal catalysts. The new catalyst, PBSCF-NF, exhibits high surface areas and improves the bi-functionality of oxygen reduction reaction and oxygen evolution reaction.

SourceUlsan National Institute of Science and Technology(UNIST)·JournalACS Nano·DateOct 25, 2017