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More complex than expected: Catalysis under the microscope

Scientists at TU Wien use microscopy techniques to observe chemical reactions on catalysts, revealing a wealth of detail that challenges previous understanding. The study shows that even simple catalytic systems are more complex than expected, with different scenarios prevailing on the micrometer scale.

A novel green photoreactor for the synthesis of desirable chiral enantiomers

A team of Japanese researchers has successfully developed a recycling photoreactor that enables the synthesis of optically pure compounds with high yields, achieving an optical purity of 98-99%. The system uses a two-step rapid photoracemization process and can produce enantiomerically pure chiral sulfoxides in yields higher than 80%.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

USTC makes breakthrough in electrooxidation of propylene

A USTC research team designed a novel Ag pyrazole molecular catalyst that enables the one-step electrooxidation of propylene into 1,2-propylene glycol. The catalyst's dynamically reversible interconversion structure breaks the scaling relation and enhances the reaction rate.

Seeing electron orbital signatures

Researchers have directly observed the signatures of electron orbitals in two different transition-metal atoms, iron and cobalt, using atomic force microscopy. The study validated that the observed experimental differences primarily stem from the different electronic configurations in 3d electrons near the Fermi level.

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.

Chemists unravel reaction mechanism for clean energy catalyst

Researchers at Brookhaven Lab used pulse radiolysis to study a key class of water-splitting catalysts, revealing the direct involvement of ligands in the reaction mechanism. The team discovered that a hydride group jumped onto the Cp* ligand, proving its active role in the process.

Visualizing PET's degradation by bacterial enzymes

A recent study led by Spanish National Research Council (CSIC) and University of Leipzig reveals the molecular level details of PET degradation by polyester hydrolases. The research shows that only two PET subunits are needed for the enzyme to cut the polymer, and it can 'walk' along the chain to move from one cut to the other.

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.

Unlocking the power of photosynthesis for clean energy production

University of Rochester researchers create a groundbreaking system mimicking photosynthesis using bacteria and nanomaterials to produce clean-burning hydrogen fuel. The innovative approach replaces fossil fuels in the process, offering an environmentally friendly alternative.

XFELs show the final milliseconds of oxygen formation

Researchers have visualized the crucial final step of oxygen formation in Photosystem II, a protein complex that powers photosynthesis. The study provides new insights into the interaction between the protein environment and the Mn/Ca cluster, shedding light on the mechanism behind water-splitting and oxygen production.

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.

CO2 recycling: What is the role of the electrolyte?

Researchers have developed an electrolyte to improve the efficiency of CO2 conversion into useful hydrocarbons. The study found that controlling the concentration of the electrolyte is crucial in regulating product formation, with too much potassium leading to clogage and reduced selectivity.

Researchers team up with national lab for innovative look at copper reactions

A team of researchers at Binghamton University partnered with Brookhaven National Laboratory to investigate copper oxide peroxides and their effects on oxidation reactions. They used two spectroscopy methods to observe changes in the surface of copper oxide and found that peroxides enhance H2 oxidation but inhibit CO oxidation.

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.

Renewable route to rubber material

Researchers at KAUST have developed a sustainable method for producing butadiene, a key component of synthetic rubber, using the Lebedev process and modernized catalysts. The new approach eliminates the need for fossil reserves and reduces environmental impact.

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.

From greenhouse gas to value-added product

Vienna University of Technology researchers have developed MOCHAs, organometallic chalcogenolate compounds that facilitate the conversion of CO2 into synthesis gas. This process can be carried out at room temperature and requires less energy than previous methods, making it a promising solution for climate protection.

Catalytic methane removal to mitigate its environmental effect

Recent advances in catalytic methane oxidation via thermocatalysis and photocatalysis demonstrate promising results for environmental remediation. The development of efficient catalysts, improved reactor designs, and fundamental studies on surface chemistry are key findings.

Scientists use peroxide to peer into metal oxide reactions

Researchers at Binghamton University and Brookhaven Lab used advanced spectroscopy techniques to study the effects of peroxides on copper oxide surfaces. They found that peroxides significantly enhanced CuO reducibility in favor of H2 oxidation, while acting as an inhibitor to suppress CO oxidation.

New study reveals design clues for silver-based superatomic molecules

Researchers from Japan have synthesized two di-superatomic molecules composed of Ag and evaluated the factors involved in their formation. The study found that a twist between the two icosahedral structures stabilizes the nanocluster by shortening the distance between them. Additionally, the presence of Pd and Pt central atoms was foun...

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Defects can be good and help combat climate change

A novel Cu-based catalyst with improved catalytic performance for CO2 reduction has been developed by leveraging strong metal-support interactions and defect sites cooperativity. The DFNS/TiO2-Cu catalyst showed excellent activity and stability, outperforming other copper-based thermal catalysts.

An improved, visible light-harvesting catalyst to speed up reactions

Researchers at Tokyo Institute of Technology developed a novel visible light-driven single transition metal catalyst that combines high light harvesting abilities and broad applicability. The SFI-Rh(I) complexes overcome previous limitations, enabling versatile photocatalytic reactions with increased stability.

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.

Structure of 'oil-eating' enzyme opens door to bioengineered catalysts

Researchers at Brookhaven National Laboratory have produced the first atomic-level structure of an enzyme that selectively breaks carbon-hydrogen bonds, suggesting ways to engineer it for producing desired products. The detailed structure reveals how the enzyme operates under ordinary conditions and produces few unwanted byproducts.

What can we do about all the plastic waste?

Scientists at US national laboratories are developing new chemical recycling methods to make sustainable, high-quality plastic materials. They aim to transform plastic waste into valuable chemicals and reduce plastic pollution, paving the way for a circular economy.

Mimicking biological enzymes may be key to hydrogen fuel production

Scientists designed a synthetic molecule that mimics the hydrogen gas-producing chemical reaction performed by nickel-iron hydrogenase enzyme. The new compound efficiently produces hydrogen using earth-abundant metals, potentially replacing platinum metal in industrial electrolysis.

Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter

Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter measures wind, temperature, and humidity in real time for site assessments, aviation checks, and safety briefings.

The evolution of a catalyst

A team of researchers used a genetic algorithm to discover an organic catalyst for the Morita–Baylis–Hillman reaction, which outperformed traditional catalysts. The computational method suggested new molecular structures that were not present in the initial population, leading to a novel discovery.

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.

Bacterial route to cleaner catalysis

A team of researchers at KAUST has developed a biological method to produce size-controlled palladium nanoclusters anchored on the surface of Geobacter sulfurreducens, outperforming benchmark catalysts in water-splitting reactions. This eco-friendly approach could provide a sustainable solution for high-performance catalysis.

Scientists enhance recyclability of waste plastic

A new method developed by scientists at Argonne National Laboratory and Cornell University converts used HDPE into a fully recyclable and potentially biodegradable material. The approach uses catalysts to break polymer chains, making the material easier to decompose.

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.

Electrocatalysis under the atomic force microscope

Researchers have developed a new approach to correlative atomic force microscopy, allowing for the simultaneous measurement of electrocatalyst properties. This study focuses on nanostructured copper-gold electrocatalysts and provides insights into catalyst-electrolyte interfaces, enabling targeted optimization.

Unwinding the world’s smallest biological rotary motor by degrees

Scientists studied F1-ATPase function in bacteria to clarify the angle of rotation during ATP hydrolysis. The study revealed three sets of short and long dwells associated with different intervals per revolution, resolving a long-term debate over the ATP-cleavage shaft angle.

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.

Chaos on the nanometer scale

Researchers at TU Wien have detected clear indications of chaos in chemical reactions on nanometer-scale rhodium crystals, a phenomenon previously unseen in atomic scale systems. The coupling behavior can be controlled by changing the hydrogen concentration, leading to a transition from ordered to chaotic behavior.

Plastic upcycling to close the carbon cycle

Researchers have developed a novel process that converts plastic waste into liquid gasoline-like fuel at low temperatures, eliminating unwanted byproducts. The innovative method uses alkylation catalysts and combines cracking and reaction steps in a single vessel, making it more efficient and cost-effective.

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.

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.

Leipzig researchers develop efficient process for chemical terpene synthesis

A team of scientists developed a simplified and efficient method for artificial production of terpenes, using fluorinated alcohol catalyst solutions. This approach allows targeted production of natural substances from simple starting materials, offering potential applications in food, cosmetics, and pharmaceutical industries.

How to make hydrogen straight from seawater – no desalination required

Researchers at RMIT University have developed a method to produce hydrogen directly from seawater, skipping the need for desalination and reducing carbon emissions. The new approach uses a special catalyst that can be manufactured cost-effectively and has promise to significantly reduce the cost of electrolysers.

Surfing the research data wave

The EnzymeML format provides a standardized way to record enzymatic experiment results, including conditions, data, kinetic models, and parameters. This enables seamless communication between experimental platforms and promotes reproducibility and trust in scientific results.

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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