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Aging microplastics may strengthen the grip of fluorinated pesticides in agricultural soils

Researchers found that aging microplastics can increase the binding of fluorinated pesticides like fluensulfone in agricultural soils. The smallest aged particles showed the strongest effects, with 30-35% of retained fluensulfone bound to PVC microplastics.

SourceShenyang Agricultural University Collaborative Journals·JournalEnvironmental and Biogeochemical Processes·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 21, 2026

What really controls dynamics in glasses

The study reveals that bonding heterogeneity, rather than geometric similarity, governs relaxation dynamics in glasses. By incorporating electronic structure and chemical interactions, researchers establish a new physical framework for understanding structure-relaxation coupling in glasses.

SourceScience China Press·JournalNational Science Review·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateMar 15, 2026

Hydrogen bonds turn sweetener into lignin bodyguard, boosting biomass yield 42%

Mannitol outperforms other green additives in slowing re-polymerisation of cellulose-lignin linkages, cutting molecular weight and raising hydrogenolysis monomer yield. The additive forms an average of 28 hydrogen bonds per simulation box, effectively capping sites where carbocations normally form.

SourceJournal of Bioresources and Bioproducts·JournalJournal of Bioresources and Bioproducts·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 22, 2026

Shaping nanoparticles with enzymes

Scientists at Hokkaido University have created a new technique for building nanoparticles using enzymes, enabling the production of various nanomaterials with controlled size and properties. This method has potential applications in technology, medicine, and quantum computing.

SourceHokkaido University·JournalNanoscale Horizons·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 11, 2024

Finding quantum order in chaos

Researchers at Harvard University have successfully demonstrated the survival of quantum coherence in a chemical reaction involving ultracold molecules. The team observed intricate quantum dynamics underlying the reaction process and outcome, revealing that quantum coherence was preserved within the nuclear spin degree of freedom throu...

SourceHarvard University·JournalScience·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 16, 2024

Magnetic with a pinch of hydrogen

A German-American research team has developed an innovative idea to improve the properties of ultra-thin magnetic materials by reacting them with hydrogen. The researchers have identified three promising candidates that can be magnetically activated by hydrogen passivation, paving the way for new types of electronic components.

SourceHelmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf·JournalNano Letters·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 22, 2024

Nucleophilic amino acids as a renewable alternative to petrochemically-derived amines in glycerol epoxy resins

Amino acids from lysine, glutamic acid, leucine, and serine exhibit superior curing properties compared to commercial hardeners. This study demonstrates the potential of these bio-based epoxy curing agents as a renewable alternative to petrochemical-derived amines.

SourceJournal of Bioresources and Bioproducts·JournalJournal of Bioresources and Bioproducts·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 14, 2024

Juno spacecraft measures oxygen production on Jupiter’s moon, Europa

The Juno spacecraft has directly measured charged oxygen and hydrogen molecules from Europa's atmosphere, providing key constraints on the potential oxygenation of its subsurface ocean. The findings suggest that oxygen is continuously produced in the surface ice shell, with an estimated 12 kg per second, which could support habitability.

SourceSouthwest Research Institute·JournalNature Astronomy·TypeObservational study·DateMar 5, 2024

Researchers observe highly excited ‘roaming’ energy pathway in chemical reactions

Chemical reactions were long thought to occur along minimum energy paths. However, researchers have now observed 'roaming' reactions that stray from this path even in highly excited energy states. This discovery has significant implications for understanding atmospheric chemistry and the production of molecular oxygen.

Breakthrough in organic semiconductor synthesis paves the way for advanced electronic devices

Researchers at UNIST have achieved a significant breakthrough in organic semiconductor synthesis by synthesizing a novel molecule called BNBN anthracene. This derivative exhibits unique properties, including precise modulation of electronic properties without structural changes.

SourceUlsan National Institute of Science and Technology(UNIST)·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateDec 29, 2023

Investigating interactions at molecular junctions for novel electronic devices

A recent study by Tokyo Tech researchers explores the structure and electron transport properties of molecular junctions. The findings reveal three distinct structures at the junction, corresponding to high- and low-conductivity states, which hold promise for designing novel electronic devices with unique properties.

SourceTokyo Institute of Technology·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 12, 2023

The sacrifice within – how collagen’s weak bonds help protect tissue

Scientists at Heidelberg Institute for Theoretical Studies discovered that collagen's weak sacrificial bonds rupture before the main structure, protecting tissue from excessive force. This mechanism helps to localize damage and promote recovery by dissipating mechanical stress and reducing oxidative stress in the body.

SourceHeidelberg Institute for Theoretical Studies (HITS)·JournalNature Communications·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJul 3, 2023

New enzyme could aid anticancer drug development

A new enzyme, CtdY, has been identified that can break an amide bond, a fundamental type of bond found in proteins. This discovery holds significant promise for the pharmaceutical industry, as it could enable the creation of new anticancer drugs and improve treatment outcomes.

SourceRice University·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 27, 2023

UVA-led discovery challenges 30-year-old dogma in associative polymers research

A University of Virginia-led study challenges traditional understanding of associative polymers' behavior, revealing that reversible bonds slow down polymer movement without creating a rubbery network. This discovery has implications for materials used in sustainability, health, and engineering applications.

SourceUniversity of Virginia School of Engineering and Applied Science·JournalPhysical Review Letters·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 2, 2023

Toward tunable molecular switches from organic compounds

Researchers at Hokkaido University and Kyushu University have developed a technique to synthesize potential molecular switches from anthraquinodimethanes (AQDs), a group of overcrowded organic molecules. The synthesized derivatives can stably form twisted and folded isomers, as well as other isomeric forms, in different solvents.

SourceHokkaido University·JournalMaterials Chemistry Frontiers·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 6, 2023

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...

SourceTokyo University of Science·JournalCommunications Chemistry·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 6, 2023

Investigating the effects on amide-to-ester substitutions on membrane permeability of cyclic peptides

Researchers from Tokyo Institute of Technology discovered that amide-to-ester substitutions can significantly improve cyclic peptides' membrane permeability, making them suitable for clinical and therapeutic applications. The study used enhanced sampling molecular dynamics simulations to unravel the mechanism behind this effect.

SourceTokyo Institute of Technology·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 17, 2023