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Earth isn’t ‘super’ because the sun had rings before planets

A new study by Rice University astrophysicist André Izidoro suggests that the sun had rings before planets formed, explaining many solar system features. The model simulates the solar system's formation hundreds of times and reproduces several features missed by previous models, including pressure bumps and rings.

SourceRice University·JournalNature Astronomy·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJan 5, 2022

Scientists edge closer to probe that would inspect atherosclerotic plaques by forcing molecules to sound their presence

Researchers at Skoltech have created an optoacoustic endoscopic probe that can analyze atherosclerotic plaques by forcing molecules to sound their presence. The device uses laser light to make biomarkers oscillate, producing ultrasound signals that can be detected by a sensitive microphone.

Why the world needs a better LED light bulb

Researchers have developed a new light-emitting material that doubles the intensity of existing LEDs while also being more energy-efficient. The material, cerium-doped zinc oxide, has the potential to be used in commercial LED lighting applications and could make lighting more affordable for households and businesses worldwide.

SourceUniversity of Johannesburg·JournalJournal of Luminescence·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 8, 2021

Is your ML training set biased? How to develop new drugs based on merged datasets

Researchers at GlaxoSmithKline and CCDC combined proprietary and published datasets to train machine learning models for predicting stable polymorphs in new drug candidates. The approach leverages the large volume and variety of data in the Cambridge Structural Database, resulting in more confident predictions and improved model accuracy.

Seeing (infra)red: Researchers develop software to enhance infrared imaging-based cancer diagnosis

A team of Beckman researchers developed software to boost infrared imaging-based cancer diagnosis, enhancing image resolution and accelerating recording speeds. The software integrates data analysis and reduces limitations associated with IR imaging, making it faster and more accurate.

SourceBeckman Institute for Advanced Science and Technology·JournalChemometrics and Intelligent Laboratory Systems·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateAug 5, 2021

The bitumen puzzle

Researchers used AFM-IR, ToF-SIMS, and fluorescence microscopy to study bitumen surface composition and structure. The study found that the surface is heterogeneous, with individual molecular assemblies distributed in a specific pattern.

SourceVienna University of Technology·JournalScientific Reports·DateJul 6, 2021

Study helps to better understand the link between indoor and outdoor air quality

A recent study by the Institute of Atmospheric Physics found that indoor aerosol species are primarily from outdoor air exchange. The researchers measured indoor PM2.5 concentrations and chemical compositions, revealing differences in organic aerosol due to temperature changes. Improved ventilation strategies may actually increase expo...

Amounts of organic molecules in planetary systems differ from early on

A study of 50 protoplanetary-disk forming regions found differences in the abundance of complex organic molecules, with some regions having higher concentrations of methanol and acetonitrile. The findings suggest a possible common production mechanism for these molecules, shedding light on their formation in space.

SourceRIKEN·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal·DateApr 9, 2021

Building blocks of the Earth

A research team from the University of Cologne has recalculated the distribution of volatile elements on Earth, finding that some building blocks have a chemical composition similar to primitive meteorites. The study suggests an alternative source for vital components such as water and carbon.

SourceUniversity of Cologne·JournalNature Geoscience·DateJun 4, 2019

How smelly is your rubbish?

Scientists at the University of Córdoba have devised a new system to analyse the smell generated during composting using NIR spectroscopy and chemometrics. The method provides a fast and economical means of evaluating odour emission rates, potentially mitigating the odorous impact of composting.

SourceUniversity of Córdoba·JournalJournal of Cleaner Production·DateJan 24, 2018

Some chemicals less damaging to ozone can degrade to long-lived greenhouse gas

Scientists have discovered that chemicals widely used as refrigerants can degrade in the atmosphere to form a potent greenhouse gas called carbon tetrafluoride (CF4), lasting up to 50,000 years. This finding highlights the need for understanding the chemistry of compounds used in industry to mitigate long-lived atmospheric effects.

SourceAmerican Geophysical Union·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateNov 3, 2015

May the 5th force be with you

Fischbach's work on the Eötvös Experiment led to a reevaluation of data suggesting a possible new force in the universe. Despite no experimental confirmation, his theory has stimulated novel experiments and theories, including the quest for new macroscopic fields of gravitational strength.

SourceSpringer·JournalThe European Physical Journal H·DateOct 27, 2015

What scientists can see in your pee

Researchers at the University of Alberta have identified over 3,000 chemicals in human urine, expanding the list from just 50-100 previously known compounds. This discovery is expected to revolutionize medical testing, enabling fast, cheap, and painless tests using urine instead of blood or tissue biopsies.

SourceUniversity of Alberta·JournalPLOS ONE·DateSep 4, 2013

Researchers create search engine to hunt molecules online

ChemxSeer is a search engine designed specifically for chemical formulae, allowing scientists to find relevant research on CH4 or methane without filtering out results about Channel 4. The tool identifies related chemicals with different formula representations and substructures, providing more accurate search results.