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BESSY II: High-resolution insights into individual biomolecules and catalysts

Researchers have developed a new technique for nanoscale infrared spectroscopy that allows for the analysis of individual biomolecules and catalysts in aqueous environments. The technique, called nanoscale infrared spectroscopy (s-SNOM), uses ultra-thin silicon-based membranes to protect the sample and allow for high-resolution measure...

SourceHelmholtz-Zentrum Berlin für Materialien und Energie·JournalAnalytical Chemistry·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 15, 2026

New high-temperature, high-pressure isotope ratio analysis method for halogenated compounds

Researchers have developed a custom liquid chromatography–isotope ratio mass spectrometry device capable of high-temperature, high-pressure combustion to analyze halogenated compounds. The method provides a new tool for source identification and fate analysis, contributing to effective management strategies.

SourceShibaura Institute of Technology·JournalAnalytica Chimica Acta·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 1, 2026

‘Damaging the Antarctic damages us all’ – scientists warn of the potential impacts of coastal freshening

A new study highlights the impact of coastal freshening on the giant amphipod species Paraceradocus miersi, which lose salts, gain water, and suffer gill damage in diluted waters. The research warns that continued freshening may pose a significant threat to many marine invertebrates and reshape the global ocean's communities.

SourceUniversity of Plymouth·JournalMarine Environmental Research·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 28, 2026

Vanillin flavoring in e-cigarettes disrupts human embryonic stem cell development

A UC Riverside-led study suggests that vanillin flavoring in e-cigarettes may disrupt the normal development of embryos in pregnant women who vape. Researchers found that high concentrations of vanillin can cause human embryonic stem cells to lose pluripotency and differentiate into endoderm, potentially leading to serious developmenta...

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalHuman Reproduction·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 13, 2026

Natural insecticide made by nanoemulsification of compounds found in garlic and spearmint found to be effective on adzuki bean beetles with low non-target impacts

Researchers developed a new environmentally friendly insecticide using nanoemulsions of diallyl disulfide and carvone, which showed enhanced toxicity against the adzuki bean beetle while having relatively low impact on parasitic wasps. The nanoemulsions were also safe on seeds and enhanced root growth.

SourceKyushu University·JournalEcotoxicology and Environmental Safety·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 7, 2026

UW chemists find a new way around a long-established limitation to electron transfer selectivity

Researchers at UW-Madison have found a novel strategy for designing reactions that can access previously inaccessible molecule couplings. This new approach allows for the creation of strong reductants and aggressive sources of electrons, facilitating electron transfer selectivity and opening up new possibilities for synthetic chemistry.

SourceUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 24, 2026

Saitama University researchers develop a new way to build molecular “ladders” for organic electronics

Researchers at Saitama University have developed a sequential annulation strategy to construct regioisomeric ladder-type oligothiophenes with precise control over thiophene ring orientation. This allows for the systematic synthesis of complex molecular structures, paving the way for the design of next-generation organic semiconductors.

SourceSaitama University·JournalOrganic Letters·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 8, 2026

Machine-learning how to overcome antibiotic-resistant gonorrhea

A new study uses AI to identify promising chemical compounds that could develop into effective antibiotics against multi-drug resistant Neisseria gonorrhoeae. The approach has the potential to address the growing crisis of antimicrobial resistance in this fast-evolving pathogen.

SourceWyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering at Harvard·JournalScience Translational Medicine·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJun 17, 2026

Solar-driven ammonia production

Scientists at TU Wien have designed a new sustainable route to ammonia synthesis using metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) as catalysts. By tuning the MOF structures, they can modulate their catalytic performance, providing valuable insights into more efficient and sustainable ammonia-production technologies.

SourceVienna University of Technology·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 10, 2026

Making biomolecules glow: new dye solves problem

Researchers at the University of Göttingen have developed a new method to make biomolecules glow in real-time, eliminating unwanted signals in microscopy. This approach ensures only labelled biological molecules emit fluorescence, making experiments clearer and easier to interpret.

SourceUniversity of Göttingen·JournalAngewandte Chemie·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 22, 2026

How life could arise from molecules

Complex systems exhibit emergent properties due to water's unique polarity, enabling DNA to store information and proteins to adopt specific structures. This order forms the basis for complex molecules to develop unpredictable properties, driving the evolution of life.

SourceGoethe University Frankfurt·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMay 5, 2026

A new strategy for synthesizing polyfunctionalized biaryls without transition-metal catalysts

Researchers develop substrate design strategy to selectively promote benzidine-type sigmatropic rearrangement of nitroarenes, enabling efficient synthesis of polyfunctionalized biaryls. The method achieves high yields without expensive transition-metal catalysts or complex prefunctionalization.

SourceInstitute of Science Tokyo·JournalChemistry - A European Journal·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 29, 2026

New experimental drug may restore movement after stroke

Researchers discovered that strokes cause a chain reaction within the brain, leading to neuronal cell death. They found that blocking collagen production can prevent this damage and even restore motor function in paralyzed monkeys. The new drug KDS12025 reduces hydrogen peroxide levels and prevents the entire process from being triggered.

SourceInstitute for Basic Science·JournalCell Metabolism·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 27, 2026

Selective oxidation of 3-hydroxypropionic acid to malonic acid over Pd/C: Mechanistic and kinetic study

Researchers at University of Wisconsin-Madison develop a systematic study for sustainable production of malonic acid via oxidation of 3-hydroxypropionic acid with a Pd/Carbon catalyst. The kinetic model validated the network, displaying excellent agreement and providing insight into conditions that maximize MA production.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign Institute for Sustainability, Energy, and Environment·JournalApplied Catalysis B Environment and Energy·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 16, 2026

Common disinfectant chemicals far more toxic when inhaled, study finds

A new study by researchers at the University of California, Davis found that breathing in common disinfectant chemicals known as QACs can be far more harmful than swallowing them. The study suggests higher health risks for respiratory diseases such as asthma and COPD from airborne exposure to disinfectant sprays and cleaning products.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 30, 2026

New “lock-and-key” chemistry

Researchers have developed a new chemistry-based strategy to localize therapeutic drugs to tumors, reducing harm to healthy tissues. The 'lock-and-key' system uses biorthogonal supramolecular chemistry to release drugs in specific locations, offering a potential path to safer and more precise cancer treatment.

SourceSyracuse University·JournalAngewandte Chemie·DateFeb 25, 2026

From biocidal coatings to medicines: A nanocomposite sting for microorganisms

The B-STING silica nanocomposite acts as a nanofactory of reactive oxygen species, activating itself in response to changes in the chemical environment. This material can be used to create biocidal coatings that are safe, durable, and resistant to dirt, with potential applications in medicine and other industries.

CBD treatment reverses key effects of fetal alcohol spectrum disorder in a mouse model

A preclinical study shows that cannabidiol restores emotional behavior, reduces alcohol-related vulnerability, and reverses gut microbiota alterations caused by prenatal alcohol exposure. Female mice particularly benefited from CBD treatment, which normalized their emotional alterations and eliminated vulnerability to alcohol addiction.

SourceUniversidad Miguel Hernandez de Elche·JournalBiomedicine & Pharmacotherapy·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 14, 2026

Commercially viable biomanufacturing: designer yeast turns sugar into lucrative chemical 3-HP

Scientists developed a cost-effective method to produce 3-Hydroxypropanoic acid (3-HP), an industrial chemical used in disposable diapers, microplastics, and acrylic paint. The new process using engineered microbes to ferment plant sugars into 3-HP has been validated for commercial potential.

Illinois Tech researcher finds where lithium ions reside in new solid-state electrolyte that could lead to improved batteries

Researchers at Illinois Tech developed a new material with high ionic conductivity and low activation energy, enabling the efficient storage and release of energy. The material's unique structure allows lithium ions to move freely, even at cold temperatures, making it promising for applications in electric vehicles and energy storage.

SourceIllinois Institute of Technology·JournalScience·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 9, 2026