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Wiley announces Nanalysis Edition of KnowItAll software

The Nanalysis Edition of KnowItAll combines Wiley's analytical software platform with Nanalysis' specialized NMR database, streamlining spectral interpretation workflows for users. The tailored solution provides immediate access to reference spectra optimized for benchtop NMR instruments, expanding compound identification coverage.

SourceWiley·DateJan 5, 2026

Toxin-to-treasure: Chonnam National University scientists use engineered enzyme to turn formaldehyde pollutant into high-value chemical

Chonnam National University scientists use an engineered enzyme to convert formaldehyde into L-glyceraldehyde, a valuable chiral C3 compound. The novel approach demonstrates how enzyme engineering can turn pollution into useful building blocks for medicine and industry.

SourceChonnam National University, The Research Information Management Team, Office of Research Promotion·JournalInternational Journal of Biological Macromolecules·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 19, 2025

‘Forever’ chemicals found in B.C. sea otters

Researchers at the University of British Columbia have identified eight per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in B.C. sea otters, with concentrations three times higher on average in otters near major cities and shipping routes. This proximity effect highlights the need for government regulation to prevent PFAS spread.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia·JournalEnvironmental Toxicology and Chemistry·DateNov 5, 2025

Crystal-free mechanoluminescence illuminates new possibilities for next-generation materials

Scientists at OIST have created crystal-free films of photoluminescent compounds that exhibit mechanoluminescence when stimulated through mechanical forces. This breakthrough removes the need for complex crystal design and engineering in creating mechanoluminescent materials.

SourceOkinawa Institute of Science and Technology (OIST) Graduate University·JournalChemical Science·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 28, 2025

Scientists discover clean and green way to recycle Teflon®

Researchers from Newcastle University and the University of Birmingham developed a low-energy, waste-free method to recycle Teflon by breaking down its strong carbon-fluorine bonds into harmless sodium fluoride. This process has significant implications for reducing environmental pollution and promoting sustainable fluorine chemistry.

SourceNewcastle University·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 21, 2025

Novel technique shines light on next-gen nanomaterials: how MXenes truly work

Researchers discovered how individual MXene flakes behave at the single-flake level, revealing changes in conductivity and optical response. The new spectroscopic micro-ellipsometry technique allowed for non-destructive measurements of individual MXene flakes, providing fundamental knowledge needed to design smarter technologies.

SourceThe Hebrew University of Jerusalem·JournalACS Nano·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 5, 2025

Cassini proves complex chemistry in Enceladus ocean

Scientists have found new complex organic molecules spewing from Saturn's moon Enceladus, confirming that complex chemical reactions are taking place within its underground ocean. The discovery strengthens the case for a dedicated European Space Agency (ESA) mission to orbit and land on Enceladus.

SourceEuropean Space Agency·JournalNature Astronomy·TypeObservational study·DateOct 1, 2025

A new way to produce ammonia more efficiently

A new way to produce ammonia more efficiently has been discovered by boosting its production using low-temperature plasma. This method could create ammonia in smaller facilities closer to where it is needed, making it safer and easier to transport, and potentially leading to a transformative change in energy storage and transportation.

SourcePrinceton University·JournalACS Energy Letters·DateSep 16, 2025

Researchers uncover potential biosignatures on Mars

A new study has revealed chemical signatures of ancient Martian microbial life in the Bright Angel formation, a region of Jezero Crater known for its fine-grained mudstones rich in oxidized iron and organic carbon. The findings suggest that early microorganisms may have played a role in shaping these rocks through redox reactions.

SourceTexas A&M University·JournalNature·DateSep 10, 2025

Giving food waste fermentation a ‘jolt’ increases chemical production

Researchers at Ohio State University discovered that adding an electrical jolt to fermentation increases the yield and speed of platform chemicals from industrial food waste. Combining two bacterial species also enhances targeted chemical production and produces hydrogen gas as a byproduct, reducing waste and greenhouse gas emissions.

SourceOhio State University·JournalJournal of Environmental Chemical Engineering·DateSep 4, 2025

More hydrogen, more ammonia, more fertilizer, all using less energy

Researchers at RIKEN have developed a mechanochemical method to increase hydrogen saturation in perovskite powder, doubling its capacity. This discovery has significant implications for environmental sustainability and the potential for a hydrogen-based economy, as it enables more efficient production of ammonia fertilizer.

SourceRIKEN·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateAug 21, 2025

New tracer could enable surgeons to see and hear prostate cancer

A new 'dual-mode' tracer agent shows promise in helping surgeons image and plan prostate cancer procedures while also providing guided surgery with real-time radiation detection. The tracer targets PSMA, a protein highly expressed on prostate cancer cells, offering high-resolution visual guidance and targeted radiation density detection.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia·JournalJournal of Medicinal Chemistry·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 21, 2025

University of Toronto Engineering researchers develop safer alternative non-stick coating

University of Toronto researchers have developed a new material that repels both water and grease as well as standard non-stick coatings, but contains much lower amounts of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). The material uses nanoscale fletching technology to achieve its performance, making it a safer alternative for consumer ...

Look to the data, not the marketing: Turfgrass research shows no differences in ‘penetrant’ and ‘retainer’ wetting agents

A multi-state study found inconsistent results on the performance of 'penetrants' and 'retainers,' emphasizing the importance of evidence-based surfactant classification. The research showed varying effects on rootzone volumetric water content and surface firmness, depending on location and turfgrass species.

SourceUniversity of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture·JournalJournal of ASTM International·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateJul 16, 2025

Reducing multiple tap water contaminants may prevent over 50,000 cancer cases

A new peer-reviewed study by the Environmental Working Group analyzed data from over 17,000 community water systems and found that treating multiple contaminants simultaneously can prevent tens of thousands of cancer cases. The study highlights the benefits of a multi-contaminant approach to drinking water treatment.

SourceEnvironmental Working Group·JournalEnvironmental Research·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJul 8, 2025

Platform feedstock chemicals from global warming gas: a new paradigm in carbon utilization

Researchers developed an electrochemical conversion technology that achieves unprecedented performance in CO2-to-alcohol conversion, achieving a Faraday efficiency of 66.9%. The technology selectively produces allyl alcohol, a multi-carbon high-value-added compound, with potential applications in various industries.

SourceCactus Communications·JournalNature Catalysis·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 30, 2025

Jackpot! Gold from e-waste opens a rich vein for miners and the environment

An interdisciplinary team at Flinders University has developed a safer and more sustainable approach to extract and recover gold from ore and electronic waste. The new method uses a low-cost and benign compound to extract gold, which can then be selectively bound to a novel sulfur-rich polymer, allowing for high-purity gold recovery.

SourceFlinders University·JournalNature Sustainability·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 26, 2025

USC technology may reduce shipping emissions by half

A USC-developed shipboard system using limestone and seawater can remove up to half of carbon dioxide emitted from shipping vessels, cutting maritime CO2 emissions by 50%. The process mimics a natural chemical reaction in the ocean, where CO2 is absorbed into water pumped onboard and then neutralized through a bed of limestone.

SourceUniversity of Southern California·JournalScience Advances·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJun 26, 2025

Using light-powered enzymes to build clean, high-value chemicals

Scientists developed a precise, cost-effective way to make chiral ketones for medicines, agrochemicals, and more using photocatalysis. This approach solves the challenge of reaching remote stereocenters in molecules, allowing for eco-friendly production of valuable chemicals.

Sustainable polymer modification with light for next-generation materials

A team from Institute of Science Tokyo has developed a postfunctionalization technique allowing for the incorporation of phosphonate esters under visible light conditions. This breakthrough paves the way for a broader range of polymer modifications, enabling the creation of novel polymer architectures with unique properties.

SourceInstitute of Science Tokyo·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 6, 2025

Green ammonia powered by sunlight

Researchers at the University of Tokyo have successfully produced green ammonia using sunlight and atmospheric nitrogen, mirroring natural processes found in plants. The process uses two catalysts, one based on molybdenum and another on iridium, to activate water molecules and produce ammonia.

SourceUniversity of Tokyo·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 22, 2025