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Researchers reveal mechanisms for regulating temperature sensitivity of soil organic matter decomposition in alpine grasslands

A recent study found that lower microbial abundance and aggregate protection are coexisting mechanisms underlying lower Q10 in subsoil, while substrate quality and mineral protection play less role. Microbial communities regulate depth-associated variations in Q10 in the active carbon pool, whereas aggregate protection controls it in t...

SourceChinese Academy of Sciences Headquarters·JournalScience Advances·DateJul 12, 2019

New organic flow battery brings decomposing molecules back to life

Researchers have discovered how to rejuvenate organic anthraquinone molecules that decompose over time, extending the lifetime of an organic flow battery by at least a factor of 40. By exposing the molecule to oxygen and avoiding overcharging, the researchers were able to recover up to 70% of lost capacity.

SourceHarvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateMay 28, 2019

Catalyst renders nerve agents harmless

Researchers at Brookhaven National Laboratory have developed a catalyst that efficiently decomposes nerve agents like sarin, eliminating their harmful effects. The multimodal approach used in the study identifies the active site of the catalyst and validates its effectiveness in real-life conditions.

SourceDOE/Brookhaven National Laboratory·JournalThe Journal of Physical Chemistry Letters·DateApr 22, 2019

Garlic ingredient from the lab bench

Ajoene, a stable organosulfur compound in garlic oil extracts, has similar health-promoting effects to allicin and exhibits anticancer activity. Researchers have developed a total synthesis approach to produce ajoene with improved yields, paving the way for its further evaluation in medicinal research.

SourceWiley·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateAug 23, 2018

Stabilizing energy storage

Researchers improve redox flow batteries by designing charge-storing molecules that are up to 1,000 times more stable than current compounds. This breakthrough aims to increase the capacity and efficiency of large batteries for grid storage, enabling full utilization of renewable energy sources.

Light switch in autumn leaves

Researchers have discovered that yellow phyllobilins in autumn leaves function as four-step molecular switches that react to light, with the molecular environment determining the switching mechanism. These findings suggest potential physiological roles for these compounds in plant photoregulation.

SourceWiley·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateNov 28, 2016

Single-step hydrogen peroxide production could be cleaner, more efficient

Researchers at the University of Wisconsin-Madison have discovered a new way to synthesize hydrogen peroxide in a single step, which could make it an economically feasible oxidant for various chemical processes. The method uses a palladium-based catalyst and avoids the decomposition reaction that typically occurs during synthesis.

SourceUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 24, 2016

Scratching the surface: Real-time monitoring of surface changes at the atomic level

A French research team, led by Dr. Frédéric Leroy, has created a method for real-time monitoring of surface changes at the atomic level. The approach enables them to study the kinetics of silicon dioxide decomposition onto silicon during thermal treatment, revealing a non-homogeneous process involving hole nucleation and opening.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalApplied Physics Letters·DateMar 15, 2016

The invisible key to methane hydrates

Researchers discovered that nanobubbles persist in liquid, influencing the formation and dissociation of natural gas hydrates. The findings provide insight into the mechanism of hydrate decomposition and could lead to more efficient and safe extraction of methane hydrates.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalThe Journal of Chemical Physics·DateJun 2, 2015

Artificial enzyme removes natural poison

A man-made chemical enzyme has been used to neutralize glycoside esculin, a toxin found in horse-chestnuts, demonstrating the feasibility of 'Chemzyme' technology. The artificial enzyme's resilience and designability make it a promising solution for various industrial applications.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen·JournalEuropean Journal of Organic Chemistry·DateAug 26, 2010

How social insects recognize dead nestmates

UC Riverside entomologists discover that Argentine ants use a different mechanism to recognize dead nestmates, triggered by the dissipation of life chemicals. The researchers found that live ants produce both life and death chemicals, while dead ants only produce death chemicals, leading to their removal from the colony.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 5, 2009

Ripe fruit preferred

Researchers found that breakdown of chlorophyll in ripening fruits produces highly active antioxidants called nonfluorescing chlorophyll catabolytes (NCCs). These NCCs are effective against oxidative stress and may play a role in human health. The study suggests that consuming ripe fruits regularly can provide potential health benefits.

SourceWiley·DateNov 6, 2007