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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.

Green chemistry milestone: fluorine complexes from common fluoride salt

A team of researchers from Shibaura Institute of Technology, Japan, has developed a novel fluorinating quaternary ammonium complex with extremely low hygroscopicity, making it an excellent reagent for electrochemical fluorination. The new agent was synthesized by combining KF with tetrabutylammonium bromide and showed promise in pharma...

SourceShibaura Institute of Technology·JournalChemical Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 18, 2025

Controlling bacteria with light: from tackling antibiotic resistance to “bacterial robots”

Researchers at Politecnico di Milano have developed a system that allows bacteria to sense light and convert it into electrical signals without genetic modification. This method has the potential to develop next-generation antimicrobial platforms and biocompatible 'bacterial robots' for targeted drug delivery.

SourcePolitecnico di Milano·JournalThe European Physical Journal Plus·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 3, 2025

New chemical engineering application expands possibilities for targeted drug delivery

A team of researchers from the University of Illinois Grainger College of Engineering has successfully applied metabolic labeling to platelets, enabling targeted drug delivery systems. The innovation uses chemical tags to track platelet activity, allowing for precise cargo loading and reduced long-term exposure.

An iron oxide ‘oxygen sponge’ for efficient thermochemical hydrogen production

Researchers at Pohang University of Science & Technology have developed a novel iron-based catalyst that more than doubles the conversion efficiency of thermochemical green hydrogen production. The new catalyst, iron-poor nickel ferrite (Fe-poor NiFe2O4), enables significantly greater oxygen capacity even at lower temperatures.

Interfacial molecular anchor enhances performance of ambient all-bladed perovskite solar cells

Researchers introduced tetramethylammonium chloride to suppress SnO2 nanoparticle agglomeration, reducing pinhole defects and improving colloidal stability. The molecular anchor strategy bridged the performance gap between laboratory-scale and large-area devices, achieving high efficiency and durability.

SourceDalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy Sciences·JournalJoule·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateMay 19, 2025

Unique molecule may lead to smaller, more efficient computers

Physicists at the University of Miami have discovered a unique molecule that can conduct electricity without losing energy, paving the way for smaller and more powerful computing devices. The molecule, composed of chemical elements found in nature, offers unparalleled electrical conductance and stability under everyday conditions.

SourceUniversity of Miami·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 1, 2025

Ultrafast multivalley optical switching in germanium for high-speed computing and communications

Researchers demonstrate ultrafast transparency switching across multiple wavelengths using single laser excitation in germanium, opening possibilities for advanced optical technologies. The study highlights the potential of Ge as a key material for ultrafast optical switching with promising applications in high-speed data transmission ...

SourceWaseda University·JournalPhysical Review Applied·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 16, 2025

Living fungus-based building material repairs itself for over a month

Researchers have developed a building material that uses fungal mycelium and bacteria cells, which can self-repair for at least a month. This innovation has the potential to replace conventional building materials with high carbon footprints like cement, reducing emissions and promoting sustainability.

SourceCell Press·JournalCell Reports Physical Science·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 16, 2025

Scientists uncover spin–catalytic activity correlation in single-atom and -electron tailored gold nanoclusters

Researchers develop novel synthesis method for multi-shelled gold clusters and precisely remove atoms to study magnetic spin influence on catalytic behavior. They find that spin density concentrates more on iodine atoms than sulfur atoms, indicating potential role in tuning catalytic properties.

SourceChinese Academy of Sciences Headquarters·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 15, 2025

Smoothing over rough edges in batteries

A new phenomenon in modern batteries has been discovered by Texas Engineers, which could improve their life cycles. Researchers found a temporary version of the film that forms on the metal anode during discharge speeds and dissolves back into the battery when finished.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 14, 2025

MIT engineers develop a way to mass manufacture nanoparticles that deliver cancer drugs directly to tumors

Researchers at MIT have developed a method to mass manufacture nanoparticles that target cancer cells, eliminating the need for manual polymer mixing and streamlining production. This approach integrates good manufacturing practice (GMP)-compliant processes, making it suitable for large-scale production of cancer treatments.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalAdvanced Functional Materials·DateApr 3, 2025

Exploring AI’s role in decarbonizing the chemical industry: A multi-scale perspective

The study explores AI-driven innovations across multiple scales, from material design to industrial park optimization, highlighting its potential for simplifying complex chemical processes. However, data reliability remains a major challenge, and full-scale industrial implementation faces technical, economic, social, and ethical hurdles.

SourceTsinghua University Press·JournalTechnology Review for Carbon Neutrality·DateApr 2, 2025

Runaway battery improves safety

Researchers at the University of Tokyo have developed a simple and cost-effective method to test lithium-ion battery safety, enabling researchers to quickly screen battery effects on safety factors such as materials, design, storage conditions, and degradation. The innovative method uses miniaturized batteries that are intentionally un...

SourceUniversity of Tokyo·JournalNature Energy·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 2, 2025

Professor Yousung Jung’s research team at SNU develops technology to predict and interpret the synthesizability of novel materials using large language models

Professor Yousung Jung's team uses LLMs to accurately predict and explain material synthesizability, overcoming limitations of existing methods. This technology is expected to accelerate material design and reduce development time for the semiconductor and secondary battery industries.

SourceSeoul National University College of Engineering·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateMar 27, 2025

FAMU-FSU College of Engineering researchers create innovative microparticles that unlock new insights into protein degradation and immune cell behavior

Researchers at FAMU-FSU College of Engineering have developed a method for studying protein degradation within immune cells using engineered microparticles. This approach provides real-time insights into immune system function and dysfunction, offering valuable tools for understanding diseases such as cancer, Alzheimer’s disease, and a...

SourceFlorida State University·JournalACS Applied Materials & Interfaces·DateMar 27, 2025

The right moves to reign in fibrosis

Researchers at WashU have developed a method to manipulate the mechanical side of fibrosis, a complex condition that can lead to scarring and breathing difficulties. By controlling the direction of tension forces, they aim to prevent or treat fibrosis and develop personalized treatment plans for patients.

SourceWashington University in St. Louis·JournalNature Materials·DateMar 24, 2025

New sensor could help prevent lithium-ion battery fires and explosions

Researchers have developed a new sensor to detect hazardous gas leaks in lithium-ion batteries, which could prevent catastrophic failures and enhance the reliability of battery-powered technologies. The sensor detects trace amounts of ethylene carbonate vapour, targeting potential battery failures before they escalate into disasters.

SourceXi'an Jiaotong-Liverpool University·JournalACS Applied Materials & Interfaces·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 20, 2025

A research-corporate collaboration for green hydrogen production

Research teams at Alcal'Hylab joint laboratory are working on designing next-generation materials for boosting green hydrogen production, combining the benefits of alkaline water electrolysis and polymer membrane technology. The goal is to produce ultra-pure gas with high yield while minimizing carbon footprint and pollutants.

SourceCNRS·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 17, 2025