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Royalty among us

Richard Willson, a University of Houston professor, has been elected Fellow of the Royal Society of Chemistry for his contributions to the chemical sciences. He has developed innovative methods to detect viruses and other biological threats using glow-in-the-dark nanoparticles.

Mizzou scientists develop a method that could lower medicine costs and contribute to cleaner energy and sustainability

Researchers have developed a novel electrochemistry approach to build new molecules using micelles from naturally occurring amino acids and coconut oil. This breakthrough method could reduce the cost of making medicines by combining solvents, electrolytes, and reaction boosters into one simple tool.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalAngewandte Chemie·DateMar 3, 2025

New insights into efficient water splitting

A recent study reveals three distinct mechanisms of recombination in photocatalytic water splitting, including over-penetration induced recombination and excess hole induced recombination. The discovery of a previously unknown slow reaction, called the 'satellite peak,' is crucial for pinpointing the rate-limiting step in water splitting.

SourceJapan Advanced Institute of Science and Technology·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateFeb 25, 2025

From waste to wonder: Revolutionary green grout for sustainable construction practices

A novel carbon-neutral grout, CSRGF, has been developed by recycling waste fluids from geothermal energy harvesting plants, addressing environmental challenges in traditional grouting methods. The new material shows remarkable performance, with a 50% increase in liquefaction resistance and superior water-sealing properties.

SourceShibaura Institute of Technology·JournalCase Studies in Construction Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 25, 2025

Zero-shot AI for remote sensing: A new pipeline for automated image segmentation

Researchers developed a new zero-shot AI pipeline that leverages open-source foundation models like Segment Anything Model (SAM) and Grounding DINO to improve accuracy in automated image segmentation for remote sensing. The pipeline achieves outstanding segmentation results, reaching up to 99% accuracy, and operates in a zero-shot manner.

SourceKeAi Communications Co., Ltd.·JournalArtificial Intelligence in Geosciences·TypeImaging analysis·DateFeb 22, 2025

Light-powered breakthrough enables precision tuning of quantum dots

Researchers at NC State University have developed a new technique to tune the optical properties of quantum dots using light, reducing energy consumption and environmental impact. This method allows for precise control over the bandgap, enabling the creation of high-quality perovskite quantum dots for optoelectronic devices.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalAdvanced Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 18, 2025

Graphite production gets a makeover

Researchers at Texas A&M University have developed a new catalytic graphitization technology to convert petroleum coke into graphite, reducing emissions and cost associated with conventional synthetic graphite production. The process uses lower temperatures and shorter times, making it more sustainable and efficient.

Seoul National University of Science and Technology researchers develop bioink for personalized tissue repair using kombucha SCOBY nanocellulose

Seoul National University researchers create bioink from Kombucha SCOBY nanocellulose, suitable for in vivo tissue engineering. The bioink can be precisely applied directly onto damaged tissues using a digital biopen, paving the way for more personalized and effective wound healing.

SourceSeoul National University of Science & Technology·JournalInternational Journal of Biological Macromolecules·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 3, 2025

Scientists ‘mimic real biological processes’ using synthetic neurons

Researchers at Northwestern University have developed a novel high-performance organic electrochemical neuron that responds within the frequency range of human neurons. The device was integrated with artificial touch receptors and synapses to create a complete perception system, enabling real-time tactile signal sensing and processing.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 29, 2025

What to do with aging solar panels?

A three-year project aims to proactively ensure circularity of solar panels by providing solutions to barriers throughout the supply chain. The team will develop reverse logistics models and next-generation data-driven supply chains for recycling solar panels and reusing critical materials like silicon and silver.

Chung-Ang University achieves dual-purpose breakthrough: Turning water into electricity while detecting fires

Researchers at Chung-Ang University have developed a novel hydrovoltaic device that can produce up to a few tens of microwatts and responds quickly to evaporation-driven changes in water flow, making it suitable for fire detection. The device also exhibits excellent stability over extended periods.

SourceChung Ang University·JournalChemical Engineering Journal·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 22, 2025

PECASE winners: 3 UVA engineering professors receive presidential early career awards

Three UVA engineering professors, James T. Burns, Coleen Carrigan, and Liheng Cai, have received the Presidential Early Career Award for Scientists and Engineers (PECASE) from President Biden. The award recognizes their innovative work in science and technology, including Burns' research on material fracture under unique conditions and...

Research using non-toxic bacteria to fight high-mortality cancers prepares for clinical trials

Researchers at UMass Amherst have developed a non-toxic bacterial therapy, BacID, to deliver cancer-fighting drugs directly into tumors. The therapy uses genetically engineered strains of Salmonella that can target tumors and control the release of cancer-fighting drugs inside cancer cells.

SourceUniversity of Massachusetts Amherst·JournalMolecular Therapy·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateJan 16, 2025

Researchers make comfortable materials that generate power when worn

Researchers at North Carolina State University have developed wearable technologies that both generate electricity from human movement and improve comfort. They used amphiphiles to create slippery surfaces on fabrics, reducing friction while allowing electrons to be donated, resulting in a material capable of generating up to 300 volts.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 15, 2025

Synthetic chemicals and chemical products require a new regulatory and legal approach to safeguard children’s health

A report by the Consortium for Children's Environmental Health calls for new laws to test chemicals for safety and toxicity before they enter markets. The authors propose a more precautionary approach to prioritize health protection over unconstrained production of synthetic chemicals and plastics.

SourceBoston College·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJan 8, 2025

New UVA professor’s research may boost next-generation space rockets

A UVA professor has made new discoveries about electron kinetic behavior within plasma beams, potentially revealing the 'shape' of future space technology. The findings could lead to more efficient and reliable electric propulsion systems for long-duration space missions.

SourceUniversity of Virginia School of Engineering and Applied Science·JournalPlasma Sources Science and Technology·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJan 3, 2025

Tinkering with the “clockwork” mechanisms of life

Researchers at Université de Montréal successfully recreated two distinct mechanisms that can program the activation and deactivation rates of nanomachines in living organisms across multiple timescales. This breakthrough suggests how engineers can exploit natural processes to improve nanomedicine and other technologies.

SourceUniversity of Montreal·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateDec 19, 2024

Nature’s instructions: How fungi make a key medicinal molecule

Researchers from the University of Pennsylvania School of Engineering and Applied Science have discovered a previously unreported enzyme that catalyzes the creation of cyclopentachromone-containing compounds. This breakthrough could potentially lead to the development of new pharmaceuticals for treating cancer and inflammation.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Engineering and Applied Science·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 18, 2024