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Why synonymous mutations are not always silent

Researchers modeled how genetic changes affecting protein synthesis speed can lead to misfolding and altered activity levels in proteins. This finding suggests the importance of kinetics alongside sequence for determining protein structure and function, with potential implications for fields such as biopharmaceutics and medicine.

SourcePenn State·JournalNature Chemistry·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateDec 5, 2022

Enzymatic synthesis of primary, secondary and tertiary amines containing two stereocenters

Researchers at the University of Amsterdam's Van 't Hoff Institute for Molecular Synthesis have developed a biocatalytic method to synthesize primary, secondary, and tertiary amines containing two stereogenic centers. The method uses a one-pot enzyme cascade, achieving excellent stereoselectivity and high chemical purity.

SourceUniversiteit van Amsterdam·JournalACS Catalysis·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 16, 2022

Ohio University chemistry lab students predict spread of COVID-19 with kinetics models

Undergraduate students at Ohio University applied kinetic techniques learned in physical chemistry to analyze the COVID-19 spread data from the CDC. They developed a model that considers the effect of vaccination and made predictions for the following months, correctly predicting the surge in cases in Ohio.

SourceOhio University·JournalJournal of Chemical Education·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateAug 11, 2022

HKUMed reveals the mechanism of how coronaviruses exploit the host antiviral defense mechanisms for efficient replication

Researchers discovered how coronaviruses use caspase-6 to cleave and neutralize the host's interferon response, facilitating viral replication. By inhibiting or overexpressing caspase-6, researchers reduced coronavirus replication in various models, suggesting a potential target for antiviral treatment.

SourceThe University of Hong Kong·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 5, 2022

The Sun is spinning round again

An international team developed a new theoretical model that solves part of the 'solar problem' by considering the Sun's rotation and magnetic fields. The results reproduce the concentration of helium and lithium in the Sun's outer layers, providing insights into stellar physics.

SourceUniversité de Genève·JournalNature Astronomy·TypeNews article·DateMay 31, 2022

Chemists’ HAT trick for greener chemical synthesis

Researchers have found a way to perform hydrogen atom transfer reactions with fewer chemicals and less cost, making it more efficient for industrial and academic settings. The new method uses electrochemistry to create cobalt hydride catalysts, reducing the need for expensive oxidants and reductants.

SourceUniversity of Utah·JournalNature·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateMay 25, 2022

Sparking sustainable new chemical catalysts

Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh have discovered a new catalyst, tungsten oxide, that can efficiently convert carbon dioxide into useful fuels and chemicals. This breakthrough could lead to a significant reduction in global warming by utilizing hydrogen produced from renewable energy sources.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateMay 18, 2022

Visualizing the invisible

Researchers at the University of Tokyo have developed a new model to aid interpretation of atomic resolution molecular images. The Z-correlated molecular model accurately fits imaging data and helps chemists analyze electron microscope images without theoretical calculations.

SourceUniversity of Tokyo·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateMar 28, 2022

Thomas Senftle wins NSF CAREER Award

Engineer Thomas Senftle at Rice University has won a prestigious NSF CAREER Award to improve catalysts through machine learning. He will develop open-source models to speed up the development of catalysts with optimized particle/support combinations, aiming to reduce unwanted molecules in water.

Chemical reaction design goes virtual

A new virtual ligand-assisted screening method enables efficient searching of ligands for optimal catalysis, accelerating reaction design. By simplifying ligand description with two metrics, researchers identify promising ligands and focus on real testing.

SourceHokkaido University·JournalACS Catalysis·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateMar 13, 2022

Increased infectivity, antibody escape drive SARS-CoV-2 evolution, studies say

Researchers analyzed over 1.5 million SARS-CoV-2 genome sequences to understand the evolution of the virus, finding that increased infectivity is a driving force behind its spread. The omicron variant is predicted to compromise current vaccines and therapies, highlighting the need for new generation of vaccines and monoclonal antibodies.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalACS Infectious Diseases·DateFeb 16, 2022

New study suggests an alternative technique for determining the true activity of catalysts

Researchers from Waseda University have developed an alternative technique, sampled current voltammetry (SCV), to accurately determine the activity of electrocatalysts used in water-splitting reactions. The study shows that SCV can provide reliable measurements of electrocatalytic performance at constant steady-state applied voltages.

SourceWaseda University·JournalJournal of The Electrochemical Society·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 31, 2022

Advanced analysis of Apollo sample illuminates Moon’s evolution

A new study published in Nature Communications reveals chemical heterogeneities in Apollo 17 sample troctolite 76535, indicating an early rapid cooling of the Moon. This finding challenges previous estimates of a 100-million-year cooling duration and supports initial rapid cooling of magmas within the lunar crust.

SourceUniversity of Hawaii at Manoa·JournalNature Communications·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateDec 14, 2021

Machine learning solves the who’s who problem in NMR spectra of organic crystals

Researchers developed a machine learning method to assign NMR spectra of organic crystals probabilistically from their 2D chemical structures. The approach uses a database of chemical shifts for organic solids, reducing computational cost by up to 10,000 times compared to current methods.

SourceNational Centre of Competence in Research (NCCR) MARVEL·JournalScience Advances·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateNov 26, 2021

Chemistry breakthrough leads way to more sustainable pharmaceuticals

Scientists at the University of Bath have developed a new method for synthesizing primary amines, used in over half of all pharmaceuticals, significantly reducing energy usage and chemical waste. This breakthrough aims to speed up drug discovery by making it easier to synthesize new chemical structures for testing.

SourceUniversity of Bath·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 17, 2021

First lockdown brought better air

Researchers found a decline in pollutant concentrations worldwide during the 2020 lockdown, particularly in Central Europe. The study attributed these reductions to the lockdown's impact on sectors like road and air transport, but noted that weather conditions also played a significant role.

SourceHelmholtz-Zentrum Hereon·JournalAtmospheric Chemistry and Physics·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateSep 21, 2021

New substance classes for nanomaterials: Nano spheres and diamond slivers made of silicon and germanium

Researchers at Goethe University Frankfurt and Bonn have synthesized molecular nano spheres made of silicon atoms, known as silafulleranes, which can encapsulate chloride ions. The discovery of these new compounds may lead to improved applications in electronics, solar cells, and batteries.

SourceGoethe University Frankfurt·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 8, 2021

New Bayesian quantum algorithm directly calculates the energy difference of an atom and molecule

Researchers from Osaka City University have developed a Bayesian phase difference estimation (BPDE) algorithm that directly calculates the energy difference between two relevant quantum states. This breakthrough enables precise accuracy in chemistry problems and overcomes limitations of conventional full-CI calculations.

SourceOsaka City University·JournalPhysical Chemistry Chemical Physics·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateSep 2, 2021

MTU engineers clean up water pollution with sunlight

Michigan Tech researchers developed a model to calculate how particular chemicals break down in surface water using singlet oxygen, which degrades contaminants and helps protect our waterways. The study's findings can aid environmental engineers and scientists in estimating half-lives of chemicals and predicting their degradation rates.

SourceMichigan Technological University·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateAug 10, 2021

Researchers use remote sensing to estimate nitrogen deposition in North China

The study estimated nitrogen deposition in northern China using a combination of remote sensing data and atmospheric chemical transport model simulations, revealing an average flux of 54.5 kg N per hectare. This represents 10% of the annual nitrogen application for winter wheat-summer maize rotation in the region.

SourceInstitute of Atmospheric Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalAtmospheric and Oceanic Science Letters·DateJan 6, 2020