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New trigger for self-powered mechanical movement

A team of researchers at Penn State University and the University of Pittsburgh has developed a new way to use enzyme reactions to trigger self-powered mechanical movement. The enzyme pumps can precisely control flow rate without an external power source and turn on in response to specific chemicals in solution.

SourcePenn State·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 25, 2016

Enzymatic engines

Pittsburgh researchers utilize enzymes to trigger mechanical movement in fluidic devices, showcasing a novel approach for self-powered systems. The studies reveal complex, time-dependent flows driven by simple enzymatic reactions.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 25, 2016

More detailed analysis of how cells react to stress

A new method called 'ADPr-ChAP' allows researchers to identify chromatin sites modified by ADP-ribosylation in response to cell stress, enabling a better understanding of the cellular stress reaction. This breakthrough could lead to new ways of intervening in disease-making processes such as chronic inflammation and cancer.

SourceUniversity of Zurich·JournalMolecular Cell·DateFeb 8, 2016

New research helps to explain how temperature shifts the circadian clock

Scientists have discovered that the length of a living organism's 24-hour internal clock remains constant despite temperature fluctuations. The study found that external pathways sensitive to temperature cue the clock to skip ahead or backward, while the core mechanisms within the clock itself remain insensitive to temperature.

SourceRockefeller University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 1, 2015

Five reasons why sugar is added to food

A study by University of Minnesota authors reveals five key roles sugar plays in food: improving flavor, enhancing color, adding bulk and texture, aiding fermentation, and preserving foods. The research discusses the challenges of labeling added sugar and replacing it in foods.

SourceInstitute of Food Technologists·JournalComprehensive Reviews in Food Science and Food Safety·DateAug 18, 2015

Heat buckyballs to help environment

Researchers at Rice University have made a breakthrough in developing tunable carbon-capture materials by heating buckyballs to alter their properties. This process enables the creation of materials that can selectively capture carbon dioxide from various sources, including industrial flue gases and natural-gas wells.

SourceRice University·JournalEnergy & Fuels·DateJul 13, 2015

Tunneling out of the surface

A research team has discovered a new chemical reaction pathway on titanium dioxide that allows hydrogen atoms to tunnel away from the surface. This breakthrough could lead to efficient hydrogen storage technology, addressing the challenge of storing and transporting hydrogen for renewable energy applications.

SourceTohoku University·JournalACS Nano·DateJul 9, 2015

Researchers grind nanotubes to get nanoribbons

Rice University researchers have developed a new method to create valuable graphene nanoribbons by grinding carbon nanotubes, eliminating the need for harsh chemical solutions. This solid-state process enables strong chemical coupling between nanostructures and produces novel forms of nanostructured products with specific properties.

SourceRice University·JournalNature Communications·DateJun 15, 2015

MIT team creates ultracold molecules

Researchers successfully cooled sodium potassium molecules to a temperature just above absolute zero, creating exotic states of matter with strong dipole moments. The ultracold molecules exhibited long lifetimes and resisted reactive collisions, paving the way for new discoveries in quantum mechanics.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateJun 10, 2015

Nature inspires first artificial molecular pump

Researchers at Northwestern University develop first artificial molecular pump, mirroring the pumping mechanism of life-sustaining proteins in living cells. The tiny machine can force molecules to move against their natural flow, storing energy for potential use in molecular machines and artificial muscles.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalNature Nanotechnology·DateMay 19, 2015

A 'GPS' for molecules

Scientists create a molecular 'GPS' to precisely locate metal ions in enzymes, which play key roles in metabolism and synthesis. This innovation uses spin-labeled amino acids to track metal ion positions, enabling better understanding of biochemical reactions.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalAngewandte Chemie·DateDec 19, 2014

Ultrafast complex molecular simulations by 'cutting up molecules'

A novel ultrafast quantum chemical method called FMO-DFTB enables rapid simulations of complex molecular systems, achieving a huge improvement over traditional methods. The method has successfully evaluated large molecules including polypeptides, DNA segments, small proteins, and fullerite surfaces.

SourceInstitute of Transformative Bio-Molecules (ITbM), Nagoya University·JournalJournal of Chemical Theory and Computation·DateDec 4, 2014

Cool calculations for cold atoms

Researchers at Joint Quantum Institute develop universal theory for Efimov states, enabling prediction of chemical processes involving three or more atoms. The new theory successfully incorporates short-distance regime and van der Waals force, predicting a series of Efimov states with varying binding energies.

SourceJoint Quantum Institute·JournalNature Physics·DateSep 2, 2014

Bone chemistry reveals royal lifestyle of Richard III

A recent study by the British Geological Survey has analyzed the bone and tooth chemistry of King Richard III, revealing a change in diet and location in his early childhood and later life. The research suggests that Richard had a high status diet with expensive food and drink when he became king.

SourceElsevier·JournalJournal of Archaeological Science·DateAug 16, 2014

Rice's Thomann wins CAREER grant to study photocatalysis

Isabell Thomann's research focuses on improving photocatalysis, a process that uses light to drive chemical reactions, with a goal of reducing carbon dioxide using sunlight. She will use an ultrafast laser spectroscopy system to study short-lived chemical intermediates and optimize the efficiency and selectivity of chemical reactions.

Turing's theory of morphogenesis validated 60 years after his death

Researchers from the University of Pittsburgh and Brandeis University have provided experimental evidence validating Alan Turing's theory of morphogenesis in cell-like structures. The study confirms the prediction of six different patterns and discovers a seventh, demonstrating how identical biological cells differentiate into distinct...

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 12, 2014