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Scientists demonstrate pathway to forerunner of nanotubes that could lead to widespread industrial fabrication

Researchers at Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory have identified a chemical pathway to produce boron nitride nanotubes, a material with properties similar to carbon nanotubes but more difficult to produce. The breakthrough could lead to large-scale industrial production of the nanomaterial for various applications.

SourceDOE/Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory·JournalNanotechnology·TypeImaging analysis·DateSep 16, 2021

Nano ‘camera’ made using molecular glue allows real-time monitoring of chemical reactions

A team from the University of Cambridge developed a nano 'camera' that harnesses light within semiconductor nanocrystals to induce electron transfer processes, allowing for the real-time monitoring of chemical reactions. The platform can be used to study various molecules and their potential applications in renewable energy.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalNature Nanotechnology·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 2, 2021

A winning combination for glycoprotein synthesis

Researchers from Osaka University have demonstrated a rapid and robust chemical method for preparing highly pure glycoproteins. The new synthetic route uses an unprecedented amide bond formation reaction to form a junction between two functional peptides, resulting in a reliable means of synthesizing glycoproteins with little waste of ...

SourceOsaka University·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 10, 2021

Chemical reactions break free from energy barriers using flyby trajectories

Researchers at University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign discover that applying mechanical force can deliberately alter chemical reactions, allowing for increased chemical selectivity. By manipulating atomic motions, chemists can overcome energy barriers and achieve desired outcomes, opening up new possibilities for chemical production.

Otago study aids understanding of invisible but mighty particles

Tiny charged electrons and protons have been studied by University of Otago scientists in a Geophysical Research Letters publication. By analyzing data from GPS satellites, the researchers found that EMIC waves can cause changes in the number of particles in Earth's radiation belts, affecting satellite orbits and atmospheric chemistry.

SourceUniversity of Otago·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateMay 26, 2021

Another Martini for better simulations

The Martini forcefield offers fast but accurate coarse-grained simulations for soft matter systems, such as lipid membranes and proteins. The new version has been recalibrated with more reference data, enhancing its accuracy and usability in materials science and biophysics research.

SourceUniversity of Groningen·JournalNature Methods·DateMar 29, 2021

Reactive boride infusion stabilizes ni-rich cathodes for lithium-ion batteries

A new coating technology has been developed to stabilize Ni-rich cathodes in lithium-ion batteries, improving cycling stability and capacity retention. The technique involves infusing a cobalt boride metallic glass into the grain boundaries of the cathode material, resulting in improved electrochemical performance and safety.

Ultrafast electron dynamics in space and time

Scientists have made a breakthrough in tracing electron transfer processes at metal-molecule interfaces, allowing for the observation of electron excitation pathways in real-time. This achievement has fundamental implications for optimizing interfaces and nanostructures, potentially leading to new technologies.

SourceForschungszentrum Juelich·JournalScience·DateFeb 18, 2021

Sweat, bleach and gym air quality

A new University of Colorado Boulder study found that exercising individuals emit up to five times more chemicals from their body than sedentary people, which combine with bleach cleaners to form unknown airborne chemicals. The team detected a specific reaction product, N-chloraldimines, in gym air, raising concerns about indoor air qu...

SourceUniversity of Colorado at Boulder·JournalIndoor Air·DateJan 5, 2021

Your cells look young for their age, compared to a chimp's

A new study found that humans exhibit slower epigenetic aging than chimpanzees, with certain DNA sites gaining or losing chemical tags in a clock-like pattern. The researchers analyzed over 850,000 DNA sites in blood samples from 83 chimpanzees aged 1 to 59 and found that aging leaves its mark on the chimpanzee genome, similar to humans.

SourceDuke University·JournalPhilosophical Transactions of the Royal Society of London (B )·DateSep 20, 2020

Reducing nitrogen with boron and beer

Researchers from the University of Würzburg have developed a method to convert nitrogen to ammonium at room temperature without using transition metals. The key to this process is the use of boron and water, which enables sequential reactions that bring the team close to producing ammonia.

SourceUniversity of Würzburg·JournalNature Chemistry·DateSep 14, 2020

Ultracold mystery: Solved

Scientists cooled potassium-rubidium molecules to near absolute zero, observing an intermediate complex that lived for 360 nanoseconds. The team found that laser light was forcing the molecules off their reaction path, leading to loss.

SourceHarvard University·JournalNature Physics·DateJul 20, 2020

How the beetle got its bang

Researchers at Stevens Institute of Technology reveal how bombardier beetles biosynthesize chemicals to create fuel for their explosions. The study shows the beetles' biochemistry is intricate, with toxic chemicals derived from coal tar and benzene-like compounds metabolized from hydroquinone.

SourceStevens Institute of Technology·JournalThe Science of Nature·DateJun 16, 2020

A small twist leads to a big reaction

Scientists at the University of Tokyo have discovered a way to speed up chemical reactions involving amide bonds, which are key components of proteins. By applying a slight twist to their structure, they increased reaction rates by up to 14 times, potentially benefiting medical research and drug development.

SourceUniversity of Tokyo·JournalNature Chemistry·DateMay 28, 2020

A new tool for controlling reactions in microrobots and microreactors

Researchers at UMass Amherst have developed a new tool for controlling reactions in microrobots and microreactors, leveraging capillary forces to create self-assembling hanging droplets of aqueous polymer solutions. This technique enables selective transport of chemicals and can be used as encapsulated reaction vessels.

SourceUniversity of Massachusetts Amherst·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 30, 2020