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International ozone treaty stops changes in Southern Hemisphere winds

A new study by researchers at the University of Colorado Boulder has found that the international ozone treaty has stopped changes in Southern Hemisphere atmospheric circulation. The Montreal Protocol, which phased out ozone-depleting chemicals, has driven recent reversals in these patterns.

SourceUniversity of Colorado at Boulder·JournalNature·DateMar 25, 2020
Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount

Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount provides precise tracking capacity for deep-sky imaging rigs during long astrophotography sessions.

Road salt harmful to native amphibians, new research shows

Researchers at Binghamton University found that road salt and invasive species can harm native amphibians, with non-native African clawed frogs showing greater tolerance to chemical changes. This study highlights the need for better environmental management strategies to protect natural ecosystems.

SourceBinghamton University·JournalChemistry and Ecology·DateFeb 17, 2020

Vapers show chemical changes in their genome linked to cancer

A recent study by the Keck School of Medicine found that vapers and smokers exhibit similar epigenetic changes in their genome, which can cause genes to malfunction. These chemical alterations are commonly found in human cancer and other serious diseases.

SourceKeck School of Medicine of USC·JournalEpigenetics·DateFeb 12, 2020
SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB

SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB transfers large imagery and model outputs quickly between field laptops, lab workstations, and secure archives.

Finding the source of chemical reactions

Scientists at Argonne National Laboratory have experimentally detected the transition state in chemical reactions, a hidden aspect that controls product formation. This breakthrough could improve industrial processes and lead to the synthesis of new life-saving drugs.

SourceDOE/Argonne National Laboratory·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 3, 2020

Residues in fingerprints hold clues to their age

Researchers have developed a method to link fingerprint compounds with their age, allowing for more precise timing of prints. By analyzing triacylglycerol degradation rates, scientists can estimate the time elapsed since fingerprints were left behind.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalAnalytical Chemistry·DateJan 22, 2020

Study explains why some creams and cosmetics may cause a skin rash

A new study found that chemicals in common skincare products can trigger allergic contact dermatitis by displacing natural lipids on skin cells. Researchers identified CD1a molecules as a key player in this process and discovered competing lipids that can displace triggering chemicals, potentially treating the condition.

SourceColumbia University Irving Medical Center·JournalScience Immunology·DateJan 3, 2020
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

Apple iPhone 17 Pro delivers top performance and advanced cameras for field documentation, data collection, and secure research communications.

Air quality tests need simplifying to help reduce dangerous emissions

Researchers recommend simplifying air quality testing methods to improve accuracy in simulating atmospheric chemical reactions and reducing pollution. A combination of bottom-up and top-down techniques can help achieve more accurate results.

SourceTaylor & Francis Group·JournalJournal of the Air & Waste Management Association·DateDec 17, 2019

Chemists glimpse the fleeting 'transition state' of a reaction

Researchers use millimeter-wave spectroscopy to observe reaction products, determining the structure of the transition state for the first time. The study identifies two different transition states and suggests additional mechanisms may be involved.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 16, 2019

The coldest reaction

Researchers at Harvard University have achieved the coldest chemical reaction in history, slowing down molecules to capture the critical act of bond formation. By utilizing ultracold temperatures, they observed the intermediate stage of the reaction for microseconds, enabling direct measurement and validation of theories.

SourceHarvard University·JournalScience·DateNov 28, 2019
Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter

Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter measures wind, temperature, and humidity in real time for site assessments, aviation checks, and safety briefings.

Scientists design built-in controls for mini-chemical labs on a chip

Researchers at Saint Louis University have developed a way to program built-in controls in microfluidic networks, enabling the creation of miniaturized chemical laboratories on a chip. This technology has potential applications in point-of-care diagnostics, field research, and even space exploration.

SourceSaint Louis University·JournalNature·DateNov 14, 2019

Observing changes in the chirality of molecules in real time

Researchers have developed a new method to observe changes in molecular chirality during chemical reactions in real time. They used femtosecond laser pulses with tailor-made polarization to follow the disappearance of chirality after bond breakage.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 14, 2019

Magnets sustainably separate mixtures of rare earth metals

Researchers developed a new method to separate mixtures of rare earth metals using magnetic fields, achieving a doubling in separation performance. This breakthrough has potential applications for recycling and can help address geopolitical and climate issues associated with rare earth mining and recycling.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateOct 23, 2019
Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm)

Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm) tracks health metrics and safety alerts during long observing sessions, fieldwork, and remote expeditions.

Controlling ion recognition in reactive host-guest systems

Scientists controlled host-guest complexes to explore the mechanism of chemical reactions, discovering that modification of guest metal ions could switch between 'recognition first' and 'reaction first' pathways. This finding has potential applications in drug delivery systems.

SourceKanazawa University·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateOct 17, 2019

Chemical evolution -- One-pot wonder

Researchers propose a cascade of chemical reactions to produce RNA's four genetic building blocks, creating a pivotal step in chemical evolution. The process requires simple precursor molecules and can occur under homogeneous environmental conditions.

SourceLudwig-Maximilians-Universität München·JournalScience·DateOct 9, 2019

Human gut microbes could make processed foods healthier

Researchers at WashU Medicine discovered that certain strains of gut microbes can break down harmful compounds in processed foods and produce beneficial nutrients. These microbes could potentially make unhealthy snacks healthier when added to their composition.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalCell Host & Microbe·DateOct 9, 2019
Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation, USB-C)

Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation, USB-C) provide clear calls and strong noise reduction for interviews, conferences, and noisy field environments.

Forward or backward? New pathways for protons in water or methanol

Researchers have discovered a new mechanism for proton transfer between acids and bases, involving hydroxide/methoxide ions rather than hydrated excess protons. This breakthrough has significant implications for aqueous proton transport in solutions, hydrogen fuel cells, and transmembrane proteins.

SourceForschungsverbund Berlin·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateOct 8, 2019

Plants alert neighbors to threats using common 'language'

New research from Cornell University reveals that plants communicate with each other using airborne chemicals when under attack from pests. This phenomenon, known as open-channel communication, allows neighboring plants to pick up on warning signals and prepare for the perceived threat.

SourceCornell University·JournalCurrent Biology·DateOct 3, 2019

Why some greens turn brown in historical paintings

Copper acetate and copper resinate pigments, used in Renaissance-era art, turned brown over time due to molecular changes triggered by light exposure. Boiling linseed oil before mixing slowed the darkening reaction.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalInorganic Chemistry·DateOct 2, 2019
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope combines portable Schmidt-Cassegrain optics with GoTo pointing for outreach nights and field campaigns.

Strained, symmetric, and new

Tetravinylallene, a highly unsaturated molecule with two adjacent double bonds, has been synthesized for the first time, offering a new approach to constructing complex molecular frameworks. Its symmetry enables chemists to perform multiple reactions in one step, making it a potent tool for synthesizing natural products and drugs.

SourceWiley·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateSep 30, 2019

Numbers limit how accurately digital computers model chaos

Researchers found that digital computers struggle to replicate the behavior of chaotic dynamical systems, even with vast numbers of available single-precision floating-point numbers. This limitation can lead to errors in simulations, affecting fields like climate change, physics, and chemistry.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalAdvanced Theory and Simulations·DateSep 23, 2019

Building on UD, Nobel legacy

Researchers have discovered a new reaction that enables the production of indoline scaffolds, which are crucial for developing new medicines. By using nitrogen as a catalyst, the reaction can create complex assemblies more easily and efficiently.

SourceUniversity of Delaware·JournalAngewandte Chemie·DateSep 23, 2019

Blink and you'll miss it

Scientists have successfully observed and controlled fast-paced chemical reactions using light, which could lead to new optical nanotechnology. The method uses ultrafast techniques to visualize the reaction, offering insights into molecular interactions and potential applications in materials design.

SourceUniversity of Tokyo·JournalNature Communications·DateSep 13, 2019
Anker Laptop Power Bank 25,000mAh (Triple 100W USB-C)

Anker Laptop Power Bank 25,000mAh (Triple 100W USB-C) keeps Macs, tablets, and meters powered during extended observing runs and remote surveys.

Terahertz waves reveal hidden processes in ultrafast artificial photosynthesis

A team of researchers directly observed charge transfer and intermolecular interactions in artificial photosynthesis on a picosecond scale. They used time-resolved attenuated total reflection spectroscopy in the terahertz region to reveal the process, which involves rhenium complexes and Triethanolamine solvent.

SourceOsaka University·JournalScientific Reports·DateSep 12, 2019

New metamaterial morphs into new shapes, taking on new properties

Researchers developed a tunable metamaterial that can change shape in response to electrical control, exhibiting unique mechanical and vibrational properties. This breakthrough has potential applications in next-generation energy storage systems and bio-implantable micro-devices.

SourceCalifornia Institute of Technology·JournalNature·DateSep 11, 2019

Better chemistry through tiny antennae

Researchers at The University of Tokyo have developed a method to actively break chemical bonds using tiny antennae created by infrared lasers. This technique enables selective control over chemical reactions, increasing yields while minimizing unwanted side products.

SourceInstitute of Industrial Science, The University of Tokyo·JournalNature Communications·DateAug 29, 2019

Glacier-fed rivers may consume atmospheric carbon dioxide

Glacier-fed rivers in Canada's north are actively consuming atmospheric CO2, according to a University of Alberta study. Chemical weathering is the process behind this phenomenon, involving interactions between glacial sediments and melt waters with the atmosphere.

SourceUniversity of Alberta·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 27, 2019

Laser-produced uranium plasma evolves into more complex species

Scientists have mapped the evolution of complex uranium oxide species, creating a detailed picture of their formation and behavior. This research has practical applications in technologies like laser spectroscopy and verifying nuclear treaty compliance.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalPhysics of Plasmas·DateAug 23, 2019
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter is a trusted meter for precise measurements during instrument integration, repairs, and field diagnostics.

Chemistry in motion

For the first time, researchers have visualized chemical processes in unprecedented detail using molecular electron microscopy. This breakthrough allows for the observation of discrete stages in chemical reactions, which could aid in the development of methods to synthesize chemicals with greater control and precision.

SourceUniversity of Tokyo·JournalNature Communications·DateAug 23, 2019

Materials scientists build a synthetic system with compartments like real cells

Researchers develop synthetic compartmentalization system that mimics biological functions, allowing for controlled chemical reactions and separation of materials. The system uses electrical charge to regulate the flow of materials and can be used in various applications such as drug delivery, wound treatment, and water purification.

SourceUniversity of Massachusetts Amherst·JournalChem·DateAug 22, 2019
GQ GMC-500Plus Geiger Counter

GQ GMC-500Plus Geiger Counter logs beta, gamma, and X-ray levels for environmental monitoring, training labs, and safety demonstrations.

Pairing prediction and production in AI-informed robotic flow synthesis

Researchers present an integrated strategy for computer-augmented chemical synthesis, successfully yielding 15 different medicinally related small molecules. Their AI-informed, robotically controlled platform has the potential to greatly improve the synthesis of complex molecules, reducing manual labor and increasing scalability.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateAug 8, 2019

Quantum entanglement in chemical reactions? Now there's a way to find out

Scientists have developed a practical method to measure entanglement in chemical reactions, which could lead to breakthroughs in designing better solar energy systems and understanding the fundamental principles of chemistry. The study generalized Bell's inequality to include continuous measurements, validating its application in chemi...

SourcePurdue University·JournalScience Advances·DateAug 2, 2019

Pre-life building blocks spontaneously align in evolutionary experiment

Researchers found that amino acids linked up spontaneously into neat segments under conditions mimicking pre-life Earth. The preference for biological amino acids over non-biological counterparts suggests that early life may have selected a subset of building blocks based on their chemical properties.

SourceGeorgia Institute of Technology·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 1, 2019

Next-generation medication: where chemistry meets computation

Researchers at Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology have developed a new synthetic process for indole alkaloids, using zinc reagent. This approach enables concise and divergent synthesis of diverse alkaloidal scaffolds, paving the way for next-generation pharmaceuticals and pesticides.

SourceTokyo University of Agriculture and Technology·JournalChemical Science·DateJul 30, 2019
Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 Binoculars

Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 Binoculars deliver bright, sharp views for wildlife surveys, eclipse chases, and quick star-field scans at dark sites.

Researchers build artificial cells that sense and respond to their environment

Artificial cells have been created by Imperial College London scientists that can sense changes in their surroundings and respond with drug molecules or harm removal. This breakthrough uses a simpler approach to mimic complex biological responses, making it easier to engineer artificial cells for various biotechnological applications.

SourceImperial College London·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 29, 2019

Atomically precise models improve understanding of fuel cells

Researchers at Kyushu University developed computer simulations using realistic atomic-scale models to understand reaction pathways in solid-oxide fuel cells. The study found that reactions are more likely to occur in layers with smaller pore sizes, but also identified a new degradation pathway that could impact performance.

SourceKyushu University·JournalCommunications Chemistry·DateJul 19, 2019

Caught in the act: Images capture molecular motions in real time

The study reveals the dynamics of chemical reactions in unprecedented detail, capturing the excitation of a single electron in a molecule. The researchers used ultra-high-speed x-ray pulses to take snapshots of molecular motions at different stages, enabling them to analyze and reconstruct the shape of the molecule as it unfolded.

SourceBrown University·JournalNature Chemistry·DateJul 11, 2019
DJI Air 3 (RC-N2)

DJI Air 3 (RC-N2) captures 4K mapping passes and environmental surveys with dual cameras, long flight time, and omnidirectional obstacle sensing.

Resonance-enhanced tunneling induces F+H2 reaction in interstellar clouds

Scientists discovered resonance-enhanced tunneling as the key to the F + H2 reaction's rapid reactivity, essential for understanding interstellar chemistry. The research found that resonance states are crucial for overcoming the energy barrier, enabling the observed HF in interstellar clouds.

SourceChinese Academy of Sciences Headquarters·JournalNature Chemistry·DateJun 24, 2019
Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro)

Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro) powers local ML workloads, large datasets, and multi-display analysis for field and lab teams.

Major step forward in the production of 'green' hydrogen

Scientists have created a revolutionary new chemical reactor that can produce pure hydrogen as a product stream. The 'hydrogen memory reactor' avoids costly separation of final products by retaining 'chemical memory' of reacting gas conditions, making the process more efficient and environmentally friendly.

SourceNewcastle University·JournalNature Chemistry·DateMay 27, 2019

Smallest pixels ever created could light up color-changing buildings

Scientists at University of Cambridge developed tiny gold particles to create smallest pixels yet, a million times smaller than smartphone pixels, for large-scale flexible displays. These colour-changing pixels can be applied to building-sized screens, reducing production cost and enabling sustainable technologies.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalScience Advances·DateMay 10, 2019
Aranet4 Home CO2 Monitor

Aranet4 Home CO2 Monitor tracks ventilation quality in labs, classrooms, and conference rooms with long battery life and clear e-ink readouts.

Controlling instabilities gives closer look at chemistry from hypersonic vehicles

A team of researchers used a reduced order model to analyze data from high-fidelity simulations, gaining new knowledge about chemical reactions in hypersonic flows. The study looked at three types of gas compositions and found that vibrations temperatures could be predicted, as well as the formation of nitric oxide in small amounts.

SourceUniversity of Illinois Grainger College of Engineering·JournalPhysical Review Fluids·DateApr 23, 2019

SLAC's high-speed 'electron camera' films molecular movie in HD

Researchers at SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory have made the first high-definition 'movie' of ring-shaped molecules breaking open in response to light. The results provide high-resolution details of the reaction, showing how bonds break and atoms jiggle around for extended periods of time.

SourceDOE/SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory·JournalNature Chemistry·DateApr 15, 2019

Using bacteria to protect roads from deicer deterioration

Drexel University researchers have found that mixing a certain type of bacteria into concrete can prevent potholes caused by road salt. The bacteria produce calcite, which interacts with the calcium chloride in road salts and prevents their negative effects on concrete.

SourceDrexel University·JournalConstruction and Building Materials·DateApr 9, 2019
Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only)

Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only) delivers reliable low-light performance and rugged build for astrophotography, lab documentation, and field expeditions.

Odd reaction creates a stir in the lab

Researchers at Rice University discovered that PTFE stir bars react with chemicals in an unexpected way, affecting the modification of nanotubes. This discovery highlights the importance of choosing inert materials in laboratory settings.

SourceRice University·JournalACS Omega·DateMar 29, 2019

BPA exposure during pregnancy can alter circadian rhythms

Researchers found that low-dose BPA exposure during gestation alters circadian rhythms, leading to increased activity and disrupted daily patterns in mice. This study suggests a potential contributing factor to hyperactivity observed in BPA-exposed mice.

SourceThe Endocrine Society·DateMar 24, 2019

Converting biomass by applying mechanical force

Researchers at the University of Münster have identified a new reaction mechanism for converting biomass into fuels and chemicals using mechanical force. The mechano-catalytic reaction reduces energy requirements and eliminates unnecessary steps, leading to a more efficient and environmentally friendly process.

SourceUniversity of Münster·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateMar 14, 2019

Sources and sinks

Researchers suggest that tectonic activity, particularly volcanic arc collisions in the tropics, drives long-term climatic trends. These events uplift mafic rocks, which are readily eroded and consume CO2, leading to cooling climates.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalScience·DateMar 14, 2019

Medieval inks for heritage conservation

The Meridies Medieval History research group at the University of Cordoba collaborated with chemists to replicate five medieval inks. The team analyzed handwritten recipes, translated texts, and analyzed chemical reactions to recreate the exact same inks used six centuries ago.

SourceUniversity of Córdoba·JournalHeritage Science·DateFeb 5, 2019
Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach

Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach provides rugged GNSS navigation, satellite messaging, and SOS for backcountry geology and climate field teams.

Cooking chemistry minus heat equals new non-toxic adhesive

A new soy-based adhesive, created using Maillard chemistry, shows promise as a non-toxic alternative for food packaging. The adhesive, made from natural proteins and sugars, is stronger than Gorilla Glue on wood and has the potential to replace toxic petroleum-based adhesives.

SourcePurdue University·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateJan 31, 2019