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A closed cage-like molecule that can be opened

Researchers at Kanazawa University designed a metallomolecular cage that can be opened through disulfide exchange reactions with thiolate anions. The cage's 'hatch' opens to allow cesium ions to enter, demonstrating its potential as a molecular container with on-demand guest uptake/release systems.

SourceKanazawa University·JournalChemistry - A European Journal·DateJan 30, 2019

Models of life

Researchers at TUM created artificial cell assemblies that can communicate and trigger complex reactions like RNA production, mimicking biological organisms. The system achieves spatial differentiation and is a step towards tissue-like synthetic materials.

SourceTechnical University of Munich (TUM)·JournalNature Chemistry·DateJan 17, 2019

New scale for electronegativity rewrites the chemistry textbook

A new scale of electronegativity has been developed, providing a more comprehensive and extensive definition that can predict the approximate charge distribution in different molecules and materials. The new definition averages the binding energy of valence electrons and offers an equation to describe the total energy of an atom.

SourceChalmers University of Technology·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateJan 17, 2019

Quantum chemistry on quantum computers

Researchers from Osaka City University have developed a novel quantum algorithm to perform full configuration interaction calculations suitable for predicting chemical reactions, overcoming the exponential/combinatorial explosion of traditional methods. This breakthrough enables practical applications of quantum chemistry on quantum co...

SourceOsaka City University·JournalACS Central Science·DateJan 2, 2019

Microtube with built-in pump

Scientists at Tsinghua University and Beihang University developed a 'microtube pump' that can transport tiny amounts of fluid using sunlight-powered capillary forces. The pump consists of two layers with asymmetric properties that work together to accelerate water droplets to exceptional speeds.

SourceWiley·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateDec 17, 2018

Chinese scientists get first look at geometric phase effect in a chemical reaction

Researchers from China and Germany discover the geometric phase effect in a benchmark chemical reaction, providing new insights into molecular systems with conical intersections. The study uses high-resolution velocity map ion imaging technique to observe rapid oscillations of H2 products, which can only be reproduced by theoretical ca...

Getting a charge out of MOFs

A team of researchers developed an electrically conductive MOF that conducts electricity up to 10,000 times better than before, using a potassium chemical mix to boost conductivity. The new material has high electron mobility and can be used in various applications including batteries, supercapacitors, and fuel cells.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalNature Materials·DateAug 24, 2018

Chips, light and coding moves the front line in beating bacteria

A multidisciplinary team of scientists from OIST has developed a novel tool to monitor biofilm growth, allowing for more efficient testing of replacement antibiotics. By using nanostructured chips and localized surface plasmon resonance, the researchers can observe bacterial cells growing without disrupting their test subjects.

Water is not the same as water

Scientists have successfully separated two forms of water, ortho- and para-water, which exhibit different chemical reactivities due to their nuclear spin orientations. These findings were reported in Nature Communications and confirmed by computer simulations.

SourceUniversity of Basel·JournalNature Communications·DateMay 29, 2018

Bubbly graphene: how cool or hot are you?

Researchers at the Center for Multidimensional Carbon Materials successfully measured and controlled the temperature of individual graphene bubbles using a single laser beam. The study found that the temperature oscillates with bubble height, allowing for efficient heating of specific regions within the bubble.

SourceInstitute for Basic Science·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateMay 10, 2018

A simple method etches patterns at the atomic scale

Researchers at Penn State have developed a chemical-free method for etching nanoscale features on silicon wafers. The technique, called tribochemical reaction, uses a scanning probe microscope to remove single layers of atoms from the surface without damaging underlying layers.

SourcePenn State·JournalNature Communications·DateApr 26, 2018

Brain activity linked to stress changes chemical codes

A new study implicates a role for light-induced electrical activity in controlling chemical codes in the brain, potentially leading to chemical imbalances underlying mental illness. The researchers found that manipulating brain electrical activity prevented neurotransmitter switching associated with anxious and depressed behavior.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 24, 2018

Theoreticians finally prove that 'curly arrows' tell the truth about chemical reactions

Researchers bridge the gap between organic and theoretical chemistry by proving the validity of 'curly arrows' in depicting chemical reactions. The study provides a new method to model electronic structure during chemical reactions, connecting traditional depictions with state-of-the-art quantum chemical calculations.

SourceARC Centre of Excellence in Exciton Science·JournalNature Communications·DateApr 12, 2018

Creating complex molecules in just a few steps

Researchers have developed a new process for creating complex molecules in just a few steps, making it more efficient and environmentally friendly. The method involves C-H activation, allowing for the transformation of a single C-H bond into a functional group, enabling easy combination of two different molecules.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·JournalAngewandte Chemie·DateMar 7, 2018

Metabolic modelling becomes three-dimensional

Researchers have developed the first three-dimensional computer model to represent human metabolic processes. This new tool, Recon3D, integrates structural data on over 4,000 metabolites and nearly 13,000 proteins, allowing for more accurate simulations of metabolic reactions and better understanding of diseases such as Parkinson's.

SourceUniversity of Luxembourg·JournalNature Biotechnology·DateFeb 22, 2018

'Hide or get eaten,' urine chemicals tell mud crabs

Researchers at Georgia Institute of Technology have identified two urinary chemicals, trigonelline and homarine, that trigger a warning response in mud crabs when exposed to blue crab urine. This finding has implications for understanding ecological balances in marine ecosystems and informing better management of fisheries.

SourceGeorgia Institute of Technology·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 8, 2018

Physicists build muscle for shape-changing, cell-sized robots

Researchers have developed a robot exoskeleton that can rapidly change its shape in response to chemical or thermal changes, enabling the creation of autonomous micron-scale machines. The graphene-based bimorph technology allows for the production of tiny robots with electronic, photonic and chemical payloads.

SourceCornell University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 3, 2018

The world's shortest laser pulse

Researchers at ETH Zurich generate the world's shortest controlled laser pulse with a duration of 43 attoseconds, allowing for unprecedented time resolution in studying molecular dynamics. This breakthrough enables faster charge transfer and potentially more efficient solar cells.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalOptics Express·DateOct 31, 2017

New electro-organic synthesis allows sustainable and green production of fine chemicals

The innovative method developed by JGU and Evonik Performance Materials GmbH allows for flexible reaction to available electricity supply, eliminating the need for customized electrolysis apparatuses. This breakthrough in electro-organic synthesis enables sustainable production of fine chemicals with minimal environmental impact.

SourceJohannes Gutenberg Universitaet Mainz·JournalScience Advances·DateOct 6, 2017