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Facile synthesis of high-performance perovskite oxides for acid–base catalysis

Researchers at Tokyo Institute of Technology developed a simple sol-gel method to synthesize highly pure bifunctional solid acid-base catalysts with desirable properties. The new method produces SrTiO3 nanoparticles with high surface area, showing 10 times higher catalytic activity than commercially available titanates.

SourceTokyo Institute of Technology·JournalACS Applied Materials & Interfaces·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 17, 2023

Advanced electrode to help remediation of stubborn new 'forever chemicals'

University of Illinois researchers create an electrode that attracts and captures short-chain PFAS, a type of 'forever chemical,' using electrosorption. The design allows for selective fluorophilic interactions, enabling the capture of these persistent contaminants from environment.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 28, 2023

Bacterial route to cleaner catalysis

A team of researchers at KAUST has developed a biological method to produce size-controlled palladium nanoclusters anchored on the surface of Geobacter sulfurreducens, outperforming benchmark catalysts in water-splitting reactions. This eco-friendly approach could provide a sustainable solution for high-performance catalysis.

SourceKing Abdullah University of Science & Technology (KAUST)·JournalACS Sustainable Chemistry & Engineering·DateMar 16, 2023
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.

Self-driven laboratory, AlphaFlow, speeds chemical discovery

Researchers developed a self-driven lab, AlphaFlow, that uses AI to optimize complex chemical reactions and discover new materials. The system significantly reduces the time needed to develop new chemistries from months to hours.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 15, 2023

Light and milling balls for greener chemical processes

Researchers at Ruhr-University Bochum develop a new process using ball mills and light to produce chemical compounds without solvents. This method reduces reaction times by up to 56% and uses 98% less solvent than conventional methods.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 14, 2023

A safe synthesis of hydrogen peroxide inspired by nature

The new homogeneous catalyst enables the direct synthesis of hydrogen peroxide with improved efficiency and safety. The process requires only one step and no separation of gases from the reaction flask.

SourceKyushu University·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 9, 2023

Customizing catalysts for solid-state reactions

Chemists have developed a high-performance catalyst specifically designed for solid-state mechanochemical synthesis, achieving efficient reactivity at near room temperature. The approach uses a metal catalyst attached to a long polymer molecule, which traps the catalyst in a fluid-phase, enabling fast and energy-efficient reactions.

SourceHokkaido University·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 9, 2023
GoPro HERO13 Black

GoPro HERO13 Black records stabilized 5.3K video for instrument deployments, field notes, and outreach, even in harsh weather and underwater conditions.

‘Magic’ solvent creates stronger thin films

A new technique uses reactive vapors to create thin films with enhanced properties, such as mechanical strength, kinetics, and morphology. The synthesis process is gentler on the environment than traditional methods and could lead to improved polymer coatings for microelectronics, advanced batteries, and therapeutics.

SourceCornell University·JournalNature Synthesis·DateFeb 14, 2023

This one-atom chemical reaction could transform drug discovery

Researchers from Osaka University have stabilized atomic carbon for common reaction conditions in organic chemistry, enabling the synthesis of complex drugs in one step. This breakthrough simplifies and lowers the cost of pharmaceutical synthesis.

SourceOsaka University·JournalScience·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 2, 2023

Robots and A.I. team up to discover highly selective catalysts

Researchers developed a machine learning model using advanced 2D chemical descriptors to predict highly selective asymmetric catalysts without quantum chemical computations. The model demonstrated high accuracy in predicting catalyst structures and selectivity, outperforming existing methods.

SourceHokkaido University·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 2, 2023
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

New ‘chain mail’ material of interlocking molecules is tough, flexible and easy to make

Researchers at the University of California, Berkeley, have created a new type of 'chain mail' material called an infinite catenane, which can be synthesized in a single step. This material is flexible, strong, and resilient like chain mail, and has potential applications in airplanes, armor, and robotics.

SourceUniversity of California - Berkeley·JournalNature Synthesis·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 18, 2023

Now on the molecular scale: Electric motors

A multidisciplinary team led by Northwestern University has developed an electric motor that can convert electrical energy into unidirectional motion at the molecular level. The motor's design is based on a catenane molecule and has the potential to make a huge difference in medicine, particularly in biomolecular motors in the human body.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 11, 2023
AmScope B120C-5M Compound Microscope

AmScope B120C-5M Compound Microscope supports teaching labs and QA checks with LED illumination, mechanical stage, and included 5MP camera.

Lab lights way to simple chemical synthesis

Researchers at Rice University have developed a photochemical process that simplifies the manufacture of essential precursors for drugs and agricultural chemicals. By illuminating reagents with visible light, they can form diazides in conditions far gentler than current industrial processes.

SourceRice University·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 6, 2023

Florida International University researchers patent synthetic antibiotic

Researchers from Florida International University have patented a synthetic antibiotic, arsinothricin (AST), which is effective against antibiotic-resistant bacteria. The team aims to produce large quantities of the drug to combat the growing number of infections that have become resistant to current antibiotics.

SourceFlorida International University College of Medicine·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateDec 15, 2022

An important step towards strong and durable biobased plastics

Researchers have overcome the low reactivity of biobased secondary diols in polyester synthesis by incorporating an aryl alcohol. This leads to high molecular weight materials with improved mechanical- and thermal properties, outperforming existing plastics like PET.

SourceUniversiteit van Amsterdam·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 8, 2022
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.

Modified enzyme brings value to lignin monomers

A team of scientists, led by Marco Fraaije from the University of Groningen, has developed an enzyme that can convert lignin monomers into useful chemical building blocks. The enzyme has been engineered to be stable, selective, and faster in conversion, offering a promising solution for the valorization of biomass.

SourceUniversity of Groningen·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 29, 2022

Key to chemical industries’ sustainable future? The world’s first industrial model of a flow photo-on-demand synthesis system

A new flow photo-on-demand synthesis system using chloroform as a precursor has been successfully developed by researchers at Kobe University. The system achieves high conversion rates and can synthesize various chemical products continuously in large quantities, offering a safe, inexpensive, and environmentally friendly alternative to...

SourceKobe University·JournalOrganic Process Research & Development·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 22, 2022

A high-performance catalyst that dissolves polyester and realizes chemical recycling

A Japan Science and Technology Agency research group developed high-performance catalysts for efficient synthesis of value-added chemicals from polyester and vegetable oil. These catalysts enable nearly 100% selectivity in converting polyester into raw materials, offering a promising solution to chemical recycling.

SourceJapan Science and Technology Agency·JournalACS Sustainable Chemistry & Engineering·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 3, 2022

Fundamental research improves understanding of new optical materials

Scientists develop a colloidal synthesis method for alkaline earth chalcogenides, allowing control over nanocrystal size and surface chemistry. This enables the creation of more sustainable and environmentally friendly materials with potential applications in solar panels, LEDs, and bioimaging.

SourceDOE/Ames National Laboratory·JournalACS Nano·DateSep 20, 2022
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.

Liquid platinum at room temperature

Researchers use trace amounts of liquid platinum to create efficient chemical reactions at low temperatures, extending earth's reserves and offering CO2 reduction solutions. The liquid catalyst is over 1,000 times more efficient than its solid-state rival.

SourceARC Centre of Excellence in Exciton Science·JournalNature Chemistry·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 6, 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

Golden wedding for molecules

Researchers at Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology have discovered a new chemical synthesis method that forms stable benzene rings on a gold surface. This method, called the 'dry' method, avoids toxic byproducts and allows for the observation of molecular reactions in real-time.

SourceSwiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology (EMPA)·JournalNature Synthesis·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 14, 2022
CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock

CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock simplifies serious desks with 18 ports for high-speed storage, monitors, and instruments across Mac and PC setups.

Low-cost hydrocarbon membrane enables commercial-scale flow batteries for long-duration energy storage

Researchers at Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics developed a low-cost hydrocarbon membrane that enables commercial-scale flow batteries for long-duration energy storage. The membrane's high stability and conductivity enabled the creation of an alkaline zinc-iron flow battery stack with high energy efficiency.

SourceDalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy Sciences·JournalJoule·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateMar 28, 2022

‘Self-driving’ lab speeds up research, synthesis of energy materials

Researchers at NC State University have developed a 'self-driving lab' that uses artificial intelligence and fluidic systems to advance our understanding of metal halide perovskite nanocrystals. The technology can autonomously dope MHP nanocrystals, adding manganese atoms on demand, allowing for faster control over properties.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalAdvanced Intelligent Systems·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 16, 2022

Hope for inflammatory bowel disease with novel “green” synthesis of drug candidate

Researchers at Okayama University have developed a novel 'green' synthesis technique for the production of NEt-3IB, a promising small-molecule oral drug candidate for inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). The new method produces large quantities of NEt-3IB with high purity and a total yield of over 30%, using only recoverable organic solve...

SourceOkayama University·JournalChemical and Pharmaceutical Bulletin·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateMar 11, 2022

The key to a powerful antibiotic’s formation now clear

Researchers have imaged an enzyme involved in carbapenem biosynthesis, shedding light on the process of creating a potent side chain that makes these antibiotics effective against antibiotic-resistant bacteria. The discovery could lead to improved antibiotics and new strategies for combating bacterial resistance.

SourcePenn State·JournalNature·TypeImaging analysis·DateFeb 2, 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
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.

These tiny liquid robots never run out of juice as long as they have food

Researchers at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory have developed water-walking liquid robots that can retrieve and deliver precious chemicals autonomously. The robots use chemistry to control buoyancy and do not require electrical energy, making them ideal for applications such as chemical synthesis and drug delivery.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalNature Chemistry·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 8, 2021

New study shows novel way to prevent postoperative complication after pancreatic surgery

Scientists at Tokyo University of Science have developed a novel polymer-based hydrogel that can prevent postoperative pancreatic fistulae, a frequent complication of pancreatic surgery. The Exceval hydrogel shows great promise for clinical applications due to its adjustable properties and high absorption abilities.

SourceTokyo University of Science·JournalPolymers for Advanced Technologies·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 7, 2021

Teaching an old chemical new tricks

Researchers have paired Barton's base, a 1980s catalyst, with click chemistry to accelerate complex molecule generation in biomedical research and drug development. The new ASCC method skips intermediate steps, reducing waste and enhancing 'green credentials',

SourceCold Spring Harbor Laboratory·JournalAngewandte Chemie·DateDec 6, 2021

After 70 years, advanced carbon-based magnetic material finally synthesized

Osaka University researchers have successfully synthesized a stable, crystalline nanographene with predicted magnetic properties, opening the door to revolutionary advances in electronics and magnets. The breakthrough uses a simplified model system called triangulene, which has long been elusive due to polymerization issues.

SourceOsaka University·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 15, 2021
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

UvA scientists develop fully solar-driven autonomous chemical mini-plant

The UvA scientists have developed a fully operational standalone solar-powered mini-reactor that can synthesise drugs and other chemicals in economically relevant volumes. The system is capable of stand-alone operation in remote locations, making it suitable for applications such as Mars bases.

SourceUniversiteit van Amsterdam·JournalChemSusChem·TypeMeta-analysis·DateOct 14, 2021

New method makes generic polymers luminescent

Researchers have successfully developed a new method to give luminescent properties to generic polymers like polystyrene and polyethylene. The technique makes it possible to easily prepare luminescent polymers without complicated organic synthetic methods.

SourceHokkaido University·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateJun 10, 2021
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

Hydrogen-natural gas hydrates harvested by natural gas

Researchers developed a practical gas phase modulator synthesis of hydrogen-natural gas blend (HNGB) without chemical waste, minimizing environmental impact. The new approach allows for efficient storage and transportation of hydrogen using clathrate hydrates.

SourceThe Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST)·JournalEnergy Storage Materials·DateJun 21, 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.

Intuition and failure as valuable ingredients in chemical research

A new machine learning methodology was developed by researchers at NCCR MARVEL to capture chemical intuition from partially failed trials. This approach helps chemists improve their synthesis conditions and create novel materials with higher surface areas.

SourceNational Centre of Competence in Research (NCCR) MARVEL·JournalNature Communications·DateFeb 6, 2019

NUS engineers develop novel strategy for designing tiny semiconductor particles for wide-ranging applications

The National University of Singapore engineers have developed a novel bottom-up synthesis strategy to consistently construct TMD QDs of specific size, offering a cheaper and more scalable method. The synthesized MoS2 QDs demonstrate potential biomedical applications, including photodynamic therapy for cancer treatment.

SourceNational University of Singapore·JournalNature Communications·DateJan 24, 2019

Lab safety, 10 years later

Decade after a chemist's death, academic labs continue to improve safety protocols, including incorporating safety into education and training. Despite progress, concerns remain about the effectiveness of current measures in preventing lab accidents.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalChemical & Engineering News·DateJan 9, 2019

Plug-and-play technology automates chemical synthesis

MIT researchers have developed a plug-and-play technology that automates chemical synthesis, allowing chemists to focus on analytical and creative aspects of their research. The system can optimize reactions in a single day, cutting weeks or months of optimization time.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalScience·DateSep 20, 2018
Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2 Weather Station

Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2 Weather Station offers research-grade local weather data for networked stations, campuses, and community observatories.

Fluorescence dyes from the pressure cooker

Scientists at TU Wien create a novel method for synthesizing perylene bisimide dyes without toxic solvents, enabling easy access to these materials. The hydrothermal synthesis is highly efficient and environmentally friendly, overcoming the challenges of working with apolar compounds.

SourceVienna University of Technology·JournalChemical Communications·DateJan 30, 2017

Affymetrix to support AAAS Newcomb Cleveland Prize

The AAAS Newcomb Cleveland Prize, now supported by Affirmetrix, recognizes innovative research published in Science. The prize has helped uphold high standards of scientific integrity and research quality, rewarding the most groundbreaking discoveries.

SourceAffymetrix, Inc.·DateJun 3, 2003
Meta Quest 3 512GB

Meta Quest 3 512GB enables immersive mission planning, terrain rehearsal, and interactive STEM demos with high-resolution mixed-reality experiences.