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Visualizing spatial chirality with terahertz imaging

Scientists create a moiré metasurface to map right- and left-handed regions in materials, visualizing chirality as two-dimensional images. The new approach resolves chirality distributions with a resolution of approximately 100 μm.

SourceChiba University·JournalACS Photonics·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 2, 2026

Why does life prefer one “hand” over the other? New study points to electron spin

Researchers found that electron spin interacts differently with mirror-image molecules, causing small but meaningful differences in behavior during dynamic processes. This asymmetry could lead to the dominance of a single 'hand' in biology, offering a possible route toward understanding how one molecular form came to dominate.

SourceThe Hebrew University of Jerusalem·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 22, 2026

Mirror fragments intercept Alzheimer’s-causing protein

Researchers from Kobe University have designed a small mirror protein that disables amyloid-beta, a causal factor of Alzheimer's disease. The approach uses the principle of 'chirality' to bind to the protein, inhibiting its aggregation and potential for brain cell damage.

SourceKobe University·JournalChemistry - A European Journal·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 31, 2026
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.

The quantum trembling: Why there are no truly flat molecules

Researchers at Goethe University used X-ray radiation to determine the spatial structure of formic acid, finding that its atoms oscillate slightly back and forth. This 'quantum trembling' causes the molecule to lose its symmetry and become effectively three-dimensional at almost every moment.

SourceGoethe University Frankfurt·JournalPhysical Review Letters·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 20, 2026

Organic solvents enable handedness control in inorganic crystals

Researchers have developed a simple crystallization method that achieves chiral resolution under mild conditions, enabling the production of homochiral inorganic crystals. The study uses organic solvents and an achiral crystalline phase to control the growth environment, resulting in single-handed forms of cesium copper chloride.

SourceKumamoto University·JournalCrystal Growth & Design·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 15, 2026

A look into 'mirror molecules' may lead to new medicines

Researchers have developed a new chemical reaction to synthesize selectively left- or right-handed versions of mirror molecules, which differ in their biological effects. The new method enables the rapid and efficient production of pure enantiomers, paving the way for testing potential uses against various conditions.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Dallas·JournalScience·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 10, 2024
SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB

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Improving social symptoms of depression with a common anesthetic

Researchers from Osaka University found that (R)-ketamine can improve social impairments in mice with depression by restoring neuronal activity in the anterior insular cortex. The study suggests that (R)-ketamine may be a more effective treatment for social cognition than its counterpart (S)-ketamine.

SourceOsaka University·JournalMolecular Psychiatry·TypeImaging analysis·DateFeb 22, 2024

Observation of left and right at nanoscale with optical force

The study successfully observed the chiro-optical effect at the nanoscale, demonstrating the ability to analyze the chiral structure of matter using light. Different images were obtained when illuminating with right- or left-circularly polarized light, clarifying that local handedness can be distinguished.

SourceNational Institutes of Natural Sciences·JournalNano Letters·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 5, 2023
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Scientists synthesize isotopic atropisomers based on carbon isotope discrimination

Researchers successfully synthesized isotopic atropisomers based on carbon isotope discrimination, exhibiting high rotational stability and stereochemical purity. The findings hold promise for fundamental understanding of isotopic atropisomers with implications in organic and medicinal chemistry.

SourceShibaura Institute of Technology·JournalThe Journal of Organic Chemistry·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 6, 2023

A novel green photoreactor for the synthesis of desirable chiral enantiomers

A team of Japanese researchers has successfully developed a recycling photoreactor that enables the synthesis of optically pure compounds with high yields, achieving an optical purity of 98-99%. The system uses a two-step rapid photoracemization process and can produce enantiomerically pure chiral sulfoxides in yields higher than 80%.

SourceTokyo University of Science·JournalThe Journal of Organic Chemistry·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 6, 2023

Mirror, mirror: A new way to recognize reverse-image molecules

Researchers have developed a modular system to recognize chiral molecules, which could lead to more effective methods of separating enantiomers in drugs. The system uses metallopolymers with chirality to sense two enantiomeric molecules through electrochemical interactions.

SourceBeckman Institute for Advanced Science and Technology·JournalAdvanced Functional Materials·DateMay 8, 2023
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.

University of Ottawa researchers solve 20-year-old optical light mystery

Researchers at the University of Ottawa have developed a new technique to differentiate the mirror images of a chiral molecule, a problem that was believed to be unsolvable for nearly 20 years. The team used linear polarized helical light beams to enhance sensitivity and observed differential absorption in achiral molecules.

SourceUniversity of Ottawa·JournalNature Photonics·TypeImaging analysis·DateDec 1, 2022

Making it easier to differentiate mirror-image molecules

Researchers from PSI, EPFL, and the University of Geneva developed a new method to distinguish between mirror-image molecules using helical dichroism. This approach provides stronger signals compared to circular dichroism (CD), which is widely used but has weak signals suitable only for gas-phase samples.

SourcePaul Scherrer Institute·JournalNature Photonics·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 5, 2022
Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition

Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition is a durable star atlas for planning sessions, identifying targets, and teaching celestial navigation.

Tracking chirality in real time

A new time-resolved instrument measures circular dichroism changes in fractions of a picosecond, enabling the capture of photoexcited molecules' chirality and conformational motion. This resolves the deactivation mechanism of iron-based spin-crossover complexes, crucial for magnetic data storage.

SourceEcole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne·JournalNature Chemistry·DateMay 26, 2022

Controlling mirror images

Researchers have developed a method to control the rotational states of chiral molecules, allowing for specific separation of enantiomers. By irradiating chiral molecules with UV radiation and microwaves, the team has gained more control over which 'hand' is in which state.

SourceFritz Haber Institute of the Max Planck Society·JournalPhysical Review Letters·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 29, 2022
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.

Novel Light-Based Method Shows the Changing Face of Bioactive Molecules

Researchers at Tokyo University of Science have developed a novel light-based method for rapidly racemizing chiral sulfoxides, a crucial step in producing desired enantiomers. This breakthrough utilizes photocatalysts to achieve rapid racemization under moderate conditions, bypassing the need for high temperatures previously required.

SourceTokyo University of Science·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 29, 2021
Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4)

Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4) runs demanding GIS, imaging, and annotation workflows on the go for surveys, briefings, and lab notebooks.

The fastest one wins

A team at the Indian Institute of Science developed a catalytic version of the Fischer indole synthesis that primarily produces one enantiomer. The reaction involves a dynamic kinetic resolution mechanism with a chiral catalyst, resulting in moderate yields and good to excellent enantiomeric selectivity.

SourceWiley·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateApr 8, 2021

TPU scientists develop sensor with nanopores for definition doping in blood

The researchers created a new sensor using two layers of nanopores that can detect specific enantiomers of chiral molecules, allowing for faster and cheaper detection than traditional methods. The sensor operates by exploiting surface plasmon resonance and takes less than 5 minutes to analyze.

SourceTomsk Polytechnic University·JournalBiosensors and Bioelectronics·DateMar 25, 2021

New, ultrastable tetrahedral "chiral zinc" added to synthetic chemistry toolbox

Researchers at the University of Tokyo have designed a new tetrahedral 'chiral zinc' molecule with exceptional stability and catalytic activity. This discovery could lead to breakthroughs in pharmaceuticals and optical electronics by allowing for more efficient synthesis of chiral molecules, which are essential for many drugs.

SourceUniversity of Tokyo·JournalNature Communications·DateDec 15, 2020
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.

Princeton labs report new platform for stereocontrol

A new platform for stereocontrol has been developed by Princeton University's MacMillan and Hyster labs, enabling the dynamic rendering of traditionally static stereocenters. This breakthrough allows for more efficient synthesis of complex molecules with specific stereochemistry.

SourcePrinceton University·JournalScience·DateAug 27, 2020

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

Let there be...a new light

Researchers have synthesized a new type of chiral light that can tell right- and left-handed molecules apart. This innovative light interacts differently with each type of molecule, allowing for precise control over chemical reactions and potential applications in drug development.

SourceForschungsverbund Berlin·JournalNature Photonics·DateOct 28, 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.

The chemical language of plants depends on context

A study found that plant volatile organic compounds like linalool influence insect behavior in complex environments, with varying effects depending on the genetic background of the plants. The research suggests that context plays a crucial role in understanding chemical signals in nature.

SourceMax Planck Institute for Chemical Ecology·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 1, 2019

New membrane efficiently separates mirrored molecules

Researchers have developed a chiral separation membrane using two-dimensional layered materials, showing high selective permeation efficiency among various enantiomers. The membrane can efficiently separate left-handed and right-handed molecules like limonene, with potential applications in sewage processing and desalination.

SourceChinese Academy of Sciences Headquarters·JournalNature Communications·DateJun 25, 2019

The vanished mirror image

A team from the Technical University of Munich has achieved photochemical deracemization of chiral compounds, converting a mixture into a single enantiomer with high concentrations up to 97 percent. This method saves time and energy by utilizing all molecules in the process.

SourceTechnical University of Munich (TUM)·JournalNature·DateDec 18, 2018
Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

Hybrid catalyst with high enantiomer selectivity

Researchers at Hokkaido University have developed a hybrid catalyst that combines simple rhodium and organic catalysts to selectively produce molecules with high enantiomer selectivity. This technology is expected to assist in rapid and low-cost drug synthesis, particularly for nucleotide medicine.

SourceHokkaido University·JournalNature Catalysis·DateAug 9, 2018

New symmetry-breaking method opens way for bioactive compounds

Researchers at EPFL have developed a new desymmetrization strategy to access chiral building blocks containing urea sub-structures. The method uses a non-chiral cyclopropane precursor and an engineered copper catalyst to selectively form the desired enantiomer.

SourceEcole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateFeb 22, 2018

New tool to assess largely ignored risk in pharmaceutical industry

Researchers at Cardiff University developed a new method to predict the likelihood of pharmaceutical drugs undergoing racemisation, a process that can lead to harmful versions. The tool could help identify at-risk drug candidates early on in production, reducing financial risk and improving safe medication development.

SourceCardiff University·JournalAngewandte Chemie·DateJan 5, 2018

New chemical synthesis method can produce an exciting range of novel compounds

Researchers at Nagoya Institute of Technology have developed a new reaction system that produces aziridines with high yield and selectivity. The method uses phosphite as a catalyst and achieves high rates of production of one enantiomer, which is essential for pharmaceutical applications.

SourceNagoya Institute of Technology·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateJul 4, 2017

Discovery of 'helical molecular glue'

A research team has discovered a 'helical molecular glue' that attracts two structurally-different clockwise-helical molecules. This finding opens the door to creating new polymer materials with various properties. The discovery was made using poly(lactic acid) and other related polymers.

SourceToyohashi University of Technology (TUT)·JournalScientific Reports·DateApr 10, 2017
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Stereochemistry: Self-amplifying selectivity

Researchers have developed a catalyst that flexibly molds reaction product handedness, ensuring correct enantiomeric form. The system's self-amplifying action enhances stereoselectivity with each cycle, holding promise for biologically active compounds and new insights into biological systems.

SourceLudwig-Maximilians-Universität München·JournalNature Chemistry·DateDec 5, 2016

Prebiotic molecule detected in interstellar cloud

Researchers detected propylene oxide, a chiral molecule, in the Sagittarius B2(N) molecular cloud using radio astronomy. The finding sheds light on the origins of life and homochirality, with implications for understanding life elsewhere in the universe.

SourceCalifornia Institute of Technology·JournalScience·DateJun 14, 2016

DeuteRx's novel approach to chiral switching for racemic drugs

DeuteRx has discovered a method for in vivo stabilization and differentiation of thalidomide analogs, improving anti-inflammatory and antitumorigenic properties. The company's 'deuterium-enabled chiral switching' platform enables the testing and development of single enantiomers with improved therapeutic properties.

SourceMacDougall Biomedical Communications, Inc.·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 9, 2015

A faster track to the tools that track disease

Researchers at Princeton University have developed a faster method to create 18F radiotracers, which are used to detect and track certain diseases in patients. The new method avoids harsh conditions that scramble the placement of chemical bonds, resulting in improved efficiency and accuracy.

SourcePrinceton University·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateMay 21, 2014
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.

Flexible rack systems sort molecules

A new method has been developed to separate enantiomers, which are pairs of molecules with a mirror-inverted structure. The method uses porous molecular organic frameworks (MOFs) to sort molecules, allowing for rapid and efficient separation of enantiomers in pharmaceutical production.

SourceHelmholtz Association·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateNov 10, 2011

Chiral metal surfaces may help to manufacture pharmaceuticals

New research reveals that chiral metal surfaces can control chiral chemistry, offering a novel approach to pharmaceutical drug synthesis. The study finds that certain surface orientations form stable structures with one molecular enantiomer but not the other, promoting enantiospecific effects.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalTopics in Catalysis·DateOct 26, 2011
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.

Study builds on plausible scenario for origin of life on Earth

Researchers built upon a previous study to demonstrate how naturally occurring sugars and amino acids can form the building blocks of life. They found that adding simple amino acids allowed only the natural, stable form of RNA precursors to be generated.

SourceUniversity of California - Merced·JournalNature Chemistry·DateAug 9, 2011

Enzyme design with remote effects

Chemists at Max Planck Institute develop enzyme that converts diverse molecules enantioselectively, producing desired biological activity. By modifying amino acids distant from the reaction site, they create an optimized catalyst with improved efficiency and selectivity.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 15, 2010

New chemistry approach promises less expensive drugs

A team of Princeton University chemists has discovered a new method to synthesize molecules without toxic catalysts, reducing the risk of hazardous barriers in drug development. This breakthrough opens up new possibilities for working with ketones and aldehydes, potentially leading to more efficient synthesis of beneficial enantiomers.

SourcePrinceton University·JournalScience·DateMar 29, 2007

BC catalyst discovery promises faster, cheaper drug production

A new catalyst discovered by Boston College chemists can synthesize biologically active molecules with high selectivity, eliminating the need for costly and wasteful steps in drug production. The catalyst can also reduce environmental impact and increase efficiency.

SourceBoston College·JournalNature·DateSep 6, 2006
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.

Male elephants woo females with precise chemistry

Researchers found that male Asian elephants release different enantiomer ratios of frontalin, a pheromone, depending on their age and stage of musth. These ratios elicit varying responses in female elephants and other males, allowing them to distinguish maturity and reproductive phase.

SourceOregon Health & Science University·JournalNature·DateDec 22, 2005

Uncalculated risks in some pesticides, UCR study finds

Researchers found that chiral compounds, including organophosphates and synthetic pyrethroids, pose previously uncalculated toxic risks due to their biologically different behaviors. Using just the active isomer can achieve similar pest control with reduced chemical use and environmental benefits.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 14, 2005

Process may help scientists find new antibacterial drugs

A new process for making beta-lactam compounds could facilitate the creation of new antibacterial drugs, overcoming cost and chirality challenges. The process uses quinine as a catalyst to produce large batches of beta-lactams with desirable properties.

SourceJohns Hopkins University·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateAug 27, 2000

Is Ritalin As Effective--And As Harmless--As It Could Be?

Researchers found that the d-threo enantiomer, which is 10 times more potent than its chiral counterpart, binds precisely to dopamine targets in the brain. This suggests that using a single enantiomer form may be beneficial for treating attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·DateMar 29, 1998
Creality K1 Max 3D Printer

Creality K1 Max 3D Printer rapidly prototypes brackets, adapters, and fixtures for instruments and classroom demonstrations at large build volume.

Method Eases Making Amino Acids Critical In Medicinal Chemistry

A new chemical methodology developed by a chemist at the University of Illinois has made synthesizing both enantiomers of alpha-, beta- and gamma- aryl amino acids more efficient. The production of unnatural amino acids is of particular interest to the pharmaceutical industry, where it can enhance the stability of possible drugs.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·DateMay 2, 1997