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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.

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.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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%.

Rigol DP832 Triple-Output Bench Power Supply

Rigol DP832 Triple-Output Bench Power Supply powers sensors, microcontrollers, and test circuits with programmable rails and stable outputs.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Meta Quest 3 512GB

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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.

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.

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 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

GoPro HERO13 Black

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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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

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.