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Rice U. lab probes molecular limit of plasmonics

Researchers from Rice University's Laboratory for Nanophotonics studied plasmons in polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) with fewer than 50 atoms. They found that these molecules can support molecular plasmons in the visible spectrum, offering a new area of research at the intersection of plasmonics and molecular chemistry.

SourceRice University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 5, 2018

Carbon dioxide as a raw material

Scientists at Ruhr-University Bochum successfully converted CO2 into an alcohol through a two-step reaction, facilitated by copper and rhodium catalysts. The process achieved a 40% recycling rate for the base, paving the way for industrial-scale applications.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·JournalChemistry - A European Journal·DateApr 17, 2018

Termite queen, king recognition pheromone identified

Researchers have identified a wax-like hydrocarbon called heneicosane as a royal recognition pheromone in termites, enabling workers to recognize and care for queens and kings. This discovery could upend current understanding of insect social behavior and evolution, suggesting that CHCs evolved as royal pheromones 150 million years ago.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 19, 2018

National Academies' Gulf Research Program awards $10.8 million to address risk in offshore oil and gas operations

The Gulf Research Program aims to develop new technologies to improve understanding and management of systemic risk in offshore oil and gas operations. The program focuses on addressing the risks associated with hydrocarbon releases, which pose threats to human health, safety, environment, and infrastructure.

Digger wasps and their chemistry

Digger wasps have species-specific hydrocarbon profiles that vary according to their prey and brood-care strategy. Beetle-hunting digger wasps have more diversified profiles due to reduced need for prey preservation. The unique films are also used for defense against parasites.

SourceUniversity of Würzburg·JournalEvolution·DateNov 3, 2017

Targeting mitochondria in pulmonary hypertension

A new clinical trial has shown that the generic drug Dichloroacetate (DCA) can decrease blood pressure in lung vessels and improve walking ability in PAH patients, without significant side effects. DCA works by activating mitochondria, which are suppressed in PAH, leading to cell growth and overgrowth of cells narrowing vessel lumen.

SourceUniversity of Alberta Faculty of Medicine & Dentistry·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateOct 25, 2017

Filter may be a match for fracking water

Researchers create a superhydrophilic filter that can remove greater than 90% of hydrocarbons and all bacteria from contaminated water produced by hydraulic fracturing operations. The filter significantly cuts the amount of water that needs to be stored or transported, making it ideal for reusing in fracking operations.

SourceSwansea University·JournalScientific Reports·DateSep 25, 2017

In Neptune, it's raining diamonds

Scientists at Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf simulated the conditions inside Neptune and found diamonds forming in real time using an ultra-strong X-ray laser. The study provides insights into the planet's chemical makeup and has potential applications for electronic instruments, medical procedures, and industrial production.

SourceHelmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf·JournalNature Astronomy·DateAug 21, 2017

Chemical profile of ants adapts rapidly

Researchers found that ant species with closely related genetic backgrounds can have significantly different chemical profiles, which can change faster than other traits during evolution. Climate also influences the composition of these profiles, with species from humid regions having distinct hydrocarbon patterns.

SourceJohannes Gutenberg Universitaet Mainz·JournalJournal of Evolutionary Biology·DateAug 11, 2017

From abundant hydrocarbons to rare spin liquids

Researchers at Tohoku University and the University of Liverpool have successfully created quantum spin liquids from polyaromatic hydrocarbons using alkali metals. This achievement marks a significant step towards understanding exotic phenomena in materials science, with potential applications in superconductivity and quantum computing.

SourceTohoku University·JournalNature Chemistry·DateApr 24, 2017

Globe-trotting pollutants raise some cancer risks 4 times higher than predicted

A new study reveals that tiny particles can shield pollutants like polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) from degradation, allowing them to travel farther and increasing lung cancer risk. The findings quadruple the estimated global lung cancer risk from a pollutant caused by combustion, exceeding World Health Organization limits.

SourceOregon State University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 26, 2017

The deepwater horizon aftermath

Researchers analyzed 125 major petroleum hydrocarbons from the Deepwater Horizon oil spill to determine their long-term environmental impact. They found that smaller, simpler compounds degrade faster, while larger ones persist longer, and that physical context plays a significant role in this process.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 19, 2016

Sunlight and oil spills may make deadly combination for wildlife

New research reveals that co-exposure to oil and UV radiation from sunlight significantly reduces survival rates of fish larvae in the Gulf of Mexico. Oil pollutants, such as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, are toxic when combined with sunlight, posing a deadly threat to marine life.

SourceWiley·JournalEnvironmental Toxicology and Chemistry·DateNov 21, 2016

A better battery: One-time pollutant may become valued product to aid wind, solar energy

Researchers at Oregon State University have found that organic compounds traditionally known as pollutants can function as a low-cost, long-lasting cathode in dual-ion batteries. The discovery has promising characteristics for storing electricity from wind and solar energy, addressing a key constraint to wider use of clean energy systems.

SourceOregon State University·JournalACS Energy Letters·DateOct 17, 2016

Using espresso machines to do chemistry

Researchers extracted polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) from soil using an espresso machine, a process that takes only 11 seconds. The results were comparable to those obtained with certified techniques, but the new process was significantly less expensive and faster.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalAnalytical Chemistry·DateJun 15, 2016