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Vapes help more people quit smoking than other methods

A new Cochrane review finds that nicotine e-cigarettes are more effective in helping people quit smoking than conventional methods like nicotine gums and patches. The review of 80 randomized controlled trials involving 29,861 participants showed that e-cigarettes led to higher quit rates, resulting in about 4 more quitters per 100 people.

SourceCochrane·JournalCochrane Database of Systematic Reviews·TypeSystematic review·DateAug 25, 2026

BESSY II: New sample environment allows glimpse into thermocatalytic processes

A novel measurement cell enables in-situ/operando X-ray absorption spectroscopy measurements under high pressures and temperatures, providing new insights into thermocatalytic processes such as the Fischer-Tropsch synthesis. The setup is suitable for investigating catalytic gas-solid reactions under realistic operating conditions.

Zero-waste plastic and color recycling

A novel approach using silica microspheres encapsulates colorants in plastics, allowing for easy recycling and selective separation of colors. This technology enables the reuse of high-value resources from previously downcycled plastics, significantly reducing energy consumption and environmental impact.

SourceOsaka Metropolitan University·JournalGreen Chemistry·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 2, 2026

Self-driving chemistry lab discovers catalysts that can switch products on demand

A self-driving chemistry lab called Flex-Cat has been developed to autonomously search for faster and more selective ways to make important industrial chemicals. The platform combines robotics, high-pressure reactors, and artificial intelligence to identify high-performing catalysts and those that can be programmed to produce different...

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 23, 2026

NTU Singapore scientists develop cleaner way to recycle mixed plastic packaging

Researchers from NTU Singapore's School of Materials Science and Engineering and Nanyang Environment and Water Research Institute have developed a process called depolymerisation-induced polymer separation, or DIPS. This method selectively breaks down one type of plastic in mixed plastic packaging while leaving the other plastics intact.

SourceNanyang Technological University·JournalIndustrial & Engineering Chemistry Research·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 3, 2026

Carbon ratios in concrete can improve carbon accounting

Researchers at the University of Tokyo have discovered a method to quantify CO2 absorbed by cementitious materials and its atmospheric contamination using carbon isotope measurements. This breakthrough aims to improve carbon accounting and reduce greenhouse gas emissions in concrete production.

SourceUniversity of Tokyo·JournalCement and Concrete Research·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 3, 2026

Better batteries begin with optimized slurry processing

A new method using rheo-impedance spectroscopy links slurry shear conditions to battery performance, enabling data-driven optimization and improved manufacturing efficiency. The study found an optimal 'sweet spot' in processing conditions that balances breaking up particle clusters with maintaining electrical pathways.

SourceTokyo University of Science·JournalJournal of Power Sources·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 13, 2026

Azide-to-diazo conversion offers safer route to versatile diazo compounds

Researchers have developed a novel method to generate diazo compounds without toxic precursors, enabling efficient synthesis of valuable intermediates for chemical and pharmaceutical applications. The phosphine-mediated Michael addition reaction produces β-heteroatom-substituted diazo esters under mild conditions.

SourceTokyo University of Science·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 1, 2026

A new strategy for synthesizing polyfunctionalized biaryls without transition-metal catalysts

Researchers develop substrate design strategy to selectively promote benzidine-type sigmatropic rearrangement of nitroarenes, enabling efficient synthesis of polyfunctionalized biaryls. The method achieves high yields without expensive transition-metal catalysts or complex prefunctionalization.

SourceInstitute of Science Tokyo·JournalChemistry - A European Journal·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 29, 2026

Toward tougher, longer-lasting, more sustainable tires

Harvard engineers develop new method to preserve long molecular chains in natural rubber, resulting in composite materials that are both stiff and tough. The innovation has the potential to cut waste, reduce tire dust pollution, and open new avenues for high-performance elastomers.

SourceHarvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 28, 2026

Bottled lightning makes a cleaner fuel

Researchers at Northwestern University have developed a single-step process to turn methane into methanol without high heat and pressures. The method harnesses tiny bursts of plasma to break the chemical bonds in methane, producing a cleaner-burning fuel for ships and industrial boilers.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 15, 2026

Shrinking the carbon footprint of chemical manufacturing with lasers, solar radiation

Researchers at University of Illinois have developed a new method using solar energy to power a key chemical reaction in the textile, plastic, chemical, and pharmaceutical industries. This method can significantly reduce the industry's carbon footprint by eliminating harsh oxidizing byproducts and minimizing carbon emissions.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 3, 2026

Plant-based material offers sustainable method of recovering rare earth element

Researchers at Penn State develop novel technology to isolate and recover dysprosium, a critical rare earth element used in semiconductors and other applications. The new approach uses cellulose-based nanocellulose to selectively separate dysprosium from other elements, promoting a more environmentally friendly and efficient method.

SourcePenn State·JournalAdvanced Functional Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 19, 2026

Renewable biological catalyst carries the potential to transform wastewater into phosphorus resource

Researchers developed a process to convert phytate into bioavailable phosphate using a biocatalyst, improving phosphorus recycling efficiency. The method uses engineered yeast cells displaying the enzyme phytase, which can efficiently and stably convert organic phosphorus into usable phosphate.

York U study finds forever chemical plumets in urban atmosphere during pandemic

Researchers found significant decline of atmospheric trifluoroacetic acid (TFA) in Toronto during COVID-19, suggesting its sources and enabling future reduction strategies. The decrease is attributed to short-lived chemical precursors emitted into the atmosphere, offering new hope for mitigating this persistent pollutant.

SourceYork University·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology Letters·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 29, 2026

From biocidal coatings to medicines: A nanocomposite sting for microorganisms

The B-STING silica nanocomposite acts as a nanofactory of reactive oxygen species, activating itself in response to changes in the chemical environment. This material can be used to create biocidal coatings that are safe, durable, and resistant to dirt, with potential applications in medicine and other industries.

Jeonbuk National University researchers develop novel dual-chemical looping method for efficient ammonia synthesis

Researchers at Jeonbuk National University have developed a new dual-chemical looping process that improves the efficiency of ammonia synthesis by 8.4% and reduces global warming potential by up to 15.85 kg CO2-equivalent per kilogram of ammonia produced.

SourceJeonbuk National University, Sustainable Strategy team, Planning and Coordination Division·JournalEnergy Conversion and Management·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJan 21, 2026

Wiley announces Nanalysis Edition of KnowItAll software

The Nanalysis Edition of KnowItAll combines Wiley's analytical software platform with Nanalysis' specialized NMR database, streamlining spectral interpretation workflows for users. The tailored solution provides immediate access to reference spectra optimized for benchtop NMR instruments, expanding compound identification coverage.

SourceWiley·DateJan 5, 2026

Toxin-to-treasure: Chonnam National University scientists use engineered enzyme to turn formaldehyde pollutant into high-value chemical

Chonnam National University scientists use an engineered enzyme to convert formaldehyde into L-glyceraldehyde, a valuable chiral C3 compound. The novel approach demonstrates how enzyme engineering can turn pollution into useful building blocks for medicine and industry.

SourceChonnam National University, The Research Information Management Team, Office of Research Promotion·JournalInternational Journal of Biological Macromolecules·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 19, 2025

Unveiling non-thermal catalytic origin of direct current-promoted catalysis for energy-efficient transformation of greenhouse gases to valuable chemicals

Scientists established a definitive charge-driven mechanism underlying the non-thermal catalytic enhancement observed in DC-applied DRM, focusing on Pd/CeO2 as a model catalyst. The study reveals a cooperative mechanism between trapped electrons and strain-induced holes as the microscopic origin of non-thermal catalysis under DC applic...

SourceNational Institutes of Natural Sciences·JournalThe Journal of Physical Chemistry Letters·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 16, 2025

Recycling a pollutant to make ammonia production greener

Researchers have developed an electrocatalyst that efficiently converts nitrate into ammonia at low concentrations and gentle voltage. The catalyst reduces emissions linked to fertilizer and chemical manufacturing, and enables recycling of nitrate, a common pollutant found in groundwater and agricultural runoff.

Scientists use textile ash to create extremely strong cement

Researchers at Kaunas University of Technology have developed a new way to turn textile waste into energy and high-performance cement materials. The production of alternative fuel from textile waste can reduce CO2 emissions during cement production, while also providing an innovative approach to textile waste management.

SourceKaunas University of Technology·JournalJournal of Thermal Analysis·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 26, 2025

How plastics grip metals at the atomic scale

Researchers used molecular dynamics simulations to investigate how polyamides adhere to alumina surfaces, finding that adhesion strength depends on polymer chemistry and surface termination. The study offers practical design guidelines for selecting surface treatments and polymer types, enabling the creation of stronger, lighter joints.

SourceOsaka Metropolitan University·JournalCommunications Materials·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateNov 10, 2025

Microwaves for energy-efficient chemical reactions

Researchers from the University of Tokyo developed a method to use microwaves to heat specific areas in industrial processes, reducing energy costs and improving selectivity in chemical reactions. This technique has the potential to optimize catalyst design, improve durability, and scalability for eco-friendly industrial processes.

SourceUniversity of Tokyo·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 10, 2025

Turning rust into fuel: MANA advances green rust catalyst for next-gen hydrogen vehicles

Researchers from MANA develop a cost-effective, high-performance catalyst using green rust to support the use of sodium borohydride as a hydrogen storage material. The new catalyst achieves comparable performance to precious metal-based materials and shows excellent durability.

Revolutionizing hydrogen fluoride synthesis: Scalable and safer generation

Researchers at Shibaura Institute of Technology have developed a scalable and safer method to generate hydrogen fluoride, eliminating the need for pressurized HF gas and corrosive liquid reagents. The new fluorinating complexes can be used for pharmaceuticals, functional materials, and molecular probes.

SourceShibaura Institute of Technology·JournalChemistry - A European Journal·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 22, 2025

How do the SOx and NOx in flue gas influence the adsorptive-catalytic performance of integrated carbon capture and in situ dry reforming?

Researchers found that low concentrations of SO2 and NO2 in flue gas improve CO2 capture stability, but high concentrations lead to decreased adsorption capacity and catalytic reforming ability. The study suggests that coating layers of calcium-containing compounds on Ni nanoparticles contribute to deactivation.

SourceIndustrial Chemistry & Materials·JournalIndustrial Chemistry and Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 17, 2025

Molecular simulations show graphite ‘hijacks’ diamond formation through unexpected crystallization pathways

Molecular simulations reveal that liquid carbon can form spontaneously into graphite even when diamond is the expected stable phase. The team found complex crystallization behavior and identified graphite as a stepping stone for diamond formation, explaining long-standing discrepancies in high-pressure carbon experiments.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·JournalNature Communications·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJul 9, 2025