Add BrightSurf on Google Email

CityU researchers develop novel photo-oxidation therapy for anticancer treatment

Researchers at City University of Hong Kong have developed a new class of near-infrared-activated photo-oxidants that can effectively kill cancer cells without requiring oxygen. The discovery offers a promising direction for developing anti-cancer drugs and could overcome existing limitations of photodynamic therapies.

SourceCity University of Hong Kong·JournalNature Chemistry·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 20, 2023

Material separates water from … water

A Kyoto University research group has developed a material that effectively separates heavy water from normal water at room temperature. The discovery uses an adsorption-separation method based on copper-based porous coordination polymers, which utilize the flipping action of linkers to separate molecules.

SourceKyoto University·JournalNature·DateNov 9, 2022

Chemists design chemical probe for detecting minute temperature shifts in the body

Researchers at Colorado State University have developed a cobalt-based molecule that can detect extremely subtle temperature shifts inside the body, opening up new possibilities for medical imaging and therapy. The noninvasive probe uses radiofrequency waves to read out temperature signals from the body.

SourceColorado State University·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 6, 2022

A novel path for sustainable photon upconversion with non-precious metals

Researchers from Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz have achieved a breakthrough in using chromium compounds for efficient green-to-blue photon upconversion. This process can expand the use of low-energy sunlight in solar cells and photochemical reactions, reducing environmental impacts associated with rare metal extraction.

SourceJohannes Gutenberg Universitaet Mainz·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateJun 3, 2022

New strategy for designing thermoelectric materials

Researchers discovered electronic structure properties common to high-performance thermoelectric materials and developed a versatile materials design approach. The database of two electronic structure parameters correlated with thermoelectric conversion properties revealed relationships between chemical elements and material properties.

SourceNational Institute for Materials Science, Japan·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 17, 2022

Industrial sedimentation in the North Sea

A new study analyzes sediment cores from the North Sea, showing a significant accumulation of pollutants since the industrial revolution. The researchers found that the deposition of pollutants is linked to fine sediments transported by currents, causing a strong accumulation on the seabed.

SourceHelmholtz-Zentrum Hereon·JournalEnvironmental Pollution·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 2, 2022

Oxidation-tolerant solid electrolyte provides high energy capacity for Li2S cathode

Researchers at Osaka Prefecture University create a high-capacity Li2S-based positive electrode using an oxidation-tolerant solid electrolyte, bringing all-solid-state batteries closer to reality. The study found that the electrochemical window of solid electrolytes must exceed 0.2V for high energy capacity.

SourceOsaka Prefecture University·JournalAdvanced Functional Materials·TypeNews article·DateOct 28, 2021

Tweaking Alloy Microchemistry For Flawless Metal 3D Printing

Researchers at Texas A t&M University have developed a method to create defect-free metal parts using laser powder bed fusion 3D printing. By combining machine learning and single-track experiments, they identified favorable alloy chemistries and process parameters to print parts with uniform properties at the microscale.

SourceTexas A&M University·JournalAdditive Manufacturing·TypeNews article·DateSep 28, 2021

New substance classes for nanomaterials: Nano spheres and diamond slivers made of silicon and germanium

Researchers at Goethe University Frankfurt and Bonn have synthesized molecular nano spheres made of silicon atoms, known as silafulleranes, which can encapsulate chloride ions. The discovery of these new compounds may lead to improved applications in electronics, solar cells, and batteries.

SourceGoethe University Frankfurt·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 8, 2021

Microplastics: A trojan horse for metals

Researchers have discovered that microplastics can serve as a transport vehicle for metals in the environment, accumulating and releasing these pollutants. The study found significant differences in metal accumulation between different types of plastics, with some metals attaching almost entirely to microplastics.

SourceHelmholtz-Zentrum Hereon·JournalJournal of Hazardous Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 9, 2021

Natural mineral hackmanite enables new method of x-ray imaging

Researchers have developed a new X-ray imaging method utilizing hackmanite's colouring abilities, revealing its potential for non-expensive and reusable imaging applications. The study found that adding different atoms to the material impacts its colouring properties, and the mechanism of colour changing occurs through X-ray excitation.

SourceUniversity of Turku·JournalAdvanced Optical Materials·DateJul 30, 2021

New strategy for drug design: Keeping copper atoms closer to keep bacteria away

Scientists at Tokyo University of Science developed a copper-containing polymer that greatly enhances the antibacterial activity of hydrogen peroxide. The use of these tailored polymers resulted in higher catalytic activity and more effective killing of bacteria, opening up new design avenues for antimicrobial drugs.

SourceTokyo University of Science·JournalMacromolecular Rapid Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 27, 2021

Silicon with a two-dimensional structure

Scientists successfully produce and characterize a crystalline complex with a two-dimensional equivalent of silicon, defying geometric expectations. The resulting structure displays surprising physical and chemical properties, opening up new avenues for catalysis and materials research.

SourceHeidelberg University·JournalChem·DateJul 22, 2021