Articles tagged with Molecular Chemistry
Researchers at Duke University traced PFAS contamination to a local textile manufacturing plant in Burlington, NC. The facility was releasing solid nanoparticle PFAS precursors into the sewer system, which were then transformed into regulated forms of PFAS that current tests can detect.
A new type of DNA damage, glutathionylated DNA adducts, accumulates at high levels in mitochondrial DNA, affecting energy production and stress response. The discovery sheds light on how cells sense and respond to stress, with potential implications for diseases like cancer and diabetes.
A South Korean research team has discovered a molecular-level mechanism to switch the charge polarity of organic polymer semiconductors by adjusting the concentration of a single dopant. This enables polymers to exhibit both p-type and n-type characteristics, eliminating the need for separate materials or complex device architectures.
Researchers developed voltage-matrix nanopore profiling to accurately classify proteins in complex mixtures based on their electrical signatures. The method reveals molecular individuality and compositional differences without labeling or modifications, holding promise for disease diagnosis and real-world bioanalytical applications.
Scientists at the University of Groningen have developed a polymer that changes its shape with temperature and can break down into smaller molecules. The innovative material, inspired by the Shanghai Tower's unique design, has potential applications in biomaterials and may be recyclable into its chemical building blocks.
A team of researchers at the University of Malaga develops a new family of fluorescent molecules that glow brighter in water, allowing for precise imaging of cells without damaging them. This breakthrough enables clearer images of cellular processes and improves early disease detection.
Researchers found that methane, ethane, and hydrogen cyanide can interact in ways previously thought impossible, expanding our understanding of chemistry before life emerged. This discovery has implications for the origin of life on Earth and may shed light on similar conditions in other cold environments in space.
Researchers have developed an efficient way to synthesize valuable compounds using alcohol dehydrogenase enzymes. The enzymes catalyze the formation of amides and thioesters from alcohols and amines or thiols, offering a clean alternative to traditional methods.
KnowItAll users can now incorporate low-field NMR data analysis into their workflows, while Nanalysis users can integrate KnowItAll's complete suite of NMR analysis tools. The software's NMR database collection contains over 1.28 million spectra for database searching.
Researchers at ISTA have discovered a way to tune singlet oxygen, a highly reactive ROS that causes cell damage and degrades batteries. By controlling the pH inside mitochondria, they can produce more 'good' triplet oxygen and reduce the production of 'bad' singlet oxygen.
A study by University at Buffalo researchers reveals that some elements' semicore electrons can participate in bonding under just a few gigapascals of pressure, far lower than previously thought. This finding challenges traditional notions of core electron behavior and may have implications for our understanding of planetary evolution.
Researchers found that polyamines primarily activate glycolysis in cancer cells, upregulating eIF5A2 and five ribosomal proteins associated with cancer malignancy. In contrast, eIF5A1 promotes healthy aging by activating mitochondria via autophagy.
A team of researchers developed a simulation model to clarify the influence of 4-position substitution in cyclic ketene acetals on radical ring-opening polymerization. The study found that certain monomers can produce degradable polymers, which may be used for environmentally friendly packaging and biomedical applications.
Researchers developed a new origami-inspired folding strategy for reversible actuation of hydrogel pores, integrating facet-driven folding into polygonal pores to enable programmable and predictable actuation. This strategy retained 90% of its original shape after repeated swelling-shrinking cycles, demonstrating excellent reliability.
Researchers at The University of Osaka have discovered a new type of chiral symmetry breaking involving a solid-state structural transition from achiral to chiral crystal. This phenomenon activates circularly polarized luminescence, enabling the development of novel optical materials with tunable light properties.
Scientists at La Trobe University have developed a powerful new material that can conduct electricity as well as metals, making it ideal for wearable technologies like medical devices. The new technique uses hyaluronic acid to create a thin, durable film that is flexible and scalable.
Researchers developed molecular capsules that can impart strong chiral properties to inherently non-chiral metal-containing dyes. The capsules create flexible, adaptable chiral cavities that induce chirality without requiring chemical modifications.
Researchers at the University of Basel have developed an engineered enzyme to precisely build complex molecules, such as pharmaceuticals and fine chemicals. The new approach uses metal hydride hydrogen atom transfer (MHAT) chemistry with enzymatic catalysis to produce three-dimensional molecules with single-handed configuration.
Researchers develop efficient template-guided method for synthesizing endo-functionalized oligophenylene cages with yields up to 68%. The approach enables precise control over internal environments, leading to selective molecular encapsulation and recognition capabilities.
Researchers from UNIGE and the University of Pisa have developed a new family of remarkably stable chiral molecules, paving the way for new drug constructs. The stability of these molecules is crucial to drug design and storage.
Researchers at Pusan National University have created novel materials called disulfide-based covalent adaptable networks (DS-CAN) that can change, fix, and retain their shape reversibly using magnetic fields and ultraviolet light. These materials enable UV- or heat-assisted shape fixation after deformation, which is also reversible.
Researchers emphasize the need to distinguish between harmful PFAS and essential fluoropolymers used in medical devices, which have not been linked to health issues. Experts advocate for a balanced approach to protect both human health and environmental concerns.
UVA engineer Nick Vecchiarello is using a $600,000 grant to develop customized molecularly engineered surfaces for purifying protein-based drugs. The technology has the potential to reduce waste and failed batches, saving manufacturers millions of dollars while making treatments more affordable.
Researchers have observed the luminescence of an excited complex formed by two donor molecules, opening possibilities for developing simpler, more efficient OLED devices. The discovery also enables the creation of sensitive sensors capable of detecting low concentrations of explosive substances.
Researchers at OIST have synthesized a stable 20-electron ferrocene derivative, defying the traditional 18-electron rule. This breakthrough could lead to new applications in energy storage, chemical manufacturing, and sustainable chemistry.
A new study by Colorado State University outlines a path to creating advanced, recyclable plastics using natural poly(3-hydroxybutyrate) (P3HB). The breakthrough method involves stereodivergent catalysis, which enables the production of enantiopure PHAs with improved properties for various applications.
Researchers have engineered a new type of molecule that can store information at extremely low temperatures, potentially leading to ultra-high data densities and smaller storage devices. The discovery could enable the development of stamp-sized hard drives capable of storing 100 times more data than current technologies.
The DFG is establishing 13 new Collaborative Research Centres (CRC) to tackle innovative, challenging and long-term research projects. The CRCs will focus on circadian medicine, metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease, heterostructures of molecules and 2D materials, and criticality.
A team of Cambridge chemists has developed a powerful new method for adding single carbon atoms to molecules more easily, offering a simple one-step approach. This technique targets alkenes, common in everyday products, and allows for the introduction of functional groups, enabling further versatility in molecule design.
Scientists have designed human-made molecules that self-assemble into stacked rings, allowing charge and energy to circulate freely, echoing photosynthesis. This breakthrough could lead to improved energy generation and advanced electronics.
Scientists have created a new way to store and decode data using synthetic molecules, which can be used to unlock computers with encoded passwords. The method involves designing molecules that contain electrochemical information, allowing messages to be decoded using electrical signals.
A new study from Uppsala University investigates how sleep deprivation affects biomarkers associated with cardiovascular disease. Researchers found that chronic lack of sleep increases the risk of heart problems by promoting inflammatory proteins.
Rasika Dias, a renowned chemist at UTA, has been named a 2025 fellow of the Royal Society of Chemistry for his groundbreaking contributions to chemical sciences. He is the second chemistry faculty member to receive this honor.
A new approach, GlycoCaging, delivers medicine directly to the lower gut at significantly lower doses than current treatments, potentially helping people with inflammatory bowel disease. The technique has been shown to be effective in mice and has potential for treatment in humans, as most people have the ability to activate the drugs.
Researchers developed fluorescent polyionic nanoclays that can be customized for medical imaging, sensor technology, and environmental protection. These tiny clay-based materials exhibit high brightness and versatility, enabling precise tuning of optical properties.
A recent study reveals that tropical forests are home to an incredible diversity of chemical compounds, including terpenoids and alkaloids, which could have practical implications for human health. The researchers found that tree species in higher elevations tend to use similar chemicals to protect themselves from enemies.
A new web platform, AutoSolvateWeb, developed at Emory University enables chemists of all levels to configure and execute complex quantum mechanical simulations through chatting. The free platform uses cloud infrastructure and automates software processes on the backend.
A team of researchers led by UMass Amherst discovered that imperfect polymer fillers can enhance thermal conductivity, challenging conventional wisdom. Polymers with defective fillers performed 160% better than those with perfect fillers in conducting heat.
A new study by researchers at the Institute of Science Tokyo hints that calcium ions played a crucial role in shaping life's earliest molecular structures. The team discovered that calcium dramatically alters how tartaric acid molecules link together, favoring homochiral polymers and potentially influencing the emergence of life.
A research group at Peking University discovered dopamine's role in regulating Tau's function through a novel chemoproteomic strategy. This finding deepens our understanding of dopamine's physiological and pathological roles in the human brain.
Researchers create WaaFs with high thermal stability and reversible assembly, opening avenues for gas storage, separation, and catalysis. The frameworks utilize van der Waals interactions to form robust structures, making them suitable for industrial applications.
Kayunta Johnson-Winters, a UTA associate professor of chemistry and biochemistry, has been honored as an American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology fellow. Her research on F420-dependent enzymes has expanded understanding of disease proteins and paved the way for potential treatments.
Researchers at TUM have developed a novel method to purify proteins using short-wave UV light, eliminating the need for chemical reagents. The 'Azo-tag' system changes shape under light exposure, allowing for targeted purification of proteins in a more efficient and gentler manner.
Richard Willson, a University of Houston professor, has been elected Fellow of the Royal Society of Chemistry for his contributions to the chemical sciences. He has developed innovative methods to detect viruses and other biological threats using glow-in-the-dark nanoparticles.
A recent study found that polyester microdroplets can form in salt-rich environments, at low alpha-hydroxy acid concentrations, and in small reaction volumes. This expands on previous research and suggests that polyester protocells were likely more common on early Earth than previously thought.
A novel double aryne insertion strategy has simplified the production of complex thioxanthones, a type of organic compound with various industrial and medical applications. The new method enables efficient synthesis of diverse thioxanthone derivatives, including functional molecules and photocatalysts.
Researchers at Colorado State University have developed a stronger, biodegradable adhesive polymer that can replace common superglues. The new polymer, made from P3HB, offers tunable adhesion strength and is biodegradable under various conditions.
Researchers created new proteins using AI that bind to and neutralize deadly snake toxins, providing a safer alternative to traditional antivenoms. The study's results show an 80-100% survival rate in mice, offering potential benefits for people in developing countries.
Researchers at Indiana University found that bacteria secrete molecules, like coelechelin, which weaken competitors' immune systems and increase their vulnerability to phage infection. This discovery highlights the potential of phage-chemical combinations in treating antibiotic-resistant infections.
Macromolecular chemistry expert Christopher Barner-Kowollik receives Germany's best-funded research prize for his groundbreaking discoveries in photochemistry. His work challenges traditional assumptions and opens new avenues for applications in phototherapy, light-driven synthesis, and materials development.
Researchers at King's College London developed a new method to produce biofuels from fatty acids in cooking oil, making it as effective as diesel with improved efficiency. The technology uses enzymes to break down fatty acids into alkenes, reducing the need for conventional catalysts and toxic chemicals.
Researchers demonstrate key Darwinian evolution principles in self-replicating molecules, indicating evolution predates life. Competitive exclusion among these molecules curtails chemical diversification, shedding light on potential emergence of life from non-living materials.
Researchers at Maynooth University are leading a two-year study to develop non-abrasive bandages that can be sprayed onto the skin and melted away painlessly. The goal is to reduce the agony experienced by those living with Epidermolysis Bullosa, a genetic skin condition affecting over 500,000 children and adults worldwide.
SwRI researchers developed a tool to model environments expected on icy moons, accounting for organics and predicting conditions for microbial life. The project aims to constrain environmental factors and provide valuable information about ocean worlds.
A new phase-transformable membrane can precisely select CO₂ and H₂, enabling efficient gas separation. The membrane's liquid-glass-crystal states optimize its selectivity and permeability for specific gases.
The symposium features over 20 inspirational lectures by esteemed international speakers on molecular science topics. Nobel Prize laureates are among the keynote speakers, advancing cutting-edge research and facilitating interaction with the public.
Researchers at UCLA have invalidated Bredt's rule, a fundamental principle in organic chemistry that has constrained the design of molecules for pharmaceutical research. By creating anti-Bredt olefins, also known as ABOs, chemists can now generate highly unstable structures with practical value.
Recent research highlights microwave-induced synthesis as a transformative potential in drug discovery and development. This efficient technique enables rapid preparation of diverse N-heterocycles, including biologically active molecules such as pyrimidines, thiazoles, and quinolines.
A study led by Cesar de la Fuente and his team has uncovered sequences for infection-fighting molecules in the genomic data of extinct species. These ancient β-defensins may lead to the creation of new antimicrobial therapies, including antibacterial, antifungal, and antiviral treatments.
A team of researchers has developed a new membrane material that can detect and remove pharmaceutical chemicals from water at trace levels. The new approach uses a polymer membrane with an interconnected network of pores, which are designed to capture larger molecules, allowing for more effective filtration.