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Herbert Edelsbrunner awarded ERC Advanced Grant

Herbert Edelsbrunner, a mathematician and computer scientist at IST Austria, has been awarded an ERC Advanced Grant for his work on topological data analysis. He will develop a unified theory of alpha shapes, wrap complexes, and persistent homology to broaden and deepen the existing field.

SourceInstitute of Science and Technology Austria·DateApr 6, 2018

Smart ink adds new dimensions to 3-D printing

Researchers at Dartmouth College developed a smart ink that allows for the creation of shape-changing and color-shifting objects through 3D printing. The innovation uses intelligent molecular systems to transform the structure and function of the printed material.

SourceDartmouth College·JournalAngewandte Chemie·DateApr 4, 2018

Molecular prison forces diatomic inmates to cell floor

A team of researchers has observed unexpected rotational motion of hydrogen molecules within a molecular cage, which could lead to breakthroughs in hydrogen storage materials. The study provides fundamental insights into the behavior of quantum-influenced particles trapped in well-defined spaces.

SourceCarnegie Institution for Science·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateMar 27, 2018

USTC reports diamond ring architecture of a protein complex

The researchers used cryo-electron microscopy to provide a high-resolution view of the NuA4/TIP60 complex. The structure reveals that Tra1/TRRAP serves as a scaffold for NuA4/TIP60 assembly and that human TRRAP mutations are largely centered on interaction surfaces mediating this assembly.

SourceUniversity of Science and Technology of China·JournalNature Communications·DateMar 20, 2018
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.

Cell-sized mold makes gelatin gels (jelly) 10 times stiffer

Researchers at Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology have developed a cell-sized mold to create gelatin gels that are 10 times stiffer than regular gels. The findings reveal that the increase in β sheet structure from interaction with lipid membranes is the key factor behind this increased stiffness.

SourceTokyo University of Agriculture and Technology·JournalACS Central Science·DateMar 15, 2018

New Emmy-Noether group in theoretical chemistry

Researchers at Ruhr-University Bochum aim to optimize the Density Matrix Renormalization Group method to predict properties of complex molecules. The goal is to tailor molecules for specific applications, enabling more accurate simulations and cost-effective synthesis.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·DateMar 2, 2018

Powerful new imaging method reveals in detail how particles move in solution

A new X-ray laser method solves the phase problem for solution scattering, allowing scientists to visualize molecular structures in detail. This improvement will enable researchers to study viruses and other biological molecules more effectively, providing critical information about their internal density variations.

SourceUniversity at Buffalo·JournalNature Methods·DateFeb 27, 2018
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Imaging individual flexible DNA 'building blocks' in 3-D

Berkeley Lab researchers generate 3-D images of 129 DNA structures, revealing the dynamics and flexibility of DNA origami particles. The method used provides a new strategy for improving control over large DNA scaffolds by redesigning DNA sequences near joints to stiffen the structure.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalNature Communications·DateFeb 22, 2018

Discovering the structure of RNA

A new study develops an innovative simulation model to predict the three-dimensional conformation of ribonucleic acid molecules, overcoming limitations of existing models. The model shows promising results in predicting RNA structures, with potential implications for basic research and medical therapies.

SourceScuola Internazionale Superiore di Studi Avanzati·JournalNucleic Acids Research·DateJan 4, 2018
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 molecular structure of a forest aroma deconstructed

Researchers have accurately determined the molecular structure of alpha-pinene in its gas phase. This breakthrough analysis can help scientists better detect and understand how alpha-pinene reacts with other gases in the atmosphere, producing pollutants and particles that affect health and climate.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalThe Journal of Chemical Physics·DateDec 7, 2017

Competing forces: How molecules maintain their structure

Researchers discovered two primary forces at play: hydrogen bonds and phase segregation, which strengthen or weaken each other. The study improves understanding of polymer structure formation, enhancing knowledge about self-healing materials and protein structures.

SourceMartin-Luther-Universität Halle-Wittenberg·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateOct 18, 2017
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.

Danforth Center receives $3.4 million to improve maize architecture

The Donald Danforth Plant Science Center has received a $3.4 million grant from the National Science Foundation to develop novel methods for predicting a plant's phenotype and precisely manipulating plant architecture traits in maize. The project aims to enhance yield potential and address the plateaued yields in recent years.

SourceDonald Danforth Plant Science Center·DateOct 11, 2017

RUDN chemists obtained new compound for molecular machines

Researchers at RUDN University developed a new complex mercuric compound with unusual structure using non-covalent interactions. The compound can be used to create molecular machines, which are molecules capable of mechanical work.

SourceRUDN University·JournalInorganic Chemistry·DateSep 27, 2017

Microwaves reveal detailed structure of molecular motor

Researchers used microwave spectroscopy to analyze the structure of a single molecular motor, revealing its stator, rotor, and axle. The study provides insight into the motor's dynamics and opens up possibilities for studying nano-machines in action.

SourceDeutsches Elektronen-Synchrotron DESY·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateJul 12, 2017
Creality K1 Max 3D Printer

Creality K1 Max 3D Printer rapidly prototypes brackets, adapters, and fixtures for instruments and classroom demonstrations at large build volume.

Scientists make giant molecular cages for energy conversion and drug delivery

Researchers at Trinity College Dublin have developed 'molecular cages' that can boost reactivity and storage capacity, offering promise for energy conversion and bio-sensing applications. The new material's enormous internal surface area makes it ideal for encapsulating molecules with specific functions.

SourceTrinity College Dublin·JournalNature Communications·DateJun 29, 2017

Figuring out the 3-D shape of molecules with a push of a button

A team of researchers led by Carnegie Mellon University chemist Roberto R. Gil and Universidade Federal de Pernambuco chemist Armando Navarro-Vázquez has developed a program that automates the process of figuring out a molecule's three-dimensional structure, reducing human error and shortening the pipeline of drug discovery.

SourceCarnegie Mellon University·JournalAngewandte Chemie·DateJun 19, 2017

Details of Lassa virus structure could inform development of vaccines, therapies

A 10-year Lassa virus research project has yielded structural and functional details of a key viral surface protein, which could help advance development of Lassa vaccines. The study provides the first detailed view of the Lassa glycoprotein precursor complex bound to a human neutralizing antibody.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases·JournalScience·DateJun 2, 2017
GoPro HERO13 Black

GoPro HERO13 Black records stabilized 5.3K video for instrument deployments, field notes, and outreach, even in harsh weather and underwater conditions.

Development of compound that captures specific alkane gas molecule with its color change

Researchers at Kanazawa University have developed a compound that selectively captures n-alkane gas molecules with its color change, indicating a special ability to distinguish configuration of guest molecules. The compound's properties were evaluated in solid/gas interfaces, showing excellent separation efficiency and recyclability.

SourceKanazawa University·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateMay 25, 2017

New method: Water mapping around solutes

Chemists at Ruhr-University Bochum developed a new terahertz calorimetry technique to map changes in water molecules around solutes. This method allows for real-time analysis of hydration shells and can be applied to complex systems like enzymes for drug design.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateMay 22, 2017

Wafer-thin magnetic materials developed for future quantum technologies

Researchers at the University of Basel and Paul Scherrer Institute have produced a wafer-thin ferrimagnet by arranging phthalocyanine molecules on a gold surface in a checkerboard pattern. The material exhibits two-dimensional magnetic properties, making it suitable for applications such as sensors and quantum computing.

SourceUniversity of Basel·JournalNature Communications·DateMay 22, 2017

Shapeshifting materials: Using light to rearrange macroscopic structures

Researchers at OIST created self-assembling molecules that can be rearranged by ultraviolet light to form novel macroscopic structures. This breakthrough enables the creation of exotic nanostructures with tailored functions, holding potential for biological and pharmaceutical applications.

SourceOkinawa Institute of Science and Technology (OIST) Graduate University·JournalChemical Communications·DateMay 19, 2017

Molecular Lego for nanoelectronics

Researchers at FAU have successfully assembled and tested conductors and networks made of individual molecules. The 'Lego bricks' can fabricate the smallest nanostructures under precision-controlled conditions, opening up possibilities for optoelectronic applications.

SourceFriedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg·JournalNature Communications·DateMay 18, 2017
Aranet4 Home CO2 Monitor

Aranet4 Home CO2 Monitor tracks ventilation quality in labs, classrooms, and conference rooms with long battery life and clear e-ink readouts.

Trash into treasure: Sandia could help biofuel pay for itself with goods made from waste

Researchers at Sandia National Laboratories have made a breakthrough in converting lignin, plant waste from biofuel production, into useful products like renewable plastics and fabrics. The discovery of LigM enzyme has opened a path toward new molecules and marketable products, potentially making biofuels competitive with petroleum.

SourceDOE/Sandia National Laboratories·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 4, 2017

'Gamers' method creates unique 4-D molecular spectral maps

Researchers at Northwestern University developed a new method, GAMERS, to extract the static and dynamic structure of complex chemical systems. This four-dimensional coherent spectroscopic method reveals hidden features of molecular structure, enabling insights into quantum phenomena and potential applications in solar cells.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalThe Journal of Chemical Physics·DateApr 18, 2017
AmScope B120C-5M Compound Microscope

AmScope B120C-5M Compound Microscope supports teaching labs and QA checks with LED illumination, mechanical stage, and included 5MP camera.

Coming to a lab bench near you: Femtosecond X-ray spectroscopy

Researchers capture snapshots of electronic structure during a transient state of a reaction using femtosecond pulses of X-ray light on a tabletop apparatus. The study provides insights into the ring-opening reactions of cyclic molecules, relevant to photobiological synthesis and optoelectronic technologies.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalScience·DateApr 6, 2017

Nanocages dramatically facilitate structure formation of biomolecules

Researchers at Kyoto University discovered that nanocages facilitate the fast folding and stability of G-quadruplexes, a type of biomolecule. This breakthrough has potential applications in understanding diseases, cancers, and allergies, as well as developing new drug treatments.

SourceKyoto University·JournalNature Nanotechnology·DateMar 27, 2017
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.

3-D printing turns nanomachines into life-size workers

Researchers at Dartmouth College have developed a 3D printing method to transform microscopic nanorings into smart materials that perform work at human-scale. The new technique enables the creation of complex smart devices beyond current grasp, with potential applications in soft robots and other tasks.

SourceDartmouth College·JournalAngewandte Chemie·DateMar 22, 2017

The repulsion trick: A self-solving puzzle for organic molecules

Researchers at Forschungszentrum Jülich develop a method to mix molecules with opposing intermolecular interactions, creating tailored surface structures. The technique enables the controlled production of active layer systems, which are crucial for organic electronics applications.

SourceForschungszentrum Juelich·JournalNature Materials·DateMar 16, 2017

Life origination hydrate theory

The LOH-Theory suggests that amino-acids and primitive organisms arose in semi-liquid water systems saturated with functional organic substances, allowing for exothermal and thermodynamically feasible syntheses. The theory is supported by analyses of available literature and paleontological data on the origins of life on Earth.

SourceBentham Science Publishers·JournalMini-Reviews in Organic Chemistry·DateMar 15, 2017

Anticipating the aroma of a chemical compound

Researchers developed predictive models that accurately anticipate the smell of molecules based on just a handful of features, outperforming traditional methods. The DREAM Olfaction Prediction Challenge demonstrated the potential for crowdsourced competition to advance our understanding of scent perception.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateFeb 21, 2017
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.

Bursting pods

Researchers design a pod-like casing with liquid-crystal elastomers and molecular switches, demonstrating the ability to produce powerful movement at the molecular level. The device uses light-triggered re-arrangement of molecular switches to drive twisting helices in opposing directions, resulting in the bursting of the casing.

SourceWiley·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateFeb 15, 2017

Learning how to fine-tune nanofabrication

Researchers developed a computational method that allows for controlled fabrication of tiny electrical wires and other nanomaterials. By analyzing intermolecular interactions, the team was able to predict the outcome of molecular self-assembly with high accuracy, leading to potential breakthroughs in device manufacturing.

SourceKyoto University·JournalNature Communications·DateFeb 14, 2017

Neural network learns to select potential anticancer drugs

Scientists developed a generative neural network to create new pharmaceutical medicines with specific properties. The network, trained on millions of molecular structures, identified 69 potential anticancer compounds and hundreds more using a powerful extension of the method.

SourceMoscow Institute of Physics and Technology·JournalOncoTargets and Therapy·DateFeb 9, 2017

Scientists step closer to developing new drug in fight against antimicrobial resistance

Researchers at the University of Lincoln have determined the molecular structure of a new antibiotic, teixobactin, which holds promise in tackling drug-resistant bacteria. The discovery reveals that the antibiotic's disordered structure is essential for its biological activity, providing insight into how to produce effective derivatives.

SourceUniversity of Lincoln·JournalChemical Communications·DateJan 31, 2017
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

The discrepancy between the results of a system of biological interest is resolved

A study by the UPV/EHU and University of Bologna has resolved a discrepancy in a biological system through accurate characterization using microwave spectroscopy. The research targets the 2-hydroxypyridine/2-pyridone model system, where different structures coexist under the same molecular formula.

SourceUniversity of the Basque Country·JournalChemistry - A European Journal·DateJan 23, 2017

Captured on video: DNA nanotubes build a bridge between 2 molecular posts

Researchers at Johns Hopkins University successfully created DNA nanotube bridges that connected two molecular landmarks on the surface of a lab dish. This breakthrough could lead to the development of new medical devices and technologies that can communicate directly with cells, potentially revolutionizing the field of nanotechnology.

SourceJohns Hopkins University·JournalNature Nanotechnology·DateJan 5, 2017

First experimental evidence of 3-D aromaticity in stacked antiaromatic compounds

Researchers at Nagoya University have synthesized stable antiaromatic nickel norcorroles and investigated their interactions, revealing face-to-face interactions that form a triple-decker structure with aromatic characteristics. The resulting materials exhibit nonlinear optical properties and potential applications in optoelectronics.

SourceNagoya University·JournalNature Communications·DateDec 15, 2016
Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only)

Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only) delivers reliable low-light performance and rugged build for astrophotography, lab documentation, and field expeditions.

A step to understanding polymorphs

Researchers study organizing principles behind high Z' crystal structures to understand material properties like solubility and bioavailability. By analyzing complex structures, they identify organization principles tied to chemical molecule details.

SourceInternational Union of Crystallography·JournalActa Crystallographica Section B·DateDec 9, 2016

Seeing energized light-active molecules proves quick work for Argonne scientists

Researchers at Argonne National Laboratory capture atomic and electronic arrangements within a metalloporphyrin molecule using ultrafast X-rays. The study reveals an extremely short-lived transient state that lasts only a few hundred femtoseconds, which is crucial for the development of solar fuels.

SourceDOE/Argonne National Laboratory·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateSep 8, 2016

Linking RNA structure and function

Researchers at MIT deciphered the structure of a long noncoding RNA and found that it interacts with a protein to control heart muscle cell development. The study reveals the importance of RNA structure in understanding its function, which could lead to new therapeutic approaches for cardiovascular disease.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalMolecular Cell·DateSep 8, 2016
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.

Newly deciphered structure suggests how infectious prions replicate

A team of researchers has discovered the three-dimensional structure of infectious prions, revealing a four-rung β-solenoid architecture that allows for replication. This finding rules out existing theories and proposes a novel templating mechanism involving protein-protein interactions.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Pathogens·DateSep 8, 2016

Probing a mosquito protein for clues in the fight against Zika

Researchers have gained structural insights on a key protein from Aedes aegypti, the mosquito species most often linked to Zika. The study suggests compounds targeting this protein could kill mosquitoes and reduce cases of Zika and other illnesses.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalBiochemistry·DateSep 7, 2016

A new way to display the 3-D structure of molecules

Researchers at Berkeley Lab create a nanoscale display case to reveal new structural details for challenging molecules, including complex compounds and potential drugs. The new technique stabilizes molecules in sturdy structures, enabling precise X-ray views of their atomic structure.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalScience·DateAug 18, 2016
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.

RNA simulations boost understanding of retroviral diseases

Researchers used RNA simulations to understand how viruses fold into specific shapes, offering potential targets for treating retroviral diseases. The study's findings provide valuable information on the thermodynamic stability of RNA molecules and their behavior in different environments.

SourceDOE/Los Alamos National Laboratory·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 31, 2016
Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro)

Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro) powers local ML workloads, large datasets, and multi-display analysis for field and lab teams.

Supercrystals with new architecture can enhance drug synthesis

Researchers designed a helix-shaped supercrystal composed of quantum dots to separate organic molecules and enhance drug synthesis. The chirality of the supercrystal allows for accurate detection of chiral biomolecules, enabling precise identification of enantiomers in pharmaceuticals.

SourceITMO University·JournalScientific Reports·DateMay 23, 2016

Atomic force microscope reveals molecular ghosts

A team of chemists and physicists used atomic force microscopy to capture snapshots of molecules reacting on a catalyst's surface, revealing intermediate structures lasting for up to 20 minutes. This breakthrough expands the toolbox for designing new catalytic reactions and has implications for fields like materials science and medicine.

SourceUniversity of California - Berkeley·JournalNature Chemistry·DateMay 9, 2016