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Power up: New polymer property could boost accessible solar power

Researchers at the Beckman Institute for Advanced Science and Technology observed structural chirality in achiral conjugated polymers, which can enhance solar cells' charge capacity. This discovery introduces new opportunities for research at the convergence of biology and electronics.

SourceBeckman Institute for Advanced Science and Technology·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 6, 2022
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Chemists at Jacobs University discover new class of compounds

Researchers at Jacobs University have discovered a new class of compounds with anionic metal-oxo clusters that exhibit unique properties. The discovery has the potential to lead to breakthroughs in biomedical studies and industrial catalysis, as well as carbon dioxide reduction.

SourceJacobs University Bremen gGmbH·JournalAngewandte Chemie·DateMay 31, 2022

Lew lab sheds new light on cell membranes

Researchers at the Lew lab have created a novel hardware and algorithm that enables visualization of cell membranes and molecular motions in six dimensions. This breakthrough allows for the observation of 3D structures with additional information on molecular orientation, providing new insights into biological systems.

SourceWashington University in St. Louis·JournalOptica·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateMay 26, 2022

Microbes can degrade the toughest PFAS

Researchers at UC Riverside have found that common microbial communities can degrade a stubborn class of PFAS called fluorinated carboxylic acids (FCAs) by breaking the carbon-fluorine bond under anaerobic conditions. This breakthrough could lead to new methods for environmental remediation and reduce the harm caused by PFAS.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 23, 2022
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.

High-fat diet linked to nitric oxide levels, cancer development

Researchers at the Beckman Institute found a direct link between high-fat diets and heightened nitric oxide levels, which can lead to increased risk of inflammation and cancer development. The study used a molecular probe to visualize changes in the tumor microenvironment.

SourceBeckman Institute for Advanced Science and Technology·JournalACS Central Science·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 17, 2022

Artificial cell membrane channels composed of DNA can be opened and locked with a key

Researchers at Arizona State University have designed and constructed artificial membrane channels using DNA, allowing selective transport of ions, proteins, and cargo. The channels can be opened and closed with a lock and key mechanism, enabling diverse scientific domains such as biosensing and drug delivery applications.

SourceArizona State University·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 10, 2022
Rigol DP832 Triple-Output Bench Power Supply

Rigol DP832 Triple-Output Bench Power Supply powers sensors, microcontrollers, and test circuits with programmable rails and stable outputs.

Researchers at the GIST develop deep learning model to predict adverse drug-drug interactions

Researchers developed a deep learning-based model to predict drug-drug interactions using gene expression data. The DeSIDE-DDI model can identify potentially dangerous pairs and act as a drug safety monitoring system, helping establish the correct usage of drugs in the development phase.

SourceGIST (Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology)·JournalJournal of Cheminformatics·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateMay 4, 2022

Automated synthesis allows for discovery of unexpected charge transport behavior in organic molecules

A cross-disciplinary team at the University of Illinois used automated synthesis to discover a new mechanism for high conductance in organic electronics applications. The technology rapidly scanned through a library of molecules and uncovered unexpectedly high conductance, dependent on concentration and surface adsorption.

SourceUniversity of Illinois Grainger College of Engineering·JournalNature Communications·DateMay 2, 2022

It’s a dirty job, but some catalyst has got to do it

Researchers aim to improve stability and efficiency of catalytic materials using quantum mechanics-based calculations and computational simulations. The goal is to create more effective catalysts that reduce pollution and energy consumption.

SourceUniversity of Virginia School of Engineering and Applied Science·DateApr 26, 2022

How equal charges in enzymes control biochemical reactions

A new study reveals that two equal charges in enzymes do not repel each other, but instead attract, facilitating chemical reactions. The researchers used protein crystallography to obtain a structural snapshot of the substrate before the reaction and found an attractive interaction between the enzyme and substrate.

SourceUniversity of Göttingen·JournalNature Catalysis·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 25, 2022
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.

Structure of the active ingredient bismuth subsalicylate in Pepto-Bismol revealed

Scientists at Stockholm University have revealed the structure of bismuth subsalicylate, a century-old pharmaceutical ingredient used to treat nausea and diarrhea. The discovery was made possible by advanced transmission electron microscopy techniques, which provided atomic resolution images of the molecule's molecular packing.

SourceStockholm University·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 13, 2022

Researchers’ novel tool to help develop safer pesticides

Researchers at George Washington University developed a novel tool to rapidly screen pesticides for safety and performance. The new approach can aid in the design of next-generation molecules to develop safer pesticides, with only 7% of analyzed compounds meeting safety criteria.

SourceGeorge Washington University·JournalScience Advances·DateMar 30, 2022

Molecular ‘blueprint’ illuminates how plants perceive light

Researchers at Van Andel Institute have discovered a new, detailed molecular structure of PhyB, a vital photoreceptor in plants, which allows them to sense light and regulate their lifecycles. The findings may lead to breakthroughs in agricultural and bioengineering practices.

SourceVan Andel Research Institute·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 30, 2022

Unravelling tautomeric mixtures: RIXS at BESSY II allows to see clearly

A team of scientists successfully investigated the electronic structure of tautomeric mixtures using inelastic X-ray scattering (RIXS) at BESSY II. They can now experimentally separate the signal of each individual molecule, providing detailed insight into their functionality and chemical properties.

SourceHelmholtz-Zentrum Berlin für Materialien und Energie·JournalThe Journal of Physical Chemistry Letters·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 17, 2022
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.

New flexible soft-solid MOF composite membrane boosts H2/CO2 separation

Researchers at Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics have developed a flexible soft-solid MOF composite membrane for efficient H2/CO2 separation. The membrane's unique structure, featuring quasi-vertically oriented solid particles, achieves better separation accuracy and robust anti-swelling capacity.

SourceDalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy Sciences·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateMar 10, 2022

Like bacteria firing spearguns

Researchers discovered two novel contractile injection systems (CISs) in cyanobacteria and a marine bacterium, revealing unique features and anchoring mechanisms. These systems provide insights into the evolutionary differences between various injection system classes.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalNature Microbiology·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 4, 2022
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.

HKUST and UChicago researchers find new ways of leveraging topological defects in liquid crystals to make “computer”

Researchers at HKUST and UChicago have designed the basic elements needed for logic operations using liquid crystals, paving the way for novel computing methods. The team controlled topological defects to perform operations like amplification and switching, opening the door to potential applications in robotics and sensing.

SourceHong Kong University of Science and Technology·JournalScience Advances·DateMar 2, 2022

The protective armor of superbug C.difficile revealed

Researchers have discovered the structure of C.difficile's protective armor, a chain-mail like layer that prevents molecules from entering the cell. This discovery opens the possibility of designing specific drugs to target the armor and kill the cell.

SourceNewcastle University·JournalNature Communications·TypeImaging analysis·DateFeb 25, 2022

Protein structure offers clues to drug-resistance mechanism

A recent study has shed light on the protein structure that helps bacteria pump toxic molecules out of their cells, contributing to drug resistance. The researchers found that as a pH change occurs, the protein's channel opens and closes in a specific way, allowing the transport of toxic compounds.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalNature Communications·DateFeb 18, 2022
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope combines portable Schmidt-Cassegrain optics with GoTo pointing for outreach nights and field campaigns.

Nano-sized plastics may enter and permeate cell membranes

Researchers at the University of Eastern Finland used molecular modeling to investigate nano-plastic transport into cell membranes. The study found that some microplastics can passively penetrate the membrane, potentially causing adverse health effects.

SourceUniversity of Eastern Finland·JournalScientific Reports·DateFeb 17, 2022

Researchers train neural network to recognize chemical formulas from research papers

A team of researchers from Skoltech and universities developed a neural network-based solution for automated recognition of chemical formulas on research paper scans. The algorithm combines molecules, functional groups, fonts, styles, and printing defects to mimic existing molecular template depiction styles.

SourceSkolkovo Institute of Science and Technology (Skoltech)·JournalChemistry - Methods·DateFeb 14, 2022
Meta Quest 3 512GB

Meta Quest 3 512GB enables immersive mission planning, terrain rehearsal, and interactive STEM demos with high-resolution mixed-reality experiences.

Molecular cage gives cryo-EM researchers new insights into a cancer protein

Scientists at Stanford University and SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory have created a molecular cage to study the structure of KIX, a protein used by AML cancer cells. The technique has successfully imaged KIX with cryo-EM, revealing new insights into its function and potential targets for therapy.

SourceDOE/SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory·JournalACS Central Science·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 11, 2022

Supercomputer and quantum simulations solve a difficult problem of materials science

A Japanese research team successfully estimated the bending energy of disiloxane molecules with state-of-the-art quantum Monte Carlo method, overcoming previous simulation challenges. The method's self-healing property reduced basis-set dependence and bias, enabling accurate results without dependence on parameter choices.

SourceJapan Advanced Institute of Science and Technology·JournalPhysical Chemistry Chemical Physics·DateFeb 4, 2022

To the bone: 3D mapping mineral patterns inside the shark vertebral centrum

Researchers used energy dispersive diffraction to create high-resolution 3D maps of bioapatite arrangements within shark centra, revealing key structures and their functions. The study provides insights into the structure-function relationship of the shark skeleton and could be applied to other organisms.

SourceSPIE--International Society for Optics and Photonics·JournalJournal of Medical Imaging·DateFeb 2, 2022

New lightweight material is stronger than steel

Researchers at MIT have developed a new material that is stronger than steel and as light as plastic, with potential applications in car parts, cell phones, bridges, and other structures. The material, called polyaramide, self-assembles into sheets and has unique properties, including high elastic modulus and impermeability to gases.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalNature·DateFeb 2, 2022
DJI Air 3 (RC-N2)

DJI Air 3 (RC-N2) captures 4K mapping passes and environmental surveys with dual cameras, long flight time, and omnidirectional obstacle sensing.

New super-conductors could take data beyond zeroes and ones

Researchers have developed conducting systems that control electron spin and transmit a spin current over long distances without ultra-cold temperatures. This breakthrough enables the creation of new technologies for encoding and transmitting information at room temperature.

SourceDuke University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 1, 2022

A bioelectronic tongue ‘tastes’ sweetness

Researchers have developed an ultrasensitive bioelectronic tongue that mimics human taste buds to measure sweetness. The device responds to sweet-tasting compounds at the 0.1 femtomolar level, making it a powerful tool for industries such as healthcare and food.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalACS Applied Materials & Interfaces·DateJan 26, 2022

OU engineers build a molecular framework to bridge experimental and computer sciences for peptide-based materials engineering

Researchers at the University of Oklahoma have developed a molecular framework that solves the challenge of predicting peptide structures. The framework bridges experimental and computer sciences, enabling the use of machine learning and artificial intelligence to model peptide structures for materials engineering.

SourceUniversity of Oklahoma·JournalScience Advances·DateJan 25, 2022
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.

Cats in a cage: Novel hybrid nanocages for faster catalysis

Researchers from Tokyo Tech created hybrid ferritin nanocages with histidine residues, achieving 1.5 times higher metal ion uptake and improved catalytic efficiency for alcohol production. The new cages show promising potential as viable catalysts in the chemical industry.

SourceTokyo Institute of Technology·JournalAngewandte Chemie·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 24, 2022

Crystallography for the misfit crystals

Scientists have developed a new technique called small-molecule serial femtosecond X-ray crystallography (smSFX) that can reveal the structures of not-so-neat-and-tidy materials. This method uses an exceptional X-ray laser and custom-built image processing algorithms to diffract individual granules of powders, providing a precise sharp...

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 19, 2022
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.

Taming of a shape-shifter molecule

Researchers have successfully integrated the shape-shifting molecule bullvalene into a coordination cage, restricting its fluctuating behavior and enabling controlled molecular recognition. This breakthrough could lead to the development of responsive materials with fast adaptation capabilities.

SourceWiley·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 17, 2022

Towards a better understanding of foot-and-mouth disease

Biologists at the University of Leeds created high-resolution images of the foot-and-mouth disease virus, revealing fibril structures that play a key role in replication. These findings could lead to new antiviral treatments for diseases caused by the virus.

SourceUniversity of Leeds·JournalCommunications Biology·DateJan 17, 2022

New study shows novel crystal structure for hydrogen under high pressure

Researchers from Japan Advanced Institute of Science and Technology have identified a new crystal structure for hydrogen at low temperatures near 0 K and high pressures. The team used supercomputer simulations and data science to generate several candidate patterns, which were then validated through high-resolution simulations.

SourceJapan Advanced Institute of Science and Technology·JournalPhysical Review B·DateJan 14, 2022
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.

Towards high-performance organic optoelectronics with better crystallinity at semiconductor interface

Researchers from Tokyo University of Science developed a high-quality crystalline interface using quasi-homo-epitaxial growth, which eliminated mobility issues and enabled spontaneous electron transfer. This breakthrough could lead to highly efficient flexible solar cells and wearable electronic devices.

SourceTokyo University of Science·JournalThe Journal of Physical Chemistry Letters·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 13, 2022

Will this new superpower molecule revolutionize science?

Researchers have created a powerful DNA-peptide hybrid that could lead to advancements in nanotechnology and the study of Alzheimer's disease. The new structure combines three-stranded DNA and peptide structures, overcoming the challenge of chirality between these biomolecules.

SourceUniversity of Southern Denmark·JournalNature Communications·DateJan 10, 2022

Decoding protein assembly dynamics with artificial protein needles

Scientists have successfully engineered protein needles that can self-assemble into lattice structures and ordered monomeric states. The study's findings provide insights into protein-protein interactions and could lead to the development of biocompatible materials and targeted drug transports.

SourceTokyo Institute of Technology·JournalSmall·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 6, 2022

Flexibility may be the key to potent peptides for treating diabetes

A new study reveals that flexibility in peptides used to treat Type 2 diabetes may be key to their effectiveness. The research found that a peptide called GLP-1 can switch between two shapes, maximizing its potency and activating insulin release from the pancreas.

SourceUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison·JournalNature Chemical Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 22, 2021
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.

New technique tunes into graphene nanoribbons’ electronic potential

Researchers at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory developed a method to stabilize graphene nanoribbons and directly measure their unique magnetic properties. By substituting nitrogen atoms along the zigzag edges, they can discretely tune the local electronic structure without disrupting the magnetic properties.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 22, 2021

Novel chemical design makes hard crystals stretchy

Researchers have designed porous, carbon-based crystals that can stretch to more than twice their length, making them suitable for nanofiltration and pollutant removal. By adding 'soft joints' into the crystal's scaffold, they can be disrupted by specific chemicals, causing the crystal to expand and contract rapidly.

SourceDartmouth College·JournalChem·DateDec 7, 2021

Visualizing cell structures in three dimensions in mere minutes

Heidelberg researchers have created a rapid process for 3D imaging of cells using soft X-ray tomography, enabling high-resolution images in just five to ten minutes. This technology provides valuable insights into viral diseases and their impact on infected cells.

SourceHeidelberg University·JournalCell Reports Methods·DateDec 6, 2021

Understanding mouthfeel of food using physics

A team of researchers used CARS microscopy to analyze the fat arrangement in foie gras and duck pâté. They found that foie gras had a harder, more brittle texture due to its irregularly shaped fat network. The study provides new insights into the relationship between microstructure and food texture.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalPhysics of Fluids·DateDec 3, 2021
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.

New research reveals the mechanism of ion transport in aqueous Li-ion batteries

Recent study uses advanced spectroscopy techniques to observe water molecules in superconcentrated salt solutions and identifies heterogeneity in solvation structure. This finding explains the unexpected fast lithium-ion transport in highly viscous electrolytes.

SourceInstitute for Basic Science·JournalACS Energy Letters·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateNov 29, 2021

Chemists design "molecular sea of flags"

Researchers create large molecular rings that self-assemble into a sheet-like structure on surfaces, allowing for adjustable mesh size and attachment of bulky molecules. This technology has the potential to enable novel catalysts and measure nanomechanical properties of proteins.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalAngewandte Chemie·DateNov 26, 2021
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.

Kekulé's shattered dream: Snakes become ladders

Scientists designed a precursor compound with a single conjugated polymer chain and then formed a second rail through a zipper reaction to create a molecular ladder. The ladder has two tracks of conjugated polymers, allowing energy to move along the molecule in space.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalNature Communications·DateNov 16, 2021

Rice lab first to mimic molecule found in poppies

A Rice University undergraduate student and her mentor have synthesized the first molecule found in poppies, setigerumine I, using a three-step process at room temperature. The environmentally friendly method produced 20 milligrams of the rare extract, which could be a potential precursor for non-addictive painkillers.

SourceRice University·JournalAngewandte Chemie·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 15, 2021

UBC researchers train computers to predict the next designer drugs

Researchers trained an artificial intelligence algorithm to predict the next designer drugs before they are even on the market, allowing law enforcement agencies to identify and regulate new versions of dangerous psychoactive drugs. The model was tested against 196 new designer drugs and found nearly all were present in its generated set.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia·JournalNature Machine Intelligence·DateNov 15, 2021

ESR-STM on single molecules and molecule-based structures

Researchers have successfully imaged the spin of an individual molecule using electron spin resonance in a scanning tunneling microscope. This achievement allows for precise control of spin states and investigation of magnetic interactions between molecules.

SourceInstitute for Basic Science·JournalNature Chemistry·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 11, 2021

Korea Maritime & Ocean University shows new paths to capturing atmospheric greenhouse gas

Researchers at Korea Maritime & Ocean University have discovered a novel compound, β-HQ clathrates, that can capture both carbon dioxide and nitrous oxide in the atmosphere. The discovery provides valuable insights into the kinetics of trapping these greenhouse gases, which could lead to the development of new gas capture technologies.

SourceNational Korea Maritime and Ocean University·JournalChemical Engineering Journal·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 4, 2021
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

Towards self-restoring electronic devices with long DNA molecules

Researchers from Tokyo Tech have developed a long DNA molecule-based junction that shows remarkable conductivity and self-restoring ability under electrical failure. The 'zipper' configuration allows for high electron transport and reveals delocalized ς-electrons moving freely within the molecule.

SourceTokyo Institute of Technology·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 2, 2021

3D imaging study reveals how atoms are packed in amorphous materials

A UCLA-led research team directly observes how atoms are packed in samples of amorphous materials using 3D imaging. They found that the most commonly seen arrangement is groups of seven, with five in one central layer, leading to a network structure with shared edges.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles·JournalNature Materials·DateOct 18, 2021

Artificial intelligence helps to find new natural substances

A team of bioinformaticians at Friedrich Schiller University Jena developed a method to identify small active substance molecules using machine-learning methods. They successfully identified 11 new, previously unknown bile acids in mice using this approach.

SourceFriedrich-Schiller-Universitaet Jena·JournalNature Biotechnology·TypeNews article·DateOct 14, 2021