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Unique molecular CODE – Paramagnetic encoding of molecules

Researchers have developed a novel method for molecular encoding using paramagnetic properties, enabling digital information storage and transmission. The system uses lanthanide elements to create unique signals that can be read remotely, with potential applications in chemistry, pharmacy, telemedicine, and more.

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

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

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.

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

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

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

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.

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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

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

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

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

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