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A noble yet simple way to synthesize new metal-free electrocatalysts for oxygen reduction reaction

A Korean research team from Ulsan National Institute of Science and Technology (UNIST) developed a high-performance metal-free electrocatalyst for oxygen reduction reaction using covalently functionalized graphene nanosheets. The new catalyst shows superior stability compared to commercial Pt/C catalysts.

Rice scientists create a super antioxidant

Rice chemist Vicki Colvin led a team that created small, uniform spheres of cerium oxide with biocompatible coatings, enhancing its natural antioxidant properties. The nanoparticles can absorb and release oxygen ions to protect against radiation-induced side effects and may slow aging.

SourceRice University·JournalACS Nano·DateOct 15, 2013

Laying down a discerning membrane

Researchers at the University of South Carolina have developed a graphene oxide membrane less than 2 nanometers thick with high permeation selectivity between hydrogen and carbon dioxide gas molecules. The team's method allows for uniform coverage without inter-flake leaks, enabling thinner membranes that can efficiently separate gases.

SourceUniversity of South Carolina·JournalScience·DateOct 4, 2013

Spinning CDs to clean sewage water

Researchers have developed a wastewater treatment device that uses spinning CDs coated with zinc oxide nanorods to break down organic pollutants in sewage. The device can treat contaminated water at an impressive rate of 150 mL per minute, making it a promising solution for small-scale water purification.

SourceOptica·DateSep 23, 2013

Sudden decline in testosterone may cause Parkinson's disease symptoms in men

A new study by Rush University Medical Center researchers found that a sudden decrease in testosterone levels may cause Parkinson's-like symptoms in male mice. Testosterone supplementation reversed the pathology in the mice. The study suggests that preserving testosterone levels may be important to prevent Parkinson's disease.

SourceRush University Medical Center·JournalJournal of Biological Chemistry·DateJul 26, 2013

Steering stem cells with magnets

Scientists at Emory Health Sciences have developed a method to steer mesenchymal stem cells using magnets, which could potentially be used to treat cardiovascular diseases. The nanoparticles used in this study are FDA-approved for MRI purposes and protect the cell from damage.

SourceEmory Health Sciences·JournalSmall·DateJul 16, 2013

Silicon oxide memories transcend a hurdle

Rice University scientists have developed a 1-kilobit rewritable silicon oxide device with diodes that eliminate data-corrupting crosstalk. The technique creates a channel of pure metallic phase silicon, allowing for high on/off ratio and multibit switching.

SourceRice University·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateJul 9, 2013

When green algae run out of air

Biologists discovered that green algae require haemoglobin and nitric oxide to signal the absence of oxygen, allowing them to activate genes and produce hydrogen. In an oxygen-rich environment, this gene is idle, and its inactivation has fatal consequences for the algae.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 21, 2013

Laughing gas does not increase heart attacks

Researchers at Washington University School of Medicine found no link between nitrous oxide anesthesia and increased risk of heart attack. Despite concerns about the impact on homocysteine levels, the study showed that B vitamins did not influence heart attack risk in surgery patients.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalAnesthesiology·DateJun 19, 2013

New method for producing clean hydrogen

Duke University engineers have created a novel method for producing clean hydrogen, reducing carbon monoxide levels to nearly zero. This approach uses a new catalytic process with nanoparticle combinations of gold and iron oxide, making it a more practical option.

SourceDuke University·JournalJournal of Catalysis·DateMay 21, 2013

New material gets itself into shape

Scientists have created a composite material that can bend and twist in response to external stimuli like temperature or moisture. This programmable plasticity enables the material to take on various shapes, making it suitable for applications such as self-shaping ceramic parts and biodegradable implants.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalNature Communications·DateApr 16, 2013

A thin-skinned catalyst for chemical reactions

Boston College researchers create a yolk-shell nanocrystal structure with a porous 'skin' that can filter molecules based on size or chemical makeup, allowing greater selectivity in chemical reactions. The new catalyst exhibits unprecedented control and precision, paving the way for expanded applications of heterogeneous catalysis.

SourceBoston College·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateDec 13, 2012

Predicting material fatigue

Scientists have created a novel concept for self-reporting materials that utilize zinc oxide tetrapod crystals to detect internal damages in composite materials. The resulting composite material exhibits improved strength and emits light when exposed to UV light, providing a visual warning of potential failure.

SourceTechnical University of Munich (TUM)·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateNov 29, 2012

Enzyme explains angina in diabetics

A new study published in Circulation reveals that the arginase enzyme may play a key role in the development of cardiovascular disease in patients with type II diabetes. Inhibiting this enzyme improves blood vessel function in diabetics with angina, but has no effect on healthy individuals or those without angina.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalCirculation·DateNov 27, 2012