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Targeted cancer therapies: Getting radioactive atoms to accumulate in tumors

Researchers developed a novel compound to target prostate cancer using radioactive atom astatine-211, potentially overcoming issues with previous compounds like deastatination. The study found high accumulation in tumors and low accumulation in vital organs, highlighting the potential of this new compound for targeted alpha therapy.

SourceChiba University·JournalEJNMMI Radiopharmacy and Chemistry·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 3, 2024

New 'chiral vortex' of light reveals molecular mirror images

A new structure of light has been discovered that can accurately measure chirality in molecules, a property of asymmetry important in physics, chemistry, biology, and medicine. This 'chiral vortex' provides an accurate and robust form of measurement, allowing for the detection of chiral biomarkers.

SourceMax Born Institute for Nonlinear Optics and Short Pulse Spectroscopy (MBI)·JournalNature Photonics·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateSep 2, 2024

New organic molecule shatters phosphorescence efficiency records and paves way for rare metal-free applications

A new organic molecule thienyl diketone achieves high-efficiency phosphorescence more than ten times faster than traditional materials. This breakthrough provides design guidelines for developing metal-free organic phosphorescent materials, promising significant advancements in various applications.

SourceOsaka University·JournalChemical Science·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 4, 2024

A simpler method for precise molecular orbital visualization

A new method for visualizing molecular orbitals has been developed, enabling scientists to analyze molecular dynamics and deformations in molecular films more easily. The technique, called PhaseLift-based photoemission orbital tomography (POT), allows for precise visualization of electronic states with a single set of measurements.

SourceChiba University·JournalThe Journal of Physical Chemistry A·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 22, 2024

How scientists are accelerating chemistry discoveries with automation

A new statistical-modeling workflow can quickly identify molecular structures of products formed by chemical reactions, accelerating drug discovery and synthetic chemistry. The workflow also enables the analysis of unpurified reaction mixtures, reducing time spent on purification and characterization.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalJournal of Chemical Information and Modeling·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateApr 8, 2024

Lu(a)minar Flow Odyssey – the power of water and light towards early leukemia diagnostics

Researchers developed a unique microfluidics-based diagnostic system that combines optical tweezers with stimulated Raman spectroscopy to enable fast and accurate diagnosis of leukemia. The device can identify cancer cells based on their metabolic activities and metabolites, providing tailored treatment options.

Chemistry professor R. Graham Cooks expands research of water droplet interfaces that offer the secret ingredient for building life

Researchers have found that the key step to protein formation can occur in droplets of pure water, where amino acids connect to form peptides with the same 'L' handedness. The discovery resolves a paradox and provides new insights into the early stages of life's chemical evolution.

SourcePurdue University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 24, 2024

Efficiently moving urea out of polluted water is coming to reality

Researchers at Worcester Polytechnic Institute have developed a material to selectively oxidize urea in water, producing hydrogen gas. The material, made of nickel and cobalt atoms with tailored electronic structures, enables the efficient conversion of urea into hydrogen through an electrochemical reaction.

SourceWorcester Polytechnic Institute·JournalThe Journal of Physical Chemistry Letters·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 18, 2024

Molecular cooperation at the threshold of life

Amyloids have been found to selectively bind with codon-sized RNA, a crucial step in the emergence of life. These interactions may represent a universal genetic code that unites all living beings, increasing stability and order in an otherwise dilute system.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateNov 27, 2023

Making electric vehicles last

A new polymer binder is introduced to address durability issues in dual-ion batteries. The binder features azide and acrylate groups, which enhance the structural integrity of graphite during charge and discharge cycles. Dual-ion batteries equipped with this binder demonstrate exceptional performance, even after 3,500 recharge cycles.

Revolutionizing energy storage: Metal nanoclusters for stable lithium–sulfur batteries

Researchers have developed a metal nanocluster-based separator for lithium-sulfur batteries, accelerating electrochemical kinetics and improving capacity and cycling stability. The technology has the potential to increase the adoption of sustainable energy storage systems, including electric vehicles and renewable energy.

SourceTokyo University of Science·JournalSmall·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 12, 2023

Precisely arranging nanoparticles

A research team at Göttingen University has developed plasmonic molecules from nanoparticles using a novel process that precisely arranges the particles. This breakthrough enables the creation of large quantities of these compounds, which can be used for various functions in nanotechnology.

SourceUniversity of Göttingen·JournalAngewandte Chemie·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 19, 2023

A new dynamic probe of electric forces between molecules

Scientists have developed a new dynamic probe to measure electric interactions between molecules and the environment. Using ultrashort terahertz pulses, they mapped the optical absorption of molecules in an external electric field, revealing the strength and dynamics of these forces.

SourceMax Born Institute for Nonlinear Optics and Short Pulse Spectroscopy (MBI)·JournalThe Journal of Physical Chemistry Letters·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 12, 2023

Melts in the light, not in your hand: novel crystal compound melts under ultraviolet light

Researchers from Osaka University discovered a novel material that transitions from a crystal to a liquid when exposed to ultraviolet irradiation, enabling a detailed understanding of the crystal-melting process. The material exhibits changes in luminescence during melting, indicating molecular-level changes in shape.

SourceOsaka University·JournalChemical Science·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 15, 2023

How protein-rich droplets form

Scientists have developed a new method to measure calorimetric quantities at the molecular level with picosecond time resolution. By tracking water's spectroscopic fingerprints in the THz range, researchers can accurately predict protein-rich droplet formation and its dependency on external parameters like temperature.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·JournalThe Journal of Physical Chemistry Letters·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 10, 2023

Tracing the origin of life

Researchers discover abiotic peptide chain formation from glycine in space conditions, shedding light on the origin of life. The study shows that small clusters of glycine molecules exhibit polymerization upon energy input.

SourceUniversity of Innsbruck·JournalThe Journal of Physical Chemistry A·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 10, 2023

Can clay capture carbon dioxide?

Researchers are exploring how a kind of clay can soak up carbon dioxide and store it, potentially reducing the impact of climate change. The study found that carbon dioxide is more stable in wet clay nanopores than in plain water.

SourceDOE/Sandia National Laboratories·JournalThe Journal of Physical Chemistry Letters·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateFeb 9, 2023

Legacy of a molecular dynamics trailblazer

Molecular dynamics simulation pioneer Martin Karplus and his team pioneered the simulation of protein motion, impacting biology and physics. This breakthrough enabled scientists to study protein function through dynamic simulations, leading to a deeper understanding of biological processes.

SourceSpringer·JournalThe European Physical Journal H·DateNov 18, 2022

Blue energy

Scientists at Osaka University have developed an ultrathin silicon membrane with arrays of nanopores that can harness osmotic flow to generate electricity from seawater. The device achieved peak power efficiency of 400 kW/m² and demonstrated optimal configuration for best power generation.

SourceOsaka University·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 7, 2022

Ben-Gurion University scientist resolves one of the holy grails of physical chemistry after 17 years of research

A team of researchers, led by Prof. Ehud Pines, has confirmed his theory that a proton moves through water in trains of three water molecules, contradicting the long-held Grotthuss Mechanism. This breakthrough resolves one of the holy grails of physical chemistry after 17 years of research.

SourceBen-Gurion University of the Negev·JournalAngewandte Chemie·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 29, 2022

Less risk, less costs: Portable spectroscopy devices could soon become real

Researchers at Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz have developed a new method for detecting alcohols using zero- to ultralow-field nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) combined with the SABRE-Relay hyperpolarization technique. This innovative approach enables measurements without strong magnetic fields, reducing device size and potential ...

SourceJohannes Gutenberg Universitaet Mainz·JournalScience Advances·DateSep 1, 2022