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Mask users can now breathe easy on two counts

Scientists from the University of Tokyo have created a filter that can capture nanoparticles such as viruses while maintaining air flow, resulting in improved user comfort. The filter uses nanosheets with porphyrin molecules and is capable of achieving a particle filtration efficiency of 96%, exceeding N95 mask requirements.

SourceInstitute of Industrial Science, The University of Tokyo·JournalMaterials Advances·DateMay 20, 2025

A novel heme-model compound that treats lethal gas poisoning

Researchers at Doshisha University have developed a synthetic, nontoxic antidote for hydrogen sulfide poisoning. The new compound, met-hemoCD-I, converts toxic hydrogen sulfide into harmless sulfite and sulfate ions.

SourceDoshisha University·JournalScientific Reports·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 10, 2024

Electronic and coordination structures of metal porphyrin complexes in aqueous solutions probed by soft X-ray absorption spectroscopy

The study probed the electronic structures of metal and ligand sides using soft X-ray absorption spectroscopy, revealing differences in energy shifts between cobalt and iron protoporphyrin IX complexes. The results show that CoPPIX maintains its five-coordination geometry in aqueous solution.

SourceNational Institutes of Natural Sciences·JournalPhysical Chemistry Chemical Physics·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 16, 2024
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Filming ultrafast molecular motions in single crystal

Scientists have applied time-resolved serial femtosecond crystallography (TR-SFX) to study molecular motion in real-time with atomic resolution, revealing three pathways of structural change in a porous coordination network sample. This breakthrough unlocks new opportunities for investigating chemical systems and material science.

SourceInstitute for Basic Science·JournalNature Chemistry·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 25, 2024

Novel synthetic porphyrin as a dual antidote against fire gas poisoning

A team of researchers from Japan has developed hemoCD-Twins, a synthetic porphyrin compound that acts as an antidote for both carbon monoxide and hydrogen cyanide poisoning. In mouse models, the compound resulted in an 85% survival rate and rapid recovery with low toxicity.

SourceDoshisha University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 20, 2023

Review of fluorescent probes for detecting G-Quadruplex DNA

G-Quadruplex DNA structures play a crucial role in regulating genes and cell processes, but their visualization is challenging due to the dynamic nature of double standard DNA. Fluorescence-active small molecule probes have emerged as a real-time visualization method, enabling researchers to detect G-quadruplexes with high selectivity.

SourceBentham Science Publishers·JournalCurrent Organic Chemistry·DateDec 8, 2022
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Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter is a trusted meter for precise measurements during instrument integration, repairs, and field diagnostics.

Charged porphyrins: The key to investigating the properties of stacked ion pairs

Charged porphyrins enable researchers to study π-electronic ion pairs and their interactions, leading to the creation of electronic materials with unique properties. The study reveals fascinating new properties of stacked ion pairs and their potential applications in fields like nanomagnetism and ferroelectrics.

SourceRitsumeikan University·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 21, 2022

Pyrrole chemistry: Good things come in threes

Researchers have successfully formed rings made of three pyrroles for the first time, which could be used to produce compounds with unique properties. The discovery explains why tripyrrolic macrocycles were not observed before due to strain issues.

SourceHokkaido University·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 16, 2021

New research advances clean energy solutions

Researchers at Arizona State University have developed a synthetic diiron-containing porphyrin that can efficiently catalyze the conversion of radiant energy from the sun into chemical energy. This breakthrough has potential applications in creating non-fossil-based fuels and electrochemical cells for renewable energy storage.

SourceArizona State University·JournalChemElectroChem·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 2, 2021

Synthesis of a near-infrared light absorbing macrocyclic aromatic compound

Scientists successfully synthesized cyclo[9]pyrroles via oxidative coupling of terpyrrole, showing intense absorption at 1,740 nm. The molecular structure and electronic properties were analyzed using NMR and X-ray diffraction, providing insights into the optical and physical properties of porphyrinoids.

SourceEhime University·JournalOrganic Letters·DateJun 23, 2021
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Alkali metal cation effects on electrocatalytic CO2 reduction with iron porphyrins

Research team from Shaanxi Normal University investigates the effect of alkaline metal cations on electrocatalytic CO2 reduction reaction using Fe porphyrins. The results show that adding Na+ and K+ ions significantly improves catalytic activity, with K+ enhancing currents more effectively.

SourceDalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy Sciences·JournalChinese Journal of Catalysis·DateMay 20, 2021

Clayborne to study response properties of porphyrin molecules

Porphyrin molecules have electrical and optical properties that can be tailored for molecular-based materials and quantum information technologies. Researchers will develop a comprehensive database for porphyrins and metal-porphyrins with experimental and theoretical values, including response functions and conductance curves.

SourceGeorge Mason University·DateMay 3, 2021

Ophiura from Russky Island might make photodynamic therapy more affordable

A new biologically active porphyrin compound was isolated from Ophiura sarsii, which may be used to make photodynamic therapy more affordable. The compound has been shown to have antitumor effects and could potentially be used to treat triple-negative breast cancer and other cancers.

SourceFar Eastern Federal University·JournalMarine Drugs·DateFeb 8, 2021

How a cancer drug carrier's structure can help selectively target cancer cells

Researchers at Tokyo University of Science explore the structure of porphyrin derivatives to selectively target cancer cells and improve drug delivery. They found that meso-derivatives accumulate in cells at 3-fold higher amounts than β-derivatives, and that smaller functional groups allow better aggregation.

SourceTokyo University of Science·JournalScientific Reports·DateJan 28, 2021
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Hollow porphyrinic nanospheres

Scientists at the Institute for Basic Science successfully synthesized a large organic cage composed of multi-porphyrin units without using templates. The P12L24 cage has a truncated cuboctahedral structure and an inner cavity diameter of 4 nm, making it suitable for encapsulating large guest molecules.

SourceInstitute for Basic Science·JournalChem·DateNov 9, 2020

Mining electronic waste for gold

Researchers have synthesized a porphyrin polymer that can capture precious metals from chemically digested electronic waste. The polymer, COP-180, shows high efficiency in capturing gold, with an estimated worth of $64 per $5 of the material.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 22, 2020

Trinity scientists engineer 'Venus flytrap' bio-sensors to snare pollutants

Researchers at Trinity College Dublin engineer molecular sensors based on porphyrin pigments, which can detect and capture pollutants. The novel sensors exploit the shape of porphyrins to mimic a Venus flytrap's opening leaves, enabling selective binding of target molecules.

SourceTrinity College Dublin·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateNov 19, 2019

Breathing new life into dye-sensitized solar cells

Researchers at Kyoto University have made significant advancements in dye-sensitized solar cells by introducing a new molecular dye that enhances power conversion efficiency to 10.7%, surpassing previous records. This breakthrough has the potential to revolutionize the field of sustainable energy.

SourceKyoto University·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateJun 12, 2019

Lego-like chemical building blocks self-assemble into catalyst for hydrogen fuel cells

Researchers have designed a new material that uses self-assembly to create an efficient catalyst for hydrogen fuel cells. The catalyst is made from a combination of cobalt and ruthenium molecules that assemble themselves into the desired structure, allowing for large-scale production at a lower cost than current platinum-based catalysts.

SourceUniversity at Buffalo·JournalChemistry - A European Journal·DateMay 31, 2018
Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 Binoculars

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A new role for the 'pigments of life'

Scientists have reconfigured porphyrins to exploit their special properties by 'turning them inside out'. This discovery opens new horizons for these natural pigments as efficient metal-free catalysts. The findings could lead to applications in chemistry, biochemistry, physics and beyond.

SourceTrinity College Dublin·JournalChemical Communications·DateFeb 6, 2018

What can be discovered at the junction of physics and chemistry?

Scientists have discovered a new type of rare molecules whose properties can be controlled by changing an external magnetic field. These paramagnetic molecules, part of the porphyrin class, are closely related to photosynthesis and respiration in living organisms.

SourceNational Research Tomsk State University·JournalChemical Communications·DateOct 6, 2017

Mainz-based researchers stabilized gold in very rare oxidation state +II

Scientists at Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz isolate and analyze gold in the rare +II oxidation state for the first time. The stabilization of this labile ion is achieved by a porphyrin macrocycle, allowing researchers to investigate its unique properties and behavior.

SourceJohannes Gutenberg Universitaet Mainz·JournalNature Chemistry·DateAug 8, 2017
SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB

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How to clamp down on cyanide fishing

Researchers developed a handheld device to detect cyanide fishing, which can harm coral reefs and fish. The device uses porphyrins to bind thiocyanate, a metabolite secreted by fish exposed to cyanide.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·DateApr 3, 2017

Nanodevice, build thyself

Researchers used density functional theory to understand the self-assembly of porphine molecules on copper and silver surfaces. They found that weak van der Waals interactions were the largest contributor to molecule-surface interaction, and surface-mediated molecule-molecule interactions occurred at higher coverages.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalThe Journal of Chemical Physics·DateJan 14, 2016
Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter

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Flexible tapes from the nanoworld

Researchers at Technical University of Munich successfully assembled chains of up to 90 porphine units using a silver surface, opening doors for the development of ordered long molecular structures. These 'tapes' have potential applications in electronic devices and data storage.

SourceTechnical University of Munich (TUM)·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateAug 13, 2014

A new breed of stable anti-aromatic compound

Researchers at University of Texas at Austin synthesize stable anti-aromatic compound and intermediate state, enabling comparison between aromatic and anti-aromatic properties. The discovery has potential implications for industry, medicine, and information storage.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin·JournalNature Chemistry·DateDec 18, 2012

The smallest conceivable switch

Researchers at TUM have developed a molecular switch with a surface area of one square nanometer, controlled by transferring protons within a porphyrin ring. The switch can be set to four distinct states and operated up to 500 times per second.

SourceTechnical University of Munich (TUM)·JournalNature Nanotechnology·DateDec 12, 2011

The quantum tunneling effect leads electron transport in porphyrins

Researchers refute hopping mechanism, showing that porphyrins' conductivity is influenced by temperature and length, potentially suitable for quantum computing applications. The study highlights the potential of porphyrins as electronic components due to their wave nature.

SourceSpanish National Research Council (CSIC)·JournalNature Nanotechnology·DateSep 1, 2011

Penn molecular scientists develop color-changing stress sensor

Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania have developed a color-changing stress sensor using polymersomes and porphyrins, allowing for early detection of system failures. The technology has the potential to monitor drug delivery and track stress in cellular membranes.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 18, 2011
Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition

Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition is a durable star atlas for planning sessions, identifying targets, and teaching celestial navigation.

Precise measurement of phenomenon advances solar cell understanding

Scientists have made precise measurements of a key phenomenon in solar cells, shedding light on fundamental processes and paving the way for more efficient designs. The findings provide a crucial understanding of charge separation in chain-like structures.

SourceWashington University in St. Louis·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateNov 18, 2008

ASU researchers synthesize molecule with self-control

ASU researchers designed a molecule that mimics nature's non-photochemical quenching process, regulating light intensity and converting sunlight into chemical energy. The molecule adapts to its environment, reducing the efficiency of energy conversion as light intensity increases.

SourceArizona State University·JournalNature Nanotechnology·DateMay 12, 2008
CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock

CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock simplifies serious desks with 18 ports for high-speed storage, monitors, and instruments across Mac and PC setups.

Molecule with a split personality

The molecule features two freely spinning rings that can adopt either a Hückel or Möbius topology, depending on the solvent and temperature conditions. This allows it to exhibit distinct colors in each configuration.

SourceWiley·DateAug 2, 2007

Light-emitting diodes for night-vision displays

Scientists have created highly efficient infrared light-emitting diodes (LEDs) that can be used in night-vision devices, emitting a reddish-orange glow. The LEDs use a phosphorescent platinum porphyrin complex as a doping agent to improve efficiency and emit light for longer periods.

SourceWiley·DateJan 23, 2007

ABCB6 is key to production of heme in hemoglobin

Researchers at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital have discovered that the protein ABCB6 is crucial for producing heme, a molecule essential for red blood cells to carry oxygen. The team found that ABCB6 helps regulate the production of heme by ferrying in porphyrins, which are then converted into heme inside the mitochondria.

SourceSt. Jude Children's Research Hospital·JournalNature·DateSep 27, 2006
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.

Superexchange seen in molecular electronic switch broadens design possibilities

Researchers have discovered that a T arrangement in molecular electronic switches enables efficient communication between distant molecules, facilitating the on and off states of the switch. This finding broadens design possibilities for molecular photonics, solar energy conversion, and nanotechnology.

SourceWashington University in St. Louis·JournalThe Journal of Physical Chemistry·DateAug 24, 2001

ACS Conference Brief: An Innovative Molecular Assembly

Researchers at UC Davis have successfully assembled a novel calixarene-porphyrin molecule, which shows promise for use in biological and chemical applications. The discovery could enable the development of efficient sensors and filters, including one to detect spoiled seafood.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·JournalAngewandte Chemie·DateMar 26, 1998