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Savory or sweet? How a new understanding of taste receptors might tickle your taste buds

Researchers from The University of Osaka have discovered the first structure of a pufferfish umami taste receptor, which can detect a surprisingly wide range of amino acids, including both L- and D-amino acids. This breakthrough could lead to new taste experiences for humans and improve the development of umami flavors.

SourceThe University of Osaka·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 15, 2026

Scientists achieve the first total synthesis of a complex alkaloids isolated from plant

Researchers at Chiba University successfully synthesize bisleuconothine A and bousigonine B using a new organocatalytic reaction, unlocking the efficient production of these complex alkaloids with unique medical potential. The development paves the way for new therapeutics and accelerates research into complex indole alkaloids.

SourceChiba University·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 8, 2026

New catalysis method can generate a library of novel molecules for drug discovery

Researchers have developed a new catalysis method that can generate a diverse array of valuable compounds, including six distinct molecular scaffolds, using reprogrammed biocatalysts and sunlight-harvesting catalysts. The method opens up new possibilities for medicinal chemistry and accelerates combinatorial synthesis of novel molecules.

New method to synthesize carbohydrates could pave the way to biomedical advances

Researchers have discovered a way to selectively create links between sugar molecules, enabling precise control over the stereochemistry of oligosaccharides. This breakthrough could open up new avenues of biomedical research into these versatile molecules, providing access to previously difficult-to-construct oligosaccharides.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalNature Synthesis·DateAug 12, 2025

Automated chemical reaction prediction: Now in stereo

Researchers demonstrate the expanded use of a computational method called AFIR, predicting pericyclic reactions with accurate stereoselectivity based on target product molecule information. The technique successfully handles molecules up to 52 atoms and predicts stereochemistry for reactions that break Woodward-Hoffman rules.

SourceHokkaido University·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 1, 2022

‘Sound’ly segregated supramolecular helices

Researchers have successfully segregated oppositely helical supramolecular polymers in a solution using audible sound, inducing surface vibrations and advection currents. This approach allows for the spatiotemporal control of chiral supramolecular systems, enabling the segregation of multiple aggregates.

SourceInstitute for Basic Science·JournalChem·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 15, 2022