Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Czech scientists become first to observe an inhomogeneous electron charge distribution on an atom

Scientists confirm existence of sigma-hole, a phenomenon previously predicted but never directly observed. This breakthrough enables understanding of interactions between individual atoms or molecules, facilitating refinement of material and structural properties.

Energy under control

Researchers have observed the forced release of energy from a Mo isomer using an electron capture process, which could lead to the development of ultra-efficient nuclear batteries. The study, conducted at the Argonne National Laboratory, found a surprisingly high probability of occurrence for this process.

SourceNicolaus Copernicus University in Torun·JournalPhysical Review Letters·TypeMeta-analysis·DateSep 14, 2021

Chemists develop framework to enable efficient synthesis of 'information-dense' molecules

A team of chemists from Scripps Research developed a theoretical approach that can ease the process of making highly complex, compact molecules. They used information theory and computer modeling to analyze the synthesis of bilobalide, a molecule with strong promise as a potential neurological or psychiatric drug.

SourceScripps Research Institute·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateOct 23, 2020

New light shed on intensely studied material

Pedot is an organic polymer that has been the subject of much experimental research, but few theoretical studies have been conducted. Researchers at Linköping University have developed a new theory of electronic structure and optical properties of PEDOT, overturning previous research. This new understanding has significant implications...

SourceLinköping University·JournalACS Applied Polymer Materials·DateJan 17, 2019

The role played by solvents at extreme pressure

Researchers from Ruhr-Universität Bochum and Technische Universität Dortmund used infrared spectroscopy and computer simulations to analyze the behavior of TMAO at high pressure. They found that some bands shifted to higher frequencies, while individual peaks changed their form, indicating a change in molecular structure.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateJun 30, 2016

Extreme events in the brain

Researchers at the University of Bonn have developed a new model that simulates the behavior of neurons in the brain during extreme events, such as epileptic seizures. The model reveals how small-world networks can exhibit spontaneous changes, shedding light on the conditions under which these events develop.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalPhysical Review X·DateFeb 26, 2016

New insights into the supercritical state of water

Researchers used molecular dynamics simulations to study supercritical water, revealing differences in hydrogen bond networks between three states: liquid water at room temperature, high-density and low-density supercritical states. The study aims to interpret experimental results using terahertz spectroscopy.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateJan 21, 2016

The key to ion beams' polarizability

Theorists Volker Koch and Dirk Andrae have devised formulas to calculate the polarizability of atomic ions as a function of their total charge number. This breakthrough enables accurate calculations for series of multi-electron ions, with implications for applications such as semiconductor manufacturing and planetary atmosphere modeling.

SourceSpringer·JournalThe European Physical Journal D·DateJul 17, 2013

Chemical chameleon tamed

Researchers from RUB discover that adding hydrogen molecules to CH5+ gives it a rudimentary structure, freezing its dynamically flexible form. This breakthrough could enable experimental measurements of the molecule's vibrational spectra.

Copy of the genetic makeup travels in a protein suitcase

Researchers at the University of Bonn have visualized the transport of messenger RNA from the cell nucleus to the cytoplasm using a highly sensitive light microscope. The study reveals that the process involves brief collisions with the nuclear membrane and quality control checks, resulting in only about every fourth successful export.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 25, 2012

Catching molecular motion at just the right time

Researchers at the University of Oregon have developed a new method to account for missing thermodynamic and molecular parameters in molecular dynamic simulations. This approach allows for more accurate predictions of material behavior under various conditions, reducing the need for trial-and-error experimentation. By refocusing inform...

SourceUniversity of Oregon·JournalPhysical Review E·DateSep 20, 2011

Chemist tames longstanding electron computation problem

A chemist at the University of Chicago has developed a new method to predict many-electron chemistry using only two electrons, allowing for faster and more accurate chemical reaction predictions. This breakthrough could lead to significant advances in fields such as atmospheric ozone depletion, greenhouse gas reduction, and drug design.

SourceUniversity of Chicago·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateDec 10, 2008

Catalyst mystery unlocked

A team of researchers has developed a computational model that challenges entrenched ideas about enzyme catalysis, proposing a method for designing custom-designed enzymes. The 'lock and key' model is replaced by an electrical attraction theory, suggesting a perfect physical fit between catalyst and substrate is not necessary.

SourceUniversity of Southern California·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 18, 2008

Nano propellers pump with proper chemistry

Researchers at the University of Illinois Chicago created a theoretical blueprint for assembling a nanoscale propeller with molecule-sized blades. The propeller's efficiency in pumping liquids is highly sensitive to its chemical and biological composition, finding that hydrophobic blades pump more water while hydrophilic blades become ...

SourceUniversity of Illinois Chicago·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateJul 16, 2007

Elusive secrets of chemical bonding found

Two researchers at Cornell University have made important theoretical discoveries that establish the principles of crystal bonding for a group of thousands of compounds. The 'Papoian-Hoffmann bonding formula' is based on magic numbers, designating stability in linear, square and cube lattices.

SourceCornell University·JournalAngewandte Chemie·DateSep 3, 2000