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'Funnel' attracts bonding partners to biomolecule

A team of scientists has found that water molecules form a 'funnel' around proteins, guiding them to potential binding partners. This collective water movement assists binding and supports the mutual recognition of biomolecules, allowing them to select or reject certain partners.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateSep 24, 2014

Graphene paints a corrosion-free future

Researchers have developed a graphene-based paint with exceptional barrier properties, making it suitable for various industrial applications. The coating can provide complete impermeability to gases, liquids, and strong chemicals, rendering it ideal for protecting equipment in harsh environments.

SourceUniversity of Manchester·JournalNature Communications·DateSep 11, 2014

Researchers part water

Researchers have developed a method to isolate and separate para and ortho water molecules, which differ in their nuclear spin states. This breakthrough could provide new insights into various phenomena, including the study of interstellar ice and protein structures.

SourceDeutsches Elektronen-Synchrotron DESY·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateSep 8, 2014

Directly visualizing hydrogen bonds

Chemists have made a breakthrough in visualizing hydrogen bond interactions, which play a key role in biological molecules and pharmaceuticals. Using two-dimensional infrared spectroscopy techniques, researchers directly observed the coordinated vibrations between hydrogen-bonded molecules.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalThe Journal of Chemical Physics·DateJul 15, 2014

Water caged in buckyballs

Water molecules were successfully trapped inside fullerene spheres (buckyballs) to study spin isomers, with 70-90% filled cages observed. The results show a second-order rate law in spin conversion, highlighting the importance of molecular interactions.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalThe Journal of Chemical Physics·DateMay 20, 2014

Study shows how water dissolves stone, molecule by molecule

Scientists at Rice University and MARUM developed a new computerized model to simulate the complex chemistry at the boundary layer, where quartz and water meet. The model accurately predicts dissolution rates, which could revolutionize engineering calculations related to building materials and radioactive waste storage.

SourceRice University·JournalThe Journal of Physical Chemistry C·DateDec 5, 2013

What water looks like to DNA

A team of biochemists and mathematicians developed a geometric model to predict how biological molecules interact with water, computing results up to 20 times faster. This approach may help identify new targets for treating human diseases.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalThe Journal of Chemical Physics·DateNov 19, 2013

In water as in love, likes can attract

A team led by chemist Richard Saykally and theorist David Prendergast has observed contact pairing between guanidinium cations in aqueous solution, governed by water-binding energy. This phenomenon challenges the long-held assumption that like charges repel, suggesting a new understanding of ion interactions in water.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalThe Journal of Chemical Physics·DateSep 18, 2013

Protein surfaces defects act as drug targets

Researchers have discovered that protein surface defects, called dehydrons, allow water molecules to become unstable and easily expelled. This finding provides a novel strategy for designing drug candidates that can dislodge these water molecules upon association with the protein.

SourceSpringer·JournalThe European Physical Journal E·DateJul 30, 2013

Concerted proton hopping in water

Researchers analyze proton diffusion mechanism using theoretical calculations, finding that protons hop quickly between water molecules, followed by rest periods. The discovery may be relevant to enzymes and macromolecules, improving understanding of proton transfer in aqueous systems.

SourceJohannes Gutenberg Universitaet Mainz·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 23, 2013

Long distance calls by sugar molecules

Researchers discovered that glycans can order the random network of water molecules above them, creating clusters or layers. This effect may help synovial fluid lubricate joints and influence how receptors recognize glycan coats on cells.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalBiophysical Journal·DateJun 18, 2013

Quantum model helps solve mysteries of water

Researchers developed a quantum Drude oscillator (QDO) that mimics the behavior of real water molecules, producing a realistic liquid with well-developed hydrogen bonds and other properties. The 'bottom up' approach has clear biological applications and potential for simulating other substances.

SourceNational Physical Laboratory·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateJun 4, 2013

The future of power?

Researchers at South Dakota School of Mines and Technology have successfully split water molecules at low temperatures, paving the way for sustainable hydrogen energy. The team's high-temperature thermochemical process can exponentially double hydrogen atoms, creating a sustainable amount of hydrogen regeneration.

Mainz scientists confirm original tetrahedral model of the molecular structure of water

Researchers at Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz confirmed the original tetrahedral model of water's molecular structure, attributing its unique features to hydrogen bonds between molecules. The findings resolve a controversy that emerged in 2004, which was later attributed to temporary fluctuations in the bond network.

SourceJohannes Gutenberg Universitaet Mainz·JournalNature Communications·DateFeb 12, 2013

DNA prefers to dive head first into nanopores

Researchers at Brown University found that DNA molecules are more likely to be captured at or near an end than in the middle when pulled through a solid-state nanopore. The discovery is attributed to the application of polymer network theories, including Jell-O theory, which predicts more configurations with ends facing the pore.

SourceBrown University·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateJan 8, 2013

Dance of water molecules turns fire-colored beetles into antifreeze artists

Researchers found that fire-colored beetle antifreeze proteins protect against freezing temperatures through a combination of direct interaction with ice crystals and interactions via water molecules. This process, previously thought to occur only locally, also happens over longer distances due to the dynamics of water molecules.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 2, 2013